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The latest set of top-flight games provided no shortage of drama, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between bosses to individual brilliance, we examine the major conversations coming out of the matches.

1. McFarlane Stands Firm Against Guardiola

The young coach's unforeseen battle with Pep Guardiola recalled thoughts of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. For McFarlane, making his top-level coaching bow, the challenge was halting his side's astonishingly bad run of form against the champions. A dramatic strike from Enzo Fernández snatched a valuable point, an achievement previous managers had found it tough to do.

The Reds' Struggle to See Out Matches

Even with the German playmaker scoring the net, Arne Slot's team finished frustrated after letting a lead evaporate versus Marco Silva's side. The concern of not managing to command matches when in front remains, with the side almost throwing away identical margins in recent matches. Before the team discover the art of defending a lead, the campaign is likely to stay a frustrating affair.

Declan Rice Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring

Viktor Gyökeres is enduring a notable goal drought from live action, but his fellow star Declan Rice is adamant the forward is nonetheless vitally influential. The midfielder pointed to his pressing and unselfish efforts as crucial to Arsenal's form. "Good things are sure to follow," was Rice's confident assessment for his struggling colleague.

4. Amorim Needs Benjamin Sesko to Find His Edge

Given Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a incredibly defensive fashion, the responsibility rested with the offensive partnership to make the difference. While Matheus Cunha continued his fine performances, his strike partner suffered another forgettable afternoon. The Slovenian has scored elusive since his major move and wasted a golden opening to win the contest. The new year presents a obvious requirement for the striker to find his confidence.

The Sunderland Star Puts Tottenham in a State of Confusion

The Sunderland manager positioned his creative talent in a unfamiliar position initially, before pushing him up the pitch as the contest progressed. The decision proved a masterstroke, with the playmaker becoming the main instigator of his team's push for an equaliser. Following hitting the post, the midfielder provided a sumptuous through ball for the crucial finish. Having settled in to the pace of the Premier League, his influence continues to grow.

Nuno Espírito Santo Fails to Take Chance to Bed In New Signing

In a dismal performance for the Hammers, manager the Portuguese coach decided against use any of his available substitutes. This included recent acquisition the forward, who remained unused even with his side's utter failure to score. Nuno reasoned it would have been "unfair" to send the recently-arrived recruit into the fray. Yet, with scoring at a dearth, the imperative to assimilate the 22-year-old rapidly is painfully clear.

7. Miley Delivers Yet Another Big Statement

Lewis Miley turned in yet another exceptional showing whilst filling in out of position. The midfielder was impeccable in his own half, set up the opening goal, and lifted the team in a stop-start encounter. With established right-backs back, the conundrum for manager Eddie Howe is if to accommodate the remarkably mature player in his natural central midfield role. "Future Newcastle sides will undoubtedly be designed with Miley," seems an a safe prediction.

Could the Dyche Effect Running Out at Nottingham Forest?

The manager's early effect at the club was notable, but doubts are now arise about the team's versatility. Forest's counter-attacking threat exists, but looks diminished in the absence of certain attackers. Although well-organised when sitting back, they can struggle when needing to come from behind. Giving the ball away in such situations has proven disastrous, a problem they need to rectify quickly.

Igor Thiago's Scoring Form Stops Brentford's Away-Day Blues

Thomas Frank's team put in a showing that contradicted their poor form on the road. Key to their impressive win was the in-form streak of forward the goal-getter. The striker's finishing are providing a foundation for the squad to progress. Winger he even mentioned the lofty dream of a top-seven finish as a possibility, emphasizing the renewed optimism coursing through the camp.

The Clarets