🔗 Share this article

The latest set of top-flight games provided a wealth of drama, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between bosses to personal masterclasses, let's delve into the major conversations emerging from the encounters.

1. McFarlane Makes a Statement When Facing Pep Guardiola

The young coach's unexpected confrontation with Pep Guardiola recalled recollections of past managerial mismatches. In the case of the debutant, embarking on his senior coaching bow, the challenge was ending the Blues' woeful run of form when playing Guardiola's side. A dramatic strike from the Argentine midfielder earned a valuable draw, an achievement former incumbents had failed to do.

2. Liverpool's Struggle to Close Games Out

Despite the German playmaker getting the net, the Merseyside club finished disappointed after surrendering a lead evaporate versus Fulham. The problem of not managing to manage matches when in the lead remains, with the team almost letting slip identical leads in recent matches. Before they master the art of seeing out a game, the quest will remain a frustrating affair.

The Arsenal Midfielder Backs Gyökeres to Start Scoring

The Swedish forward is experiencing a lengthy dry spell from live action, but his teammate the England international is adamant the number nine is nonetheless immensely influential. He highlighted Gyökeres' hold-up play and selfless contributions as key to Arsenal's success. "Success are bound to come," was his confident assessment for his struggling teammate.

4. Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up

Given Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a particularly defensive way, the onus fell on the forward pair to make the difference. While the Brazilian continued his fine performances, Benjamin Sesko suffered another frustrating outing. He has hit the net elusive since his big-money transfer and wasted a excellent opportunity to snatch the match. The new year offers a pressing imperative for him to regain his form.

The Sunderland Star Leaves Tottenham in a Muddle

The Black Cats boss deployed Enzo Le Fée in a more defensive position at first, before pushing him further forward as the game wore on. The decision proved a masterstroke, with he emerging as the chief creator of the visitor's fightback for an equaliser. Following glancing the post, he supplied a perfect pass for the levelling strike. Having fully adapted to the pace of the Premier League, his impact continues to grow.

Nuno Espírito Santo Fails to Take Chance to Use Pablo

During an embarrassing performance for the Hammers, boss the Portuguese coach decided against introduce any of his available bench players. Among them was new signing the forward, who watched on despite his side's chronic ineffectiveness. Nuno felt it would have been "unfair" to send the fresh player into the fray. But, with firepower at a dearth, the imperative to blood the youngster as soon as possible is abundantly obvious.

7. Miley States Another Huge Statement

The teenage sensation produced another exceptional showing whilst playing at right-back. The youngster was impeccable in defence, provided the breakthrough, and set the standard in a untidy encounter. Now that first-choice defenders returning, the conundrum for manager the Newcastle boss is whether to include the astonishingly composed teenager in his natural engine room berth. "Future Toon line-ups will undoubtedly be built on the lad," seems an increasingly accurate statement.

Could the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at The City Ground?

Sean Dyche's first impact at Forest was notable, but doubts are now surface about the squad's versatility. The team's counter-attacking prowess remains, but appears less potent without key players. While structured when defending deep, Forest can struggle when required to chase a game. Losing possession in such moments has proven disastrous, a lesson they need to solve rapidly.

Igor Thiago's Hot Streak Ends Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues

Brentford delivered a showing that masked their dismal form on the road. Central to their commanding display was the prolific form of number nine the Brazilian. Thiago's finishing are giving a foundation for the squad to aim higher. Winger the German international even floated the lofty dream of a top-seven finish as a target, highlighting the growing confidence in the squad.

The Clarets