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The most recent set of top-flight fixtures provided no shortage of drama, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. From battles between managers to individual brilliance, we examine the primary conversations stemming from the games.

The Chelsea Boss Makes a Statement Against A Master Tactician

Calum McFarlane's unforeseen duel with Pep Guardiola recalled memories of past managerial mismatches. In the case of the Chelsea boss, embarking on his first-team coaching bow, the mission was ending Chelsea's astonishingly bad recent record when playing Manchester City. A dramatic strike from Enzo Fernández earned a hard-fought draw, a feat former incumbents had struggled to achieve.

2. Liverpool's Struggle to Shut Up Shop

Even with the German playmaker scoring the net, the Merseyside club were left frustrated after allowing a advantage slip versus Marco Silva's side. The issue of failing to manage matches when ahead remains, with the squad nearly letting slip comparable leads in previous matches. Before Slot's men learn the skill of seeing out a game, the quest is likely to stay a challenging affair.

Declan Rice Shows Faith In Gyökeres to Fire

The Swedish forward is enduring a notable dry spell from open play, but his midfield colleague the England international is adamant the forward is nevertheless vitally important. The midfielder praised Gyökeres' pressing and unselfish efforts as crucial to Arsenal's title charge. "Good things are bound to come," was the midfielder's optimistic assessment for his misfiring strike partner.

The United Boss Requires The Slovenian to Sharpen Up

Given the Red Devils lining up in a notably conservative manner, the onus rested with the attacking duo to deliver. Whereas the Brazilian maintained his excellent performances, Benjamin Sesko experienced another difficult afternoon. The young striker has hit the net hard to come by since his high-profile transfer and wasted a golden opening to win the game. January provides a pressing requirement for the striker to find his form.

5. Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin

The Black Cats boss used the French midfielder in a unfamiliar position initially, before unleashing him up the pitch as the contest wore on. The decision was masterful, with Le Fée becoming the main instigator of his team's comeback for an equaliser. After glancing the upright, the midfielder provided a sumptuous assist for the crucial goal. Now fully adapted to the demands of the Premier League, his campaign keeps improving.

Nuno Espírito Santo Wastes Opportunity to Bed In Pablo Felipe

Amid an woeful defeat for the Hammers, manager Nuno chose not to use any of his named replacements. This included new signing the forward, who stayed on the bench despite his team's complete lack of threat. Nuno suggested it would have been "too harsh" to throw the new striker into the action. However, with scoring at a premium, the urgency to integrate the youngster quickly is painfully apparent.

Lewis Miley States Yet Another Huge Statement

Lewis Miley delivered another outstanding display whilst filling in out of position. The midfielder was excellent in his own half, provided the first goal, and raised the tone in a scrappy affair. Now that specialist right-backs returning, the question for boss the Newcastle boss is whether to fit the astonishingly composed youngster in his preferred central midfield position. "Coming Toon line-ups will surely be built on Miley," seems an increasingly accurate assessment.

Are the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at The City Ground?

Sean Dyche's first impact at the club was positive, but concerns are beginning to emerge about the squad's plan B. Their counter-attacking threat is still there, but looks diminished in the absence of previous players. While structured when protecting a lead, Dyche's men have been exposed when forced to open up. Giving the ball away in such situations has been costly, a problem they must address immediately.

9. Thiago's Goal Rush Stops Brentford's Poor Road Form

Brentford put in a performance that masked their dismal form on the road. Key to their dominant display was the red-hot form of forward the Brazilian. Thiago's goals are providing a base for the side to aim higher. Teammate he even floated the optimistic aspiration of a top-seven finish as a possibility, emphasizing the renewed optimism in the squad.

Scott Parker's Side