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The latest batch of English action provided plenty of intrigue, unexpected scores, and compelling narratives. From duels between managers to individual brilliance, here are the major discussions emerging from the matches.

Calum McFarlane Stands Firm Against Pep Guardiola

The Chelsea manager's unexpected duel with the celebrated tactician brought back recollections of past unequal sideline contests. In the case of the debutant, taking charge for his first-team management debut, the task was halting his side's astonishingly bad recent record against the champions. A dramatic strike from the Chelsea star earned a crucial point, an achievement previous managers had failed to accomplish.

2. Liverpool's Struggle to Shut Up Shop

Even with their big-money signing finding the net, Liverpool were left frustrated after allowing a winning position slip away at Marco Silva's side. The issue of failing to manage games when in front remains, with the side nearly squandering similar leads in recent matches. Before the team discover the skill of defending a lead, the campaign will remain a frustrating one.

The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In Gyökeres to Start Scoring

The Swedish forward is experiencing a significant run without scoring from general play, but his teammate the England international has stressed the number nine is still vitally important. He highlighted his pressing and team-oriented performances as integral to Arsenal's form. "Good things are bound to follow," was his confident assessment for his struggling strike partner.

The United Boss Requires Sesko to Sharpen Up

With Manchester United setting up in a particularly conservative manner, the responsibility fell on the attacking partnership to make the difference. While the Brazilian persisted with his fine run, Benjamin Sesko suffered another difficult afternoon. The young striker has hit the net scarce since his major switch and spurned a excellent opportunity to win the match. The new year offers a clear requirement for him to find his form.

Enzo Le Fée Leaves Tottenham in a Spin

The Sunderland manager deployed Enzo Le Fée in a unfamiliar role to start, before releasing him further forward as the match wore on. The decision proved masterful, with Le Fée turning into the main instigator of Sunderland's comeback for an leveler. Following glancing the post, the midfielder delivered a sumptuous pass for the crucial goal. Now settled in to the pace of the English game, his influence keeps improving.

Nuno Espírito Santo Wastes Opportunity to Use Pablo Felipe

In a dismal performance for West Ham, manager Nuno decided against introduce any of his available bench players. This meant January recruit Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench even with his team's utter failure to score. He reasoned it would have been "unjust" to send the fresh recruit into the fray. But, with firepower at a premium, the urgency to assimilate the 22-year-old rapidly is glaringly clear.

The Teenager States Another Big Statement

The teenage sensation produced another outstanding performance while filling in at right-back. The youngster was impeccable in his own half, provided the first goal, and raised the tone in a untidy affair. With specialist right-backs back, the question for coach him is if to fit the incredibly talented youngster in his best midfield position. "Coming Toon line-ups will surely be built with him," seems an increasingly safe statement.

8. Is the Dyche Effect Fading at The City Ground?

Sean Dyche's first effect at the club was notable, but doubts are now arise about the team's plan B. The team's breakaway prowess is still there, but looks diminished in the absence of key players. Although disciplined when sitting back, Forest have looked vulnerable when forced to chase a game. Giving the ball away in these circumstances has proven punishing, a problem they have to rectify immediately.

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

Thomas Frank's team delivered a display that masked their troubled travel sickness. Central to their dominant win was the in-form streak of forward Igor Thiago. His finishing are providing a foundation for the team to aim higher. Teammate he even suggested the optimistic target of continental football as a possibility, underlining the renewed optimism within the squad.

Scott Parker's Side