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This past batch of English fixtures provided plenty of excitement, surprise results, and compelling narratives. From duels between coaches to personal masterclasses, we examine the primary discussions stemming from the encounters.

Calum McFarlane Holds His Own Versus A Master Tactician

The young coach's unexpected duel with the Manchester City boss brought back recollections of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. For the debutant, embarking on his top-level coaching bow, the challenge was halting Chelsea's dreadful sequence when playing Manchester City. A dramatic equaliser from the Argentine midfielder secured a hard-fought result, something past coaches had struggled to achieve.

2. Liverpool's Struggle to Shut Up Shop

Despite the German playmaker scoring the net, Arne Slot's team were left disappointed after surrendering a lead slip versus Fulham. The issue of failing to command games when in front continues, with the team previously throwing away similar leads in recent weeks. Until the team learn the skill of defending a lead, the campaign promises to be a difficult process.

The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring

The Swedish forward is enduring a lengthy goal drought from live action, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin is adamant the player is nevertheless vitally valuable. Rice praised Gyökeres' hold-up play and team-oriented contributions as key to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Success are bound to come," was Rice's optimistic prediction for his off-colour colleague.

Ruben Amorim Must Get The Slovenian to Sharpen Up

Given Manchester United adopting in a notably cautious fashion, the onus was placed on the forward pair to produce. Whereas the Brazilian persisted with his impressive run, the summer signing experienced another forgettable outing. The young striker has scored scarce since his big-money switch and wasted a late opening to snatch the game. January offers a clear requirement for him to discover his confidence.

Enzo Le Fée Leaves Tottenham in a Spin

Régis Le Bris positioned Enzo Le Fée in a deeper position at first, before pushing him up the pitch as the contest developed. The move turned out to be masterful, with he turning into the architect of the visitor's fightback for an equaliser. Following directing the upright, Le Fée provided a perfect assist for the crucial strike. Having found his feet to the intensity of the top flight, his campaign continues to grow.

Nuno Espírito Santo Fails to Take Chance to Bed In Pablo

In a embarrassing performance for West Ham, head coach Nuno chose not to introduce any of his permitted substitutes. This meant January recruit the forward, who watched on even with his club's utter failure to score. The manager felt it would have been "unjust" to throw the new player into the action. However, with scoring at a shortage, the imperative to assimilate the new boy quickly is glaringly clear.

7. Miley States Another Big Claim

The 19-year-old turned in another outstanding display whilst operating in an unfamiliar role. He was flawless in defence, created the breakthrough, and raised the tone in a stop-start encounter. With established defenders back, the conundrum for boss him is if to include the astonishingly mature youngster in his preferred central midfield role. "Coming Magpies sides will undoubtedly be built around him," seems an ever more fair statement.

Could the Dyche Effect Fading at The City Ground?

Sean Dyche's early effect at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but questions are starting to emerge about the side's plan B. Forest's breakaway ability remains, but appears diminished without certain personnel. While structured when sitting back, Forest have been exposed when forced to open up. Losing possession in those situations has shown disastrous, a issue they have to rectify rapidly.

9. Thiago's Scoring Form Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Travel Woes

Thomas Frank's team put in a performance that belied their dismal travel sickness. Key to their impressive display was the prolific scoring of forward the goal-getter. His presence are giving a base for the squad to build on. Winger the German international even suggested the optimistic target of a top-seven finish as a possibility, underlining the renewed optimism within the team.

10. Burnley