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One. Elliot Anderson Earns Sympathy from Both Bosses

Elliot Anderson featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's two-nil setback away to Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when top-flight profit and sustainability rules forced the midfielder's sale to avoid a points deduction. It happened during the 2024 summer window, and Anderson has thrived since joining Forest. For much of the initial 45 minutes he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's top performer. Yet mistakes can happen, and when his loose pass gave the Brazilian midfielder an opening, his following challenge was poorly timed and sent the Newcastle player crashing in the box. The Brazilian had earlier shot Newcastle into the lead from outside the box, and from the resulting penalty the striker netted his fourth goal in his last five games. Significantly, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made concerted efforts to console the young midfielder. In the event that Forest's manager is to establish himself at the club, he will inevitably be leaning on Anderson's talent. Howe, meanwhile, would welcome the chance to bring back the homegrown talent. In case Forest, whether or not they have Postecoglou, fail to improve, the Tyneside club could have an opportunity.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Injury Concern Mars City Success

Rodri's face was very revealing. After collapsing to the Brentford turf looking down, there was a slight disappointed gesture – though his demeanor said a lot. A fresh injury for the key player? It looked more than likely. The City manager has tried his best to manage Rodri's game time this campaign since his tentative return from a serious knee injury; it's time for him to put more faith in alternatives. The Spanish midfielder is the natural stand-in in City's squad, but has only started to play from the outset just one Premier League fixture since late August. The £49.8m signing was a big-money acquisition and will be required to contribute frequently after his early substitution for City in the capital. On whether he can provide stability akin to the influential midfielder, it remains to be seen.

Three. Mason Mount Advances the Ranking at Manchester United

Fitness issues have hindered Mason Mount's spell with the club. Being named in the first XI against the Black Cats was merely his 17th in the league since joining in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His quality has always been recognized, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to build momentum has proved problematic. In the latest match, his control was superb and he brought vision and discipline in balance, which perhaps influenced why Ruben Amorim selected him over the alternative option. He took his goal brilliantly, getting the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his first game in charge 11 months ago. In an intense environment, his know-how could be crucial. I consider myself providing energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a driving force going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I aim to do, assisting those nearby and really bringing the energy. Finding the net was a big moment for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Demonstrates Confidence in Young Player Callum Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's move to bring on Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates against the Gunners, in place of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an enormous show of faith in the 20-year-old Northern Irish attacker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Since Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have contributed just one goal between them so far in the top flight, the youngster could receive more chances if the Nuno's post-match assessment are a guide. It's a tough decision to put a young lad in front of Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. “It’s important for us, as soon as possible, to have a full understanding of who we have in the squad. Based on training, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a clinical in front of goal, movement, he can recognize the gaps in the attack. In my view we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Calm Thomas Frank Slowly Earns his Tottenham Results

Nobody seems quite sure how competitive Tottenham can be this season, least of all themselves. What is clear is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. Following another victory from four matches on the road without defeat this season, confidence is building that Spurs are becoming a increasingly organized and durable team than the squad which slumped to their poorest season under Ange Postecoglou last term. He brings stability to Frank, who was very positive of his players' mindset and team spirit in seeing off a pugnacious Leeds side at a raucous, windswept Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his opposite number and friend Daniel Farke in their past five encounters, but strikes by the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, before and after the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, ensured the result went his way. The season is young, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

Six. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager wanted a reinforcement at the back after the injury to Levi Colwill to a long-term problem before the start of the season. His bosses thought otherwise. The playing staff are deep and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Later additional setbacks, leaving Maresca with limited options. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile lining up against the Reds on the weekend, but it was unfounded. Acheampong is only 19 but he is highly rated. He handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp