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The most recent set of top-flight games provided plenty of intrigue, unexpected scores, and fascinating storylines. From battles between bosses to individual brilliance, here are the primary discussions emerging from the games.

1. McFarlane Stands Firm Versus A Master Tactician

Calum McFarlane's unexpected confrontation with the celebrated tactician evoked recollections of past managerial mismatches. In the case of McFarlane, embarking on his top-level management debut, the mission was ending the Blues' dreadful sequence when playing Guardiola's side. A last-gasp equaliser from the Chelsea star earned a hard-fought point, an achievement former coaches had failed to accomplish.

2. Liverpool's Struggle to Shut Up Shop

Even with their big-money signing getting the net, Liverpool were left aggrieved after surrendering a lead slip away at the Cottagers. The problem of being unable to manage encounters when ahead persists, with the squad almost letting slip similar leads in recent weeks. Until Slot's men learn the knack of defending a lead, the quest promises to be a difficult one.

The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring

The Swedish forward is going through a lengthy dry spell from general play, but his teammate Declan Rice has stressed the player is nonetheless hugely valuable. He pointed to his pressing and unselfish contributions as crucial to the league leaders form. "The goals are bound to follow," was his confident assessment for his struggling strike partner.

The United Boss Requires Benjamin Sesko to Improve

With the Red Devils setting up in a incredibly conservative manner, the responsibility fell on the attacking pair to make the difference. Whereas the Brazilian continued his impressive form, his strike partner endured another frustrating afternoon. The Slovenian has scored scarce since his big-money move and missed a late opportunity to win the game. January provides a obvious imperative for Sesko to discover his form.

Enzo Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin

The Sunderland manager used Enzo Le Fée in a unfamiliar position initially, before pushing him up the pitch as the game wore on. The decision turned out to be a masterstroke, with the playmaker turning into the main instigator of his team's comeback for an equaliser. Following directing the woodwork, the midfielder provided a perfect pass for the crucial finish. Now found his feet to the demands of the English game, his impact is on the rise.

6. Nuno Misses Opportunity to Bed In New Signing

During an woeful loss for West Ham, manager Nuno Espírito Santo opted against introduce any of his permitted replacements. This meant recent acquisition the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench even with his side's complete ineffectiveness. Nuno suggested it would have been "unfair" to throw the fresh striker into the action. However, with firepower at a premium, the need to integrate the new boy rapidly is painfully obvious.

Lewis Miley States Another Major Statement

The 19-year-old delivered yet another superb display whilst playing in an unfamiliar role. The midfielder was impeccable in his defensive duties, created the breakthrough, and set the standard in a stop-start encounter. Now that specialist full-backs available, the conundrum for manager the Newcastle boss is if to fit the incredibly composed youngster in his best midfield berth. "Coming Toon line-ups will surely be designed with Miley," seems an ever more safe prediction.

Are the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?

Sean Dyche's initial impact at Nottingham Forest was positive, but questions are now surface about the side's plan B. The team's transition ability remains, but appears reduced without key players. Whilst well-organised when sitting back, they can struggle when forced to open up. Losing possession in such circumstances has shown costly, a lesson they must rectify immediately.

Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Stops The Bees' Poor Road Form

The West London club delivered a display that masked their troubled travel sickness. Vital to their impressive win was the in-form streak of number nine the Brazilian. Thiago's presence are offering a base for the squad to aim higher. Winger Kevin Schade even suggested the ambitious aspiration of a top-seven finish as a possibility, highlighting the fresh belief within the team.

10. Burnley