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One. Elliot Anderson Earns Sympathy from The Two Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder spent much of Nottingham Forest's 2-0 loss away to Newcastle, reminding Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when top-flight spending rules forced the midfielder's transfer to prevent a sanction. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and Anderson has excelled ever since his switch to Forest. For much of the first half he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was easily Ange Postecoglou's top performer. But the player is only human, and when his loose pass offered the Brazilian midfielder an chance, his subsequent challenge was ill-judged and caused the Newcastle player falling in the box. The Brazilian had previously fired Newcastle into the lead from long range, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade scored his fourth of the season in five starting appearances. Notably, at the end of the match, both Postecoglou and Howe made concerted efforts to comfort Anderson. In the event that Forest's manager is to establish himself at Forest, he will undoubtedly be reliant upon Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, on the other hand, would love to bring back the homegrown talent. If Nottingham Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, fail to improve, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

2. Rodri Fitness Worry Overshadows City Success

The midfielder's expression told its own story. After collapsing to the Brentford turf gazing at the ground, there was a barely discernible disappointed gesture – though his posture said a lot. A fresh injury for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. The City manager has attempted to limit Rodri's game time this season since his tentative return from a long-term layoff; he now has to put more faith in alternatives. Nico González is the natural stand-in in City's squad, yet has only started to play from the outset just one Premier League fixture since 23 August. The former Porto man was a big-money acquisition and will be called upon more frequently after his early substitution for Manchester City in west London. As to whether he can bring a measure of control akin to peak Rodri, it remains to be seen.

Three. Mason Mount Rises the Ranking at United

Fitness issues have affected Mason Mount's United career. His start against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the league since joining in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His pedigree has never been questioned, but securing a regular role and enough game time to play himself into form has proved problematic. On Saturday, his touch was superb and he provided vision and work rate in equal measure, which might explain why the United manager chose him ahead of the alternative option. He took his goal superbly, scoring the earliest goal for United since his initial match 11 months ago. At a big club, Mount's experience could be crucial. “I see myself as injecting intensity into the team and setting off the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, helping the people around me and really bringing the energy. Finding the net was a big moment for me.”

Four. Nuno Shows Confidence in Youngster Marshall

The West Ham manager's move to introduce Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates against the Gunners, rather than the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an enormous show of faith in the young Northern Ireland attacker who had a loan spell at Huddersfield. Considering Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and the German striker have contributed just one goal combined so far in the top flight, Marshall could be given further game time 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 the manager. Our priority is, as quickly, to have complete awareness of our squad options. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a good finisher, pace, he can identify openings in the attack. I think we have a useful option.”

Five. Assured Frank Slowly Earns his Spurs Progress

There is uncertainty how strong Tottenham can be this season, especially within the squad. What is undeniable is that they are heading in the right direction under the Danish manager. After a third win from four matches on the road without defeat this season, optimism is rising that Tottenham are becoming a increasingly organized and tough side to the one which slumped to their poorest season under the previous manager previously. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who was very positive of his squad's attitude and collective desire in defeating a pugnacious Leeds side at a atmospheric Elland Road. Frank had been unable to overcome his rival manager and close friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but scores from Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, either side of the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, meant the result went his way. The season is young, but things are looking up for Spurs.

6. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver

Enzo Maresca desired a additional defender after losing the young defender to a long-term problem ahead of the campaign. His bosses thought otherwise. The playing staff are deep and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Then came additional setbacks, leaving Maresca stretched. There were nerves about the teenage defender and the French centre-back starting against Liverpool on Saturday, but it was unfounded. Acheampong is just a teenager but many believe in his ability. The teenager dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp