🔗 Share this article

This past set of top-flight games delivered no shortage of excitement, surprise results, and compelling narratives. From clashes between managers to individual brilliance, we examine the major conversations stemming from the games.

1. McFarlane Makes a Statement When Facing A Master Tactician

The Chelsea manager's unforeseen confrontation with the Manchester City boss evoked thoughts of past David vs Goliath coaching battles. For the Chelsea boss, embarking on his first-team management debut, the task was overcoming the Blues' dreadful run of form when playing the champions. An injury-time equaliser from the Chelsea star snatched a valuable draw, something previous coaches had found it tough to achieve.

Arne Slot's Struggle to Shut Up Shop

Despite the German playmaker finding the net, Arne Slot's team ended up disappointed after surrendering a winning position slip away against Marco Silva's side. The concern of failing to manage matches when in front continues, with the side almost throwing away comparable leads in previous outings. Until Slot's men learn the art of killing off matches, the season is likely to stay a challenging process.

3. Rice Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form

Viktor Gyökeres is enduring a lengthy run without scoring from open play, but his midfield colleague Declan Rice is adamant the player is nevertheless hugely valuable. The midfielder pointed to the striker's work off the ball and unselfish performances as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Success are going to come," was his optimistic assessment for his off-colour colleague.

Ruben Amorim Needs The Slovenian to Improve

Given Manchester United setting up in a particularly defensive way, the onus fell on the attacking partnership to deliver. While Matheus Cunha persisted with his impressive performances, his strike partner endured another difficult game. He has scored scarce since his big-money move and wasted a excellent chance to claim the game. January offers a clear need for Sesko to regain his confidence.

5. Le Fée Puts Tottenham in a State of Confusion

The Black Cats boss positioned the French midfielder in a deeper role at first, before pushing him further forward as the game progressed. The move turned out to be inspired, with he turning into the architect of his team's fightback for an leveler. Following glancing the post, he provided a sumptuous through ball for the crucial goal. Now fully adapted to the pace of the English game, his campaign continues to grow.

6. Nuno Misses Chance to Introduce Pablo

Amid an dismal loss for West Ham, head coach the Portuguese coach decided against introduce any of his named substitutes. This included January recruit Pablo Felipe, who remained unused despite his club's utter lack of threat. Nuno reasoned it would have been "unjust" to throw the recently-arrived player into the match. However, with scoring at a premium, the need to integrate the 22-year-old rapidly is abundantly obvious.

The Teenager Makes A Further Big Claim

Lewis Miley turned in another superb showing while operating in an unfamiliar role. The midfielder was flawless in his defensive duties, set up the first goal, and lifted the team in a stop-start encounter. With established right-backs available, the question for manager Eddie Howe is how to fit the incredibly mature teenager in his natural midfield position. "Coming Newcastle sides will surely be built around him," seems an ever more fair statement.

Are the Sean Dyche Impact Fading at The City Ground?

The manager's first impact at Forest was positive, but concerns are starting to surface about the squad's versatility. Their counter-attacking ability exists, but appears reduced in the absence of previous attackers. While disciplined when protecting a lead, they can struggle when required to come from behind. Losing possession in those situations has shown punishing, a problem they must rectify quickly.

The Striker's Goal Rush Halts Brentford's Away-Day Blues

Thomas Frank's team put in a showing that belied their troubled travel sickness. Key to their impressive display was the red-hot streak of striker Igor Thiago. His goals are providing a foundation for the side to aim higher. Teammate the German international even floated the lofty aspiration of a top-seven finish as a possibility, highlighting the fresh optimism within the team.

The Clarets