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The most recent batch of English fixtures provided plenty of drama, shock outcomes, and fascinating storylines. From clashes between bosses to individual brilliance, here are the primary points stemming from the games.

The Chelsea Boss Makes a Statement Versus A Master Tactician

The young coach's unforeseen confrontation with the Manchester City boss recalled recollections of previous unequal sideline contests. In the case of the debutant, taking charge for his first-team management debut, the challenge was ending his side's woeful run of form against Guardiola's side. An injury-time equaliser from the Argentine midfielder earned a hard-fought result, something past coaches had failed to achieve.

The Reds' Inability to Close Games Out

Even with the German playmaker getting the net, the Merseyside club ended up aggrieved after surrendering a winning position slip at the Cottagers. The issue of failing to manage games when in front persists, with the side previously letting slip similar leads in earlier weeks. Until the team discover the skill of seeing out a game, the season will remain a difficult one.

3. Rice Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Find Form

Arsenal's striker is going through a significant run without scoring from open play, but his midfield colleague the England international is adamant the number nine is nonetheless hugely influential. He pointed to Gyökeres' work off the ball and unselfish efforts as integral to the league leaders title charge. "The goals are going to follow," was his supportive assessment for his off-colour colleague.

The United Boss Needs Benjamin Sesko to Sharpen Up

With the Red Devils lining up in a notably defensive fashion, the burden was placed on the attacking duo to produce. Whereas the Brazilian maintained his excellent form, the summer signing endured another difficult outing. The Slovenian has scored scarce since his major move and missed a late opportunity to snatch the game. The new year offers a pressing imperative for Sesko to regain his form.

The Sunderland Star Leaves Spurs in a Spin

The Sunderland manager deployed the French midfielder in a unfamiliar position at first, before unleashing him into advanced areas as the contest wore on. The switch turned out to be inspired, with he turning into the chief creator of his team's fightback for an equalizing goal. Following hitting the post, the midfielder delivered a exquisite pass for the levelling goal. Having fully adapted to the demands of the Premier League, his campaign is on the rise.

Nuno Espírito Santo Wastes Opportunity to Bed In Pablo Felipe

In a woeful performance for the London club, head coach Nuno Espírito Santo decided not to utilize any of his permitted bench players. This included January recruit Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench despite his side's utter failure to score. Nuno felt it would have been "too harsh" to send the fresh player into the match. Yet, with goals at a shortage, the imperative to blood the youngster quickly is abundantly obvious.

7. Miley Makes Yet Another Major Case

Lewis Miley turned in a further superb showing while operating at right-back. He was impeccable in his defensive duties, provided the breakthrough, and set the standard in a scrappy encounter. Now that specialist defenders returning, the question for manager the Newcastle boss is whether to include the remarkably mature player in his preferred engine room position. "Coming Newcastle line-ups will certainly be built around the lad," seems an increasingly fair statement.

Could the Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at Forest?

The former Burnley boss's first influence at the club was admirable, but doubts are now arise about the side's adaptability. The team's counter-attacking threat remains, but seems diminished in the absence of certain personnel. While well-organised when sitting back, they have looked vulnerable when needing to chase a game. Giving the ball away in these situations has been disastrous, a problem they have to rectify rapidly.

Igor Thiago's Hot Streak Ends Brentford's Away-Day Blues

The West London club put in a display that masked their poor away record. Vital to their commanding win was the red-hot streak of forward the goal-getter. His presence are offering a base for the squad to build on. Teammate Kevin Schade even suggested the optimistic aspiration of a top-seven finish as a possibility, highlighting the growing belief in the camp.

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