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This past set of top-flight games provided plenty of intrigue, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from clashes between managers to personal masterclasses, we examine the key discussions coming out of the games.

The Chelsea Boss Makes a Statement Versus A Master Tactician

The Chelsea manager's surprise battle with the celebrated tactician brought back thoughts of previous unequal sideline contests. For McFarlane, taking charge for his senior management debut, the challenge was overcoming his side's astonishingly bad run of form against the champions. An injury-time goal from Enzo Fernández secured a crucial point, an achievement previous managers had struggled to achieve.

Arne Slot's Failure to Shut Up Shop

Even with the German playmaker scoring the net, Liverpool were left disappointed after allowing a lead evaporate versus the Cottagers. The problem of being unable to command games when in the lead remains, with the squad almost squandering identical leads in recent weeks. Until the team learn the knack of defending a lead, the quest is likely to stay a frustrating process.

Declan Rice Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Fire

Arsenal's striker is going through a lengthy goal drought from live action, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin insists the player is nonetheless hugely influential. He highlighted the striker's hold-up play and team-oriented efforts as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side title charge. "Success are bound to come," was Rice's optimistic message for his off-colour strike partner.

4. Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Find His Edge

Given Manchester United lining up in a notably conservative fashion, the responsibility was placed on the attacking pair to make the difference. Whereas Matheus Cunha continued his impressive form, Benjamin Sesko suffered another frustrating outing. The Slovenian has found goals scarce since his major move and missed a excellent chance to win the match. The new year presents a obvious requirement for the striker to discover his form.

5. Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a State of Confusion

Régis Le Bris used the French midfielder in a deeper role to start, before pushing him further forward as the contest developed. The move turned out to be inspired, with he emerging as the chief creator of Sunderland's fightback for an equaliser. After directing the post, the midfielder supplied a sumptuous pass for the crucial goal. Having found his feet to the demands of the Premier League, his influence continues to grow.

The West Ham Manager Misses Opportunity to Introduce Pablo

During an embarrassing loss for the Hammers, manager Nuno Espírito Santo decided against use any of his named bench players. This meant new signing Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench even with his team's chronic failure to score. The manager reasoned it would have been "unfair" to throw the fresh recruit into the fray. However, with goals at a shortage, the need to blood the youngster as soon as possible is glaringly clear.

7. Miley Makes Another Huge Statement

The 19-year-old turned in another superb showing while operating in an unfamiliar role. He was flawless in defence, provided the first goal, and set the standard in a stop-start encounter. With first-choice right-backs available, the dilemma for boss the Newcastle boss is whether to include the incredibly composed youngster in his best central midfield position. "Coming Newcastle line-ups will undoubtedly be constructed on the lad," seems an ever more safe assessment.

8. Is the Sean Dyche Impact Fading at Forest?

The former Burnley boss's first impact at Nottingham Forest was notable, but concerns are now surface about the team's plan B. Their breakaway threat remains, but appears less potent without certain players. While disciplined when sitting back, Forest have looked vulnerable when required to come from behind. Giving the ball away in those circumstances has shown punishing, a problem they have to address rapidly.

9. Thiago's Scoring Form Stops Brentford's Away-Day Blues

Thomas Frank's team produced a performance that belied their dismal away record. Central to their impressive display was the red-hot scoring of striker the goal-getter. The striker's presence are giving a platform for the side to progress. Attacker Kevin Schade even suggested the lofty dream of European qualification as a possibility, emphasizing the fresh confidence coursing through the team.

Scott Parker's Side