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1. Anderson Earns Support from The Two Managers

Elliot Anderson featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's two-nil setback on Tyneside, reminding the Newcastle manager what he lost when Premier League profit and sustainability rules required the player's departure to avoid a points penalty. That was during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has excelled ever since moving to Nottingham Forest. Throughout the opening period he eclipsed even Sandro Tonali and, overall, was clearly the Forest manager's standout individual. However the player is only human, and when his loose pass offered the Brazilian midfielder an opening, his resulting attempted tackle was ill-judged and resulted in the Newcastle player crashing in the box. The Brazilian had previously scored Newcastle ahead from 25 yards, and from the spot the striker converted his fourth strike in five starting appearances. Notably, at the final whistle, both Postecoglou and Howe made clear attempts to encourage the young midfielder. In the event that Forest's manager is to establish himself at Forest, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, in contrast, would love to re-sign the Newcastle academy graduate. In case Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, struggle, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.

Two. Rodri Fitness Worry Dampens City Success

The midfielder's expression was very revealing. When he went down to the Brentford pitch looking down, there was a barely discernible shake of the head – though his demeanor said a lot. Another setback for the City star? The signs were not good. Pep Guardiola has attempted to manage Rodri's game time this campaign since his tentative return from a long-term layoff; he now has to rely more on alternatives. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in City's squad, but has only been selected to play from the outset just one Premier League fixture since 23 August. The £49.8m signing was a £49.8m signing and will be called upon more regularly after his introduction as a substitute for City in west London. On whether he can provide stability like the influential midfielder, it remains to be seen.

3. Mason Mount Climbs the Ranking at Manchester United

Injuries have hindered the midfielder's spell with the club. His start against the Black Cats was merely his 17th in the Premier League since joining in 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has never been in doubt, but securing a regular role and enough game time to build momentum has been a challenge. During the fixture, his control was excellent and he provided inventiveness and work rate in similar amounts, which perhaps influenced why the United manager chose him ahead of the alternative option. He scored expertly, netting the quickest opener for United since his initial match last season. At a big club, Mount's experience could be important. I consider myself injecting intensity into the team and initiating the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I focus on, helping the people around me and really adding intensity. To get the goal was hugely important for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Shows Faith in Young Player Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's decision to introduce Callum Marshall for his debut at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, in place of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland forward who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Since Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal together so far in the Premier League, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the new manager's post-game remarks are any indication. It's difficult to give a debut in front of Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. We need, as soon as possible, to have complete awareness of our squad options. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, pace, he can find space in the attack. In my view we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Composed Frank Gradually Secures his Tottenham Progress

Nobody seems quite sure how strong Tottenham can be this season, including the players. What is evident is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. With a third success from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, confidence is building that Spurs are evolving into a increasingly organized and tough side than the squad which slumped to their lowest league position under the previous manager last term. Frank exudes calm confidence to the manager, who praised highly of his team’s mentality and collective desire in beating a feisty Leeds side at a raucous, windswept their home ground. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his rival manager and friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but goals from Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, before and after Noah Okafor's tying goal, ensured the outcome was different. The season is young, but the future appears bright for Spurs.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager sought a new centre-back after losing the young defender to a long-term problem in pre-season. The club hierarchy thought otherwise. The squad depth are strong and a panic buy was not required. Later more injuries, leaving Maresca short-handed. Some were worried about the teenage defender and the French centre-back featuring against the Reds on Saturday, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is only 19 but few doubt his potential. The teenager contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp