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This past round of Premier League action delivered no shortage of excitement, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between coaches to personal masterclasses, we examine the major points stemming from the encounters.

1. McFarlane Makes a Statement Versus A Master Tactician

The young coach's surprise duel with the celebrated tactician brought back recollections of previous unequal sideline contests. For McFarlane, making his senior coaching bow, the task was ending the Blues' astonishingly bad run of form when playing the champions. A dramatic equaliser from the Chelsea star earned a crucial draw, an achievement former incumbents had found it tough to achieve.

Arne Slot's Failure to Shut Up Shop

Despite their big-money signing scoring the net, the Merseyside club were left aggrieved after surrendering a lead slip away versus the Cottagers. The problem of failing to control matches when ahead remains, with the team previously letting slip similar margins in previous outings. Before the team discover the skill of defending a lead, the season will remain a frustrating process.

The Arsenal Midfielder Backs Gyökeres to Find Form

The Swedish forward is enduring a significant run without scoring from general play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin insists the number nine is nonetheless vitally important. Rice pointed to his pressing and team-oriented performances as integral to the league leaders title charge. "Good things are sure to arrive," was the midfielder's confident message for his off-colour teammate.

Ruben Amorim Requires Benjamin Sesko to Improve

With Manchester United lining up in a particularly defensive way, the responsibility rested with the offensive duo to make the difference. While the Brazilian persisted with his excellent form, the summer signing suffered another forgettable afternoon. He has scored hard to come by since his major transfer and spurned a late opportunity to snatch the game. The coming months offers a pressing imperative for him to find his scoring touch.

Enzo Le Fée Leaves Spurs in a Spin

The Sunderland manager positioned the French midfielder in a unfamiliar position initially, before releasing him into advanced areas as the match wore on. The decision proved inspired, with the playmaker emerging as the main instigator of the visitor's push for an equaliser. After directing the upright, the midfielder provided a perfect pass for the levelling goal. Now found his feet to the intensity of the top flight, his impact continues to grow.

The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Opportunity to Introduce Pablo Felipe

Amid an embarrassing loss for West Ham, manager Nuno decided not to introduce any of his permitted substitutes. Among them was January recruit the forward, who stayed on the bench despite his team's chronic lack of threat. Nuno suggested it would have been "too harsh" to throw the recently-arrived striker into the action. However, with scoring at a premium, the urgency to integrate the new boy quickly is abundantly apparent.

Lewis Miley States Another Big Claim

The teenage sensation produced another outstanding display while playing out of position. The youngster was flawless in his defensive duties, set up the first goal, and lifted the team in a stop-start match. Now that established full-backs available, the question for coach the Newcastle boss is how to fit the incredibly composed teenager in his best midfield role. "Next Toon line-ups will certainly be constructed around him," seems an a fair assessment.

Could the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?

Sean Dyche's initial impact at the club was positive, but questions are starting to emerge about the side's versatility. Their counter-attacking ability exists, but appears reduced in the absence of certain players. Whilst structured when sitting back, they can struggle when forced to come from behind. Giving the ball away in these moments has proven disastrous, a problem they have to rectify immediately.

Igor Thiago's Scoring Form Stops The Bees' Poor Road Form

Brentford delivered a display that contradicted their poor away record. Key to their impressive display was the in-form form of forward Igor Thiago. His finishing are providing a foundation for the side to build on. Attacker Kevin Schade even suggested the optimistic target of continental football as a target, underlining the growing belief within the camp.

The Clarets