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One. Elliot Anderson Gets Encouragement from Both Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, reminding Eddie Howe the player he had to sell when top-flight financial regulations required the midfielder's departure to avoid a sanction. It happened back in the summer of 2024, and Anderson has thrived since his switch to Forest. Throughout the first half he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's top performer. However the player is only human, and when his loose pass presented Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his following attempted tackle was mistimed and caused the Newcastle player crashing in the penalty area. Guimarães had already shot the Magpies ahead from long range, and from the resulting penalty the striker scored his fourth goal in five starts. Notably, at the conclusion, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made clear attempts to console the young midfielder. If Forest's manager is to survive and then thrive at the club, he will inevitably be reliant upon the midfielder's ability. Howe, on the other hand, would welcome the chance to buy the Newcastle academy graduate. Should Forest, with or without Postecoglou, fail to improve, Newcastle could have an opportunity.

2. Rodri Setback Mars Manchester City Victory

His look was very revealing. After collapsing to the Brentford turf looking down, there was a almost imperceptible shake of the head – though his posture said a lot. A fresh injury for the City star? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has attempted to limit Rodri's game time this season since his tentative return from a serious knee injury; it's time for him to put more faith in other options. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in City's squad, however has only been trusted to begin just one Premier League fixture since late August. The former Porto man was a big-money acquisition and will be called upon more frequently after his introduction as a substitute for City in the capital. Regarding if he can offer composure akin to peak Rodri, the jury is still out.

3. Mount Climbs the Hierarchy at United

Setbacks have hampered Mason Mount's time at United. His start against the Black Cats was merely his 17th in the league since arriving in 2023 from Chelsea. His pedigree has never been in doubt, but establishing himself and enough game time to build momentum has proved problematic. During the fixture, his control was impeccable and he brought vision and discipline in similar amounts, which perhaps influenced why the United manager chose him ahead of the alternative option. He took his goal brilliantly, scoring the fastest early goal for the Red Devils since his debut as manager almost a year ago. Under pressure, his know-how could be crucial. “I see myself as providing energy into the team and setting off the press at times, being a key instigator going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I aim to do, assisting those nearby and really raising the tempo. Scoring was hugely important for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Demonstrates Trust in Youngster Callum Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to bring on the young striker for his debut at the Emirates against Arsenal, rather than the more experienced Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the young Northern Ireland striker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Considering Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the summer – and the German striker have managed only a single goal together so far in the Premier League, Marshall could be given further game time if the Nuno's post-game remarks are any indication. It's difficult to give a debut in ahead of an experienced player,” said the manager. We need, as quickly, to have a full understanding of our squad options. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, good mobility, he can find space in the space. In my view we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Calm Thomas Frank Steadily Earns his Tottenham Results

It's unclear how competitive Tottenham can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is evident is that they are improving under the Danish manager. With a third success from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, belief is growing that Tottenham are becoming a far more cohesive and tough side to the one which fell to their worst Premier League finish under the previous manager last term. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who was very positive of his players' mindset and collective desire in seeing off a pugnacious Leeds United side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his Leeds counterpart and friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but scores from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, before and after the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, resulted in the tables were turned. There's a long way to go, but prospects are improving for Tottenham.

6. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Step Up

The Chelsea manager sought a reinforcement at the back after being without the young defender to a serious knee issue ahead of the campaign. Chelsea's decision-makers had a different view. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Then came more injuries, leaving Maresca short-handed. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile featuring against Liverpool on Saturday, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is only 19 but many believe in his ability. He handled Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp