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The most recent round of Premier League action provided plenty of drama, unexpected scores, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from battles between managers to star performances, we examine the major conversations stemming from the matches.

1. McFarlane Holds His Own Against Guardiola

Calum McFarlane's unexpected battle with the celebrated tactician brought back recollections of past David vs Goliath coaching battles. For McFarlane, embarking on his first-team maiden game, the mission was halting his side's astonishingly bad recent record when playing the champions. An injury-time strike from the Argentine midfielder earned a valuable point, an achievement previous managers had found it tough to accomplish.

2. Liverpool's Inability to Close Games Out

Despite the German playmaker scoring the net, the Merseyside club were left aggrieved after surrendering a advantage slip away at the Cottagers. The concern of being unable to manage matches when in the lead continues, with the side previously letting slip similar margins in recent weeks. Until they discover the knack of defending a lead, the campaign promises to be a challenging affair.

3. Rice Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form

Arsenal's striker is going through a significant goal drought from general play, but his teammate the Gunners lynchpin has stressed the forward is nevertheless immensely valuable. The midfielder praised Gyökeres' work off the ball and team-oriented performances as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side title charge. "The goals are going to arrive," was his supportive prediction for his off-colour teammate.

The United Boss Must Get The Slovenian to Improve

Given Ruben Amorim's team adopting in a particularly conservative way, the responsibility fell on the forward duo to deliver. Whereas Matheus Cunha maintained his excellent run, the summer signing endured another difficult game. The Slovenian has hit the net hard to come by since his high-profile move and missed a excellent opportunity to snatch the match. The new year presents a pressing imperative for him to discover his form.

5. Le Fée Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a State of Confusion

The Sunderland manager deployed Enzo Le Fée in a more defensive position at first, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the contest wore on. The decision proved a masterstroke, with he becoming the chief creator of his team's comeback for an leveler. After glancing the post, the midfielder provided a sumptuous through ball for the all-important finish. Having settled in to the pace of the top flight, his influence is on the rise.

6. Nuno Fails to Take Chance to Use Pablo Felipe

During an embarrassing defeat for the Hammers, manager Nuno chose against introduce any of his permitted substitutes. Among them was recent acquisition the Brazilian striker, who watched on even with his club's complete ineffectiveness. He suggested it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the recently-arrived player into the action. Yet, with goals at a dearth, the need to blood the new boy quickly is abundantly obvious.

7. Miley States A Further Major Case

The teenage sensation produced another superb showing whilst operating in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was impeccable in his defensive duties, created the opening goal, and lifted the team in a stop-start match. Now that established right-backs available, the conundrum for boss the Newcastle boss is how to fit the incredibly talented youngster in his best central midfield position. "Coming Newcastle line-ups will undoubtedly be constructed with him," seems an increasingly accurate statement.

Could the Sean Dyche Impact Fading at The City Ground?

Sean Dyche's initial impact at Nottingham Forest was notable, but questions are now arise about the side's plan B. Forest's counter-attacking prowess is still there, but appears diminished without previous personnel. Whilst structured when sitting back, Dyche's men have been exposed when needing to chase a game. Losing possession in these moments has shown costly, a lesson they must solve immediately.

The Striker's Hot Streak Halts The Bees' Poor Road Form

Brentford put in a showing that masked their dismal form on the road. Vital to their dominant victory was the red-hot streak of number nine Igor Thiago. The striker's finishing are providing a base for the side to progress. Teammate the German international even mentioned the optimistic target of European qualification as a target, underlining the fresh confidence within the team.

10. Burnley