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This past round of Premier League games provided no shortage of drama, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between bosses to individual brilliance, we examine the major discussions emerging from the matches.

Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement When Facing Guardiola

Calum McFarlane's unexpected confrontation with Pep Guardiola brought back thoughts of past David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the Chelsea boss, embarking on his top-level management debut, the task was halting the Blues' woeful recent record against Manchester City. A last-gasp goal from the Argentine midfielder secured a hard-fought point, an achievement previous managers had failed to accomplish.

2. Liverpool's Struggle to See Out Matches

Even with their big-money signing scoring the net, the Merseyside club finished aggrieved after surrendering a lead evaporate versus the Cottagers. The issue of not managing to manage encounters when in the lead continues, with the side almost letting slip identical leads in previous weeks. Before they discover the skill of seeing out a game, the quest will remain a frustrating one.

Declan Rice Backs The Swedish Striker to Fire

The Swedish forward is enduring a notable goal drought from live action, but his teammate the England international insists the forward is nonetheless immensely influential. Rice praised Gyökeres' pressing and unselfish contributions as integral to Mikel Arteta's side success. "Good things are bound to arrive," was the midfielder's confident assessment for his struggling teammate.

The United Boss Needs Sesko to Sharpen Up

With Ruben Amorim's team setting up in a notably conservative manner, the burden rested with the forward pair to deliver. Whereas one forward continued his impressive form, the summer signing experienced another forgettable outing. The young striker has scored scarce since his high-profile move and wasted a golden opportunity to snatch the contest. The new year provides a clear need for him to find his form.

The Sunderland Star Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle

The Black Cats boss positioned the French midfielder in a more defensive role initially, before pushing him into advanced areas as the contest wore on. The switch turned out to be a masterstroke, with he becoming the architect of his team's push for an leveler. Following hitting the woodwork, Le Fée supplied a perfect assist for the all-important goal. Now found his feet to the intensity of the top flight, his influence keeps improving.

The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Opportunity to Use New Signing

During an embarrassing defeat for the Hammers, boss Nuno Espírito Santo decided not to utilize any of his permitted replacements. Among them was January recruit Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench even with his club's chronic failure to score. He suggested it would have been "unjust" to send the new player into the match. However, with goals at a premium, the imperative to assimilate the new boy rapidly is painfully obvious.

The Teenager Makes Yet Another Big Statement

Lewis Miley turned in a further superb display whilst operating out of position. The midfielder was impeccable in his own half, set up the first goal, and lifted the team in a scrappy affair. With established right-backs available, the question for coach him is whether to accommodate the remarkably talented player in his best central midfield position. "Future Magpies sides will surely be constructed around the lad," seems an ever more safe assessment.

Are the Sean Dyche Impact Running Out at Forest?

Sean Dyche's early impact at Forest was positive, but doubts are beginning to emerge about the side's plan B. Forest's transition threat exists, but looks reduced without previous personnel. Although structured when sitting back, Forest have looked vulnerable when forced to open up. Giving the ball away in such moments has proven disastrous, a lesson they have to solve rapidly.

The Striker's Scoring Form Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues

The West London club delivered a display that belied their dismal travel sickness. Vital to their impressive display was the in-form form of forward the Brazilian. Thiago's goals are providing a platform for the squad to build on. Teammate the German international even floated the ambitious aspiration of continental football as a target, highlighting the fresh belief in the squad.

The Clarets