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1. Elliot Anderson Gets Encouragement from Each Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Forest's two-nil loss on Tyneside, showing Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when top-flight financial regulations forced the player's transfer to avert a points penalty. This occurred during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has thrived since joining Forest. For much of the opening period he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's standout individual. Yet the player is only human, and when his loose pass offered the Brazilian midfielder an opening, his subsequent challenge was mistimed and caused Guimarães crashing in the penalty area. The Brazilian had previously shot the Magpies ahead from 25 yards, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade converted his fourth strike in five starting appearances. Notably, at the conclusion, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made clear attempts to console the young midfielder. If Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will undoubtedly be leaning on his star player. Howe, on the other hand, would be keen to re-sign the homegrown talent. If Nottingham Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Injury Concern Overshadows Manchester City Success

His look was very revealing. As he sank to the Brentford turf looking down, there was a slight shake of the head – though his body language said a lot. A new problem for the key player? It looked more than likely. The City manager has tried his best to carefully use his involvement this season since his tentative return from a long-term layoff; he now has to trust replacements. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the team, but has only been trusted to play from the outset a single league match since the start of the season. González was a January purchase and will be required to contribute frequently after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in the capital. As to whether he can offer composure like peak Rodri, it remains to be seen.

3. Mount Climbs the Ranking at United

Fitness issues have hindered Mason Mount's time at United. Being named in the first XI against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the league since arriving in 2023 from his former club. His pedigree has never been questioned, but securing a regular role and enough game time to play himself into form has proved problematic. On Saturday, his first touch was superb and he provided creativity and work rate in balance, which might explain why the United manager selected him over the alternative option. He took his goal expertly, netting the quickest opener for United since his first game in charge almost a year ago. At a big club, his know-how could be crucial. I consider myself providing energy into the team and setting off the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I focus on, assisting those nearby and really adding intensity. Scoring was a big moment for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Confidence in Young Player Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's move to bring on the young striker for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, rather than the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the young Northern Irish forward who had a loan spell at Huddersfield Town. Since Callum Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and the German striker have scored only once between them so far in the Premier League, the youngster could receive more chances if the Nuno's post-match assessment are a guide. “It’s not easy to give a debut in ahead of Callum Wilson,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have a full understanding of who we have in the squad. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a sharp in the box, movement, he can identify openings in the attack. I believe we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Composed Thomas Frank Steadily Secures his Tottenham Rewards

It's unclear how competitive Spurs can be this season, including the players. What is evident is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. With a third success from a solid away record this campaign, confidence is building that Tottenham are developing into a increasingly organized and tough side compared to the team which fell to their poorest season under Ange Postecoglou last term. Frank exudes calm confidence to the manager, who was very positive of his squad's attitude and collective desire in seeing off a feisty Leeds side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his Leeds counterpart and friend the Leeds manager in five previous meetings, but scores from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, around the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, resulted in the outcome was different. There's a long way to go, but prospects are improving for Tottenham.

6. Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver

Enzo Maresca wanted a new centre-back after losing the young defender to a knee injury ahead of the campaign. His bosses disagreed. The squad depth are extensive and a desperate purchase was not required. Subsequently further fitness issues, leaving the coach short-handed. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile lining up against the Reds on the weekend, but there need not have been. Acheampong is just a teenager but many believe in his ability. The teenager dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp