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The latest batch of English games delivered a wealth of excitement, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between managers to individual brilliance, here are the major discussions emerging from the games.

The Chelsea Boss Makes a Statement Against Guardiola

The Chelsea manager's unforeseen confrontation with Pep Guardiola brought back thoughts of earlier managerial mismatches. In the case of McFarlane, embarking on his senior management debut, the mission was halting the Blues' woeful recent record against Guardiola's side. A dramatic goal from Enzo Fernández snatched a valuable draw, something past coaches had failed to achieve.

2. Liverpool's Failure to See Out Matches

Despite the German playmaker finding the net, Arne Slot's team finished aggrieved after letting a lead evaporate against the Cottagers. The concern of not managing to command matches when in the lead remains, with the team nearly squandering similar leads in recent weeks. Until Slot's men discover the knack of killing off matches, the quest is likely to stay a frustrating affair.

The Arsenal Midfielder Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring

Arsenal's striker is going through a lengthy run without scoring from general play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin insists the number nine is nevertheless immensely important. He praised his hold-up play and unselfish efforts as integral to Mikel Arteta's side success. "Good things are sure to follow," was his confident prediction for his struggling colleague.

The United Boss Needs Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up

With the Red Devils lining up in a particularly cautious way, the responsibility was placed on the offensive duo to make the difference. Whereas the Brazilian maintained his excellent performances, his strike partner suffered another difficult game. The young striker has scored elusive since his high-profile move and missed a excellent opening to snatch the match. January presents a pressing need for Sesko to find his confidence.

5. Le Fée Puts Tottenham in a State of Confusion

The Sunderland manager deployed the French midfielder in a unfamiliar position to start, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the match wore on. The decision turned out to be masterful, with Le Fée becoming the chief creator of the visitor's comeback for an equalizing goal. Following hitting the upright, Le Fée delivered a perfect assist for the all-important goal. Now fully adapted to the demands of the top flight, his campaign continues to grow.

The West Ham Manager Wastes Opportunity to Bed In New Signing

In a woeful defeat for the London club, boss Nuno Espírito Santo chose not to use any of his named replacements. Among them was new signing the forward, who watched on even with his side's utter lack of threat. He reasoned it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the new player into the fray. However, with goals at a dearth, the urgency to integrate the 22-year-old quickly is painfully obvious.

Lewis Miley States Yet Another Huge Statement

The 19-year-old delivered a further outstanding display while playing in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was impeccable in defence, created the first goal, and set the standard in a stop-start affair. With first-choice right-backs available, the dilemma for boss the Newcastle boss is whether to include the astonishingly mature teenager in his natural engine room berth. "Next Toon teams will undoubtedly be designed on him," seems an ever more accurate prediction.

8. Is the Sean Dyche Impact Fading at Nottingham Forest?

The manager's initial impact at Nottingham Forest was positive, but doubts are now surface about the side's versatility. The team's breakaway ability exists, but appears reduced in the absence of previous players. While structured when sitting back, Forest have been exposed when required to chase a game. Losing possession in these moments has shown punishing, a lesson they need to rectify quickly.

Igor Thiago's Scoring Form Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Travel Woes

The West London club produced a performance that masked their troubled travel sickness. Vital to their impressive win was the prolific streak of forward the goal-getter. The striker's goals are providing a platform for the squad to build on. Attacker the German international even mentioned the lofty dream of European qualification as a possibility, highlighting the renewed optimism coursing through the camp.

Scott Parker's Side