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This past round of Premier League action provided a wealth of excitement, unexpected scores, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from battles between managers to personal masterclasses, let's delve into the major points stemming from the matches.

Calum McFarlane Stands Firm Against Pep Guardiola

The young coach's surprise duel with Pep Guardiola recalled memories of past unequal sideline contests. In the case of the debutant, taking charge for his senior coaching bow, the task was halting the Blues' dreadful sequence when playing Manchester City. A last-gasp goal from the Argentine midfielder earned a valuable point, a feat former managers had found it tough to achieve.

2. Liverpool's Failure to Shut Up Shop

Despite their big-money signing finding the net, Liverpool finished frustrated after allowing a lead slip away against Fulham. The concern of not managing to control matches when in front persists, with the team nearly squandering similar leads in previous matches. Until they discover the knack of killing off matches, the campaign will remain a frustrating one.

Declan Rice Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring

Arsenal's striker is enduring a notable dry spell from live action, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin is adamant the number nine is nonetheless hugely important. The midfielder highlighted his hold-up play and unselfish performances as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side success. "Success are bound to follow," was his optimistic message for his misfiring teammate.

The United Boss Requires Benjamin Sesko to Improve

With Manchester United lining up in a particularly conservative way, the burden fell on the attacking partnership to deliver. While the Brazilian persisted with his fine performances, the summer signing suffered another frustrating game. He has hit the net elusive since his big-money move and wasted a golden opportunity to win the contest. The new year offers a obvious imperative for Sesko to find his scoring touch.

5. Le Fée Puts Spurs in a Muddle

The Black Cats boss deployed his creative talent in a unfamiliar position at first, before unleashing him up the pitch as the match wore on. The decision was masterful, with Le Fée turning into the main instigator of his team's comeback for an equalizing goal. After directing the woodwork, he delivered a exquisite through ball for the crucial goal. Now settled in to the pace of the top flight, his influence continues to grow.

Nuno Espírito Santo Wastes Chance to Use Pablo Felipe

In a dismal loss for the London club, manager Nuno Espírito Santo chose against introduce any of his permitted bench players. This meant recent acquisition Pablo Felipe, who remained unused despite his team's complete lack of threat. The manager reasoned it would have been "too harsh" to throw the fresh player into the match. Yet, with goals at a shortage, the imperative to assimilate the youngster quickly is painfully apparent.

7. Miley States A Further Huge Claim

Lewis Miley turned in another exceptional showing while playing at right-back. He was impeccable in his own half, set up the opening goal, and set the standard in a stop-start match. With specialist right-backs available, the dilemma for manager Eddie Howe is whether to accommodate the remarkably talented youngster in his natural central midfield role. "Coming Toon teams will surely be designed with him," seems an a safe assessment.

Are the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at The City Ground?

The former Burnley boss's early influence at Forest was notable, but concerns are beginning to emerge about the squad's versatility. Forest's breakaway ability exists, but looks diminished in the absence of previous personnel. Whilst well-organised when defending deep, Forest have looked vulnerable when required to come from behind. Giving the ball away in such circumstances has been disastrous, a lesson they have to rectify quickly.

9. Thiago's Hot Streak Ends Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues

Brentford put in a performance that contradicted their poor form on the road. Central to their commanding victory was the in-form scoring of striker the Brazilian. His goals are giving a platform for the side to build on. Teammate Kevin Schade even floated the optimistic aspiration of European qualification as a potential outcome, highlighting the growing optimism within the camp.

10. Burnley