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This past batch of English games delivered plenty of drama, shock outcomes, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from duels between bosses to star performances, let's delve into the key points coming out of the encounters.

The Chelsea Boss Stands Firm Versus Guardiola

The young coach's unexpected battle with the Manchester City boss brought back memories of previous managerial mismatches. In the case of the Chelsea boss, embarking on his first-team maiden game, the challenge was overcoming Chelsea's dreadful recent record against the champions. A last-gasp strike from the Argentine midfielder secured a hard-fought result, something previous managers had struggled to achieve.

Arne Slot's Failure to See Out Matches

Even with their big-money signing getting the net, Arne Slot's team were left aggrieved after allowing a advantage slip at Marco Silva's side. The issue of not managing to command matches when ahead persists, with the team previously squandering similar leads in recent weeks. Until they master the art of killing off matches, the quest is likely to stay a challenging affair.

The Arsenal Midfielder Supports Gyökeres to Start Scoring

Viktor Gyökeres is enduring a notable run without scoring from open play, but his fellow star the England international insists the player is still hugely valuable. The midfielder pointed to Gyökeres' work off the ball and unselfish efforts as crucial to Mikel Arteta's side title charge. "Success are sure to arrive," was Rice's supportive message for his struggling strike partner.

4. Amorim Must Get Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up

With Manchester United lining up in a particularly conservative fashion, the responsibility rested with the offensive pair to make the difference. While one forward continued his fine form, Benjamin Sesko experienced another forgettable game. The Slovenian has found goals scarce since his big-money switch and spurned a golden opening to claim the match. The new year provides a pressing imperative for the striker to find his scoring touch.

The Sunderland Star Puts Spurs in a Muddle

The Black Cats boss positioned the French midfielder in a more defensive position to start, before releasing him into advanced areas as the game progressed. The decision was a masterstroke, with the playmaker emerging as the architect of his team's fightback for an equaliser. Following hitting the woodwork, the midfielder delivered a perfect through ball for the crucial finish. Now found his feet to the demands of the top flight, his influence keeps improving.

6. Nuno Misses Chance to Introduce New Signing

During an embarrassing loss for the London club, manager the Portuguese coach chose not to use any of his available bench players. Among them was new signing the Brazilian striker, who remained unused despite his club's complete lack of threat. Nuno reasoned it would have been "too harsh" to send the fresh player into the match. Yet, with goals at a dearth, the imperative to integrate the 22-year-old as soon as possible is painfully apparent.

7. Miley Delivers A Further Huge Statement

Lewis Miley delivered a further outstanding display whilst filling in out of position. The midfielder was impeccable in defence, set up the first goal, and set the standard in a untidy match. Now that specialist full-backs returning, the conundrum for coach him is how to fit the incredibly mature player in his best engine room position. "Next Magpies line-ups will certainly be designed around Miley," seems an a accurate prediction.

Could the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?

The manager's initial influence at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but concerns are now arise about the team's plan B. Forest's transition ability remains, but seems diminished without previous attackers. Whilst disciplined when protecting a lead, Forest have looked vulnerable when forced to come from behind. Giving the ball away in these situations has proven costly, a problem they need to rectify rapidly.

The Striker's Scoring Form Stops Brentford's Travel Woes

Brentford produced a display that masked their poor form on the road. Central to their dominant display was the in-form streak of number nine Igor Thiago. The striker's goals are providing a base for the side to aim higher. Teammate the German international even floated the optimistic dream of continental football as a target, emphasizing the growing belief in the camp.

The Clarets