England's Top Division: Ten Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Matches

The most recent set of top-flight action provided no shortage of intrigue, shock outcomes, and interesting subplots. From duels between bosses to star performances, here are the key points coming out of the games.

The Chelsea Boss Makes a Statement Against A Master Tactician

The young coach's unexpected duel with the Manchester City boss recalled thoughts of past unequal sideline contests. In the case of McFarlane, embarking on his top-level management debut, the task was overcoming his side's astonishingly bad sequence versus Manchester City. An injury-time goal from the Chelsea star earned a crucial draw, something previous managers had failed to accomplish.

The Reds' Inability to Close Games Out

Even with their big-money signing getting the net, Liverpool ended up frustrated after letting a advantage slip away versus Marco Silva's side. The issue of being unable to command matches when in the lead continues, with the team previously squandering similar advantages in recent outings. Before they master the skill of seeing out a game, the season is likely to stay a frustrating process.

The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring

The Swedish forward is experiencing a lengthy run without scoring from open play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin has stressed the number nine is still hugely influential. The midfielder highlighted the striker's pressing and selfless performances as integral to Mikel Arteta's side success. "Good things are sure to follow," was the midfielder's optimistic message for his off-colour strike partner.

The United Boss Needs Benjamin Sesko to Improve

Given the Red Devils setting up in a particularly cautious fashion, the burden was placed on the forward partnership to deliver. While one forward maintained his fine form, the summer signing endured another difficult outing. The Slovenian has scored hard to come by since his big-money switch and wasted a golden opportunity to snatch the game. The coming months presents a pressing need for the striker to find his scoring touch.

The Sunderland Star Leaves Spurs in a State of Confusion

The Black Cats boss deployed Enzo Le Fée in a unfamiliar position at first, before pushing him up the pitch as the match progressed. The switch proved inspired, with the playmaker turning into the main instigator of his team's push for an leveler. Following glancing the upright, he provided a sumptuous through ball for the crucial finish. Having settled in to the demands of the Premier League, his influence continues to grow.

Nuno Espírito Santo Misses Opportunity to Introduce Pablo Felipe

Amid an dismal performance for the Hammers, head coach Nuno Espírito Santo opted not to use any of his named substitutes. Among them was January recruit Pablo Felipe, who watched on even with his side's complete lack of threat. Nuno reasoned it would have been "unjust" to throw the new recruit into the match. However, with scoring at a shortage, the imperative to integrate the new boy quickly is glaringly apparent.

Lewis Miley Delivers A Further Major Claim

The 19-year-old turned in yet another superb performance while playing in an unfamiliar role. He was impeccable in his own half, provided the opening goal, and raised the tone in a stop-start match. With established full-backs returning, the conundrum for boss Eddie Howe is whether to accommodate the remarkably mature player in his natural midfield berth. "Future Magpies teams will undoubtedly be designed around him," seems an a safe assessment.

Are the Sean Dyche Impact Fading at The City Ground?

Sean Dyche's initial impact at Nottingham Forest was admirable, but concerns are now emerge about the team's adaptability. Their breakaway prowess is still there, but seems reduced in the absence of key personnel. Although well-organised when protecting a lead, they have been exposed when required to come from behind. Cheap turnovers in such circumstances has been disastrous, a issue they have to rectify rapidly.

9. Thiago's Hot Streak Stops Thomas Frank's Side's Away-Day Blues

The West London club put in a display that belied their dismal away record. Key to their commanding display was the in-form form of number nine Igor Thiago. The striker's presence are providing a foundation for the side to aim higher. Attacker the German international even suggested the optimistic target of European qualification as a target, highlighting the renewed optimism coursing through the camp.

The Clarets