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This past round of Premier League games delivered no shortage of intrigue, surprise results, and interesting subplots. Ranging from duels between coaches to personal masterclasses, here are the primary discussions stemming from the matches.

The Chelsea Boss Holds His Own When Facing A Master Tactician

The Chelsea manager's surprise duel with Pep Guardiola recalled memories of past unequal sideline contests. In the case of the debutant, making his first-team coaching bow, the task was overcoming the Blues' dreadful recent record against Manchester City. An injury-time goal from the Argentine midfielder secured a crucial result, an achievement previous managers had found it tough to achieve.

Arne Slot's Inability to Close Games Out

Despite Florian Wirtz scoring the net, the Merseyside club were left frustrated after letting a lead slip at the Cottagers. The concern of being unable to control matches when ahead continues, with the squad almost throwing away similar leads in recent weeks. Until Slot's men learn the art of killing off matches, the season is likely to stay a difficult one.

3. Rice Shows Faith In Viktor Gyökeres to Find Form

The Swedish forward is enduring a notable dry spell from general play, but his midfield colleague the England international insists the number nine is nonetheless vitally valuable. He pointed to the striker's pressing and team-oriented efforts as crucial to Arsenal's form. "Success are going to arrive," was Rice's optimistic assessment for his misfiring strike partner.

The United Boss Needs The Slovenian to Find His Edge

With Manchester United adopting in a notably defensive fashion, the burden rested with the offensive duo to produce. While the Brazilian continued his excellent performances, Benjamin Sesko experienced another forgettable afternoon. He has scored scarce since his major switch and missed a golden chance to claim the contest. The coming months presents a clear requirement for him to find his scoring touch.

5. Le Fée Puts Spurs in a Spin

The Black Cats boss deployed Enzo Le Fée in a deeper position to start, before releasing him up the pitch as the game developed. The decision proved a masterstroke, with Le Fée becoming the chief creator of the visitor's push for an leveler. Following glancing the upright, Le Fée delivered a perfect pass for the levelling strike. Having found his feet to the pace of the top flight, his impact keeps improving.

The West Ham Manager Misses Chance to Introduce Pablo

During an woeful defeat for West Ham, manager Nuno Espírito Santo opted not to introduce any of his named replacements. This included recent acquisition the forward, who stayed on the bench even with his side's utter lack of threat. He suggested it would have been "unfair" to introduce the new player into the match. However, with scoring at a premium, the need to assimilate the 22-year-old quickly is glaringly obvious.

Lewis Miley Makes Another Major Case

The 19-year-old produced another superb display whilst filling in in an unfamiliar role. The midfielder was flawless in his own half, created the breakthrough, and set the standard in a stop-start encounter. With specialist right-backs returning, the conundrum for boss Eddie Howe is if to fit the incredibly composed player in his preferred engine room position. "Coming Newcastle sides will surely be designed on him," seems an ever more accurate statement.

Are the Dyche Effect Fading at Forest?

Sean Dyche's early influence at Nottingham Forest was notable, but concerns are now arise about the team's plan B. Their breakaway prowess remains, but looks less potent in the absence of previous attackers. While well-organised when sitting back, Forest have been exposed when required to chase a game. Cheap turnovers in these moments has proven costly, a problem they need to rectify immediately.

The Striker's Goal Rush Stops Brentford's Poor Road Form

Thomas Frank's team produced a display that contradicted their poor travel sickness. Key to their impressive win was the red-hot scoring of forward the goal-getter. Thiago's goals are providing a platform for the side to progress. Attacker Kevin Schade even mentioned the optimistic dream of continental football as a possibility, highlighting the fresh confidence coursing through the camp.

The Clarets