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This past set of top-flight games provided plenty of intrigue, surprise results, and compelling narratives. From duels between managers to star performances, here are the primary discussions coming out of the games.

The Chelsea Boss Makes a Statement Against Guardiola

The young coach's unexpected duel with Pep Guardiola recalled recollections of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of McFarlane, embarking on his first-team coaching bow, the task was overcoming the Blues' dreadful recent record when playing Guardiola's side. A dramatic strike from the Argentine midfielder snatched a valuable point, an achievement past managers had found it tough to do.

The Reds' Inability to See Out Matches

Even with the German playmaker getting the net, the Merseyside club ended up aggrieved after surrendering a lead evaporate at the Cottagers. The issue of failing to control games when in the lead continues, with the team previously throwing away identical advantages in earlier weeks. Before the team master the knack of seeing out a game, the quest promises to be a frustrating process.

The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Find Form

Arsenal's striker is going through a lengthy dry spell from live action, but his fellow star the Gunners lynchpin has stressed the player is still hugely influential. He pointed to the striker's hold-up play and selfless contributions as key to the league leaders title charge. "The goals are sure to arrive," was Rice's optimistic prediction for his off-colour colleague.

The United Boss Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up

With the Red Devils lining up in a notably defensive manner, the onus was placed on the forward duo to produce. While Matheus Cunha persisted with his impressive performances, the summer signing experienced another forgettable outing. He has hit the net elusive since his big-money move and missed a excellent opportunity to snatch the game. The new year offers a obvious requirement for the striker to regain his form.

The Sunderland Star Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle

The Sunderland manager used his creative talent in a deeper role to start, before unleashing him further forward as the contest developed. The move proved masterful, with Le Fée turning into the chief creator of the visitor's fightback for an equaliser. Following glancing the woodwork, Le Fée supplied a sumptuous assist for the levelling strike. Having found his feet to the pace of the Premier League, his influence is on the rise.

Nuno Espírito Santo Wastes Chance to Bed In Pablo

During an dismal performance for West Ham, manager the Portuguese coach decided against use any of his named bench players. Among them was new signing the Brazilian striker, who remained unused despite his side's complete lack of threat. The manager suggested it would have been "too harsh" to send the fresh recruit into the action. Yet, with goals at a premium, the urgency to integrate the youngster rapidly is abundantly apparent.

7. Miley States A Further Huge Case

The 19-year-old produced another outstanding showing while filling in in an unfamiliar role. The midfielder was excellent in his own half, provided the breakthrough, and set the standard in a stop-start match. Now that established right-backs returning, the dilemma for coach him is how to fit the astonishingly talented teenager in his best central midfield role. "Next Magpies teams will surely be designed with him," seems an a fair statement.

Could the Sean Dyche Impact Running Out at Forest?

Sean Dyche's early influence at the club was notable, but concerns are beginning to emerge about the side's versatility. Forest's breakaway threat exists, but looks diminished in the absence of certain attackers. While disciplined when defending deep, Dyche's men have looked vulnerable when needing to chase a game. Losing possession in such moments has proven disastrous, a issue they need to address rapidly.

9. Thiago's Goal Rush Stops The Bees' Travel Woes

The West London club produced a showing that masked their troubled form on the road. Central to their impressive display was the red-hot scoring of striker the goal-getter. The striker's presence are providing a foundation for the side to build on. Attacker Kevin Schade even floated the lofty target of continental football as a target, underlining the fresh belief within the squad.

Scott Parker's Side