Here's a look at the Premier League's weekend action, with a focus on the top 10 talking points:
1. McFarlane's Golden Moment for Chelsea: A Mismatch Against Guardiola
Calum McFarlane's unexpected battle with Pep Guardiola brought back memories of Ryan Mason's 2021 League Cup final. For Mason, there was the added baggage of Tottenham's trophy drought; for McFarlane, making his senior management debut, it was Chelsea's poor record against Manchester City. Despite a draw, Enzo Fernandez's injury-time equaliser and the midweek managerial upheaval at Stamford Bridge made it a triumphant point for Chelsea, something Enzo Maresca couldn't achieve against City during his tenure.
2. Liverpool's Defensive Woes: A Struggle to Shut Up Shop
Florian Wirtz was one of the positives for Liverpool in their 2-2 draw with Fulham, but the £116m summer signing was not happy despite scoring. Liverpool has struggled to command control in games, letting them slip away. Manager Arne Slot wasn't impressed with the defending that led to Harrison Reed's equaliser. The team needs to tighten up when ahead to avoid letting 2-0 leads slip, as they did against Wolves and Tottenham last month.
3. Rice Backs Gyökeres to Fire for Gunners
Viktor Gyökeres hasn't found his goalscoring touch for Arsenal yet, but Declan Rice insists the Sweden striker is still having a huge influence. Rice scored twice against Bournemouth as Mikel Arteta's side completed a comeback, but Gyökeres has gone 10 matches without a goal from open play. His performance against Andoni Iraola's side was slightly improved, and Gyökeres played an important role in Arsenal's crucial second goal.
4. Amorim Needs Sesko to Sharpen Up
Ruben Amorim's decision to start nine defensive-minded players at Elland Road naturally fell on Matheus Cunha to lead Manchester United's attack. However, Sesko's travails continued, scoring just two goals since his move to Old Trafford and none since October. With limited service and many defensive players on the pitch, Sesko struggled to make an impact, spurning a glorious chance to claim all three points late on.
5. Le Fée's Premier League Adaptation: A Delightful Performance for Spurs
Régis Le Bris' decision to partner Granit Xhaka with Enzo Le Fée in midfield at Tottenham proved to be a success. Le Fée, asked to play a deeper role, acquitted himself well. With Spurs in the lead, Le Bris pushed Le Fée further forward in the second half, and his performance was a delight. Le Fée became a major factor in Sunderland's push for an equaliser, creating Brian Brobbey's goal and directing a header onto a post.
6. Nuno Wastes Chance to Bed in Pablo
West Ham's defeat at Wolves was embarrassing, with Nuno Espírito Santo leaving three available substitutions unmade. Despite the team's chronic failings, who failed to have a single shot on target, Nuno decided it would be unfair to send new recruit Pablo Felipe on for his debut, having only arrived from Gil Vicente on Friday. West Ham is desperate for goals, and Pablo needs to adapt quickly to the Premier League.
7. Miley Makes Another Big Statement
Lewis Miley's outstanding performance out of position at right-back dared Eddie Howe to drop him. Miley excelled defensively, never misplaced a pass, and created Newcastle's opening goal. With Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier fit again, Howe will consider Miley's role in central midfield against Leeds.
8. Is Dyche Effect Wearing Thin at Forest?
Sean Dyche's initial impact at Nottingham Forest has been admirable, but do they have a Plan B? Forest is averaging a point a game since Dyche's arrival in October, but they have lost four in a row. Their counterattacking abilities remain, but they look well-organised when defending deep. However, when the other team scores first, the game becomes more stretched, and Forest cannot afford a repeat of their defeat at Villa Park.
9. Thiago's Hot Streak Ends Away-Day Blues
It was hard to reconcile Brentford's performance at Everton with their poor away record, but their ambitions might have to be revised. With Igor Thiago in prolific form, Brentford has a platform to build on. Thiago's link-up play for the team gets better from game to game, and they need this, not just his scoring.
10. Burnley's Lonely Journey: A New Low in Loss to Brighton
Burnley's journey this season has become increasingly lonely, with other relegated clubs like Sunderland and Leeds appearing safer. Despite extending their unbeaten run to seven games, Daniel Farke's side lost to Brighton, and Scott Parker was forced to confront a new low in Burnley's loss, with just two points collected from their last 11 matches.
