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1. Elliot Anderson Receives Sympathy from The Two Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Forest's 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, demonstrating the Newcastle manager the talent he parted with when Premier League financial regulations forced the player's departure to avoid a points penalty. It happened during the 2024 summer window, and Anderson has rarely looked back his switch to Forest. Throughout the opening period he outshone even Sandro Tonali and, overall, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's top performer. Yet mistakes can happen, and when his loose pass gave Bruno Guimarães an chance, his resulting challenge was mistimed and caused the Newcastle player tumbling in the box. Guimarães had already scored the Magpies ahead from long range, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade scored his fourth goal in five starts. Notably, at the end of the match, both Postecoglou and Howe made clear attempts to comfort the young midfielder. If Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will certainly be leaning on the midfielder's ability. Howe, meanwhile, would love to buy the Newcastle academy graduate. In case Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club might get another opportunity.

2. Rodri Setback Dampens City Success

The midfielder's expression said it all. When he went down to the Brentford pitch looking down, there was a barely discernible shake of the head – though his body language was very telling. A fresh injury for the City star? It looked more than likely. The City manager has attempted to manage the player's minutes this season since his comeback from a serious knee injury; it's time for him to put more faith in alternatives. Nico González is the natural stand-in in the lineup, but has only started to start one league game since the start of the season. González was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up regularly after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in west London. Regarding if he can offer composure like the influential midfielder, opinions are divided.

3. Mason Mount Advances the Hierarchy at United

Injuries have hindered the midfielder's time at United. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was merely his 17th in the league since signing in 2023 from his former club. His ability has always been recognized, but securing a regular role and sufficient minutes to build momentum has been difficult. In the latest match, his control was impeccable and he brought creativity and work rate in balance, which could be the reason why the United manager preferred him to the alternative option. He took his goal brilliantly, netting the earliest goal for United since his first game in charge 11 months ago. Under pressure, his know-how could be important. “I see myself as injecting intensity into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a key instigator going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I focus on, assisting those nearby and really adding intensity. To get the goal was a big moment for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Demonstrates Faith in Young Player Marshall

The West Ham manager's decision to bring on the young striker for his debut at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, rather than the veteran Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland striker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Since Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once between them so far in the Premier League, Marshall could be given further game time if the new manager's post-match assessment are anything to go by. “It’s not easy to give a debut in over an experienced player,” said the manager. We need, as soon as possible, to have total knowledge of who we have in the squad. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a clinical in front of goal, movement, he can find space in the space. In my view we have a player who can contribute.”

5. Calm Frank Slowly Earns his Spurs Progress

Nobody seems quite sure how strong Tottenham can be this season, least of all themselves. What is evident is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. Following another victory from a solid away record this season, confidence is building that Tottenham are becoming a increasingly organized and durable team than the squad which slumped to their worst Premier League finish under the previous manager last season. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who praised highly of his squad's attitude and collective desire in defeating a combative Leeds side at a atmospheric their home ground. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his rival manager and close friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but strikes by the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, either side of Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, ensured the outcome was different. There's a long way to go, but things are looking up for Spurs.

Six. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager desired a new centre-back after being without the young defender to a serious knee issue ahead of the campaign. Chelsea's decision-makers thought otherwise. The playing staff are extensive and a panic buy was not needed. Later more injuries, leaving the coach stretched. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back starting against the Reds on Saturday, but there need not have been. Acheampong is just a teenager but he is highly rated. The teenager dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp