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One. Anderson Receives Sympathy from The Two Bosses

Elliot Anderson was prominent during Forest's two-nil setback away to Newcastle, demonstrating the Newcastle manager what he lost when Premier League spending rules forced the player's transfer to avoid a points deduction. That was during the 2024 summer window, and Anderson has rarely looked back joining Forest. Throughout the first half he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was easily Ange Postecoglou's standout individual. But the player is only human, and when his wayward pass presented Bruno Guimarães an opening, his subsequent recovery tackle was poorly timed and resulted in the Newcastle player falling in the box. Guimarães had earlier scored the Magpies ahead from outside the box, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade netted his fourth of the season in five starts. Notably, at the conclusion, both Postecoglou and Howe made concerted efforts to comfort the young midfielder. In the event that Postecoglou is to survive and then thrive at Forest, he will undoubtedly be reliant upon Anderson's talent. Howe, in contrast, would welcome the chance to buy the former youth product. In case Nottingham Forest, with or without their manager, struggle, Newcastle may yet be in with a chance.

2. Rodri Fitness Worry Mars Manchester City Success

The midfielder's expression was very revealing. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface staring at his feet, there was a barely discernible head shake – though his demeanor spoke volumes. Another setback for the key player? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has tried his best to carefully use the player's minutes this campaign since his return from injury from a serious knee injury; now he must rely more on other options. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in City's squad, but has only started to begin a single league match since 23 August. The former Porto man was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up regularly after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in the capital. As to whether he can bring a measure of control akin to Rodri at his best, the jury is still out.

Three. Mason Mount Climbs the Hierarchy at Manchester United

Fitness issues have hindered Mason Mount's spell with the club. His start against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the Premier League since arriving in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His quality has never been in doubt, but finding a position and sufficient minutes to build momentum has been a challenge. In the latest match, his touch was impeccable and he provided creativity and work rate in balance, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim chose him ahead of the alternative option. He finished superbly, netting the quickest opener for United since his initial match last season. At a big club, his know-how could be important. “I see myself as bringing a lot of energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a driving force going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, helping the people around me and really raising the tempo. Scoring was hugely important for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Trust in Youngster Callum Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to bring on the young striker for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, in place of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the young Northern Irish attacker who had a loan spell at Huddersfield Town. Considering Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal combined so far in the Premier League, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the new manager's post-game remarks are anything to go by. “It’s not easy to give a debut in over an experienced player,” said Nuno. We need, as rapidly, to have a full understanding of who we have in the squad. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a good finisher, movement, he can find space in the attack. I believe we have a useful option.”

5. Calm Frank Slowly Earns his Spurs Progress

Nobody seems quite sure how good Tottenham can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is undeniable is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. Following another victory from a solid away record this season, confidence is building that Spurs are becoming a far more cohesive and tough side compared to the team which fell to their lowest league position under the previous manager last term. Frank exudes calm confidence to Frank, who praised highly of his team’s mentality and unity in seeing off a feisty Leeds side at a raucous, windswept Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his rival manager and friend Daniel Farke in their past five encounters, but goals from the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, before and after the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, resulted in the result went his way. The season is young, but the future appears bright for Spurs.

Six. Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver

The Chelsea manager wanted a new centre-back after being without Levi Colwill to a long-term problem in pre-season. The club hierarchy disagreed. The squad depth are deep and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Then came more injuries, leaving Maresca short-handed. There were nerves about the teenage defender and the French centre-back lining up against the Reds on the weekend, but their fears were misplaced. Acheampong is only 19 but he is highly rated. The teenager handled Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp