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One. Anderson Receives Support from The Two Bosses

Elliot Anderson featured heavily in Forest's 2-0 loss on Tyneside, demonstrating the Newcastle manager what he lost when Premier League profit and sustainability rules required the player's transfer to avert a points deduction. This occurred during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has excelled ever since his switch to Forest. Throughout the initial 45 minutes he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was comfortably the Forest manager's best player. Yet the player is only human, and when his misplaced ball gave the Brazilian midfielder an chance, his following recovery tackle was mistimed and caused the Newcastle player tumbling in the box. The Brazilian had already shot Newcastle ahead from 25 yards, and from the spot Nick Woltemade netted his fourth of the season in his last five games. Notably, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made clear attempts to console Anderson. In the event that Postecoglou is to establish himself at Forest, he will inevitably be leaning on his star player. The Newcastle coach, on the other hand, would be keen to re-sign the homegrown talent. Should Nottingham Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, continue to founder, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

Two. Rodri Setback Overshadows City Win

Rodri's face said it all. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface staring at his feet, there was a slight head shake – though his posture was very telling. A new problem for the key player? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has made efforts to manage his involvement this season since his comeback from a significant knee problem; it's time for him to put more faith in alternatives. The Spanish midfielder is the most obvious replacement in the team, yet has only been selected to begin a single league match since late August. The £49.8m signing was a January purchase and will be required to contribute more often after his introduction as a substitute for City in west London. Regarding if he can offer composure like Rodri at his best, the jury is still out.

3. Mason Mount Rises the Pecking Order at United

Fitness issues have affected Mason Mount's United career. Being named in the first XI against the Black Cats was only his 17th in the league since signing in 2023 from Chelsea. His quality has never been in doubt, but establishing himself and regular playing time to play himself into form has proved problematic. In the latest match, his first touch was excellent and he provided creativity and tactical awareness in similar amounts, which might explain why Ruben Amorim chose him ahead of Matheus Cunha. He took his goal superbly, scoring the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his initial match almost a year ago. At a big club, his background could be important. I consider myself bringing a lot of energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a key instigator going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, helping the people around me and really raising the tempo. Scoring was obviously massive for me.”

Four. Nuno Displays Trust in Youngster Marshall

The West Ham manager's move to introduce Callum Marshall for his debut at the Emirates against Arsenal, rather than the veteran the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the young Northern Ireland striker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Given that Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and the German striker have scored only once between them 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 not easy to give a debut in front of an experienced player,” said the manager. We need, as soon as possible, to have complete awareness of who we have in the squad. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a clinical in front of goal, pace, he can recognize the gaps in the final third. I think we have a useful option.”

5. Assured Frank Gradually Earns his Spurs Progress

There is uncertainty how strong Tottenham can be this campaign, including the players. 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 season, confidence is building that Tottenham are evolving into a far more cohesive and resilient outfit than the squad which fell to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou previously. He brings stability to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his squad's attitude and team spirit in beating a pugnacious Leeds United side at a raucous, windswept Elland Road. Frank had not beaten his opposite number and good friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but strikes by the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, before and after the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, resulted in the result went his way. The season is young, but things are looking up for Tottenham.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager sought a reinforcement at the back after being without the young defender to a knee injury in pre-season. The club hierarchy disagreed. The squad depth are strong and a rushed signing was not needed. Later additional setbacks, leaving the coach with limited options. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile lining up against Liverpool on Saturday, but it was unfounded. Acheampong is only 19 but he is highly rated. He dealt with Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp