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1. Elliot Anderson Earns Encouragement from Both Bosses

Elliot Anderson featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's two-nil loss on Tyneside, demonstrating the Newcastle manager the talent he parted with when Premier League profit and sustainability rules required the midfielder's sale to prevent a points deduction. It happened in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since moving to Nottingham Forest. Throughout the opening period he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was easily Ange Postecoglou's top performer. Yet the player is only human, and when his misplaced ball presented Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his subsequent attempted tackle was mistimed and resulted in Guimarães crashing in the area. The Brazilian had previously scored Newcastle into the lead from long range, and from the spot Nick Woltemade netted his fourth goal in five starting appearances. Tellingly, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and Howe made clear attempts to console Anderson. Should Postecoglou is to survive and then thrive at the club, he will undoubtedly be leaning on his star player. Howe, on the other hand, would welcome the chance to bring back the homegrown talent. Should Nottingham Forest, with or without their manager, fail to improve, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.

Two. Rodri Fitness Worry Overshadows City Victory

His look was very revealing. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface staring at his feet, there was a barely discernible shake of the head – though his demeanor spoke volumes. Another setback for the City star? That appeared to be the case. Pep Guardiola has attempted to carefully use his involvement this campaign since his comeback from a long-term layoff; it's time for him to put more faith in other options. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the team, but has only been selected to begin just one Premier League fixture since 23 August. González was a January purchase and will be called upon more frequently after his introduction as a substitute for City in west London. On whether he can provide stability like Rodri at his best, it remains to be seen.

3. Mason Mount Climbs the Ranking at Manchester United

Fitness issues have affected the midfielder's spell with the club. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was merely his 17th in the league since arriving in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His pedigree has never been in doubt, but finding a position and sufficient minutes to build momentum has been a challenge. In the latest match, his touch was excellent and he offered creativity and tactical awareness in balance, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim selected him over the alternative option. He finished brilliantly, scoring the quickest opener for United since his initial match last season. At a big club, his background could be crucial. “I see myself as bringing a lot of energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I focus on, supporting my teammates and really bringing the energy. To get the goal was a big moment for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Trust in Youngster Callum Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to introduce Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, instead of the veteran Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the young Northern Ireland striker who had a loan spell at Huddersfield Town. Considering Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once together so far in the Premier League, Marshall could be given further game time if the Nuno's post-match assessment are anything to go by. “It’s not easy to select a youngster in ahead of an experienced player,” said Nuno. “It’s important for us, as rapidly, to have complete awareness of the players available. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a clinical in front of goal, movement, he can recognize the gaps in the space. I think we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Calm Thomas Frank Gradually Secures his Spurs Results

It's unclear how good Spurs can be this campaign, least of all themselves. What is undeniable is that they are making progress under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, optimism is rising that Tottenham are becoming a increasingly organized and durable team than the squad which dropped to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou last season. Frank exudes calm confidence to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his players' mindset and unity in beating a pugnacious Leeds United side at a atmospheric their home ground. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his Leeds counterpart and friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but strikes by the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, around the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, meant the outcome was different. There's a long way to go, but things are looking up for Spurs.

6. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up

Enzo Maresca wanted a reinforcement at the back after losing the young defender to a serious knee issue ahead of the campaign. Chelsea's decision-makers disagreed. The squad depth are strong and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Then came additional setbacks, leaving Maresca short-handed. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile lining up against the Reds on Saturday, but it was unfounded. Acheampong is just a teenager but few doubt his potential. The teenager dealt with Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp