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The latest set of top-flight games delivered a wealth of drama, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from battles between bosses to personal masterclasses, we examine the major conversations coming out of the matches.

Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement Against Guardiola

The Chelsea manager's surprise battle with Pep Guardiola brought back memories of earlier unequal sideline contests. For the debutant, taking charge for his top-level coaching bow, the mission was overcoming Chelsea's astonishingly bad sequence when playing Guardiola's side. An injury-time equaliser from the Chelsea star snatched a crucial result, an achievement past managers had failed to achieve.

The Reds' Failure to Shut Up Shop

Even with their big-money signing scoring the net, Liverpool were left disappointed after surrendering a lead evaporate at the Cottagers. The problem of not managing to command games when in the lead continues, with the squad almost throwing away comparable leads in earlier weeks. Before Slot's men discover the skill of defending a lead, the campaign is likely to stay a challenging affair.

The Arsenal Midfielder Supports The Swedish Striker to Fire

Arsenal's striker is enduring a significant goal drought from general play, but his teammate the England international is adamant the number nine is still immensely influential. Rice praised his hold-up play and unselfish efforts as crucial to Arsenal's form. "Good things are going to come," was his confident prediction for his struggling strike partner.

4. Amorim Needs Sesko to Improve

With the Red Devils lining up in a particularly conservative way, the burden fell on the forward duo to make the difference. Whereas one forward persisted with his impressive run, Benjamin Sesko endured another frustrating afternoon. The Slovenian has found goals scarce since his major move and wasted a excellent opening to win the game. The new year provides a pressing need for him to regain his confidence.

5. Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle

The Black Cats boss positioned his creative talent in a more defensive position at first, before unleashing him further forward as the match developed. The move was masterful, with he turning into the architect of the visitor's comeback for an equaliser. Following hitting the post, Le Fée supplied a exquisite through ball for the levelling finish. Now settled in to the pace of the top flight, his impact is on the rise.

Nuno Espírito Santo Fails to Take Opportunity to Bed In Pablo Felipe

Amid an embarrassing performance for the London club, head coach Nuno Espírito Santo chose against use any of his available substitutes. Among them was January recruit the forward, who stayed on the bench even with his side's complete failure to score. Nuno felt it would have been "unfair" to send the new player into the fray. However, with firepower at a premium, the need to integrate the 22-year-old quickly is glaringly obvious.

7. Miley States Yet Another Major Statement

The 19-year-old delivered a further superb display while playing at right-back. The midfielder was excellent in his own half, provided the breakthrough, and set the standard in a scrappy encounter. With specialist defenders available, the dilemma for manager Eddie Howe is how to include the astonishingly mature youngster in his best central midfield position. "Next Magpies line-ups will surely be constructed with the lad," seems an ever more safe assessment.

Are the Dyche Effect Running Out at Nottingham Forest?

The former Burnley boss's early impact at Forest was positive, but questions are starting to emerge about the team's plan B. The team's transition ability is still there, but appears diminished in the absence of certain personnel. Although well-organised when sitting back, Dyche's men have looked vulnerable when required to chase a game. Losing possession in those moments has been costly, a issue they need to solve rapidly.

The Striker's Scoring Form Stops The Bees' Travel Woes

Brentford produced a performance that contradicted their poor form on the road. Vital to their dominant display was the in-form form of forward the Brazilian. Thiago's finishing are providing a base for the squad to build on. Teammate he even floated the ambitious dream of a top-seven finish as a possibility, underlining the renewed confidence coursing through the camp.

Scott Parker's Side