🔗 Share this article Top-Flight Football: 10 Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Action This past batch of English games provided plenty of drama, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. From duels between managers to personal masterclasses, let's delve into the major points emerging from the games. Calum McFarlane Makes a Statement Versus Guardiola The Chelsea manager's surprise battle with Pep Guardiola recalled recollections of past managerial mismatches. For the Chelsea boss, taking charge for his top-level maiden game, the task was halting his side's woeful run of form against the champions. A dramatic goal from Enzo Fernández snatched a crucial draw, an achievement former managers had found it tough to accomplish. The Reds' Inability to See Out Matches Even with Florian Wirtz getting the net, Liverpool finished disappointed after allowing a advantage evaporate versus Marco Silva's side. The problem of not managing to control encounters when ahead continues, with the side nearly throwing away identical leads in previous matches. Before the team learn the skill of killing off matches, the campaign will remain a difficult one. The Arsenal Midfielder Supports Viktor Gyökeres to Start Scoring The Swedish forward is going through a lengthy run without scoring from live action, but his fellow star the England international insists the forward is still vitally important. Rice pointed to the striker's pressing and unselfish performances as crucial to the league leaders form. "Good things are sure to arrive," was the midfielder's supportive message for his struggling strike partner. The United Boss Requires The Slovenian to Improve Given the Red Devils adopting in a incredibly conservative way, the burden rested with the forward duo to make the difference. While Matheus Cunha maintained his impressive performances, Benjamin Sesko experienced another frustrating game. The young striker has found goals hard to come by since his high-profile move and wasted a late opening to win the game. January offers a pressing need for him to find his confidence. 5. Le Fée Leaves Spurs in a State of Confusion The Sunderland manager used the French midfielder in a unfamiliar role initially, before pushing him up the pitch as the match progressed. The decision proved a masterstroke, with the playmaker becoming the chief creator of his team's fightback for an equaliser. Following glancing the post, he supplied a exquisite pass for the crucial finish. Having found his feet to the pace of the Premier League, his impact continues to grow. 6. Nuno Wastes Opportunity to Use New Signing During an embarrassing performance for the Hammers, boss the Portuguese coach opted not to utilize any of his available replacements. This meant January recruit the forward, who stayed on the bench even with his side's complete lack of threat. Nuno reasoned it would have been "unjust" to introduce the fresh recruit into the fray. But, with scoring at a shortage, the need to assimilate the youngster as soon as possible is glaringly clear. Lewis Miley Delivers Yet Another Huge Case The teenage sensation turned in another outstanding display whilst operating at right-back. He was flawless in his own half, set up the first goal, and set the standard in a stop-start match. With specialist defenders returning, the question for manager him is if to include the remarkably mature youngster in his best midfield position. "Coming Magpies teams will undoubtedly be designed around him," seems an ever more fair statement. Are the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest? Sean Dyche's early effect at Nottingham Forest was positive, but doubts are starting to surface about the squad's adaptability. Their counter-attacking prowess remains, but seems reduced in the absence of certain personnel. Whilst disciplined when defending deep, they can struggle when forced to chase a game. Losing possession in such circumstances has proven disastrous, a lesson they have to solve immediately. Igor Thiago's Goal Rush Stops Brentford's Poor Road Form Thomas Frank's team delivered a showing that masked their dismal form on the road. Central to their commanding win was the red-hot form of striker the Brazilian. Thiago's goals are providing a platform for the squad to build on. Teammate the German international even mentioned the ambitious target of a top-seven finish as a target, emphasizing the fresh optimism within the camp. Scott Parker's Side