🔗 Share this article

The most recent round of Premier League action served up a wealth of excitement, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between coaches to individual brilliance, here are the key discussions coming out of the encounters.

Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement Versus Guardiola

The Chelsea manager's unexpected battle with the celebrated tactician recalled recollections of past managerial mismatches. For the debutant, taking charge for his top-level coaching bow, the challenge was ending the Blues' astonishingly bad sequence against the champions. A dramatic strike from the Chelsea star earned a hard-fought draw, something former incumbents had struggled to do.

The Reds' Struggle to Shut Up Shop

Even with their big-money signing scoring the net, the Merseyside club ended up disappointed after letting a advantage slip versus Fulham. The problem of failing to command encounters when in front persists, with the squad previously throwing away comparable advantages in recent matches. Before the team discover the skill of defending a lead, the season promises to be a difficult one.

The Arsenal Midfielder Backs Gyökeres to Find Form

Viktor Gyökeres is experiencing a lengthy run without scoring from live action, but his midfield colleague the England international is adamant the forward is still vitally important. He highlighted Gyökeres' work off the ball and unselfish contributions as integral to Mikel Arteta's side success. "Success are bound to arrive," was Rice's confident message for his struggling colleague.

Ruben Amorim Needs The Slovenian to Find His Edge

With the Red Devils lining up in a notably cautious way, the burden rested with the offensive pair to produce. While Matheus Cunha maintained his impressive performances, his strike partner experienced another frustrating game. The young striker has found goals elusive since his big-money switch and missed a golden chance to claim the game. January provides a clear need for the striker to discover his scoring touch.

5. Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin

The Black Cats boss deployed the French midfielder in a unfamiliar position to start, before releasing him into advanced areas as the game progressed. The move was inspired, with the playmaker becoming the architect of his team's fightback for an leveler. After hitting the woodwork, the midfielder supplied a exquisite through ball for the levelling strike. Now fully adapted to the pace of the English game, his campaign keeps improving.

The West Ham Manager Wastes Chance to Use New Signing

During an embarrassing defeat for the London club, boss Nuno opted against utilize any of his permitted replacements. This included January recruit the forward, who stayed on the bench despite his club's chronic lack of threat. The manager felt it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the fresh striker into the action. But, with goals at a premium, the imperative to integrate the youngster rapidly is abundantly apparent.

The Teenager Delivers Another Major Case

The teenage sensation produced yet another superb showing whilst filling in out of position. He was excellent in his defensive duties, set up the opening goal, and lifted the team in a untidy match. Now that specialist defenders available, the question for boss him is how to include the astonishingly composed youngster in his best midfield position. "Next Toon teams will undoubtedly be built around him," seems an increasingly safe assessment.

Are the Sean Dyche Impact Running Out at The City Ground?

The manager's first influence at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but questions are beginning to surface about the side's versatility. Their counter-attacking threat exists, but appears reduced without certain personnel. Although disciplined when sitting back, they can struggle when forced to open up. Giving the ball away in these situations has proven costly, a lesson they need to address rapidly.

Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Ends Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues

Brentford delivered a performance that belied their troubled form on the road. Key to their commanding display was the prolific form of forward Igor Thiago. The striker's goals are offering a platform for the team to progress. Attacker he even suggested the optimistic dream of a top-seven finish as a possibility, highlighting the renewed optimism within the camp.

10. Burnley