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The most recent set of top-flight games served up no shortage of drama, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between bosses to individual brilliance, we examine the major points stemming from the games.

1. McFarlane Makes a Statement When Facing Guardiola

The Chelsea manager's unforeseen confrontation with the Manchester City boss brought back recollections of earlier unequal sideline contests. In the case of the Chelsea boss, taking charge for his senior management debut, the mission was ending the Blues' dreadful run of form versus the champions. A last-gasp goal from the Chelsea star snatched a crucial draw, something previous incumbents had struggled to achieve.

2. Liverpool's Struggle to Close Games Out

Despite Florian Wirtz finding the net, Liverpool finished aggrieved after letting a winning position slip away against the Cottagers. The issue of being unable to command encounters when in the lead continues, with the team almost squandering similar advantages in previous matches. Before they learn the knack of seeing out a game, the campaign will remain a difficult affair.

The Arsenal Midfielder Backs Gyökeres to Find Form

The Swedish forward is experiencing a lengthy goal drought from open play, but his midfield colleague Declan Rice has stressed the forward is nevertheless vitally important. Rice highlighted his hold-up play and team-oriented efforts as crucial to the league leaders form. "Success are bound to follow," was the midfielder's confident message for his off-colour colleague.

4. Amorim Needs Sesko to Improve

With Ruben Amorim's team setting up in a incredibly cautious manner, the burden rested with the forward duo to make the difference. Whereas Matheus Cunha continued his impressive run, the summer signing endured another difficult game. The young striker has hit the net elusive since his high-profile switch and missed a golden chance to snatch the match. The new year offers a obvious need for him to discover his scoring touch.

Enzo Le Fée Leaves Tottenham in a Spin

The Sunderland manager deployed the French midfielder in a deeper position initially, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the contest wore on. The move proved masterful, with he emerging as the main instigator of Sunderland's push for an equaliser. After hitting the upright, Le Fée provided a sumptuous assist for the levelling strike. Now found his feet to the intensity of the top flight, his influence is on the rise.

The West Ham Manager Misses Chance to Bed In New Signing

In a embarrassing defeat for the London club, head coach the Portuguese coach chose against introduce any of his named replacements. This meant recent acquisition the forward, who stayed on the bench despite his club's chronic ineffectiveness. The manager suggested it would have been "unjust" to send the recently-arrived player into the action. Yet, with firepower at a shortage, the urgency to assimilate the 22-year-old quickly is painfully obvious.

The Teenager Makes A Further Huge Case

The teenage sensation produced a further outstanding performance while playing at right-back. He was excellent in his own half, created the breakthrough, and raised the tone in a stop-start affair. With first-choice right-backs back, the question for boss Eddie Howe is whether to accommodate the incredibly talented teenager in his preferred central midfield role. "Next Magpies teams will surely be built on him," seems an increasingly fair prediction.

Could the New Manager Bounce Fading at The City Ground?

Sean Dyche's first effect at the club was notable, but concerns are now arise about the team's plan B. The team's counter-attacking ability is still there, but appears reduced in the absence of previous attackers. Whilst disciplined when defending deep, they have looked vulnerable when needing to open up. Losing possession in those situations has shown disastrous, a problem they need to address rapidly.

Igor Thiago's Scoring Form Ends Brentford's Poor Road Form

The West London club produced a performance that masked their poor form on the road. Key to their commanding victory was the in-form scoring of number nine the goal-getter. Thiago's goals are giving a base for the team to progress. Winger Kevin Schade even suggested the lofty dream of European qualification as a potential outcome, highlighting the fresh confidence in the team.

The Clarets