🔗 Share this article

This past set of top-flight action provided a wealth of intrigue, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between managers to individual brilliance, here are the key discussions emerging from the games.

Calum McFarlane Holds His Own When Facing A Master Tactician

The young coach's unexpected duel with the celebrated tactician evoked thoughts of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the debutant, taking charge for his top-level management debut, the mission was overcoming the Blues' woeful recent record against Manchester City. A dramatic goal from the Argentine midfielder snatched a hard-fought draw, something former managers had failed to do.

2. Liverpool's Inability to See Out Matches

Even with their big-money signing scoring the net, Arne Slot's team ended up frustrated after allowing a winning position slip away at Marco Silva's side. The concern of failing to manage encounters when in front persists, with the side almost squandering identical margins in previous outings. Before they master the knack of defending a lead, the season is likely to stay a difficult affair.

The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Find Form

Viktor Gyökeres is enduring a significant run without scoring from general play, but his fellow star Declan Rice insists the forward is still hugely important. He praised the striker's pressing and team-oriented performances as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side title charge. "Good things are going to come," was his supportive prediction for his misfiring colleague.

Ruben Amorim Must Get Sesko to Find His Edge

Given Manchester United setting up in a incredibly cautious way, the burden was placed on the forward partnership to deliver. Whereas the Brazilian maintained his fine form, the summer signing experienced another forgettable outing. The young striker has scored elusive since his high-profile transfer and wasted a golden opportunity to claim the match. The new year presents a obvious need for him to regain his form.

Enzo Le Fée Puts Tottenham in a State of Confusion

The Black Cats boss deployed his creative talent in a more defensive role initially, before unleashing him up the pitch as the contest developed. The move turned out to be a masterstroke, with the playmaker becoming the architect of the visitor's fightback for an equaliser. After directing the post, Le Fée supplied a exquisite pass for the levelling finish. Now fully adapted to the pace of the top flight, his influence continues to grow.

Nuno Espírito Santo Misses Opportunity to Use New Signing

During an woeful defeat for the Hammers, head coach Nuno Espírito Santo opted against utilize any of his available substitutes. This included January recruit the forward, who remained unused despite his side's utter failure to score. Nuno suggested it would have been "unjust" to introduce the new recruit into the fray. But, with scoring at a premium, the imperative to blood the youngster quickly is painfully apparent.

Lewis Miley States Another Big Claim

The teenage sensation produced a further exceptional performance while operating at right-back. The youngster was flawless in defence, created the breakthrough, and raised the tone in a stop-start encounter. Now that first-choice full-backs available, the question for manager the Newcastle boss is whether to include the incredibly composed teenager in his preferred central midfield position. "Coming Magpies teams will undoubtedly be designed around the lad," seems an a safe statement.

Are the Sean Dyche Impact Wearing Thin at Forest?

Sean Dyche's first influence at Forest was positive, but concerns are now emerge about the squad's plan B. The team's transition prowess remains, but looks reduced in the absence of certain personnel. Whilst well-organised when sitting back, Dyche's men can struggle when needing to chase a game. Giving the ball away in such situations has shown costly, a lesson they have to solve quickly.

9. Thiago's Scoring Form Stops The Bees' Poor Road Form

Thomas Frank's team delivered a performance that belied their troubled away record. Key to their impressive victory was the in-form streak of number nine Igor Thiago. The striker's presence are offering a platform for the side to progress. Attacker the German international even floated the optimistic aspiration of continental football as a target, highlighting the fresh belief within the squad.

Scott Parker's Side