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1. Elliot Anderson Receives Sympathy from Both Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Forest's 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe the player he had to sell when top-flight spending rules forced the midfielder's sale to avert a sanction. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and Anderson has excelled ever since joining Forest. For much of the initial 45 minutes he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was comfortably the Forest manager's top performer. However the player is only human, and when his misplaced ball offered the Brazilian midfielder an opportunity, his subsequent challenge was poorly timed and resulted in Guimarães falling in the box. The Brazilian had already scored Newcastle ahead from outside the box, and from the penalty spot the striker converted his fourth of the season in five starts. Significantly, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made obvious gestures to console Anderson. If Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on Anderson's talent. Howe, meanwhile, would love to buy the former youth product. In case Nottingham Forest, regardless of their manager, struggle, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Dampens City Victory

His look told its own story. After collapsing to the Brentford pitch staring at his feet, there was a barely discernible disappointed gesture – though his body language spoke volumes. Another setback for the key player? It looked more than likely. The City manager has made efforts to carefully use his involvement this campaign since his comeback from a long-term layoff; he now has to rely more on other options. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in the lineup, yet has only been trusted 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 more often after his introduction as a substitute for City in the capital. On whether he can bring a measure of control akin to the influential midfielder, the jury is still out.

Three. Mason Mount Climbs the Hierarchy at United

Injuries have hindered the midfielder's time at United. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the Premier League since arriving in 2023 from Chelsea. His quality has always been recognized, but finding a position and sufficient minutes to play himself into form has proved problematic. In the latest match, his first touch was impeccable and he offered vision and tactical awareness in equal measure, which could be the reason why the United manager preferred him to the alternative option. He scored expertly, getting the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his initial match almost a year ago. Under pressure, his background could be important. I consider myself providing energy into the team and setting off the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, helping the people around me and really bringing the energy. Scoring was a big moment for me.”

Four. Nuno Displays Trust in Youngster Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's move to send on Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates against the Gunners, in place of the established Callum Wilson, was an significant vote of confidence in the young Northern Irish attacker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Given that Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once between them so far in the top flight, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-match assessment are any indication. It's difficult to give a debut in front of Callum Wilson,” said the manager. Our priority is, as soon as possible, to have complete awareness of our squad options. Based on training, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, movement, he can find space in the final third. I think we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Calm Thomas Frank Slowly Earns his Tottenham Results

Nobody seems quite sure how good Spurs can be this campaign, least of all themselves. What is evident is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, confidence is building that Spurs are becoming a increasingly organized and durable team to the one which dropped to their worst Premier League finish under the previous manager last season. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who was very positive of his squad's attitude and unity in beating a combative Leeds United side at a noisy, windy their home ground. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his Leeds counterpart and good friend the Leeds manager in their past five encounters, but goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, before and after the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, resulted in the tables were turned. There's a long way to go, but the future appears bright for Spurs.

Six. Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

Enzo Maresca sought a new centre-back after the injury to Levi Colwill to a long-term problem in pre-season. Chelsea's decision-makers disagreed. The squad depth are extensive and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Then came further fitness issues, leaving Maresca short-handed. There were nerves about the teenage defender and Benoît Badiashile starting against the Reds on Saturday, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is only 19 but many believe in his ability. He contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp