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This past round of Premier League action served up a wealth of intrigue, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from clashes between managers to star performances, we examine the major points emerging from the encounters.

Calum McFarlane Holds His Own When Facing Pep Guardiola

Calum McFarlane's unexpected duel with the celebrated tactician recalled memories of past unequal sideline contests. In the case of McFarlane, making his first-team coaching bow, the task was ending his side's woeful recent record versus Manchester City. An injury-time strike from Enzo Fernández earned a crucial result, an achievement previous managers had failed to achieve.

The Reds' Struggle to Close Games Out

Even with their big-money signing scoring the net, Liverpool were left disappointed after letting a lead evaporate against the Cottagers. The concern of being unable to control games when in the lead persists, with the squad almost throwing away identical margins in earlier outings. Until the team learn the skill of seeing out a game, the quest is likely to stay a challenging affair.

3. Rice Backs Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form

Arsenal's striker is enduring a significant run without scoring from live action, but his fellow star the England international has stressed the player is nevertheless immensely valuable. The midfielder highlighted the striker's pressing and selfless performances as key to the league leaders title charge. "The goals are bound to follow," was the midfielder's confident assessment for his off-colour teammate.

Ruben Amorim Must Get Sesko to Find His Edge

With Ruben Amorim's team adopting in a particularly cautious fashion, the burden fell on the offensive duo to make the difference. While Matheus Cunha maintained his impressive performances, Benjamin Sesko endured another difficult game. He has scored hard to come by since his high-profile move and wasted a golden chance to claim the match. January presents a clear need for Sesko to find his form.

Enzo Le Fée Puts Spurs in a State of Confusion

The Black Cats boss used the French midfielder in a more defensive role to start, before releasing him further forward as the game developed. The decision was a masterstroke, with Le Fée becoming the main instigator of the visitor's comeback for an equalizing goal. Following directing the upright, he supplied a sumptuous assist for the levelling goal. Now found his feet to the intensity of the English game, his campaign continues to grow.

6. Nuno Misses Opportunity to Use Pablo

Amid an dismal loss for West Ham, head coach Nuno Espírito Santo chose not to use any of his permitted replacements. This meant recent acquisition the forward, who stayed on the bench even with his side's complete ineffectiveness. He reasoned it would have been "unfair" to introduce the new player into the action. However, with goals at a dearth, the need to integrate the 22-year-old rapidly is glaringly apparent.

Lewis Miley Delivers A Further Major Claim

Lewis Miley produced yet another outstanding showing while playing in an unfamiliar role. The youngster was flawless in his defensive duties, created the opening goal, and set the standard in a scrappy encounter. With first-choice right-backs returning, the dilemma for manager him is if to accommodate the remarkably talented youngster in his best central midfield berth. "Future Magpies sides will certainly be built around him," seems an increasingly accurate statement.

Could the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Forest?

The manager's initial impact at Forest was notable, but concerns are starting to arise about the team's plan B. The team's counter-attacking threat is still there, but appears diminished without previous personnel. While disciplined when protecting a lead, they can struggle when required to chase a game. Cheap turnovers in those circumstances has proven costly, a problem they have to rectify immediately.

Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues

Brentford delivered a display that belied their poor away record. Vital to their commanding display was the prolific form of number nine the goal-getter. His goals are providing a platform for the side to progress. Winger he even suggested the lofty aspiration of continental football as a target, highlighting the growing belief within the team.

10. Burnley