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One. Anderson Earns Encouragement from Both Bosses

Elliot Anderson featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's 2-0 setback at Newcastle, demonstrating the Newcastle manager what he lost when Premier League financial regulations forced the midfielder's departure to avoid a points deduction. It happened during the 2024 summer window, and Anderson has rarely looked back moving to Nottingham Forest. During the initial 45 minutes he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was comfortably the Forest manager's standout individual. However Anderson is human, and when his wayward pass presented Bruno Guimarães an chance, his subsequent challenge was mistimed and sent Guimarães falling in the area. Guimarães had previously fired Newcastle ahead from outside the box, and from the resulting penalty the striker netted his fourth strike in five starting appearances. Significantly, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and Howe made clear attempts to encourage the young midfielder. In the event that Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at the club, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on his star player. The Newcastle coach, on the other hand, would be keen to re-sign the Newcastle academy graduate. Should Forest, with or without their manager, struggle, Newcastle may yet be in with a chance.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Setback Mars City Win

Rodri's face was very revealing. When he went down to the Griffin Park surface looking down, there was a barely discernible disappointed gesture – though his demeanor said a lot. A new problem for the City star? That appeared to be the case. Pep Guardiola has made efforts to manage his involvement 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 City's squad, but has only been selected to begin one league game since the start of the season. González was a January purchase and will be called upon more more often after his early substitution for Manchester City in the capital. Regarding if he can bring a measure of control like the influential midfielder, the jury is still out.

Three. Mason Mount Climbs the Pecking Order at Manchester United

Injuries have affected Mason Mount's time at United. His start against Sunderland was only his 17th in the Premier League since arriving in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His ability has always been recognized, but securing a regular role and enough game time to play himself into form has been a challenge. In the latest match, his first touch was impeccable and he brought creativity and discipline in balance, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim selected him over Matheus Cunha. He finished superbly, netting the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his first game in charge last season. At a big club, his know-how could be crucial. “I see myself as injecting intensity 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, helping the people around me and really adding intensity. Finding the net was obviously massive for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Faith in Young Player Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to bring on Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates against the Gunners, rather than the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the young Northern Ireland forward who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Since Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the summer – and the German striker have managed only a single goal combined so far in the top flight, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the new manager's post-match assessment are any indication. It's difficult to give a debut in over an experienced player,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as rapidly, to have complete awareness of our squad options. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, good mobility, he can identify openings in the final third. I believe we have a useful option.”

Five. Calm Thomas Frank Slowly Secures his Spurs Rewards

It's unclear how competitive Tottenham can be this season, including the players. What is undeniable is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, belief is growing that Spurs are evolving into a increasingly organized and durable team compared to the team which slumped to their lowest league position under the previous manager last term. Frank exudes calm confidence to the manager, who was very positive of his team’s mentality and collective desire in defeating a combative Leeds side at a noisy, windy their home ground. Frank had failed to defeat his rival manager and good friend the Leeds manager in their past five encounters, but strikes by Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, around Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, ensured the outcome was different. The season is young, but the future appears bright for Spurs.

6. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

Enzo Maresca wanted a additional defender after being without Levi Colwill to a serious knee issue in pre-season. Chelsea's decision-makers disagreed. The squad depth are strong and a panic buy was not needed. Subsequently further fitness issues, leaving Maresca stretched. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back starting against the Reds on Saturday, but there need not have been. Acheampong is just a teenager but few doubt his potential. He dealt with Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp