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The most recent round of Premier League games provided no shortage of drama, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between coaches to star performances, here are the primary points stemming from the games.

1. McFarlane Stands Firm When Facing A Master Tactician

The young coach's unexpected confrontation with the celebrated tactician recalled memories of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the debutant, making his senior management debut, the challenge was halting Chelsea's dreadful sequence against Guardiola's side. A last-gasp equaliser from Enzo Fernández secured a crucial point, something former incumbents had struggled to accomplish.

The Reds' Struggle to See Out Matches

Even with the German playmaker finding the net, the Merseyside club were left frustrated after surrendering a winning position slip against Marco Silva's side. The issue of failing to manage matches when in front remains, with the team almost letting slip identical leads in previous outings. Before Slot's men discover the art of defending a lead, the campaign is likely to stay a difficult process.

3. Rice Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Fire

Viktor Gyökeres is going through a notable run without scoring from open play, but his teammate the Gunners lynchpin is adamant the forward is nevertheless hugely influential. Rice pointed to his hold-up play and team-oriented contributions as crucial to Arsenal's success. "Success are bound to arrive," was the midfielder's confident message for his off-colour colleague.

Ruben Amorim Requires The Slovenian to Sharpen Up

With Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a notably conservative fashion, the onus was placed on the forward duo to make the difference. While the Brazilian maintained his fine form, his strike partner experienced another forgettable afternoon. He has hit the net scarce since his major move and spurned a late opportunity to snatch the contest. The new year offers a pressing need for him to regain his confidence.

Enzo Le Fée Leaves Spurs in a Muddle

The Black Cats boss deployed Enzo Le Fée in a more defensive position at first, before pushing him further forward as the contest developed. The switch was masterful, with Le Fée becoming the chief creator of Sunderland's comeback for an equaliser. After directing the woodwork, he supplied a perfect through ball for the crucial goal. Having fully adapted to the pace of the top flight, his influence continues to grow.

Nuno Espírito Santo Misses Chance to Introduce Pablo Felipe

Amid an woeful defeat for the Hammers, head coach the Portuguese coach decided not to use any of his available substitutes. This included new signing Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench even with his side's chronic failure to score. Nuno reasoned it would have been "unfair" to introduce the fresh striker into the action. Yet, with goals at a dearth, the need to blood the youngster rapidly is painfully apparent.

The Teenager Makes Another Huge Statement

The 19-year-old turned in another exceptional performance whilst filling in in an unfamiliar role. The midfielder was impeccable in defence, created the first goal, and raised the tone in a scrappy encounter. Now that established right-backs available, the conundrum for coach the Newcastle boss is if to accommodate the incredibly talented player in his preferred engine room berth. "Next Newcastle sides will certainly be constructed on the lad," seems an a fair statement.

Could the New Manager Bounce Running Out at Nottingham Forest?

The former Burnley boss's first effect at the club was admirable, but questions are starting to arise about the squad's adaptability. The team's breakaway threat remains, but seems reduced without certain attackers. Whilst structured when sitting back, Dyche's men have been exposed when required to chase a game. Giving the ball away in those moments has proven costly, a problem they must address immediately.

The Striker's Scoring Form Ends The Bees' Travel Woes

The West London club produced a display that masked their troubled form on the road. Central to their impressive display was the in-form streak of forward the goal-getter. His finishing are offering a base for the team to build on. Attacker Kevin Schade even suggested the lofty target of European qualification as a potential outcome, emphasizing the growing belief coursing through the camp.

Scott Parker's Side