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This past batch of English fixtures delivered no shortage of drama, surprise results, and fascinating storylines. Ranging from clashes between bosses to star performances, we examine the key points coming out of the matches.

Calum McFarlane Stands Firm Versus Pep Guardiola

The young coach's unexpected battle with the Manchester City boss brought back memories of previous managerial mismatches. In the case of the debutant, embarking on his senior coaching bow, the challenge was halting his side's astonishingly bad run of form when playing the champions. A last-gasp strike from Enzo Fernández earned a valuable result, an achievement past coaches had found it tough to achieve.

2. Liverpool's Inability to Shut Up Shop

Despite the German playmaker getting the net, Liverpool ended up frustrated after letting a winning position slip away at the Cottagers. The issue of failing to manage encounters when in front continues, with the squad almost letting slip comparable advantages in previous matches. Before Slot's men master the skill of killing off matches, the campaign is likely to stay a frustrating affair.

3. Rice Shows Faith In The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring

Viktor Gyökeres is experiencing a significant run without scoring from live action, but his midfield colleague the England international insists the number nine is nevertheless immensely influential. Rice pointed to Gyökeres' hold-up play and selfless efforts as integral to the league leaders form. "Good things are going to follow," was the midfielder's confident assessment for his misfiring strike partner.

The United Boss Requires The Slovenian to Improve

Given Manchester United adopting in a incredibly conservative way, the burden fell on the forward pair to produce. While the Brazilian continued his impressive form, Benjamin Sesko endured another frustrating game. He has found goals scarce since his big-money transfer and missed a excellent opening to win the match. The new year offers a pressing need for him to regain his confidence.

5. Le Fée Leaves Ange Postecoglou's Side in a Spin

Régis Le Bris positioned the French midfielder in a unfamiliar position initially, before unleashing him further forward as the game progressed. The move turned out to be masterful, with the playmaker emerging as the architect of the visitor's comeback for an equalizing goal. Following glancing the post, the midfielder delivered a sumptuous pass for the levelling strike. Having found his feet to the pace of the top flight, his influence continues to grow.

Nuno Espírito Santo Misses Chance to Bed In Pablo

During an embarrassing loss for the Hammers, boss Nuno Espírito Santo opted against use any of his named replacements. This meant January recruit the forward, who remained unused despite his club's complete lack of threat. He suggested it would have been "unjust" to send the fresh striker into the match. However, with goals at a shortage, the imperative to assimilate the new boy as soon as possible is abundantly obvious.

Lewis Miley Delivers A Further Huge Case

The teenage sensation produced another exceptional showing while operating at right-back. The youngster was excellent in his defensive duties, created the opening goal, and raised the tone in a stop-start encounter. Now that first-choice defenders available, the conundrum for coach the Newcastle boss is whether to include the incredibly talented youngster in his natural engine room position. "Next Newcastle line-ups will surely be built around Miley," seems an increasingly fair statement.

Could the Sean Dyche Impact Wearing Thin at Forest?

The manager's initial influence at Forest was admirable, but concerns are starting to emerge about the squad's plan B. The team's transition threat remains, but seems diminished in the absence of previous players. Whilst well-organised when defending deep, Dyche's men can struggle when needing to come from behind. Losing possession in those circumstances has proven punishing, a lesson they must rectify immediately.

9. Thiago's Goal Rush Halts Thomas Frank's Side's Travel Woes

Thomas Frank's team delivered a performance that masked their troubled travel sickness. Vital to their dominant victory was the in-form form of number nine the Brazilian. The striker's finishing are offering a platform for the side to progress. Attacker the German international even mentioned the ambitious aspiration of European qualification as a target, highlighting the growing optimism in the camp.

10. Burnley