Premier League: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Action

This past set of top-flight fixtures delivered no shortage of intrigue, shock outcomes, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from clashes between bosses to star performances, here are the key conversations stemming from the matches.

1. McFarlane Holds His Own When Facing A Master Tactician

Calum McFarlane's unforeseen duel with Pep Guardiola recalled recollections of previous unequal sideline contests. For the Chelsea boss, taking charge for his first-team coaching bow, the mission was overcoming Chelsea's woeful recent record against Manchester City. An injury-time strike from the Argentine midfielder snatched a valuable result, an achievement previous coaches had found it tough to accomplish.

2. Liverpool's Failure to See Out Matches

Despite the German playmaker finding the net, Arne Slot's team ended up aggrieved after allowing a lead slip away versus Fulham. The concern of being unable to command encounters when ahead remains, with the team previously squandering identical leads in recent matches. Until Slot's men discover the skill of killing off matches, the quest promises to be a challenging affair.

3. Rice Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring

Arsenal's striker is experiencing a lengthy run without scoring from live action, but his teammate Declan Rice insists the player is nonetheless hugely influential. Rice praised his hold-up play and unselfish performances as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Success are sure to come," was his supportive message for his off-colour colleague.

Ruben Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Improve

With Manchester United setting up in a particularly conservative fashion, the onus rested with the attacking duo to deliver. While the Brazilian continued his impressive performances, the summer signing endured another difficult game. He has hit the net elusive since his high-profile switch and missed a late opportunity to snatch the game. January offers a clear requirement for the striker to regain his scoring touch.

The Sunderland Star Leaves Spurs in a Muddle

The Black Cats boss used the French midfielder in a deeper position initially, before pushing him further forward as the contest developed. The switch turned out to be inspired, with he becoming the chief creator of his team's fightback for an equaliser. After directing the woodwork, the midfielder provided a exquisite assist for the levelling goal. Having fully adapted to the demands of the English game, his campaign continues to grow.

The West Ham Manager Misses Chance to Use Pablo Felipe

During an embarrassing loss for West Ham, boss Nuno Espírito Santo decided not to introduce any of his named bench players. Among them was new signing the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench even with his side's chronic failure to score. Nuno reasoned it would have been "unfair" to send the recently-arrived player into the action. Yet, with scoring at a shortage, the need to blood the new boy rapidly is abundantly clear.

Lewis Miley Makes Yet Another Huge Claim

Lewis Miley turned in yet another outstanding display whilst playing in an unfamiliar role. He was impeccable in his defensive duties, provided the first goal, and lifted the team in a scrappy match. Now that established right-backs back, the dilemma for coach the Newcastle boss is whether to fit the remarkably composed player in his best engine room berth. "Future Toon sides will undoubtedly be constructed on the lad," seems an increasingly fair assessment.

Could the Sean Dyche Impact Wearing Thin at The City Ground?

Sean Dyche's first influence at Forest was notable, but concerns are starting to surface about the team's versatility. Forest's breakaway ability exists, but appears less potent without key players. While well-organised when defending deep, Forest have been exposed when required to open up. Cheap turnovers in these moments has been costly, a problem they have to solve quickly.

The Striker's Hot Streak Ends The Bees' Away-Day Blues

Brentford put in a showing that masked their troubled travel sickness. Vital to their dominant display was the prolific form of striker Igor Thiago. The striker's finishing are offering a platform for the team to aim higher. Attacker Kevin Schade even mentioned the ambitious aspiration of European qualification as a target, underlining the growing optimism coursing through the squad.

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