🔗 Share this article

The most recent round of Premier League action provided a wealth of intrigue, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. Ranging from clashes between bosses to star performances, let's delve into the major discussions coming out of the games.

The Chelsea Boss Holds His Own Against Guardiola

Calum McFarlane's surprise battle with Pep Guardiola brought back recollections of previous David vs Goliath coaching battles. For the Chelsea boss, making his senior maiden game, the task was ending Chelsea's dreadful run of form when playing Guardiola's side. A last-gasp equaliser from the Argentine midfielder snatched a valuable result, something previous incumbents had struggled to do.

2. Liverpool's Struggle to See Out Matches

Even with the German playmaker getting the net, Liverpool were left aggrieved after surrendering a winning position evaporate versus Marco Silva's side. The concern of failing to manage games when in front remains, with the side nearly throwing away comparable margins in earlier outings. Before the team learn the art of killing off matches, the quest will remain a challenging one.

Declan Rice Backs Gyökeres to Start Scoring

The Swedish forward is experiencing a lengthy dry spell from live action, but his fellow star the Gunners lynchpin insists the number nine is nevertheless immensely important. Rice pointed to Gyökeres' pressing and team-oriented performances as key to Arsenal's success. "Good things are going to arrive," was his confident prediction for his off-colour strike partner.

4. Amorim Needs The Slovenian to Improve

With the Red Devils setting up in a incredibly conservative way, the onus rested with the forward duo to deliver. While one forward maintained his impressive performances, Benjamin Sesko suffered another forgettable afternoon. The young striker has found goals elusive since his major switch and wasted a golden opportunity to snatch the match. January provides a pressing imperative for him to discover his scoring touch.

5. Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a State of Confusion

The Sunderland manager used Enzo Le Fée in a deeper role initially, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the game developed. The move turned out to be a masterstroke, with he becoming the main instigator of Sunderland's push for an equaliser. After hitting the woodwork, the midfielder supplied a exquisite pass for the crucial strike. Having fully adapted to the intensity of the Premier League, his influence is on the rise.

The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Chance to Introduce New Signing

During an embarrassing performance for West Ham, head coach the Portuguese coach chose against introduce any of his permitted substitutes. This meant recent acquisition Pablo Felipe, who remained unused even with his team's utter ineffectiveness. He suggested it would have been "unfair" to introduce the fresh striker into the action. But, with firepower at a dearth, the urgency to assimilate the 22-year-old as soon as possible is glaringly apparent.

Lewis Miley Delivers A Further Big Statement

Lewis Miley delivered a further outstanding display whilst playing out of position. The youngster was impeccable in defence, set up the opening goal, and raised the tone in a untidy affair. Now that specialist full-backs available, the conundrum for boss Eddie Howe is how to accommodate the astonishingly composed player in his best engine room position. "Next Magpies line-ups will surely be constructed around the lad," seems an increasingly accurate assessment.

Are the New Manager Bounce Running Out at Nottingham Forest?

Sean Dyche's initial influence at Forest was positive, but concerns are beginning to surface about the squad's versatility. Their breakaway ability is still there, but looks diminished without key attackers. Whilst well-organised when defending deep, Dyche's men can struggle when needing to come from behind. Cheap turnovers in these circumstances has shown disastrous, a lesson they must solve rapidly.

The Striker's Scoring Form Ends The Bees' Away-Day Blues

Brentford produced a showing that masked their dismal travel sickness. Central to their dominant victory was the red-hot streak of number nine Igor Thiago. Thiago's presence are providing a foundation for the side to build on. Winger the German international even floated the optimistic target of a top-seven finish as a potential outcome, underlining the renewed belief within the team.

The Clarets