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The latest set of top-flight games provided a wealth of drama, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between bosses to individual brilliance, we examine the primary conversations stemming from the games.

1. McFarlane Holds His Own Versus A Master Tactician

The young coach's surprise confrontation with the Manchester City boss brought back recollections of previous managerial mismatches. In the case of McFarlane, taking charge for his top-level coaching bow, the challenge was ending the Blues' astonishingly bad run of form versus Guardiola's side. An injury-time goal from the Chelsea star secured a crucial result, a feat previous coaches had found it tough to accomplish.

Arne Slot's Struggle to Close Games Out

Despite Florian Wirtz finding the net, the Merseyside club finished frustrated after surrendering a lead evaporate versus the Cottagers. The concern of failing to manage matches when ahead remains, with the side previously letting slip identical advantages in recent matches. Before the team learn the knack of defending a lead, the season promises to be a difficult affair.

3. Rice Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Fire

The Swedish forward is going through a significant dry spell from general play, but his fellow star Declan Rice has stressed the forward is nevertheless hugely valuable. Rice pointed to his hold-up play and unselfish efforts as crucial to the league leaders success. "The goals are going to arrive," was the midfielder's supportive prediction for his misfiring colleague.

4. Amorim Needs The Slovenian to Sharpen Up

Given Manchester United lining up in a particularly conservative fashion, the responsibility rested with the attacking partnership to make the difference. Whereas one forward maintained his impressive performances, his strike partner suffered another frustrating game. He has hit the net scarce since his big-money transfer and spurned a excellent opportunity to claim the contest. The new year presents a obvious imperative for him to discover his confidence.

The Sunderland Star Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle

The Black Cats boss used the French midfielder in a more defensive role initially, before pushing him into advanced areas as the contest developed. The decision proved a masterstroke, with he becoming the chief creator of the visitor's comeback for an equaliser. After hitting the upright, Le Fée delivered a perfect pass for the levelling finish. Now settled in to the demands of the top flight, his impact keeps improving.

6. Nuno Wastes Chance to Use New Signing

Amid an woeful defeat for the London club, manager Nuno decided against use any of his named bench players. This meant recent acquisition Pablo Felipe, who watched on despite his side's utter failure to score. He felt it would have been "too harsh" to send the recently-arrived recruit into the action. Yet, with firepower at a shortage, the need to integrate the 22-year-old quickly is painfully apparent.

The Teenager Delivers A Further Huge Case

The teenage sensation delivered another exceptional showing whilst playing in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was flawless in his own half, created the breakthrough, and set the standard in a untidy encounter. With first-choice full-backs returning, the dilemma for coach the Newcastle boss is if to fit the remarkably composed teenager in his best midfield role. "Next Newcastle teams will surely be designed around the lad," seems an ever more fair prediction.

Could the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?

Sean Dyche's first influence at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but questions are beginning to arise about the team's plan B. Forest's breakaway threat remains, but looks less potent without previous players. Whilst disciplined when protecting a lead, they have been exposed when forced to chase a game. Losing possession in those situations has proven punishing, a lesson they have to rectify quickly.

Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Poor Road Form

Thomas Frank's team put in a display that belied their dismal form on the road. Key to their commanding win was the prolific streak of number nine Igor Thiago. His finishing are giving a platform for the squad to progress. Teammate the German international even floated the ambitious dream of European qualification as a possibility, emphasizing the renewed confidence within the camp.

The Clarets