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This past round of Premier League action served up no shortage of intrigue, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between bosses to individual brilliance, let's delve into the major points stemming from the games.

1. McFarlane Stands Firm When Facing Guardiola

Calum McFarlane's unforeseen battle with the Manchester City boss evoked thoughts of past managerial mismatches. For the Chelsea boss, taking charge for his senior coaching bow, the task was halting the Blues' woeful run of form versus Guardiola's side. A last-gasp equaliser from Enzo Fernández secured a valuable result, something former coaches had struggled to achieve.

2. Liverpool's Failure to Close Games Out

Despite the German playmaker getting the net, Liverpool ended up disappointed after letting a winning position slip away against Fulham. The concern of failing to command games when in the lead remains, with the side previously throwing away identical advantages in earlier outings. Until the team master the skill of killing off matches, the quest promises to be a challenging process.

Declan Rice Supports The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring

The Swedish forward is enduring a notable dry spell from live action, but his midfield colleague the England international has stressed the forward is nonetheless vitally valuable. The midfielder pointed to his pressing and selfless efforts as crucial to the league leaders form. "Good things are sure to come," was his confident message for his struggling strike partner.

4. Amorim Requires Benjamin Sesko to Improve

With Manchester United lining up in a particularly defensive way, the burden was placed on the forward partnership to make the difference. Whereas one forward persisted with his excellent run, Benjamin Sesko endured another difficult game. The Slovenian has hit the net elusive since his high-profile move and wasted a late opportunity to win the game. The coming months presents a pressing need for Sesko to discover his scoring touch.

Enzo Le Fée Puts Spurs in a Spin

The Black Cats boss positioned the French midfielder in a deeper role at first, before releasing him further forward as the contest wore on. The decision was inspired, with Le Fée becoming the chief creator of his team's push for an equalizing goal. After glancing the woodwork, the midfielder delivered a exquisite pass for the all-important finish. Having settled in to the demands of the top flight, his influence is on the rise.

The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Opportunity to Use Pablo

Amid an woeful defeat for the London club, head coach the Portuguese coach decided against introduce any of his named bench players. This meant January recruit the Brazilian striker, who watched on even with his team's utter failure to score. The manager suggested it would have been "unjust" to throw the fresh striker into the fray. However, with goals at a premium, the need to assimilate the 22-year-old as soon as possible is abundantly obvious.

7. Miley Delivers Yet Another Huge Claim

Lewis Miley delivered yet another exceptional performance whilst playing out of position. The youngster was flawless in his own half, provided the first goal, and set the standard in a stop-start affair. Now that first-choice right-backs returning, the conundrum for boss the Newcastle boss is how to include the incredibly talented player in his best midfield role. "Next Toon teams will undoubtedly be constructed with Miley," seems an ever more safe prediction.

Are the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at The City Ground?

The manager's initial effect at the club was notable, but doubts are starting to arise about the team's plan B. Forest's breakaway ability remains, but looks less potent without previous players. Whilst disciplined when sitting back, Dyche's men have looked vulnerable when needing to come from behind. Giving the ball away in such circumstances has proven disastrous, a problem they need to rectify rapidly.

The Striker's Goal Rush Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Poor Road Form

Brentford put in a showing that belied their troubled form on the road. Vital to their dominant display was the red-hot form of forward the goal-getter. The striker's goals are providing a platform for the team to aim higher. Teammate the German international even floated the lofty target of a top-seven finish as a potential outcome, emphasizing the growing belief within the camp.

The Clarets