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The latest batch of English action delivered no shortage of excitement, surprise results, and compelling narratives. From duels between bosses to star performances, we examine the major conversations coming out of the encounters.

Calum McFarlane Stands Firm Against A Master Tactician

The Chelsea manager's unexpected duel with the celebrated tactician recalled thoughts of earlier unequal sideline contests. In the case of the Chelsea boss, taking charge for his top-level management debut, the challenge was overcoming the Blues' woeful run of form against Guardiola's side. A dramatic strike from the Argentine midfielder secured a hard-fought result, something previous coaches had struggled to accomplish.

The Reds' Struggle to See Out Matches

Despite their big-money signing scoring the net, the Merseyside club were left disappointed after surrendering a lead evaporate against Marco Silva's side. The concern of failing to control games when in the lead continues, with the team previously letting slip identical leads in recent weeks. Until they master the knack of killing off matches, the campaign promises to be a difficult one.

3. Rice Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Find Form

Arsenal's striker is enduring a lengthy dry spell from open play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin has stressed the number nine is nevertheless hugely valuable. He praised Gyökeres' pressing and team-oriented performances as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side title charge. "Good things are bound to arrive," was Rice's confident message for his off-colour teammate.

Ruben Amorim Requires Benjamin Sesko to Improve

With Manchester United adopting in a particularly cautious way, the burden was placed on the attacking pair to produce. Whereas the Brazilian maintained his impressive form, Benjamin Sesko experienced another difficult afternoon. He has found goals hard to come by since his high-profile switch and spurned a excellent opportunity to win the game. January presents a clear imperative for Sesko to find his confidence.

Enzo Le Fée Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle

Régis Le Bris positioned Enzo Le Fée in a more defensive position to start, before pushing him into advanced areas as the game wore on. The decision turned out to be a masterstroke, with Le Fée turning into the main instigator of his team's push for an equalizing goal. Following directing the woodwork, Le Fée provided a perfect through ball for the crucial finish. Now found his feet to the demands of the English game, his impact continues to grow.

The West Ham Manager Wastes Chance to Bed In Pablo Felipe

Amid an embarrassing performance for West Ham, boss Nuno chose against use any of his permitted substitutes. This meant new signing Pablo Felipe, who watched on despite his team's chronic ineffectiveness. He felt it would have been "unjust" to introduce the new recruit into the match. However, with scoring at a shortage, the imperative to integrate the new boy rapidly is abundantly obvious.

Lewis Miley Delivers Another Big Statement

The 19-year-old delivered another outstanding display whilst playing out of position. He was excellent in his defensive duties, provided the first goal, and raised the tone in a untidy match. With specialist defenders back, the dilemma for boss the Newcastle boss is whether to include the remarkably mature teenager in his preferred engine room position. "Coming Newcastle sides will undoubtedly be built with him," seems an increasingly fair assessment.

8. Is the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at The City Ground?

The former Burnley boss's initial impact at Nottingham Forest was positive, but doubts are beginning to arise about the side's adaptability. Forest's breakaway prowess is still there, but seems less potent in the absence of certain players. Whilst well-organised when protecting a lead, Forest have been exposed when required to chase a game. Losing possession in these circumstances has proven costly, a lesson they need to solve immediately.

9. Thiago's Goal Rush Ends Brentford's Away-Day Blues

Thomas Frank's team delivered a display that contradicted their troubled travel sickness. Central to their impressive win was the in-form streak of number nine the Brazilian. His goals are offering a foundation for the squad to build on. Attacker Kevin Schade even floated the lofty aspiration of continental football as a target, emphasizing the growing optimism coursing through the team.

Scott Parker's Side