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This past round of Premier League games provided a wealth of intrigue, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between coaches to personal masterclasses, here are the key conversations coming out of the encounters.

Calum McFarlane Holds His Own Against Guardiola

Calum McFarlane's surprise battle with the celebrated tactician evoked thoughts of past unequal sideline contests. In the case of the debutant, embarking on his senior coaching bow, the task was ending his side's woeful recent record when playing Guardiola's side. A dramatic strike from the Argentine midfielder earned a hard-fought result, something previous managers had struggled to do.

2. Liverpool's Struggle to See Out Matches

Even with their big-money signing getting the net, Arne Slot's team finished disappointed after surrendering a advantage evaporate at Fulham. The issue of failing to control encounters when ahead persists, with the team nearly letting slip identical leads in previous matches. Until Slot's men discover the skill of killing off matches, the season will remain a challenging affair.

3. Rice Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Fire

Viktor Gyökeres is enduring a significant dry spell from open play, but his teammate Declan Rice insists the forward is nonetheless immensely valuable. He praised his pressing and team-oriented efforts as integral to Arsenal's form. "The goals are going to follow," was the midfielder's supportive prediction for his misfiring colleague.

The United Boss Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Find His Edge

With Manchester United setting up in a notably defensive fashion, the onus was placed on the offensive pair to deliver. Whereas Matheus Cunha persisted with his impressive form, his strike partner endured another frustrating outing. The Slovenian has hit the net elusive since his high-profile transfer and wasted a late opening to claim the match. The new year presents a clear requirement for the striker to discover his confidence.

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

The Black Cats boss used Enzo Le Fée in a deeper role at first, before pushing him up the pitch as the match developed. The decision turned out to be inspired, with he becoming the chief creator of his team's fightback for an leveler. After hitting the upright, the midfielder supplied a exquisite through ball for the all-important goal. Now found his feet to the pace of the English game, his campaign continues to grow.

The West Ham Manager Misses Chance to Introduce New Signing

During an embarrassing performance for the Hammers, head coach Nuno Espírito Santo chose against utilize any of his permitted bench players. This included January recruit the forward, who stayed on the bench despite his club's complete lack of threat. He suggested it would have been "unfair" to send the recently-arrived recruit into the match. But, with firepower at a dearth, the urgency to assimilate the 22-year-old quickly is abundantly apparent.

7. Miley States Another Big Case

The 19-year-old turned in yet another outstanding showing while operating out of position. He was impeccable in defence, created the first goal, and raised the tone in a stop-start match. Now that established right-backs back, the conundrum for coach Eddie Howe is if to include the incredibly talented youngster in his preferred engine room berth. "Next Newcastle teams will surely be constructed with him," seems an ever more accurate assessment.

8. Is the Dyche Effect Fading at Forest?

The former Burnley boss's initial effect at the club was positive, but doubts are now arise about the team's versatility. Forest's transition ability remains, but seems reduced without previous players. While structured when defending deep, Dyche's men can struggle when needing to chase a game. Giving the ball away in these moments has proven costly, a problem they have to address quickly.

The Striker's Goal Rush Ends The Bees' Poor Road Form

Thomas Frank's team produced a display that contradicted their troubled form on the road. Key to their dominant win was the prolific form of forward Igor Thiago. The striker's presence are giving a base for the team to aim higher. Teammate he even suggested the optimistic target of European qualification as a target, emphasizing the growing optimism within the squad.

Scott Parker's Side