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The latest batch of English action provided a wealth of intrigue, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between managers to personal masterclasses, we examine the key conversations stemming from the matches.

Calum McFarlane Holds His Own When Facing A Master Tactician

Calum McFarlane's unexpected duel with the Manchester City boss brought back memories of past David vs Goliath coaching battles. For McFarlane, making his first-team maiden game, the mission was halting his side's astonishingly bad run of form when playing the champions. A dramatic goal from the Chelsea star secured a crucial draw, an achievement former incumbents had failed to do.

2. Liverpool's Inability to Shut Up Shop

Despite the German playmaker getting the net, the Merseyside club were left frustrated after allowing a winning position evaporate versus Fulham. The problem of being unable to command encounters when in the lead remains, with the side nearly squandering comparable advantages in recent outings. Before the team master the art of seeing out a game, the campaign will remain a difficult affair.

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

Arsenal's striker is enduring a lengthy dry spell from general play, but his teammate the England international is adamant the number nine is nonetheless immensely important. He highlighted the striker's work off the ball and selfless performances as crucial to the league leaders success. "Good things are bound to follow," was the midfielder's optimistic assessment for his off-colour colleague.

4. Amorim Needs Benjamin Sesko to Improve

With the Red Devils adopting in a incredibly conservative fashion, the burden was placed on the offensive duo to produce. Whereas Matheus Cunha continued his impressive run, the summer signing experienced another forgettable afternoon. The young striker has hit the net elusive since his major transfer and spurned a excellent chance to claim the game. The coming months provides a obvious imperative for Sesko to regain his confidence.

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

The Sunderland manager used the French midfielder in a more defensive role initially, before unleashing him up the pitch as the contest progressed. The switch was a masterstroke, with he turning into the main instigator of the visitor's comeback for an equalizing goal. After directing the woodwork, he delivered a sumptuous pass for the all-important strike. Having fully adapted to the demands of the Premier League, his campaign keeps improving.

6. Nuno Fails to Take Chance to Use New Signing

Amid an embarrassing defeat for West Ham, manager Nuno chose against use any of his permitted replacements. This included January recruit the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench despite his side's chronic ineffectiveness. He reasoned it would have been "unjust" to introduce the fresh player into the fray. But, with scoring at a dearth, the need to integrate the new boy rapidly is abundantly apparent.

Lewis Miley Delivers Another Major Statement

The 19-year-old turned in another exceptional showing whilst operating at right-back. He was excellent in defence, provided the opening goal, and raised the tone in a scrappy affair. Now that established defenders available, the question for coach Eddie Howe is whether to accommodate the remarkably talented teenager in his preferred central midfield role. "Coming Toon line-ups will certainly be designed around the lad," seems an increasingly accurate assessment.

8. Is the Sean Dyche Impact Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?

Sean Dyche's early effect at Nottingham Forest was notable, but questions are beginning to surface about the squad's plan B. The team's counter-attacking threat exists, but seems less potent without key attackers. While disciplined when protecting a lead, Forest have been exposed when required to open up. Losing possession in these situations has shown disastrous, a issue they need to address immediately.

The Striker's Hot Streak Halts The Bees' Travel Woes

Brentford delivered a showing that masked their dismal away record. Central to their commanding display was the in-form form of number nine the Brazilian. The striker's goals are offering a base for the squad to build on. Teammate the German international even mentioned the lofty dream of European qualification as a target, underlining the renewed confidence within the squad.

The Clarets