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This past round of Premier League fixtures served up no shortage of excitement, shock outcomes, and compelling narratives. Ranging from battles between bosses to personal masterclasses, here are the primary discussions stemming from the matches.

1. McFarlane Stands Firm When Facing A Master Tactician

Calum McFarlane's unforeseen battle with the celebrated tactician recalled thoughts of past David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of McFarlane, taking charge for his top-level maiden game, the task was overcoming Chelsea's astonishingly bad recent record versus the champions. A last-gasp strike from the Argentine midfielder earned a hard-fought result, something previous managers had found it tough to achieve.

The Reds' Inability to See Out Matches

Even with their big-money signing scoring the net, Liverpool ended up disappointed after letting a advantage evaporate against Marco Silva's side. The problem of not managing to control matches when in the lead persists, with the team nearly squandering similar advantages in recent matches. Before they discover the skill of seeing out a game, the season promises to be a challenging affair.

Declan Rice Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Fire

Viktor Gyökeres is experiencing a lengthy dry spell from general play, but his teammate Declan Rice insists the number nine is nevertheless immensely valuable. The midfielder highlighted his hold-up play and team-oriented efforts as key to Arsenal's success. "The goals are sure to follow," was the midfielder's confident assessment for his off-colour strike partner.

4. Amorim Requires Benjamin Sesko to Improve

Given the Red Devils setting up in a incredibly conservative fashion, the burden was placed on the forward pair to deliver. Whereas one forward continued his fine performances, his strike partner experienced another frustrating afternoon. The young striker has hit the net scarce since his big-money transfer and spurned a excellent opening to claim the game. The new year offers a pressing need for him to find his scoring touch.

Enzo Le Fée Puts Spurs in a Spin

Régis Le Bris positioned the French midfielder in a more defensive role initially, before releasing him up the pitch as the game progressed. The decision was inspired, with the playmaker turning into the chief creator of his team's push for an leveler. After glancing the woodwork, he delivered a exquisite through ball for the all-important goal. Having found his feet to the demands of the Premier League, his influence keeps improving.

6. Nuno Fails to Take Chance to Bed In New Signing

Amid an woeful performance for the London club, boss Nuno decided against utilize any of his named replacements. Among them was new signing Pablo Felipe, who watched on despite his team's complete failure to score. The manager felt it would have been "unfair" to introduce the recently-arrived player into the match. But, with scoring at a premium, the urgency to assimilate the 22-year-old quickly is painfully obvious.

The Teenager Makes Another Huge Case

Lewis Miley turned in a further outstanding display whilst filling in out of position. The midfielder was excellent in his defensive duties, provided the first goal, and lifted the team in a stop-start encounter. With first-choice right-backs returning, the question for coach him is if to accommodate the incredibly mature youngster in his best midfield role. "Coming Newcastle teams will surely be constructed around the lad," seems an increasingly fair statement.

Are the Sean Dyche Impact Wearing Thin at Forest?

Sean Dyche's early influence at the club was notable, but concerns are beginning to emerge about the side's plan B. Their transition prowess exists, but looks diminished without key attackers. While structured when defending deep, Forest can struggle when forced to chase a game. Giving the ball away in those situations has been costly, a problem they have to address rapidly.

9. Thiago's Scoring Form Ends Brentford's Poor Road Form

Thomas Frank's team produced a performance that masked their troubled form on the road. Central to their dominant win was the red-hot streak of number nine the goal-getter. His presence are providing a foundation for the team to progress. Winger Kevin Schade even floated the ambitious target of European qualification as a target, highlighting the fresh belief coursing through the team.

10. Burnley