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This past set of top-flight games delivered no shortage of excitement, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between bosses to individual brilliance, we examine the major conversations stemming from the games.

The Chelsea Boss Stands Firm When Facing A Master Tactician

Calum McFarlane's unforeseen duel with the Manchester City boss recalled recollections of past unequal sideline contests. For the debutant, taking charge for his top-level maiden game, the challenge was halting his side's woeful recent record against the champions. An injury-time goal from Enzo Fernández earned a hard-fought point, a feat former coaches had failed to accomplish.

2. Liverpool's Inability to Close Games Out

Even with the German playmaker scoring the net, the Merseyside club were left aggrieved after surrendering a winning position slip versus Marco Silva's side. The issue of failing to manage encounters when ahead persists, with the side nearly throwing away identical leads in earlier weeks. Until they master the skill of seeing out a game, the season is likely to stay a frustrating process.

The Arsenal Midfielder Supports The Swedish Striker to Find Form

The Swedish forward is enduring a notable dry spell from general play, but his fellow star Declan Rice has stressed the player is nevertheless vitally influential. He praised the striker's pressing and unselfish performances as key to Mikel Arteta's side form. "The goals are going to come," was the midfielder's optimistic assessment for his struggling strike partner.

4. Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up

With the Red Devils setting up in a particularly defensive fashion, the burden fell on the forward pair to deliver. Whereas the Brazilian continued his fine form, his strike partner suffered another forgettable game. The young striker has scored scarce since his high-profile transfer and missed a excellent opportunity to win the contest. The new year offers a obvious need for the striker to discover his form.

The Sunderland Star Leaves Spurs in a Muddle

The Black Cats boss used his creative talent in a more defensive position initially, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the contest wore on. The move turned out to be masterful, with Le Fée emerging as the chief creator of Sunderland's fightback for an equalizing goal. After hitting the woodwork, he supplied a perfect pass for the crucial goal. Now found his feet to the pace of the Premier League, his campaign continues to grow.

Nuno Espírito Santo Misses Opportunity to Use Pablo Felipe

Amid an embarrassing performance for the Hammers, head coach Nuno decided not to utilize any of his available bench players. Among them was recent acquisition the Brazilian striker, who remained unused despite his club's complete ineffectiveness. Nuno reasoned it would have been "unfair" to send the fresh player into the fray. However, with goals at a dearth, the urgency to assimilate the 22-year-old as soon as possible is abundantly apparent.

The Teenager Delivers Another Huge Case

Lewis Miley produced yet another outstanding display whilst operating at right-back. He was impeccable in his own half, set up the first goal, and set the standard in a stop-start affair. Now that established right-backs returning, the dilemma for coach Eddie Howe is whether to include the incredibly composed player in his natural central midfield berth. "Next Newcastle line-ups will certainly be designed with Miley," seems an ever more accurate assessment.

Could the Dyche Effect Running Out at Forest?

Sean Dyche's early influence at the club was admirable, but questions are starting to arise about the side's versatility. Forest's counter-attacking threat remains, but seems less potent without certain players. While well-organised when defending deep, Forest can struggle when needing to chase a game. Giving the ball away in those situations has proven costly, a issue they have to rectify quickly.

The Striker's Goal Rush Ends Brentford's Poor Road Form

Thomas Frank's team put in a showing that belied their dismal travel sickness. Central to their commanding win was the in-form form of number nine the Brazilian. Thiago's finishing are giving a foundation for the side to aim higher. Attacker the German international even mentioned the optimistic aspiration of continental football as a potential outcome, highlighting the fresh belief within the camp.

10. Burnley