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The most recent set of top-flight action provided plenty of drama, surprise results, and compelling narratives. Ranging from battles between bosses to individual brilliance, here are the major conversations stemming from the matches.

1. McFarlane Makes a Statement Against Pep Guardiola

The Chelsea manager's surprise confrontation with the Manchester City boss brought back memories of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of McFarlane, taking charge for his top-level coaching bow, the mission was overcoming his side's woeful run of form against the champions. A dramatic goal from Enzo Fernández snatched a crucial draw, a feat past coaches had failed to accomplish.

The Reds' Inability to Shut Up Shop

Even with the German playmaker scoring the net, Liverpool ended up aggrieved after surrendering a advantage slip away against the Cottagers. The problem of failing to control matches when ahead remains, with the squad previously letting slip identical leads in earlier weeks. Before the team discover the art of defending a lead, the quest is likely to stay a difficult affair.

3. Rice Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form

Viktor Gyökeres is enduring a lengthy goal drought from general play, but his fellow star Declan Rice has stressed the forward is still immensely influential. He pointed to his work off the ball and unselfish performances as key to the league leaders form. "The goals are sure to come," was his optimistic prediction for his off-colour colleague.

Ruben Amorim Must Get The Slovenian to Sharpen Up

Given Ruben Amorim's team setting up in a notably cautious manner, the responsibility rested with the offensive partnership to produce. Whereas Matheus Cunha persisted with his excellent form, his strike partner experienced another forgettable game. The young striker has hit the net hard to come by since his major move and missed a late opportunity to snatch the contest. January offers a pressing imperative for him to find his confidence.

The Sunderland Star Leaves Spurs in a State of Confusion

The Black Cats boss positioned the French midfielder in a unfamiliar role to start, before pushing him up the pitch as the game developed. The decision turned out to be a masterstroke, with he turning into the main instigator of the visitor's push for an equaliser. After directing the upright, Le Fée supplied a sumptuous through ball for the levelling goal. Now fully adapted to the pace of the English game, his impact keeps improving.

6. Nuno Fails to Take Chance to Bed In Pablo

During an woeful performance for the Hammers, manager the Portuguese coach decided not to use any of his available substitutes. This meant recent acquisition Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench even with his side's chronic ineffectiveness. Nuno suggested it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the fresh recruit into the fray. However, with goals at a dearth, the need to integrate the new boy as soon as possible is glaringly clear.

Lewis Miley Delivers A Further Huge Claim

The 19-year-old produced yet another exceptional showing while filling in out of position. The youngster was excellent in defence, provided the breakthrough, and raised the tone in a stop-start match. Now that established right-backs returning, the conundrum for boss the Newcastle boss is whether to accommodate the remarkably talented player in his natural engine room berth. "Next Newcastle teams will surely be built around the lad," seems an ever more accurate statement.

Could the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at The City Ground?

Sean Dyche's initial effect at the club was positive, but questions are starting to arise about the squad's plan B. Forest's counter-attacking threat remains, but appears reduced without certain personnel. While disciplined when defending deep, Dyche's men can struggle when needing to come from behind. Giving the ball away in these circumstances has shown costly, a lesson they must rectify rapidly.

The Striker's Hot Streak Ends Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues

The West London club produced a display that masked their troubled travel sickness. Central to their commanding victory was the in-form streak of number nine the goal-getter. Thiago's finishing are offering a foundation for the side to build on. Teammate the German international even suggested the ambitious aspiration of a top-seven finish as a possibility, highlighting the growing belief within the camp.

Scott Parker's Side