Top-Flight Football: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Action

The most recent set of top-flight action served up plenty of drama, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between coaches to star performances, let's delve into the primary points emerging from the games.

1. McFarlane Holds His Own Versus Guardiola

The young coach's unexpected battle with Pep Guardiola recalled recollections of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. For the Chelsea boss, making his first-team management debut, the task was overcoming his side's dreadful sequence against Guardiola's side. A last-gasp equaliser from the Chelsea star snatched a valuable point, an achievement past coaches had struggled to do.

2. Liverpool's Failure to Shut Up Shop

Even with Florian Wirtz getting the net, the Merseyside club were left frustrated after allowing a lead slip against Fulham. The problem of failing to command matches when in the lead persists, with the squad almost throwing away identical leads in recent outings. Until they master the skill of seeing out a game, the campaign will remain a difficult one.

Declan Rice Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form

Viktor Gyökeres is enduring a lengthy goal drought from live action, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin has stressed the player is nevertheless hugely important. He pointed to Gyökeres' hold-up play and unselfish contributions as integral to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Good things are bound to come," was Rice's supportive assessment for his misfiring teammate.

The United Boss Requires Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up

With the Red Devils adopting in a particularly defensive way, the responsibility rested with the offensive duo to deliver. Whereas one forward persisted with his impressive performances, the summer signing experienced another difficult game. He has found goals elusive since his high-profile transfer and wasted a late chance to win the game. The new year presents a pressing imperative for the striker to discover his form.

Enzo Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin

The Sunderland manager used his creative talent in a deeper position at first, before unleashing him further forward as the contest developed. The switch proved a masterstroke, with the playmaker turning into the chief creator of Sunderland's push for an leveler. Following directing the woodwork, the midfielder supplied a sumptuous pass for the levelling finish. Having fully adapted to the demands of the Premier League, his impact is on the rise.

Nuno Espírito Santo Wastes Chance to Introduce Pablo Felipe

In a dismal loss for West Ham, head coach Nuno Espírito Santo chose against introduce any of his available bench players. This meant new signing the forward, who remained unused even with his side's utter ineffectiveness. He felt it would have been "too harsh" to send the recently-arrived striker into the match. But, with firepower at a premium, the imperative to integrate the new boy as soon as possible is abundantly clear.

The Teenager Makes Another Huge Claim

The 19-year-old produced another superb showing whilst filling in out of position. The midfielder was excellent in his defensive duties, provided the breakthrough, and raised the tone in a stop-start affair. With established full-backs returning, the question for coach Eddie Howe is if to fit the astonishingly mature youngster in his natural central midfield position. "Coming Magpies sides will surely be built on Miley," seems an a accurate prediction.

8. Is the Sean Dyche Impact Fading at The City Ground?

The former Burnley boss's early impact at Forest was notable, but concerns are now emerge about the side's versatility. Forest's breakaway ability exists, but seems diminished in the absence of key players. Whilst well-organised when protecting a lead, they have been exposed when required to open up. Losing possession in these circumstances has been disastrous, a issue they need to address quickly.

Igor Thiago's Hot Streak Halts The Bees' Poor Road Form

Thomas Frank's team produced a display that contradicted their troubled away record. Vital to their commanding victory was the in-form streak of forward the goal-getter. Thiago's presence are giving a foundation for the team to aim higher. Winger he even suggested the ambitious aspiration of a top-seven finish as a target, underlining the renewed optimism within the team.

Scott Parker's Side