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The most recent batch of English games delivered plenty of intrigue, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. Ranging from clashes between coaches to individual brilliance, we examine the key discussions emerging from the matches.

1. McFarlane Holds His Own Against Guardiola

Calum McFarlane's surprise battle with the celebrated tactician recalled recollections of past David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the debutant, embarking on his first-team coaching bow, the task was overcoming Chelsea's woeful run of form when playing Manchester City. A last-gasp equaliser from the Chelsea star earned a valuable point, something former coaches had found it tough to achieve.

2. Liverpool's Failure to See Out Matches

Even with the German playmaker getting the net, Arne Slot's team ended up aggrieved after surrendering a lead slip against Marco Silva's side. The concern of being unable to manage matches when in front continues, with the team almost squandering similar leads in previous matches. Before they learn the knack of killing off matches, the quest is likely to stay a challenging affair.

3. Rice Supports The Swedish Striker to Fire

Arsenal's striker is enduring a lengthy run without scoring from live action, but his midfield colleague the England international insists the number nine is nevertheless immensely valuable. The midfielder highlighted Gyökeres' hold-up play and team-oriented contributions as integral to Arsenal's title charge. "The goals are going to come," was Rice's supportive message for his misfiring colleague.

The United Boss Requires Sesko to Find His Edge

Given Ruben Amorim's team setting up in a incredibly defensive fashion, the burden was placed on the offensive pair to produce. Whereas Matheus Cunha persisted with his excellent form, Benjamin Sesko suffered another difficult outing. The young striker has found goals elusive since his major move and missed a excellent opening to snatch the match. January provides a pressing imperative for the striker to discover his confidence.

Enzo Le Fée Leaves Spurs in a Muddle

The Sunderland manager positioned Enzo Le Fée in a more defensive role to start, before unleashing him up the pitch as the game progressed. The decision turned out to be a masterstroke, with he becoming the chief creator of his team's fightback for an leveler. Following hitting the woodwork, he supplied a sumptuous assist for the all-important goal. Having found his feet to the demands of the English game, his campaign continues to grow.

The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Opportunity to Bed In Pablo

During an woeful defeat for West Ham, manager the Portuguese coach chose not to utilize any of his available replacements. This meant January recruit the forward, who stayed on the bench even with his side's complete ineffectiveness. Nuno suggested it would have been "too harsh" to throw the fresh striker into the action. However, with goals at a shortage, the urgency to integrate the youngster quickly is abundantly obvious.

The Teenager Makes Another Big Statement

Lewis Miley turned in yet another exceptional display whilst operating in an unfamiliar role. He was impeccable in his own half, provided the first goal, and lifted the team in a untidy encounter. With specialist full-backs returning, the dilemma for manager Eddie Howe is how to include the astonishingly composed youngster in his preferred engine room role. "Future Newcastle line-ups will certainly be built on him," seems an a fair assessment.

Are the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?

Sean Dyche's first influence at Forest was admirable, but questions are now surface about the team's plan B. Their transition ability is still there, but looks less potent in the absence of certain personnel. While structured when defending deep, they have looked vulnerable when forced to open up. Giving the ball away in those situations has proven costly, a lesson they need to rectify quickly.

Igor Thiago's Scoring Form Halts Brentford's Poor Road Form

Thomas Frank's team delivered a display that masked their poor away record. Key to their impressive display was the in-form scoring of forward the Brazilian. The striker's finishing are offering a foundation for the side to build on. Teammate Kevin Schade even floated the ambitious aspiration of continental football as a potential outcome, underlining the growing confidence coursing through the team.

Scott Parker's Side