Premier League: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Action

The latest set of top-flight games provided no shortage of intrigue, shock outcomes, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from battles between coaches to individual brilliance, we examine the major points emerging from the matches.

1. McFarlane Makes a Statement Versus Guardiola

Calum McFarlane's unforeseen duel with the celebrated tactician brought back memories of earlier managerial mismatches. For the Chelsea boss, taking charge for his top-level maiden game, the challenge was overcoming the Blues' astonishingly bad recent record against Manchester City. A last-gasp equaliser from the Argentine midfielder secured a hard-fought result, something previous coaches had failed to do.

2. Liverpool's Failure to See Out Matches

Even with the German playmaker getting the net, Liverpool ended up aggrieved after surrendering a winning position slip versus the Cottagers. The issue of failing to control matches when ahead persists, with the team almost throwing away identical leads in previous outings. Until the team discover the art of killing off matches, the quest will remain a challenging one.

Declan Rice Shows Faith In Gyökeres to Start Scoring

Arsenal's striker is enduring a notable goal drought from open play, but his teammate Declan Rice insists the number nine is nonetheless immensely important. He pointed to his hold-up play and team-oriented performances as key to Mikel Arteta's side form. "The goals are going to come," was his optimistic prediction for his off-colour teammate.

The United Boss Requires Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up

With Ruben Amorim's team setting up in a notably conservative way, the responsibility was placed on the attacking pair to make the difference. While Matheus Cunha persisted with his excellent run, his strike partner suffered another forgettable outing. The Slovenian has found goals elusive since his big-money transfer and wasted a excellent chance to claim the contest. The new year provides a obvious requirement for the striker to find his form.

Enzo Le Fée Puts Tottenham in a Muddle

The Black Cats boss positioned Enzo Le Fée in a more defensive position at first, before unleashing him further forward as the game developed. The move turned out to be a masterstroke, with the playmaker emerging as the chief creator of his team's fightback for an leveler. After glancing the upright, the midfielder provided a perfect assist for the all-important finish. Having settled in to the pace of the Premier League, his campaign is on the rise.

6. Nuno Fails to Take Opportunity to Introduce Pablo

During an woeful loss for the London club, head coach Nuno chose not to introduce any of his permitted bench players. This meant January recruit the Brazilian striker, who watched on even with his team's complete lack of threat. The manager reasoned it would have been "unjust" to introduce the recently-arrived recruit into the match. But, with goals at a premium, the imperative to blood the youngster rapidly is painfully apparent.

Lewis Miley Delivers Yet Another Big Case

The teenage sensation delivered another exceptional performance while playing at right-back. He was impeccable in his own half, set up the opening goal, and raised the tone in a scrappy affair. Now that first-choice right-backs returning, the question for coach the Newcastle boss is if to include the remarkably talented teenager in his best engine room berth. "Future Toon sides will undoubtedly be constructed with the lad," seems an increasingly safe assessment.

Are the New Manager Bounce Running Out at The City Ground?

The former Burnley boss's initial impact at Nottingham Forest was positive, but questions are now surface about the side's adaptability. The team's counter-attacking ability is still there, but appears diminished in the absence of certain personnel. Whilst well-organised when protecting a lead, they can struggle when forced to open up. Cheap turnovers in such circumstances has proven punishing, a lesson they need to rectify immediately.

Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Halts Brentford's Poor Road Form

The West London club put in a showing that contradicted their troubled form on the road. Vital to their commanding victory was the prolific scoring of striker the goal-getter. The striker's goals are offering a platform for the team to progress. Teammate Kevin Schade even suggested the lofty dream of European qualification as a target, emphasizing the growing optimism coursing through the team.

10. Burnley