🔗 Share this article

1. Anderson Gets Support from The Two Bosses

Elliot Anderson featured heavily in Forest's 2-0 loss away to Newcastle, reminding the Newcastle manager what he lost when Premier League financial regulations required the player's sale to avert a points penalty. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has rarely looked back moving to Nottingham Forest. Throughout the initial 45 minutes he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was clearly the Forest manager's top performer. Yet Anderson is human, and when his misplaced ball offered Bruno Guimarães an chance, his following challenge was poorly timed and sent the Newcastle player tumbling in the area. The Brazilian had previously shot Newcastle ahead from long range, and from the resulting penalty the striker netted his fourth of the season in his last five games. Significantly, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and Howe made concerted efforts to comfort the young midfielder. In the event that Forest's manager is to establish himself at the club, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on the midfielder's ability. Howe, meanwhile, would love to buy the Newcastle academy graduate. Should Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club might get another opportunity.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Injury Concern Mars City Victory

Rodri's face told its own story. After collapsing to the Brentford turf staring at his feet, there was a slight disappointed gesture – though his body language said a lot. A fresh injury for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. The City manager has tried his best to limit his involvement this campaign since his comeback from a long-term layoff; he now has to put more faith in replacements. The Spanish midfielder is the first-choice alternative in the team, yet has only been selected to play from the outset just one Premier League fixture since late August. The former Porto man was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up regularly after his introduction as a substitute for Manchester City in the capital. On whether he can bring a measure of control similar to the influential midfielder, opinions are divided.

3. Mason Mount Climbs the Pecking Order at United

Injuries have hampered the midfielder's United career. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was merely his 17th in the league since signing in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His quality has always been recognized, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to play himself into form has been difficult. During the fixture, his touch was impeccable and he offered inventiveness and work rate in equal measure, which might explain why the United manager chose him ahead of the alternative option. He scored superbly, getting the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his debut as manager last season. Under pressure, his background could prove vital. My role is providing energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a driving force going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I aim to do, supporting my teammates and really raising the tempo. Scoring was hugely important for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Demonstrates Confidence in Youngster Marshall

The West Ham manager's choice to introduce Callum Marshall for his debut at the Emirates against the Gunners, in place of the more experienced Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the young Northern Irish attacker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Since Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have contributed just one goal together 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 a tough decision to select a youngster in over Callum Wilson,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as rapidly, to have complete awareness of the players available. Based on training, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a sharp in the box, pace, he can identify openings in the attack. In my view we have a useful option.”

5. Calm Frank Slowly Secures his Tottenham Rewards

Nobody seems quite sure how competitive Spurs can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is undeniable is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. Following another victory from four unbeaten away games this campaign, optimism is rising that Spurs are becoming a much more united and tough side than the squad which slumped to their lowest league position under the previous manager last season. He brings stability to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his team’s mentality and unity in defeating a combative Leeds side at a atmospheric Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his opposite number and close friend Daniel Farke in their past five encounters, but scores from the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, either side of the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, resulted in the tables were turned. The season is young, but things are looking up for Spurs.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

Enzo Maresca desired a reinforcement at the back after being without the young defender to a knee injury before the start of the season. The club hierarchy thought otherwise. Chelsea’s resources are strong and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Then came more injuries, leaving Maresca with limited options. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile featuring against Liverpool on Saturday, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is just a teenager but many believe in his ability. He dealt with Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp