Premier League: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Action

The latest round of Premier League fixtures served up no shortage of excitement, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. Ranging from clashes between bosses to personal masterclasses, here are the primary discussions coming out of the encounters.

1. McFarlane Holds His Own When Facing A Master Tactician

The Chelsea manager's unforeseen battle with the celebrated tactician recalled recollections of previous unequal sideline contests. In the case of the Chelsea boss, making his top-level coaching bow, the mission was overcoming the Blues' dreadful sequence against the champions. A last-gasp equaliser from the Argentine midfielder secured a hard-fought point, something previous managers had failed to achieve.

The Reds' Inability to See Out Matches

Even with their big-money signing scoring the net, Liverpool ended up frustrated after allowing a lead evaporate versus Fulham. The concern of not managing to command encounters when ahead remains, with the team nearly throwing away identical advantages in previous matches. Until the team master the art of seeing out a game, the campaign will remain a difficult one.

The Arsenal Midfielder Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Fire

Viktor Gyökeres is experiencing a lengthy goal drought from open play, but his fellow star the England international insists the player is nonetheless hugely valuable. The midfielder highlighted the striker's pressing and team-oriented performances as integral to the league leaders form. "Good things are sure to come," was the midfielder's confident assessment for his off-colour strike partner.

The United Boss Needs Benjamin Sesko to Improve

Given Manchester United adopting in a incredibly defensive manner, the onus was placed on the offensive duo to deliver. Whereas the Brazilian persisted with his impressive run, his strike partner suffered another forgettable game. He has hit the net elusive since his big-money move and missed a late opening to claim the contest. January presents a pressing need for Sesko to regain his confidence.

The Sunderland Star Puts Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Muddle

Régis Le Bris positioned Enzo Le Fée in a unfamiliar position at first, before pushing him further forward as the game wore on. The decision proved inspired, with Le Fée emerging as the main instigator of Sunderland's fightback for an equalizing goal. After directing the woodwork, Le Fée provided a sumptuous pass for the levelling strike. Now settled in to the pace of the English game, his impact keeps improving.

6. Nuno Misses Chance to Introduce Pablo Felipe

Amid an dismal loss for West Ham, boss Nuno decided not to utilize any of his named replacements. Among them was new signing the Brazilian striker, who stayed on the bench despite his team's complete lack of threat. He reasoned it would have been "unjust" to send the fresh striker into the fray. However, with goals at a shortage, the urgency to integrate the new boy quickly is glaringly obvious.

7. Miley Makes Another Huge Case

Lewis Miley turned in yet another exceptional performance whilst operating in an unfamiliar role. The midfielder was excellent in defence, provided the first goal, and lifted the team in a scrappy affair. With specialist right-backs back, the conundrum for boss him is whether to accommodate the astonishingly talented youngster in his preferred midfield position. "Next Toon line-ups will certainly be designed around Miley," seems an ever more accurate prediction.

Are the New Manager Bounce Wearing Thin at Nottingham Forest?

The manager's first effect at the club was positive, but questions are now arise about the squad's adaptability. Forest's transition ability is still there, but appears reduced in the absence of certain attackers. Whilst disciplined when protecting a lead, Dyche's men have looked vulnerable when required to chase a game. Losing possession in such circumstances has proven disastrous, a lesson they must address immediately.

9. Thiago's Goal Rush Halts Brentford's Away-Day Blues

Brentford produced a showing that masked their poor travel sickness. Central to their commanding victory was the prolific scoring of forward the Brazilian. The striker's presence are providing a platform for the team to build on. Winger he even suggested the lofty aspiration of European qualification as a target, highlighting the renewed confidence within the squad.

10. Burnley