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This past set of top-flight action served up no shortage of drama, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. From clashes between coaches to individual brilliance, we examine the key discussions emerging from the games.

Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement Against A Master Tactician

The young coach's unforeseen confrontation with the celebrated tactician evoked memories of past David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the debutant, embarking on his first-team coaching bow, the task was overcoming the Blues' woeful sequence versus the champions. A last-gasp equaliser from the Argentine midfielder secured a crucial point, an achievement past coaches had found it tough to accomplish.

The Reds' Struggle to Shut Up Shop

Despite their big-money signing scoring the net, the Merseyside club finished aggrieved after surrendering a lead slip versus the Cottagers. The concern of failing to control games when in front remains, with the squad almost squandering similar leads in previous weeks. Until they discover the art of defending a lead, the campaign promises to be a frustrating affair.

3. Rice Shows Faith In Gyökeres to Find Form

Arsenal's striker is going through a significant goal drought from open play, but his teammate the Gunners lynchpin has stressed the number nine is still hugely important. The midfielder highlighted Gyökeres' work off the ball and team-oriented contributions as crucial to Arsenal's success. "The goals are bound to arrive," was the midfielder's confident prediction for his struggling colleague.

Ruben Amorim Must Get The Slovenian to Sharpen Up

Given the Red Devils setting up in a notably conservative manner, the responsibility rested with the forward pair to deliver. While Matheus Cunha persisted with his impressive run, his strike partner experienced another difficult afternoon. He has scored elusive since his big-money switch and wasted a late opportunity to snatch the game. The new year presents a clear imperative for the striker to discover his confidence.

The Sunderland Star Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle

The Sunderland manager deployed Enzo Le Fée in a more defensive position to start, before pushing him into advanced areas as the game wore on. The decision was inspired, with he turning into the architect of the visitor's push for an equalizing goal. After hitting the woodwork, the midfielder delivered a perfect through ball for the crucial strike. Now found his feet to the pace of the Premier League, his impact continues to grow.

The West Ham Manager Wastes Chance to Bed In Pablo

During an embarrassing defeat for the London club, boss the Portuguese coach opted against introduce any of his permitted bench players. This included recent acquisition the forward, who watched on despite his club's utter failure to score. The manager reasoned it would have been "unfair" to introduce the fresh striker into the action. Yet, with scoring at a shortage, the urgency to assimilate the new boy quickly is abundantly apparent.

The Teenager Delivers Another Huge Statement

The 19-year-old delivered another exceptional display whilst playing at right-back. The midfielder was flawless in his defensive duties, set up the first goal, and raised the tone in a stop-start affair. With specialist full-backs returning, the dilemma for boss him is whether to include the astonishingly composed teenager in his preferred central midfield berth. "Coming Newcastle teams will surely be built with the lad," seems an ever more accurate prediction.

8. Is the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?

Sean Dyche's first impact at Nottingham Forest was positive, but concerns are starting to emerge about the squad's plan B. Their transition threat exists, but looks diminished in the absence of key players. While structured when sitting back, Forest have looked vulnerable when needing to open up. Cheap turnovers in those situations has shown disastrous, a lesson they must address quickly.

The Striker's Goal Rush Halts Brentford's Away-Day Blues

Brentford produced a display that contradicted their poor away record. Key to their impressive victory was the in-form scoring of forward the goal-getter. Thiago's goals are giving a foundation for the side to progress. Winger he even floated the ambitious target of European qualification as a target, highlighting the fresh confidence within the camp.

10. Burnley