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1. Elliot Anderson Receives Sympathy from Both Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Nottingham Forest's 2-0 setback on Tyneside, demonstrating the Newcastle manager what he lost when Premier League spending rules forced the midfielder's departure to avert a sanction. This occurred during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has excelled ever since moving to Nottingham Forest. Throughout the initial 45 minutes he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's top performer. Yet the player is only human, and when his wayward pass gave the Brazilian midfielder an chance, his subsequent attempted tackle was ill-judged and sent Guimarães tumbling in the box. The Brazilian had already fired Newcastle into the lead from long range, and from the spot the striker netted his fourth of the season in five starts. Tellingly, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made obvious gestures to comfort the young midfielder. If Forest's manager is to survive and then thrive at Forest, he will inevitably be heavily dependent on the midfielder's ability. Howe, on the other hand, would love to bring back the former youth product. If Nottingham Forest, with or without their manager, fail to improve, Newcastle could have an opportunity.

Two. Rodri Injury Concern Overshadows City Win

Rodri's face told its own story. When he went down to the Brentford pitch staring at his feet, there was a slight shake of the head – though his posture said a lot. Another setback for the City star? It looked more than likely. The City manager has attempted to limit his involvement this campaign since his tentative return from a significant knee problem; he now has to trust alternatives. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in the lineup, yet has only started to play from the outset just one Premier League fixture since the start of the season. González was a big-money acquisition and will be needed to step up regularly after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in west London. Regarding if he can offer composure akin to peak Rodri, it remains to be seen.

3. Mount Climbs the Pecking Order at Manchester United

Injuries have affected the midfielder's United career. Being named in the first XI against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the league since signing in 2023 from Chelsea. His pedigree has never been questioned, but establishing himself and regular playing time to regain his best has proved problematic. In the latest match, his touch was impeccable and he brought vision and work rate in equal measure, which perhaps influenced why the United manager chose him ahead of the alternative option. He took his goal brilliantly, netting the quickest opener for Amorim's team since his initial match last season. Under pressure, Mount's experience could prove vital. I consider myself injecting intensity into the team and initiating the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I aim to do, helping the people around me and really adding intensity. To get the goal was hugely important for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Demonstrates Faith in Youngster Callum Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's decision to bring on Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates against Arsenal, rather than the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the young Northern Irish striker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Considering Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal between them so far in the top flight, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the new manager's comments after the game are a guide. It's a tough decision to put a young lad in over Callum Wilson,” said the manager. We need, as soon as possible, to have complete awareness of our squad options. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a good finisher, pace, he can identify openings in the attack. In my view we have a player who can contribute.”

5. Calm Thomas Frank Gradually Secures his Tottenham Results

Nobody seems quite sure how strong Spurs can be this season, especially within the squad. What is evident is that they are making progress under the Danish manager. With a third success from a solid away record this campaign, belief is growing that Spurs are becoming a much more united and durable team to the one which fell to their worst Premier League finish under the previous manager last term. Frank exudes calm confidence to Frank, who spoke glowingly of his squad's attitude and collective desire in beating a feisty Leeds side at a raucous, windswept their home ground. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his opposite number and friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but goals from the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, either side of the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, ensured the outcome was different. It is early days, but the future appears bright for Tottenham.

6. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Deliver

The Chelsea manager sought a additional defender after being without the young defender to a long-term problem before the start of the season. The club hierarchy thought otherwise. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a desperate purchase was not required. Then came more injuries, leaving the coach short-handed. There were nerves about the teenage defender and the French centre-back lining up against Liverpool on the weekend, but their fears were misplaced. The 19-year-old is just a teenager but few doubt his potential. The teenager handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp