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The latest set of top-flight action delivered plenty of drama, shock outcomes, and fascinating storylines. From clashes between bosses to star performances, here are the key points coming out of the encounters.

1. McFarlane Makes a Statement Against Guardiola

The Chelsea manager's unexpected battle with Pep Guardiola recalled thoughts of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. For McFarlane, embarking on his top-level management debut, the challenge was halting the Blues' woeful run of form when playing Manchester City. A dramatic goal from Enzo Fernández snatched a valuable draw, a feat past coaches had struggled to do.

2. Liverpool's Struggle to Close Games Out

Even with their big-money signing finding the net, Liverpool finished disappointed after surrendering a lead slip away against Marco Silva's side. The concern of failing to command matches when in front persists, with the side almost letting slip similar advantages in previous outings. Before the team learn the knack of seeing out a game, the quest is likely to stay a difficult affair.

The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Find Form

Arsenal's striker is experiencing a significant dry spell from general play, but his midfield colleague Declan Rice insists the number nine is nonetheless vitally valuable. He pointed to the striker's work off the ball and unselfish performances as key to Arsenal's success. "Good things are sure to arrive," was the midfielder's supportive prediction for his misfiring strike partner.

4. Amorim Needs The Slovenian to Find His Edge

With the Red Devils adopting in a notably defensive fashion, the onus rested with the forward pair to produce. Whereas one forward maintained his impressive performances, Benjamin Sesko experienced another frustrating outing. The young striker has scored hard to come by since his big-money switch and wasted a golden opportunity to snatch the game. The new year offers a clear need for the striker to discover his confidence.

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

The Sunderland manager positioned his creative talent in a more defensive role to start, before pushing him up the pitch as the game progressed. The decision turned out to be masterful, with he becoming the chief creator of Sunderland's push for an equalizing goal. Following hitting the woodwork, Le Fée delivered a sumptuous assist for the crucial goal. Having found his feet to the pace of the Premier League, his campaign keeps improving.

The West Ham Manager Misses Chance to Use Pablo

During an dismal defeat for the Hammers, manager Nuno Espírito Santo chose not to use any of his named replacements. This meant recent acquisition the Brazilian striker, who remained unused despite his club's utter lack of threat. Nuno suggested it would have been "too harsh" to throw the recently-arrived striker into the match. However, with scoring at a premium, the need to assimilate the 22-year-old quickly is abundantly obvious.

Lewis Miley Delivers Another Major Case

Lewis Miley produced a further exceptional performance whilst playing out of position. The midfielder was excellent in defence, provided the breakthrough, and set the standard in a stop-start match. Now that specialist full-backs returning, the conundrum for manager him is if to accommodate the astonishingly mature teenager in his preferred engine room position. "Next Magpies line-ups will surely be built with Miley," seems an increasingly safe statement.

Are the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at The City Ground?

The former Burnley boss's initial impact at Nottingham Forest was positive, but concerns are starting to arise about the squad's versatility. The team's transition prowess exists, but looks less potent in the absence of key attackers. Although structured when sitting back, Dyche's men have looked vulnerable when needing to chase a game. Cheap turnovers in these circumstances has been costly, a lesson they need to address rapidly.

The Striker's Scoring Form Stops The Bees' Poor Road Form

Thomas Frank's team put in a performance that masked their troubled form on the road. Key to their dominant display was the prolific form of striker the Brazilian. His presence are offering a platform for the side to build on. Winger the German international even suggested the optimistic aspiration of a top-seven finish as a target, highlighting the fresh optimism within the team.

The Clarets