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This past round of Premier League games provided plenty of intrigue, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between bosses to individual brilliance, we examine the primary discussions stemming from the games.

Calum McFarlane Stands Firm When Facing Pep Guardiola

Calum McFarlane's surprise confrontation with Pep Guardiola brought back thoughts of previous managerial mismatches. For McFarlane, taking charge for his top-level management debut, the challenge was overcoming his side's woeful recent record against Manchester City. An injury-time goal from the Argentine midfielder secured a crucial point, an achievement past coaches had struggled to do.

2. Liverpool's Struggle to Close Games Out

Despite the German playmaker finding the net, Liverpool finished aggrieved after surrendering a winning position evaporate against Marco Silva's side. The concern of failing to control encounters when in front persists, with the team nearly throwing away identical margins in previous outings. Until Slot's men learn the knack of seeing out a game, the quest is likely to stay a difficult one.

The Arsenal Midfielder Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Fire

Viktor Gyökeres is going through a significant run without scoring from live action, but his fellow star Declan Rice insists the player is still vitally important. The midfielder praised the striker's hold-up play and team-oriented performances as key to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Good things are going to come," was Rice's confident prediction for his misfiring teammate.

4. Amorim Requires Benjamin Sesko to Improve

Given Manchester United lining up in a particularly defensive way, the onus fell on the forward pair to produce. Whereas the Brazilian persisted with his excellent run, Benjamin Sesko endured another frustrating afternoon. The young striker has found goals scarce since his big-money transfer and wasted a golden opportunity to snatch the game. January offers a obvious imperative for Sesko to regain his form.

The Sunderland Star Leaves Tottenham in a State of Confusion

Régis Le Bris positioned the French midfielder in a more defensive position initially, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the game progressed. The move was inspired, with Le Fée becoming the chief creator of Sunderland's push for an equaliser. Following hitting the woodwork, the midfielder delivered a exquisite pass for the all-important goal. Having settled in to the intensity of the Premier League, his influence is on the rise.

The West Ham Manager Misses Opportunity to Use Pablo Felipe

Amid an embarrassing loss for the Hammers, manager Nuno decided not to utilize any of his permitted bench players. Among them was recent acquisition the forward, who watched on even with his team's chronic failure to score. He felt it would have been "unfair" to throw the fresh striker into the action. However, with firepower at a shortage, the urgency to integrate the 22-year-old rapidly is glaringly clear.

The Teenager States Another Big Statement

Lewis Miley turned in yet another superb display whilst filling in in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was excellent in his own half, set up the opening goal, and raised the tone in a untidy match. Now that specialist full-backs returning, the question for manager Eddie Howe is if to accommodate the astonishingly composed youngster in his natural engine room role. "Future Newcastle sides will certainly be designed with the lad," seems an ever more safe statement.

Could the Sean Dyche Impact Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?

The former Burnley boss's early effect at the club was notable, but questions are starting to surface about the side's plan B. Their breakaway prowess is still there, but looks diminished in the absence of certain players. Whilst structured when protecting a lead, Dyche's men have been exposed when needing to come from behind. Cheap turnovers in such circumstances has proven costly, a problem they have to rectify immediately.

Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Ends Brentford's Away-Day Blues

Brentford delivered a display that belied their dismal form on the road. Vital to their dominant display was the in-form streak of forward the goal-getter. Thiago's goals are giving a foundation for the squad to aim higher. Attacker Kevin Schade even suggested the lofty dream of European qualification as a possibility, underlining the renewed confidence in the camp.

The Clarets