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1. Anderson Earns Sympathy from The Two Coaches

Elliot Anderson spent much of Forest's 2-0 setback away to Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe what he lost when top-flight profit and sustainability rules required the player's departure to prevent a points deduction. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since joining Forest. During the opening period he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's top performer. Yet Anderson is human, and when his wayward pass gave Bruno Guimarães an opening, his following recovery tackle was poorly timed and resulted in Guimarães crashing in the box. Guimarães had already shot Newcastle into the lead from 25 yards, and from the resulting penalty Nick Woltemade scored his fourth goal in five starts. Significantly, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made obvious gestures to encourage Anderson. In the event that Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on his star player. Howe, meanwhile, would welcome the chance to buy the homegrown talent. If Nottingham Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, fail to improve, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

Two. Rodri Setback Dampens Manchester City Success

His look was very revealing. When he went down to the Griffin Park surface looking down, there was a barely discernible shake of the head – though his posture spoke volumes. A new problem for the key player? That appeared to be the case. Pep Guardiola has tried his best to limit the player's minutes this season since his return from injury from a significant knee problem; he now has to rely more on replacements. The Spanish midfielder is the most obvious replacement in City's squad, however has only been trusted to play from the outset a single league match since the start of the season. The £49.8m signing was a £49.8m signing and will be required to contribute regularly after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in west London. As to whether he can provide stability akin to Rodri at his best, it remains to be seen.

Three. Mason Mount Climbs the Pecking Order at United

Injuries have hindered Mason Mount's spell with the club. His inclusion in the starting lineup against Sunderland was just his 17th in the Premier League since joining in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His quality has never been in doubt, but securing a regular role and sufficient minutes to regain his best has been a challenge. On Saturday, his first touch was superb and he provided vision and work rate in balance, which perhaps influenced why the United manager selected him over Matheus Cunha. He took his goal brilliantly, netting the quickest opener for United since his first game in charge 11 months ago. In an intense environment, his know-how could be important. I consider myself providing energy into the team and initiating 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. Scoring was hugely important for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Demonstrates Trust in Young Player Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's decision to send on the young striker for his debut at the Emirates against Arsenal, in place of the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland forward who was on loan last season 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 receive more chances if the new manager's post-match assessment are anything to go by. It's a tough decision to select a youngster in ahead of an experienced player,” said Nuno. We need, as quickly, to have a full understanding of our squad options. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a sharp in the box, good mobility, he can find space in the space. I think we have a useful option.”

Five. Composed Thomas Frank Gradually Secures his Tottenham Rewards

It's unclear how good Tottenham can be this season, least of all themselves. What is clear is that they are heading in the right direction under the Danish manager. With a third success from a solid away record this campaign, optimism is rising that Tottenham are evolving into a increasingly organized and resilient outfit compared to the team which fell to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou previously. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who was very positive of his team’s mentality and collective desire in beating a combative Leeds United side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his opposite number and friend the Leeds manager in their past five encounters, but goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, around the Swiss striker's tying goal, resulted in the result went his way. There's a long way to go, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

6. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

Enzo Maresca sought a new centre-back after losing the young defender to a knee injury ahead of the campaign. Chelsea's decision-makers had a different view. The playing staff are deep and a panic buy was not needed. Subsequently more injuries, leaving the coach short-handed. There were nerves about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile featuring against the Reds on the weekend, but their fears were misplaced. Acheampong is just a teenager but few doubt his potential. The teenager contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp