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The latest round of Premier League fixtures delivered a wealth of excitement, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. From duels between managers to star performances, here are the primary discussions stemming from the games.

1. McFarlane Holds His Own Against Pep Guardiola

Calum McFarlane's surprise duel with the celebrated tactician evoked thoughts of past David vs Goliath coaching battles. For McFarlane, making his senior management debut, the mission was overcoming the Blues' woeful run of form when playing the champions. An injury-time strike from Enzo Fernández earned a hard-fought result, a feat past coaches had found it tough to achieve.

2. Liverpool's Struggle to Shut Up Shop

Even with Florian Wirtz getting the net, Liverpool were left aggrieved after surrendering a lead slip at Fulham. The concern of being unable to command encounters when in the lead remains, with the squad nearly throwing away similar margins in earlier matches. Before they learn the knack of killing off matches, the campaign is likely to stay a challenging process.

The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In Gyökeres to Fire

Viktor Gyökeres is going through a lengthy goal drought from live action, but his teammate the England international is adamant the number nine is still hugely influential. The midfielder praised Gyökeres' work off the ball and unselfish contributions as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side title charge. "The goals are going to come," was his supportive prediction for his struggling teammate.

Ruben Amorim Requires Sesko to Find His Edge

Given the Red Devils lining up in a particularly cautious fashion, the burden fell on the offensive duo to make the difference. Whereas one forward persisted with his excellent run, the summer signing suffered another frustrating afternoon. He has hit the net hard to come by since his big-money transfer and wasted a late opening to snatch the contest. The new year provides a clear imperative for him to regain his confidence.

The Sunderland Star Leaves Tottenham in a State of Confusion

The Sunderland manager used his creative talent in a more defensive role at first, before pushing him further forward as the match wore on. The move turned out to be a masterstroke, with the playmaker emerging as the main instigator of Sunderland's comeback for an equalizing goal. After hitting the post, the midfielder supplied a sumptuous through ball for the crucial finish. Having settled in to the intensity of the top flight, his campaign continues to grow.

Nuno Espírito Santo Misses Opportunity to Introduce New Signing

During an dismal performance for West Ham, boss Nuno chose not to utilize any of his available replacements. This meant January recruit the Brazilian striker, who watched on even with his club's chronic lack of threat. The manager suggested it would have been "unfair" to throw the fresh recruit into the action. But, with goals at a shortage, the need to assimilate the new boy quickly is painfully obvious.

7. Miley Delivers Another Major Claim

The teenage sensation turned in another outstanding performance while operating at right-back. The youngster was impeccable in defence, provided the breakthrough, and set the standard in a untidy match. With established full-backs available, the conundrum for manager the Newcastle boss is how to accommodate the remarkably talented player in his natural central midfield berth. "Next Toon sides will certainly be designed around the lad," seems an ever more fair statement.

8. Is the Sean Dyche Impact Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?

The former Burnley boss's first impact at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but concerns are starting to arise about the team's adaptability. The team's transition threat is still there, but looks diminished without previous personnel. Whilst well-organised when defending deep, Forest have looked vulnerable when required to chase a game. Cheap turnovers in these situations has been disastrous, a problem they have to address immediately.

9. Thiago's Scoring Form Ends Thomas Frank's Side's Travel Woes

The West London club produced a performance that contradicted their troubled travel sickness. Central to their commanding victory was the prolific form of striker the Brazilian. The striker's goals are offering a base for the side to aim higher. Winger he even mentioned the ambitious aspiration of European qualification as a potential outcome, underlining the renewed confidence within the camp.

The Clarets