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This past set of top-flight games delivered a wealth of drama, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between managers to personal masterclasses, we examine the major conversations coming out of the encounters.

Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement Versus A Master Tactician

Calum McFarlane's unexpected duel with the Manchester City boss evoked memories of past unequal sideline contests. In the case of McFarlane, making his top-level management debut, the challenge was halting his side's woeful recent record against Manchester City. A dramatic goal from the Chelsea star secured a hard-fought result, a feat past incumbents had failed to do.

Arne Slot's Failure to Close Games Out

Despite Florian Wirtz finding the net, the Merseyside club ended up aggrieved after allowing a advantage slip at Fulham. The problem of being unable to manage encounters when in the lead remains, with the side nearly letting slip identical advantages in recent outings. Before the team master the knack of killing off matches, the campaign is likely to stay a challenging affair.

The Arsenal Midfielder Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form

Arsenal's striker is going through a significant run without scoring from general play, but his fellow star the England international insists the number nine is nonetheless immensely valuable. The midfielder pointed to the striker's pressing and selfless efforts as integral to the league leaders title charge. "Good things are bound to arrive," was the midfielder's supportive prediction for his struggling teammate.

Ruben Amorim Must Get The Slovenian to Find His Edge

Given the Red Devils adopting in a particularly cautious way, the burden fell on the offensive partnership to make the difference. While one forward maintained his impressive run, his strike partner endured another difficult outing. The Slovenian has hit the net elusive since his high-profile switch and wasted a excellent opportunity to win the match. January provides a pressing need for Sesko to discover his form.

Enzo Le Fée Leaves Spurs in a Spin

Régis Le Bris deployed the French midfielder in a unfamiliar role at first, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the game progressed. The decision proved a masterstroke, with the playmaker emerging as the main instigator of the visitor's push for an equaliser. After directing the post, he supplied a sumptuous assist for the crucial strike. Now fully adapted to the demands of the English game, his campaign continues to grow.

The West Ham Manager Wastes Opportunity to Bed In Pablo Felipe

During an woeful loss for West Ham, boss the Portuguese coach chose against utilize any of his available bench players. This meant recent acquisition the forward, who remained unused even with his side's chronic lack of threat. He reasoned it would have been "unjust" to send the fresh striker into the fray. Yet, with firepower at a dearth, the imperative to assimilate the new boy rapidly is abundantly apparent.

The Teenager Makes Another Big Statement

Lewis Miley delivered yet another superb display while playing in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was impeccable in defence, provided the opening goal, and set the standard in a scrappy affair. Now that specialist defenders returning, the dilemma for manager the Newcastle boss is how to fit the remarkably mature player in his preferred central midfield role. "Future Magpies sides will surely be designed around the lad," seems an a accurate statement.

8. Is the Dyche Effect Running Out at The City Ground?

The manager's first influence at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but questions are beginning to surface about the side's plan B. Their breakaway ability is still there, but appears diminished in the absence of certain personnel. Whilst structured when sitting back, they can struggle when forced to open up. Cheap turnovers in these moments has shown punishing, a lesson they have to rectify rapidly.

The Striker's Hot Streak Stops The Bees' Away-Day Blues

Thomas Frank's team delivered a display that masked their poor away record. Key to their impressive display was the red-hot streak of number nine the Brazilian. The striker's goals are offering a foundation for the side to build on. Attacker Kevin Schade even floated the optimistic dream of a top-seven finish as a target, highlighting the growing confidence within the team.

10. Burnley