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This past round of Premier League fixtures provided a wealth of intrigue, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. From battles between bosses to individual brilliance, we examine the primary points emerging from the games.

Calum McFarlane Stands Firm Against Pep Guardiola

The young coach's unexpected battle with Pep Guardiola evoked thoughts of previous managerial mismatches. In the case of the Chelsea boss, embarking on his top-level management debut, the mission was ending the Blues' dreadful sequence versus Manchester City. A dramatic goal from the Chelsea star secured a valuable result, a feat former incumbents had struggled to accomplish.

2. Liverpool's Struggle to See Out Matches

Despite their big-money signing finding the net, Liverpool were left disappointed after surrendering a lead slip versus the Cottagers. The concern of being unable to manage encounters when ahead continues, with the side previously letting slip similar leads in earlier matches. Before they discover the knack of defending a lead, the quest is likely to stay a frustrating process.

3. Rice Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Find Form

Arsenal's striker is going through a lengthy run without scoring from open play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin has stressed the player is nonetheless hugely influential. The midfielder highlighted his pressing and unselfish efforts as key to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Good things are sure to follow," was the midfielder's confident assessment for his off-colour teammate.

The United Boss Needs Sesko to Find His Edge

With Manchester United setting up in a notably conservative way, the onus rested with the forward partnership to produce. Whereas the Brazilian continued his excellent performances, Benjamin Sesko suffered another forgettable afternoon. The young striker has hit the net elusive since his major transfer and wasted a excellent chance to claim the game. The new year presents a pressing requirement for him to regain his form.

The Sunderland Star Puts Spurs in a Spin

The Black Cats boss deployed the French midfielder in a unfamiliar role initially, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the game wore on. The switch turned out to be masterful, with Le Fée turning into the main instigator of Sunderland's push for an leveler. Following directing the woodwork, the midfielder provided a exquisite through ball for the levelling finish. Having settled in to the demands of the English game, his campaign is on the rise.

6. Nuno Misses Opportunity to Bed In Pablo Felipe

During an embarrassing loss for the Hammers, boss Nuno chose against use any of his named substitutes. This meant January recruit the Brazilian striker, who watched on even with his team's chronic lack of threat. The manager suggested it would have been "unjust" to send the new player into the match. Yet, with scoring at a dearth, the urgency to blood the 22-year-old as soon as possible is glaringly clear.

Lewis Miley Delivers A Further Big Claim

Lewis Miley delivered yet another superb showing whilst playing out of position. He was impeccable in his own half, created the first goal, and set the standard in a untidy encounter. With specialist right-backs returning, the question for boss him is how to accommodate the incredibly talented teenager in his best central midfield berth. "Future Newcastle teams will surely be built around Miley," seems an ever more safe assessment.

Are the Sean Dyche Impact Running Out at Forest?

Sean Dyche's early impact at Forest was notable, but concerns are beginning to arise about the team's plan B. The team's counter-attacking threat remains, but looks diminished without previous players. Although disciplined when protecting a lead, they have been exposed when forced to chase a game. Giving the ball away in these situations has proven punishing, a issue they must address rapidly.

Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Poor Road Form

Brentford produced a display that contradicted their poor form on the road. Central to their impressive victory was the red-hot form of forward the goal-getter. His presence are giving a foundation for the side to build on. Attacker he even floated the ambitious dream of a top-seven finish as a target, underlining the growing optimism coursing through the squad.

The Clarets