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One. Elliot Anderson Earns Sympathy from The Two Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Nottingham Forest's two-nil loss on Tyneside, reminding Eddie Howe what he lost when Premier League profit and sustainability rules compelled the midfielder's transfer to avert a sanction. That was back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has thrived since moving to Nottingham Forest. For much of the opening period he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was clearly the Forest manager's top performer. But Anderson is human, and when his misplaced ball presented Bruno Guimarães an chance, his resulting attempted tackle was poorly timed and resulted in Guimarães falling in the area. Guimarães had earlier shot Newcastle ahead from outside the box, and from the penalty spot the striker converted his fourth strike in five starting appearances. Tellingly, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and Howe made clear attempts to encourage the young midfielder. If Postecoglou is to survive and then thrive at the club, he will inevitably be reliant upon his star player. Howe, meanwhile, would love to bring back the homegrown talent. If Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, struggle, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Mars City Win

The midfielder's expression was very revealing. After collapsing to the Brentford pitch looking down, there was a slight head shake – though his body language said a lot. A new problem for the key player? The signs were not good. Pep Guardiola has attempted to limit his involvement this season since his tentative return from a significant knee problem; now he must trust replacements. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the team, however has only been trusted to begin a single league match since the start of the season. The former Porto man was a January purchase and will be needed to step up frequently after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in west London. Regarding if he can bring a measure of control akin to peak Rodri, it remains to be seen.

Three. Mount Advances the Ranking at United

Setbacks have hindered Mason Mount's United career. Being named in the first XI against Sunderland was only his 17th in the league since joining in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His quality has never been in doubt, but finding a position and sufficient minutes to regain his best has been a challenge. During the fixture, his control was excellent and he brought inventiveness and work rate in equal measure, which could be the reason why the United manager chose him ahead of the alternative option. He scored brilliantly, getting the fastest early goal for the Red Devils since his debut as manager almost a year ago. At a big club, 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,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I aim to do, assisting those nearby and really raising the tempo. Finding the net was a big moment for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Faith in Young Player Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's choice to send on Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates against Arsenal, instead of the established Callum Wilson, was an enormous show of faith in the young Northern Ireland attacker who had a loan spell at Huddersfield Town. Since Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once between them so far in the Premier League, the youngster could receive more chances if the Nuno's post-game remarks are any indication. It's difficult to give a debut in over an experienced player,” said the manager. Our priority is, as rapidly, to have total knowledge of who we have in the squad. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a good finisher, movement, he can find space in the space. I think we have a player who can contribute.”

5. Composed Thomas Frank Gradually Secures his Tottenham Progress

Nobody seems quite sure how good Spurs can be this campaign, least of all themselves. What is evident is that they are making progress under Thomas Frank. With a third success from four unbeaten away games this season, optimism is rising that Tottenham are developing into a much more united and resilient outfit to the one which fell to their worst Premier League finish under the previous manager previously. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who spoke glowingly of his team’s mentality and team spirit in defeating a feisty Leeds side at a atmospheric Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his opposite number and close friend the Leeds manager in their past five encounters, but goals from Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, around the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, meant the outcome was different. There's a long way to go, but things are looking up for Spurs.

6. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Deliver

Enzo Maresca desired a new centre-back after being without Levi Colwill to a knee injury before the start of the season. Chelsea's decision-makers disagreed. The playing staff are strong and a desperate purchase was not needed. Later additional setbacks, leaving Maresca short-handed. Some were worried about the teenage defender and Benoît Badiashile starting against Liverpool on the weekend, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is only 19 but many believe in his ability. He contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp