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The latest round of Premier League games provided plenty of drama, shock outcomes, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from battles between bosses to star performances, we examine the major conversations stemming from the encounters.

1. McFarlane Makes a Statement When Facing Guardiola

The young coach's surprise battle with the celebrated tactician recalled memories of previous unequal sideline contests. In the case of McFarlane, making his top-level coaching bow, the challenge was halting his side's woeful run of form against Guardiola's side. A dramatic strike from the Chelsea star snatched a crucial point, an achievement previous managers had struggled to achieve.

Arne Slot's Inability to Shut Up Shop

Even with Florian Wirtz scoring the net, the Merseyside club finished disappointed after letting a lead slip away versus Fulham. The concern of failing to control games when in the lead persists, with the team almost letting slip comparable leads in recent outings. Before they master the skill of defending a lead, the quest promises to be a difficult process.

Declan Rice Supports Gyökeres to Start Scoring

The Swedish forward is experiencing a lengthy goal drought from general play, but his teammate Declan Rice insists the forward is still hugely valuable. Rice highlighted Gyökeres' hold-up play and selfless contributions as key to Mikel Arteta's side title charge. "The goals are going to arrive," was the midfielder's confident prediction for his struggling teammate.

The United Boss Requires The Slovenian to Sharpen Up

Given Ruben Amorim's team setting up in a particularly cautious manner, the responsibility was placed on the offensive partnership to produce. Whereas the Brazilian maintained his impressive form, his strike partner suffered another difficult game. He has hit the net hard to come by since his major switch and wasted a golden chance to snatch the contest. January provides a pressing imperative for the striker to discover his form.

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

The Black Cats boss deployed Enzo Le Fée in a more defensive position at first, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the contest wore on. The move was masterful, with the playmaker emerging as the main instigator of the visitor's push for an leveler. After glancing the upright, he provided a perfect through ball for the levelling goal. Now found his feet to the intensity of the English game, his impact continues to grow.

Nuno Espírito Santo Fails to Take Opportunity to Bed In New Signing

Amid an embarrassing performance for West Ham, boss Nuno Espírito Santo decided not to use any of his permitted substitutes. This included January recruit the forward, who remained unused even with his team's utter ineffectiveness. The manager suggested it would have been "unfair" to send the recently-arrived striker into the fray. But, with firepower at a shortage, the urgency to integrate the youngster quickly is abundantly apparent.

7. Miley Makes A Further Huge Statement

The 19-year-old produced a further superb showing while playing out of position. He was impeccable in defence, set up the opening goal, and set the standard in a scrappy affair. Now that first-choice right-backs back, the question for manager him is whether to fit the remarkably composed player in his natural engine room position. "Future Newcastle teams will certainly be constructed on Miley," seems an ever more accurate assessment.

Could the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?

The former Burnley boss's first effect at Nottingham Forest was positive, but doubts are starting to emerge about the side's plan B. Their breakaway ability remains, but looks reduced without previous players. While structured when sitting back, Forest can struggle when required to come from behind. Cheap turnovers in these moments has been disastrous, a lesson they must rectify quickly.

Igor Thiago's Hot Streak Halts Brentford's Poor Road Form

Brentford put in a display that belied their dismal form on the road. Key to their impressive display was the in-form scoring of number nine Igor Thiago. The striker's finishing are giving a platform for the side to aim higher. Attacker he even mentioned the lofty aspiration of European qualification as a possibility, underlining the growing optimism in the camp.

10. Burnley