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One. Anderson Gets Sympathy from Both Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Forest's 2-0 setback on Tyneside, showing Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when Premier League profit and sustainability rules forced the player's sale to avert a points deduction. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and Anderson has excelled ever since moving to Nottingham Forest. For much of the opening period he eclipsed even Sandro Tonali and, across the match, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's best player. But Anderson is human, and when his wayward pass gave Bruno Guimarães an chance, his subsequent challenge was poorly timed and caused Guimarães tumbling in the penalty area. The Brazilian had earlier fired the Magpies ahead from long range, and from the spot Nick Woltemade scored his fourth of the season in his last five games. Significantly, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made concerted efforts to encourage Anderson. If Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at the club, he will certainly be reliant upon the midfielder's ability. Howe, in contrast, would welcome the chance to bring back the former youth product. Should Nottingham Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, continue to founder, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Injury Concern Mars City Win

Rodri's face said it all. As he sank to the Brentford pitch looking down, there was a almost imperceptible head shake – though his demeanor was very telling. A new problem for the key player? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has attempted to manage the player's minutes this campaign since his return from injury from a long-term layoff; it's time for him to trust other options. Nico González is the natural stand-in in the lineup, however has only been trusted to start a single league match since the start of the season. González was a January purchase and will be called upon more regularly after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in the capital. On whether he can bring a measure of control like peak Rodri, the jury is still out.

Three. Mount Rises the Pecking Order at Manchester United

Fitness issues have hampered Mason Mount's United career. Being named in the first XI against Sunderland was just his 17th in the Premier League since arriving in 2023 from his former club. His quality has always been recognized, but establishing himself and enough game time to play himself into form has proved problematic. In the latest match, his touch was superb and he brought vision and discipline in balance, which perhaps influenced why Ruben Amorim preferred him to the alternative option. He finished superbly, getting the quickest opener for Amorim's team since his initial match 11 months ago. In an intense environment, his background could prove vital. I consider myself injecting intensity into the team and setting off the press at times, being a key instigator going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I focus on, helping the people around me and really raising the tempo. Finding the net was a big moment for me.”

4. Nuno Demonstrates Faith in Young Player Marshall

The West Ham manager's choice to send on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates against Arsenal, instead of the veteran Callum Wilson, was an enormous show of faith in the young Northern Irish attacker who had a loan spell at Huddersfield Town. Considering Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and the German striker have contributed just one goal combined so far in the Premier League, Marshall could receive more chances if the Nuno's comments after the game are a guide. It's a tough decision to select a youngster in front of Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as rapidly, to have total knowledge of the players available. Based on training, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a clinical in front of goal, pace, he can find space in the attack. In my view we have a useful option.”

Five. Assured Thomas Frank Steadily Earns his Spurs Results

Nobody seems quite sure how strong Spurs can be this season, including the players. What is evident is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. With a third success from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, optimism is rising that Tottenham are becoming a much more united and tough side compared to the team which fell to their poorest season under Ange Postecoglou last season. He brings stability to the manager, who was very positive of his squad's attitude and collective desire in beating a feisty Leeds side at a raucous, windswept Elland Road. Frank had not beaten his rival manager and close friend the Leeds manager in five previous meetings, but strikes by the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, around the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, ensured the result went his way. It is early days, but things are looking up for Tottenham.

6. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Deliver

The Chelsea manager sought a new centre-back after the injury to Levi Colwill to a serious knee issue in pre-season. Chelsea's decision-makers thought otherwise. The playing staff are extensive and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Subsequently additional setbacks, leaving the coach stretched. Some were worried about the teenage defender and Benoît Badiashile lining up against the Reds on the weekend, but there need not have been. Acheampong is only 19 but many believe in his ability. He contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp