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This past batch of English fixtures served up a wealth of intrigue, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from duels between coaches to personal masterclasses, we examine the key discussions coming out of the matches.

Calum McFarlane Holds His Own Versus A Master Tactician

The young coach's unexpected battle with Pep Guardiola evoked thoughts of previous unequal sideline contests. In the case of the Chelsea boss, taking charge for his first-team management debut, the challenge was halting his side's woeful recent record when playing Manchester City. An injury-time strike from the Argentine midfielder earned a crucial result, something previous incumbents had failed to accomplish.

The Reds' Inability to Close Games Out

Despite their big-money signing finding the net, Arne Slot's team finished disappointed after surrendering a lead slip away versus Marco Silva's side. The issue of being unable to command games when in front persists, with the squad nearly squandering identical margins in previous matches. Until Slot's men learn the art of killing off matches, the quest will remain a challenging process.

The Arsenal Midfielder Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form

Viktor Gyökeres is experiencing a notable run without scoring from open play, but his teammate the Gunners lynchpin is adamant the player is nevertheless vitally influential. He highlighted his work off the ball and unselfish efforts as integral to Arsenal's title charge. "Success are going to arrive," was Rice's optimistic assessment for his off-colour strike partner.

The United Boss Needs Sesko to Improve

With Manchester United setting up in a notably defensive fashion, the burden fell on the offensive pair to deliver. Whereas the Brazilian maintained his fine form, the summer signing suffered another difficult game. The young striker has found goals elusive since his major transfer and wasted a golden chance to snatch the contest. January presents a pressing requirement for Sesko to find his form.

5. Le Fée Leaves Tottenham in a State of Confusion

The Sunderland manager positioned his creative talent in a more defensive role at first, before pushing him up the pitch as the match developed. The switch proved a masterstroke, with he turning into the architect of Sunderland's push for an leveler. After hitting the upright, he supplied a exquisite through ball for the all-important goal. Having found his feet to the demands of the top flight, his campaign continues to grow.

6. Nuno Misses Opportunity to Use Pablo

In a woeful loss for the Hammers, manager the Portuguese coach opted not to introduce any of his named replacements. This meant new signing the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench despite his team's utter failure to score. He felt it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the recently-arrived striker into the fray. But, with firepower at a dearth, the urgency to assimilate the 22-year-old as soon as possible is painfully clear.

Lewis Miley Delivers Yet Another Huge Claim

Lewis Miley delivered a further superb performance while playing at right-back. He was excellent in his own half, created the first goal, and set the standard in a untidy encounter. Now that established right-backs returning, the question for boss him is if to accommodate the astonishingly talented player in his natural engine room berth. "Future Toon line-ups will undoubtedly be constructed with the lad," seems an a safe assessment.

Could the Dyche Effect Fading at Forest?

The former Burnley boss's initial impact at Nottingham Forest was positive, but doubts are beginning to arise about the team's plan B. Their breakaway ability exists, but appears less potent without key attackers. Whilst disciplined when defending deep, Dyche's men can struggle when needing to chase a game. Giving the ball away in those circumstances has shown disastrous, a lesson they have to solve quickly.

9. Thiago's Scoring Form Halts The Bees' Away-Day Blues

Brentford delivered a display that belied their troubled away record. Key to their impressive display was the prolific streak of striker the Brazilian. The striker's finishing are providing a platform for the squad to aim higher. Attacker Kevin Schade even suggested the optimistic dream of continental football as a potential outcome, underlining the fresh optimism within the squad.

10. Burnley