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This past batch of English games provided no shortage of excitement, unexpected scores, and compelling narratives. From battles between bosses to personal masterclasses, we examine the major discussions stemming from the matches.

The Chelsea Boss Holds His Own Versus Pep Guardiola

The young coach's unforeseen battle with the celebrated tactician brought back thoughts of past managerial mismatches. For the debutant, embarking on his first-team coaching bow, the task was halting the Blues' dreadful sequence against the champions. A dramatic equaliser from the Chelsea star earned a hard-fought point, something past incumbents had found it tough to achieve.

The Reds' Struggle to Close Games Out

Even with their big-money signing getting the net, Liverpool were left frustrated after letting a winning position evaporate against Fulham. The issue of not managing to control encounters when ahead remains, with the team almost letting slip similar leads in earlier matches. Until the team master the knack of killing off matches, the season will remain a difficult one.

The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Find Form

Arsenal's striker is enduring a notable dry spell from general play, but his teammate the Gunners lynchpin insists the forward is still hugely influential. The midfielder pointed to the striker's pressing and selfless efforts as key to Arsenal's form. "The goals are going to arrive," was the midfielder's supportive message for his misfiring teammate.

The United Boss Must Get Sesko to Find His Edge

With the Red Devils setting up in a particularly defensive fashion, the onus fell on the offensive partnership to make the difference. While Matheus Cunha continued his impressive performances, Benjamin Sesko experienced another frustrating outing. The young striker has found goals hard to come by since his major move and wasted a excellent opportunity to snatch the match. The new year offers a clear need for Sesko to find his form.

Enzo Le Fée Puts Spurs in a State of Confusion

The Black Cats boss used Enzo Le Fée in a unfamiliar role to start, before releasing him further forward as the match progressed. The switch turned out to be inspired, with the playmaker turning into the chief creator of the visitor's comeback for an equaliser. After directing the woodwork, Le Fée supplied a exquisite pass for the crucial goal. Now found his feet to the demands of the English game, his influence continues to grow.

6. Nuno Wastes Chance to Introduce Pablo Felipe

During an dismal loss for the Hammers, manager Nuno chose not to use any of his named bench players. Among them was new signing the forward, who stayed on the bench despite his club's chronic ineffectiveness. Nuno reasoned it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the recently-arrived striker into the match. Yet, with firepower at a dearth, the urgency to integrate the new boy quickly is glaringly apparent.

The Teenager States Yet Another Huge Statement

The 19-year-old turned in another exceptional performance while filling in out of position. The youngster was excellent in defence, provided the opening goal, and raised the tone in a untidy match. Now that first-choice defenders back, the dilemma for manager Eddie Howe is if to include the astonishingly mature youngster in his natural midfield role. "Next Toon sides will surely be designed on the lad," seems an ever more fair assessment.

Are the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?

Sean Dyche's early influence at Forest was admirable, but concerns are beginning to arise about the squad's plan B. Their breakaway prowess remains, but appears reduced without key attackers. While well-organised when protecting a lead, Forest can struggle when required to open up. Giving the ball away in those moments has been disastrous, a issue they have to address immediately.

The Striker's Hot Streak Ends Brentford's Travel Woes

The West London club produced a performance that contradicted their troubled form on the road. Key to their impressive win was the prolific scoring of number nine the goal-getter. The striker's finishing are offering a foundation for the team to progress. Teammate he even floated the optimistic aspiration of a top-seven finish as a potential outcome, emphasizing the growing belief coursing through the team.

The Clarets