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1. Elliot Anderson Earns Sympathy from Each Managers

Elliot Anderson spent much of Forest's 2-0 loss away to Newcastle, reminding Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when Premier League profit and sustainability rules forced the player's transfer to avoid a points deduction. That was back in the summer of 2024, and Anderson has rarely looked back his switch to Forest. Throughout the initial 45 minutes he outshone even Sandro Tonali and, in total, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's best player. Yet Anderson is human, and when his misplaced ball gave the Brazilian midfielder an opportunity, his subsequent attempted tackle was mistimed and caused Guimarães crashing in the penalty area. Guimarães had already fired Newcastle ahead from long range, and from the penalty spot the striker converted his fourth strike in five starts. Significantly, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and Howe made obvious gestures to comfort Anderson. If Forest's manager is to establish himself at Forest, he will undoubtedly be reliant upon Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, on the other hand, would be keen to re-sign the former youth product. Should Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, fail to improve, Newcastle could have an opportunity.

2. Rodri Fitness Worry Dampens City Win

His look said it all. As he sank to the Brentford turf staring at his feet, there was a almost imperceptible disappointed gesture – though his demeanor said a lot. A fresh injury for the City star? That appeared to be the case. Pep Guardiola has attempted to manage the player's minutes this season since his comeback from a serious knee injury; now he must rely more on other options. The Spanish midfielder is the natural stand-in in City's squad, however has only been selected to start one league game since 23 August. The £49.8m signing was a January purchase and will be needed to step up frequently after his introduction as a substitute for Manchester City in west London. On whether he can offer composure like the influential midfielder, the jury is still out.

Three. Mason Mount Advances the Ranking at United

Fitness issues have affected Mason Mount's spell with the club. Being named in the first XI against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the league since signing in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has always been recognized, but establishing himself and regular playing time to build momentum has been difficult. During the fixture, his first touch was superb and he provided creativity and work rate in equal measure, which could be the reason why the United manager chose him ahead of Matheus Cunha. He finished superbly, scoring the quickest opener for United since his debut as manager almost a year ago. Under pressure, Mount's experience could be important. I consider myself providing energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I focus on, helping the people around me and really adding intensity. To get the goal was obviously massive for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Demonstrates Confidence in Young Player Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's move to introduce Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, in place of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the young Northern Irish forward who had a loan spell at Huddersfield. Since Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal between them so far in the Premier League, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the new manager's post-match assessment are a guide. It's difficult to give a debut in over an experienced player,” said Nuno. Our priority is, 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 find space in the final third. In my view we have something we can use.”

5. Calm Frank Slowly Gains his Spurs Rewards

There is uncertainty how strong Spurs can be this season, including the players. What is clear is that they are heading in the right direction under the Danish manager. Following another victory from four matches on the road without defeat this season, optimism is rising that Tottenham are becoming a much more united and durable team than the squad which fell to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou last season. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who was very positive of his team’s mentality and collective desire in seeing off a feisty Leeds side at a atmospheric their home ground. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his rival manager and friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but strikes by the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, around Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, meant the outcome was different. It is early days, but prospects are improving for Tottenham.

Six. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Deliver

The Chelsea manager wanted a additional defender after being without the young defender to a knee injury in pre-season. Chelsea's decision-makers thought otherwise. The squad depth are extensive and a desperate purchase was not needed. Later additional setbacks, leaving the coach short-handed. There were nerves about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile starting against Liverpool on Saturday, but there need not have been. Acheampong is very young but he is highly rated. The teenager contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp