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1. Elliot Anderson Earns Encouragement from The Two Managers

Elliot Anderson spent much of Nottingham Forest's 2-0 defeat on Tyneside, reminding Eddie Howe what he lost when top-flight profit and sustainability rules forced the midfielder's departure to avoid a sanction. That was back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has rarely looked back moving to Nottingham Forest. For much of the opening period he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's best player. Yet Anderson is human, and when his wayward pass offered the Brazilian midfielder an chance, his subsequent recovery tackle was mistimed and resulted in Guimarães crashing in the box. Guimarães had already scored the Magpies into the lead from long range, and from the spot Nick Woltemade scored his fourth strike in his last five games. Significantly, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and Howe made obvious gestures to console Anderson. Should Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will certainly be leaning on his star player. Howe, meanwhile, would love to buy the Newcastle academy graduate. If Forest, regardless of their manager, continue to founder, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Setback Overshadows City Success

His look was very revealing. After collapsing to the Brentford pitch staring at his feet, there was a almost imperceptible head shake – though his posture was very telling. A fresh injury for the City star? That appeared to be the case. Pep Guardiola has tried his best to manage Rodri's game time this season since his tentative return from a significant knee problem; now he must trust other options. Nico González is the natural stand-in in the lineup, however has only been trusted to start just one Premier League fixture since 23 August. González was a January purchase and will be needed to step up frequently after his introduction as a substitute for City in the capital. As to whether he can offer composure similar to Rodri at his best, opinions are divided.

3. Mason Mount Rises the Ranking at Manchester United

Setbacks have affected the midfielder's spell with the club. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the league since signing in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has never been in doubt, but establishing himself and regular playing time to build momentum has proved problematic. During the fixture, his touch was impeccable and he offered inventiveness and discipline in similar amounts, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He finished superbly, netting the fastest early goal for United since his first game in charge 11 months ago. In an intense environment, his know-how could be crucial. My role is injecting intensity into the team and setting off the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, assisting those nearby and really bringing the energy. Finding the net was a big moment for me.”

4. Nuno Demonstrates Faith in Young Player Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's move to send on Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates against the Gunners, instead of the established the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the young Northern Ireland striker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Since Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once between them so far in the Premier League, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-game remarks are a guide. It's difficult to put a young lad in ahead of Callum Wilson,” said the manager. We need, as rapidly, to have complete awareness of who we have in the squad. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a sharp in the box, pace, he can identify openings in the space. In my view we have a player who can contribute.”

5. Assured Thomas Frank Steadily Secures his Tottenham Rewards

Nobody seems quite sure how strong Tottenham can be this season, least of all themselves. What is evident is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, confidence is building that Tottenham are becoming a increasingly organized and durable team compared to the team which fell to their poorest season under the previous manager last term. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who was very positive of his team’s mentality and team spirit in seeing off a feisty Leeds United side at a atmospheric Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his Leeds counterpart and good friend Daniel Farke in their past five encounters, but strikes by Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, either side of Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, ensured the tables were turned. There's a long way to go, but prospects are improving for Tottenham.

6. Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager sought a new centre-back after losing the young defender to a long-term problem before the start of the season. Chelsea's decision-makers disagreed. Chelsea’s resources are strong and a desperate purchase was not required. Then came additional setbacks, leaving Maresca short-handed. Some were worried about the teenage defender and the French centre-back starting against Liverpool on Saturday, but it was unfounded. The 19-year-old is only 19 but few doubt his potential. The teenager dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp