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1. Anderson Receives Sympathy from Both Coaches

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Forest's two-nil loss on Tyneside, demonstrating the Newcastle manager the player he had to sell when top-flight profit and sustainability rules required the player's transfer to avoid a sanction. That was in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since joining Forest. Throughout the opening period he eclipsed even Sandro Tonali and, in total, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's best player. But mistakes can happen, and when his wayward pass presented Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his subsequent recovery tackle was ill-judged and caused the Newcastle player falling in the penalty area. Guimarães had earlier fired Newcastle ahead from 25 yards, and from the penalty spot the striker scored his fourth of the season in his last five games. Notably, at the conclusion, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made obvious gestures to console Anderson. If Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will certainly be reliant upon the midfielder's ability. The Newcastle coach, meanwhile, would be keen to buy the former youth product. If Forest, with or without Postecoglou, fail to improve, Newcastle could have an opportunity.

2. Rodri Setback Mars City Victory

His look told its own story. After collapsing to the Brentford turf looking down, there was a almost imperceptible shake of the head – though his posture spoke volumes. A new problem for the City star? That appeared to be the case. Pep Guardiola has made efforts to manage his involvement this campaign since his tentative return from a significant knee problem; it's time for him to put more faith in other options. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the team, however has only started to play from the outset a single league match since 23 August. The £49.8m signing was a big-money acquisition and will be called upon more more often after his early substitution for Manchester City in west London. As to whether he can provide stability akin to the influential midfielder, it remains to be seen.

3. Mount Advances the Hierarchy at United

Fitness issues have hindered the midfielder's time at United. His start against the Black Cats was merely his 17th in the league since signing in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His quality has always been recognized, but securing a regular role and enough game time to build momentum has been difficult. In the latest match, his touch was excellent and he brought creativity and tactical awareness in equal measure, which might explain why the United manager chose him ahead of the alternative option. He took his goal brilliantly, netting the fastest early goal for United since his first game in charge last season. In an intense environment, his background could prove vital. I consider myself injecting intensity into the team and initiating the press at times, being a key instigator going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I aim to do, assisting those nearby and really adding intensity. Finding the net was a big moment for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Demonstrates Faith in Youngster Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's choice to bring on Callum Marshall for his debut at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, in place of the veteran Callum Wilson, was an enormous show of faith in the young Northern Irish forward who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Considering Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal combined so far in the Premier League, the youngster could be given further game time if the new manager's post-game remarks are anything to go by. It's a tough decision to select a youngster in over Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. “It’s important for us, as soon as possible, to have a full understanding of who we have in the squad. Based on training, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a good finisher, pace, he can identify openings in the space. I believe we have a useful option.”

5. Calm Thomas Frank Slowly Secures his Spurs Progress

Nobody seems quite sure how strong Spurs can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is evident is that they are making progress under the Danish manager. After a third win from four unbeaten away games this campaign, belief is growing that Spurs are evolving into a far more cohesive and resilient outfit compared to the team which slumped to their poorest season under the previous manager last term. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who praised highly of his team’s mentality and unity in defeating a combative Leeds United side at a noisy, windy their home ground. Frank had not beaten his opposite number and close friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but strikes by the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, around Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, meant the result went his way. There's a long way to go, but things are looking up for Tottenham.

6. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver

The Chelsea manager wanted a new centre-back after losing the young defender to a knee injury before the start of the season. Chelsea's decision-makers had a different view. The squad depth are strong and a rushed signing was not required. Then came more injuries, leaving Maresca stretched. Some were worried about the teenage defender and the French centre-back starting against Liverpool on the weekend, but there need not have been. Acheampong is just a teenager but he is highly rated. The teenager dealt with Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp