Premier League: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Action

This past batch of English games provided no shortage of drama, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. From battles between bosses to star performances, we examine the primary points coming out of the encounters.

1. McFarlane Holds His Own Versus Pep Guardiola

Calum McFarlane's unexpected duel with the Manchester City boss evoked recollections of past David vs Goliath coaching battles. For McFarlane, making his senior coaching bow, the task was ending his side's woeful run of form versus Manchester City. A dramatic goal from the Chelsea star snatched a valuable point, an achievement previous coaches had failed to accomplish.

Arne Slot's Failure to Close Games Out

Despite the German playmaker scoring the net, Arne Slot's team ended up frustrated after letting a lead slip away against Fulham. The concern of failing to command games when ahead remains, with the squad nearly squandering comparable leads in earlier outings. Until the team master the skill of killing off matches, the campaign will remain a frustrating process.

Declan Rice Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form

Arsenal's striker is going through a lengthy run without scoring from general play, but his midfield colleague Declan Rice has stressed the forward is still hugely valuable. Rice highlighted his work off the ball and unselfish contributions as integral to the league leaders form. "Success are bound to arrive," was Rice's supportive message for his struggling colleague.

4. Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up

With Manchester United lining up in a particularly defensive fashion, the responsibility was placed on the offensive pair to make the difference. While one forward persisted with his fine performances, Benjamin Sesko suffered another difficult game. The young striker has scored hard to come by since his big-money switch and wasted a excellent chance to win the contest. The coming months provides a clear need for the striker to discover his form.

5. Le Fée Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin

The Black Cats boss positioned the French midfielder in a deeper role at first, before pushing him up the pitch as the contest wore on. The decision turned out to be a masterstroke, with he emerging as the architect of the visitor's push for an leveler. Following glancing the upright, he provided a exquisite through ball for the levelling goal. Now fully adapted to the demands of the Premier League, his impact continues to grow.

The West Ham Manager Misses Chance to Use New Signing

In a embarrassing defeat for the Hammers, boss Nuno Espírito Santo decided not to utilize any of his named bench players. Among them was new signing the Brazilian striker, who remained unused despite his side's chronic ineffectiveness. He suggested it would have been "unjust" to send the fresh striker into the action. But, with scoring at a premium, the imperative to blood the new boy as soon as possible is abundantly clear.

7. Miley Delivers Another Huge Claim

Lewis Miley delivered another superb showing while playing in an unfamiliar role. He was flawless in his defensive duties, provided the first goal, and lifted the team in a scrappy match. With specialist right-backs back, the conundrum for boss Eddie Howe is how to accommodate the astonishingly talented youngster in his best midfield role. "Future Toon line-ups will undoubtedly be designed with Miley," seems an ever more accurate prediction.

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

Sean Dyche's initial influence at Nottingham Forest was positive, but questions are now emerge about the squad's plan B. Their transition threat remains, but appears reduced without key players. While disciplined when defending deep, Forest have been exposed when forced to chase a game. Giving the ball away in such moments has proven costly, a issue they must address quickly.

9. Thiago's Goal Rush Stops The Bees' Poor Road Form

Thomas Frank's team put in a performance that belied their dismal form on the road. Key to their commanding display was the prolific form of forward the Brazilian. His presence are offering a platform for the squad to aim higher. Attacker the German international even mentioned the optimistic target of European qualification as a possibility, highlighting the fresh confidence in the camp.

Scott Parker's Side