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1. Anderson Gets Support from Both Coaches

Elliot Anderson featured heavily in Forest's two-nil setback at Newcastle, demonstrating the Newcastle manager what he lost when Premier League financial regulations forced the player's departure to avert a points penalty. It happened in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since his switch to Forest. Throughout the opening period he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's standout individual. Yet Anderson is human, and when his wayward pass presented Bruno Guimarães an chance, his subsequent challenge was poorly timed and caused the Newcastle player tumbling in the penalty area. The Brazilian had previously scored Newcastle ahead from long range, and from the spot Nick Woltemade converted his fourth of the season in five starts. Notably, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made concerted efforts to console the young midfielder. Should Forest's manager is to establish himself at the club, he will inevitably be leaning on the midfielder's ability. Howe, in contrast, would welcome the chance to bring back the homegrown talent. In case Nottingham Forest, with or without Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club could have an opportunity.

2. Rodri Injury Concern Mars Manchester City Win

The midfielder's expression was very revealing. As he sank to the Brentford pitch looking down, there was a slight disappointed gesture – though his demeanor was very telling. A new problem for the key player? It looked more than likely. Pep Guardiola has attempted to manage his involvement this campaign since his return from injury from a serious knee injury; he now has to put more faith in replacements. Nico González is the natural stand-in in the lineup, however has only started to start just one Premier League fixture since the start of the season. The former Porto man was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up more often after his early substitution for Manchester City in west London. On whether he can provide stability similar to peak Rodri, it remains to be seen.

Three. Mason Mount Advances the Ranking at Manchester United

Fitness issues have affected the midfielder's time at United. His start against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the Premier League since signing in 2023 from Chelsea. His pedigree has always been recognized, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to build momentum has been difficult. On Saturday, his first touch was superb and he offered creativity and work rate in equal measure, which might explain why the United manager chose him ahead of Matheus Cunha. He scored superbly, netting the earliest goal for the Red Devils since his debut as manager last season. In an intense environment, his background could prove vital. “I see myself as bringing a lot of energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a key instigator going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I focus on, supporting my teammates and really adding intensity. Scoring was hugely important for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Shows Confidence in Young Player Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's decision to send on Callum Marshall for his debut at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, in place of the established Callum Wilson, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Irish forward who had a loan spell at Huddersfield. Considering Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and the German striker have contributed just one goal between them so far in the top flight, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-game remarks are anything to go by. It's a tough decision to select a youngster in over an experienced player,” said Nuno. We need, as quickly, to have complete awareness of the players available. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, movement, he can recognize the gaps in the final third. I believe we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Composed Thomas Frank Slowly Secures his Spurs Rewards

It's unclear how competitive Tottenham can be this season, least of all themselves. What is evident is that they are improving under the Danish manager. After a third win from four unbeaten away games this season, confidence is building that Tottenham are evolving into a much more united and tough side than the squad which slumped to their poorest season under the previous manager previously. Frank exudes calm confidence to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his team’s mentality and team spirit in beating a pugnacious Leeds United side at a atmospheric Elland Road. Frank had failed to defeat his opposite number and friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, around Noah Okafor's first-half equaliser, resulted in the result went his way. There's a long way to go, but the future appears bright for Spurs.

Six. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Deliver

Enzo Maresca wanted a additional defender after the injury to Levi Colwill to a serious knee issue before the start of the season. His bosses had a different view. The squad depth are extensive and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Subsequently further fitness issues, leaving Maresca short-handed. Some were worried about the teenage defender and the French centre-back featuring against the Reds on Saturday, but it was unfounded. Acheampong is only 19 but many believe in his ability. The teenager dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp