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The most recent set of top-flight action provided plenty of drama, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between coaches to star performances, we examine the primary points coming out of the encounters.

The Chelsea Boss Holds His Own Versus A Master Tactician

Calum McFarlane's surprise confrontation with the Manchester City boss recalled memories of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the Chelsea boss, embarking on his senior maiden game, the mission was ending the Blues' astonishingly bad recent record versus Manchester City. An injury-time strike from the Argentine midfielder earned a crucial result, something past managers had failed to do.

The Reds' Struggle to Close Games Out

Even with Florian Wirtz finding the net, the Merseyside club ended up disappointed after allowing a lead evaporate at Fulham. The problem of being unable to manage encounters when in front remains, with the side almost letting slip comparable leads in recent weeks. Until they master the art of seeing out a game, the campaign promises to be a difficult affair.

The Arsenal Midfielder Backs The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring

Arsenal's striker is going through a notable goal drought from open play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin insists the forward is nonetheless hugely important. The midfielder highlighted the striker's work off the ball and unselfish efforts as integral to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Success are sure to arrive," was the midfielder's supportive assessment for his struggling teammate.

Ruben Amorim Must Get Sesko to Find His Edge

With the Red Devils lining up in a notably defensive manner, the burden was placed on the attacking duo to produce. Whereas the Brazilian persisted with his fine run, his strike partner experienced another difficult afternoon. The young striker has found goals hard to come by since his high-profile move and missed a excellent opportunity to snatch the match. The new year provides a obvious imperative for the striker to regain his form.

The Sunderland Star Leaves Spurs in a Muddle

Régis Le Bris used Enzo Le Fée in a deeper position initially, before releasing him into advanced areas as the contest wore on. The decision proved a masterstroke, with the playmaker emerging as the architect of Sunderland's push for an leveler. Following directing the post, the midfielder provided a exquisite assist for the all-important goal. Now settled in to the intensity of the Premier League, his campaign keeps improving.

The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Chance to Introduce New Signing

Amid an dismal performance for West Ham, boss Nuno opted not to introduce any of his permitted replacements. This included January recruit the forward, who stayed on the bench even with his side's utter ineffectiveness. The manager felt it would have been "unfair" to send the recently-arrived player into the fray. Yet, with scoring at a dearth, the urgency to blood the new boy rapidly is painfully apparent.

7. Miley Delivers A Further Major Case

The 19-year-old delivered yet another exceptional showing while playing out of position. He was impeccable in his own half, set up the breakthrough, and lifted the team in a stop-start affair. With first-choice defenders available, the dilemma for manager Eddie Howe is whether to include the astonishingly talented teenager in his preferred central midfield berth. "Coming Toon line-ups will undoubtedly be built around Miley," seems an ever more accurate assessment.

Could the Sean Dyche Impact Fading at Nottingham Forest?

Sean Dyche's first effect at Forest was notable, but doubts are now surface about the side's adaptability. Their breakaway prowess exists, but seems reduced without previous players. Whilst structured when defending deep, Forest have been exposed when required to come from behind. Cheap turnovers in such circumstances has been disastrous, a lesson they have to address immediately.

Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Halts Brentford's Poor Road Form

Thomas Frank's team produced a performance that contradicted their poor away record. Vital to their dominant win was the prolific scoring of forward the Brazilian. Thiago's finishing are offering a platform for the squad to build on. Attacker he even floated the ambitious target of continental football as a potential outcome, emphasizing the fresh confidence within the team.

The Clarets