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The most recent set of top-flight fixtures provided a wealth of excitement, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. From duels between bosses to personal masterclasses, we examine the major discussions emerging from the games.

The Chelsea Boss Holds His Own Against A Master Tactician

The Chelsea manager's unforeseen battle with Pep Guardiola brought back thoughts of previous David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the Chelsea boss, making his first-team maiden game, the mission was halting the Blues' woeful run of form when playing Manchester City. A last-gasp strike from the Chelsea star snatched a valuable result, something former coaches had found it tough to achieve.

The Reds' Struggle to Shut Up Shop

Despite their big-money signing getting the net, Liverpool ended up disappointed after letting a lead slip at the Cottagers. The concern of failing to manage games when in the lead persists, with the squad nearly squandering identical margins in earlier outings. Until the team discover the art of killing off matches, the quest is likely to stay a frustrating process.

Declan Rice Supports The Swedish Striker to Fire

Arsenal's striker is experiencing a notable goal drought from general play, but his fellow star Declan Rice has stressed the forward is still immensely valuable. Rice highlighted the striker's work off the ball and unselfish performances as key to Arsenal's title charge. "Good things are sure to arrive," was the midfielder's optimistic assessment for his struggling teammate.

Ruben Amorim Needs Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up

Given the Red Devils lining up in a notably defensive way, the responsibility was placed on the attacking pair to produce. While Matheus Cunha continued his excellent form, his strike partner experienced another difficult afternoon. He has scored scarce since his big-money switch and missed a late opening to win the contest. The new year presents a pressing requirement for the striker to discover his confidence.

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

The Black Cats boss used his creative talent in a more defensive role to start, before pushing him up the pitch as the contest developed. The decision turned out to be inspired, with the playmaker emerging as the architect of his team's push for an leveler. After directing the post, Le Fée delivered a sumptuous through ball for the levelling finish. Now found his feet to the demands of the English game, his campaign continues to grow.

The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Opportunity to Bed In Pablo

Amid an embarrassing defeat for the Hammers, manager the Portuguese coach opted not to utilize any of his named substitutes. Among them was January recruit Pablo Felipe, who watched on even with his side's complete failure to score. He suggested it would have been "unfair" to throw the new player into the action. But, with scoring at a shortage, the urgency to integrate the 22-year-old quickly is glaringly apparent.

7. Miley Makes Yet Another Huge Statement

The teenage sensation turned in a further superb display while operating in an unfamiliar role. The midfielder was excellent in his defensive duties, set up the opening goal, and raised the tone in a scrappy affair. Now that specialist full-backs returning, the conundrum for boss Eddie Howe is whether to include the remarkably composed player in his preferred midfield position. "Future Magpies sides will surely be built with Miley," seems an a accurate prediction.

Are the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?

Sean Dyche's first influence at the club was admirable, but questions are starting to surface about the team's plan B. Their breakaway ability is still there, but seems reduced without previous attackers. While disciplined when defending deep, Dyche's men can struggle when forced to open up. Giving the ball away in such situations has shown disastrous, a problem they have to rectify rapidly.

9. Thiago's Goal Rush Halts The Bees' Away-Day Blues

The West London club delivered a display that contradicted their troubled away record. Central to their commanding win was the in-form streak of number nine Igor Thiago. His goals are offering a foundation for the side to progress. Winger Kevin Schade even suggested the ambitious dream of a top-seven finish as a potential outcome, emphasizing the renewed optimism coursing through the squad.

10. Burnley