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This past set of top-flight fixtures provided no shortage of drama, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. From duels between coaches to star performances, we examine the major conversations coming out of the games.

1. McFarlane Makes a Statement Against A Master Tactician

The young coach's unforeseen confrontation with the Manchester City boss evoked thoughts of earlier unequal sideline contests. In the case of McFarlane, making his top-level maiden game, the task was halting the Blues' woeful run of form when playing Guardiola's side. A last-gasp strike from the Chelsea star secured a hard-fought point, an achievement past incumbents had found it tough to achieve.

2. Liverpool's Struggle to Shut Up Shop

Despite their big-money signing scoring the net, the Merseyside club finished frustrated after letting a lead slip away against Fulham. The issue of being unable to command matches when in the lead continues, with the side previously throwing away similar leads in earlier matches. Before Slot's men learn the art of seeing out a game, the quest is likely to stay a difficult process.

3. Rice Backs Gyökeres to Find Form

Arsenal's striker is enduring a lengthy run without scoring from live action, but his midfield colleague Declan Rice insists the player is still vitally valuable. Rice praised Gyökeres' work off the ball and unselfish contributions as crucial to the league leaders form. "The goals are sure to come," was his confident prediction for his off-colour colleague.

4. Amorim Needs The Slovenian to Sharpen Up

Given Manchester United lining up in a incredibly defensive way, the burden rested with the attacking pair to deliver. Whereas the Brazilian continued his excellent form, his strike partner suffered another forgettable outing. The young striker has found goals elusive since his big-money move and missed a golden opening to claim the game. The coming months offers a obvious imperative for him to find his confidence.

The Sunderland Star Puts Spurs in a Spin

The Black Cats boss used his creative talent in a more defensive role initially, before pushing him into advanced areas as the contest progressed. The move turned out to be a masterstroke, with Le Fée turning into the chief creator of the visitor's comeback for an equalizing goal. After directing the post, he provided a sumptuous through ball for the all-important goal. Now settled in to the pace of the top flight, his impact continues to grow.

Nuno Espírito Santo Misses Opportunity to Use New Signing

Amid an woeful loss for the London club, head coach Nuno opted against introduce any of his named bench players. Among them was new signing the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench even with his club's chronic failure to score. Nuno suggested it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the new recruit into the action. However, with firepower at a premium, the need to integrate the 22-year-old quickly is glaringly clear.

The Teenager Makes A Further Huge Claim

The teenage sensation delivered yet another superb performance whilst operating out of position. The midfielder was impeccable in his defensive duties, provided the opening goal, and set the standard in a untidy encounter. Now that first-choice defenders available, the conundrum for manager him is whether to accommodate the astonishingly talented youngster in his best midfield position. "Future Toon teams will surely be constructed around him," seems an ever more fair statement.

8. Is the New Manager Bounce Running Out at Forest?

The former Burnley boss's early effect at Forest was positive, but questions are now surface about the team's plan B. Forest's breakaway threat exists, but looks diminished in the absence of key personnel. Although disciplined when protecting a lead, Forest have been exposed when forced to come from behind. Giving the ball away in such circumstances has shown disastrous, a problem they must rectify rapidly.

The Striker's Scoring Form Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues

Thomas Frank's team produced a display that contradicted their troubled away record. Vital to their dominant victory was the prolific streak of striker the goal-getter. His goals are giving a foundation for the side to build on. Attacker he even suggested the optimistic target of European qualification as a target, highlighting the fresh optimism within the team.

10. Burnley