🔗 Share this article

This past batch of English action provided plenty of drama, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from battles between managers to individual brilliance, here are the major conversations emerging from the games.

The Chelsea Boss Makes a Statement Against Pep Guardiola

Calum McFarlane's surprise duel with the Manchester City boss brought back recollections of previous David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the debutant, embarking on his senior maiden game, the challenge was overcoming Chelsea's dreadful recent record versus the champions. A dramatic equaliser from Enzo Fernández snatched a hard-fought result, something former incumbents had failed to achieve.

2. Liverpool's Failure to See Out Matches

Despite the German playmaker getting the net, Liverpool ended up disappointed after surrendering a lead slip against the Cottagers. The issue of being unable to control matches when in the lead persists, with the side nearly squandering similar advantages in previous matches. Before Slot's men discover the knack of seeing out a game, the campaign will remain a difficult process.

The Arsenal Midfielder Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Fire

Viktor Gyökeres is going through a lengthy dry spell from general play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin is adamant the number nine is nonetheless hugely influential. Rice highlighted the striker's work off the ball and unselfish contributions as crucial to Arsenal's title charge. "Success are bound to follow," was the midfielder's optimistic assessment for his misfiring strike partner.

The United Boss Needs Sesko to Find His Edge

With Ruben Amorim's team setting up in a notably cautious manner, the onus fell on the attacking partnership to make the difference. Whereas Matheus Cunha persisted with his excellent performances, the summer signing endured another frustrating outing. The Slovenian has found goals hard to come by since his high-profile move and spurned a golden chance to win the game. The new year offers a clear need for him to discover his form.

5. Le Fée Leaves Tottenham in a Spin

The Sunderland manager deployed his creative talent in a more defensive role to start, before pushing him up the pitch as the match progressed. The move was a masterstroke, with the playmaker emerging as the architect of Sunderland's push for an leveler. Following hitting the post, he provided a exquisite through ball for the crucial goal. Having settled in to the intensity of the Premier League, his campaign continues to grow.

6. Nuno Misses Chance to Introduce Pablo

Amid an woeful performance for the Hammers, boss Nuno decided against use any of his named bench players. Among them was January recruit the forward, who watched on even with his side's chronic lack of threat. The manager felt it would have been "too harsh" to throw the recently-arrived recruit into the action. However, with scoring at a premium, the imperative to integrate the youngster as soon as possible is abundantly apparent.

The Teenager States Another Major Claim

Lewis Miley delivered another superb showing while playing at right-back. He was excellent in his defensive duties, provided the breakthrough, and lifted the team in a scrappy affair. With specialist full-backs back, the conundrum for manager him is whether to accommodate the astonishingly mature teenager in his natural central midfield position. "Next Newcastle teams will surely be constructed around the lad," seems an a fair prediction.

Could the New Manager Bounce Running Out at Nottingham Forest?

The manager's first effect at the club was positive, but concerns are beginning to arise about the squad's versatility. Forest's counter-attacking threat is still there, but looks diminished without key attackers. Whilst disciplined when sitting back, Forest can struggle when forced to come from behind. Giving the ball away in these moments has proven disastrous, a issue they have to address immediately.

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

The West London club produced a performance that belied their troubled away record. Central to their impressive win was the red-hot form of number nine Igor Thiago. The striker's finishing are giving a base for the team to aim higher. Winger the German international even floated the ambitious aspiration of European qualification as a target, highlighting the growing belief coursing through the team.

The Clarets