Premier League: 10 Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Action

This past round of Premier League action provided a wealth of excitement, surprise results, and interesting subplots. From battles between bosses to individual brilliance, here are the key discussions emerging from the matches.

Calum McFarlane Holds His Own Versus Guardiola

The young coach's unexpected duel with Pep Guardiola evoked recollections of past managerial mismatches. For McFarlane, taking charge for his first-team management debut, the challenge was ending his side's dreadful sequence versus Guardiola's side. An injury-time equaliser from the Chelsea star secured a crucial result, something previous incumbents had failed to do.

Arne Slot's Failure to See Out Matches

Even with the German playmaker finding the net, the Merseyside club were left frustrated after letting a lead slip against Marco Silva's side. The concern of being unable to command games when in front continues, with the squad nearly letting slip identical advantages in previous matches. Before the team discover the skill of killing off matches, the season is likely to stay a challenging affair.

The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form

Arsenal's striker is going through a lengthy goal drought from live action, but his fellow star the Gunners lynchpin has stressed the number nine is nonetheless immensely influential. The midfielder praised the striker's work off the ball and team-oriented efforts as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side success. "Good things are going to arrive," was his supportive message for his off-colour strike partner.

Ruben Amorim Requires Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up

With the Red Devils adopting in a particularly defensive way, the responsibility rested with the offensive duo to produce. While one forward continued his impressive form, Benjamin Sesko endured another forgettable game. The Slovenian has scored elusive since his big-money move and missed a golden opportunity to claim the game. The new year presents a obvious imperative for Sesko to discover his scoring touch.

5. Le Fée Puts Tottenham in a Muddle

Régis Le Bris positioned Enzo Le Fée in a more defensive position at first, before releasing him further forward as the match developed. The move was a masterstroke, with the playmaker turning into the architect of his team's fightback for an equalizing goal. After glancing the upright, the midfielder supplied a perfect pass for the levelling goal. Having found his feet to the demands of the top flight, his campaign is on the rise.

6. Nuno Wastes Chance to Bed In Pablo

During an dismal performance for the London club, manager Nuno decided not to introduce any of his permitted bench players. This meant recent acquisition the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench despite his team's chronic lack of threat. Nuno felt it would have been "unjust" to introduce the recently-arrived striker into the match. But, with goals at a dearth, the need to integrate the youngster rapidly is painfully obvious.

The Teenager Makes Yet Another Huge Claim

The 19-year-old turned in another outstanding display while playing out of position. The youngster was excellent in his defensive duties, created the breakthrough, and set the standard in a scrappy encounter. Now that established full-backs returning, the dilemma for boss him is whether to include the astonishingly talented youngster in his preferred central midfield berth. "Coming Newcastle sides will undoubtedly be built around Miley," seems an increasingly safe assessment.

Could the Sean Dyche Impact Wearing Thin at The City Ground?

The former Burnley boss's initial effect at Nottingham Forest was notable, but doubts are now surface about the team's plan B. Their counter-attacking ability exists, but seems less potent in the absence of previous players. Although structured when protecting a lead, Dyche's men can struggle when needing to come from behind. Losing possession in such situations has been disastrous, a lesson they need to address rapidly.

9. Thiago's Goal Rush Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Poor Road Form

Thomas Frank's team delivered a performance that belied their poor form on the road. Central to their commanding display was the red-hot scoring of striker Igor Thiago. The striker's goals are providing a foundation for the team to progress. Winger the German international even floated the ambitious target of continental football as a potential outcome, highlighting the growing confidence in the camp.

Scott Parker's Side