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The most recent batch of English action served up plenty of intrigue, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. Ranging from battles between coaches to individual brilliance, we examine the key points coming out of the matches.

The Chelsea Boss Holds His Own When Facing Pep Guardiola

The Chelsea manager's unexpected confrontation with the Manchester City boss evoked thoughts of earlier David vs Goliath coaching battles. In the case of the debutant, embarking on his top-level management debut, the challenge was halting the Blues' woeful sequence when playing Guardiola's side. A dramatic equaliser from Enzo Fernández secured a valuable draw, a feat past coaches had struggled to do.

The Reds' Struggle to See Out Matches

Even with the German playmaker getting the net, the Merseyside club ended up frustrated after allowing a lead slip against Marco Silva's side. The concern of failing to command encounters when ahead remains, with the side almost throwing away similar advantages in recent outings. Before the team discover the skill of seeing out a game, the quest is likely to stay a difficult affair.

The Arsenal Midfielder Supports The Swedish Striker to Find Form

Viktor Gyökeres is going through a significant goal drought from general play, but his teammate Declan Rice has stressed the player is nonetheless immensely valuable. The midfielder praised his work off the ball and team-oriented contributions as key to Mikel Arteta's side form. "Success are sure to come," was Rice's optimistic prediction for his misfiring strike partner.

The United Boss Must Get The Slovenian to Sharpen Up

Given Ruben Amorim's team lining up in a incredibly defensive manner, the responsibility rested with the attacking pair to make the difference. While the Brazilian continued his fine run, his strike partner suffered another forgettable game. He has scored elusive since his major transfer and missed a excellent chance to snatch the game. The new year offers a clear requirement for him to find his confidence.

5. Le Fée Puts Tottenham in a State of Confusion

The Sunderland manager deployed Enzo Le Fée in a deeper position to start, before releasing him further forward as the game developed. The switch turned out to be masterful, with the playmaker emerging as the architect of Sunderland's push for an equaliser. Following directing the woodwork, he provided a exquisite pass for the all-important goal. Now fully adapted to the pace of the top flight, his campaign is on the rise.

The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Opportunity to Introduce Pablo

During an dismal loss for the London club, manager Nuno Espírito Santo opted not to utilize any of his permitted bench players. This meant January recruit the Brazilian striker, who remained unused even with his side's chronic ineffectiveness. Nuno reasoned it would have been "unjust" to send the fresh striker into the fray. However, with goals at a premium, the need to blood the 22-year-old rapidly is painfully clear.

Lewis Miley Delivers A Further Major Case

The 19-year-old produced another exceptional display whilst filling in out of position. He was excellent in defence, set up the breakthrough, and lifted the team in a stop-start match. With specialist defenders back, the question for boss him is how to fit the incredibly mature teenager in his best engine room position. "Next Newcastle line-ups will surely be constructed on Miley," seems an ever more fair assessment.

8. Is the New Manager Bounce Fading at Forest?

The manager's early effect at the club was admirable, but concerns are now arise about the side's versatility. Forest's counter-attacking prowess is still there, but appears less potent without previous players. While disciplined when protecting a lead, they have been exposed when needing to chase a game. Losing possession in those situations has been punishing, a lesson they need to solve rapidly.

Igor Thiago's Scoring Form Ends Thomas Frank's Side's Travel Woes

Brentford put in a showing that masked their dismal away record. Key to their commanding win was the in-form form of striker the Brazilian. The striker's finishing are giving a platform for the squad to build on. Winger Kevin Schade even floated the ambitious target of European qualification as a target, emphasizing the growing confidence within the squad.

Scott Parker's Side