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1. Elliot Anderson Receives Sympathy from The Two Coaches

Elliot Anderson featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's two-nil loss at Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe the player he had to sell when Premier League spending rules forced the player's transfer to prevent a points penalty. That was during the 2024 summer window, and Anderson has thrived since his switch to Forest. For much of the first half he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's top performer. But the player is only human, and when his loose pass presented Bruno Guimarães an chance, his resulting recovery tackle was mistimed and resulted in the Newcastle player tumbling in the box. Guimarães had previously fired the Magpies ahead from outside the box, and from the penalty spot the striker converted his fourth strike in his last five games. Notably, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made obvious gestures to comfort Anderson. In the event that Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will certainly be heavily dependent on Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, in contrast, would be keen to buy the homegrown talent. In case Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have their manager, continue to founder, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Injury Concern Overshadows Manchester City Success

The midfielder's expression was very revealing. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface staring at his feet, there was a slight shake of the head – though his posture was very telling. A new problem for the City star? It looked more than likely. Pep Guardiola has tried his best to carefully use Rodri's game time this campaign since his return from injury from a long-term layoff; he now has to put more faith in other options. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in City's squad, but has only been selected to start one league game since 23 August. The former Porto man was a January purchase and will be required to contribute frequently after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in west London. On whether he can offer composure akin to peak Rodri, the jury is still out.

Three. Mount Advances the Pecking Order at United

Setbacks have hindered Mason Mount's United career. His start against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the league since signing in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His quality has never been questioned, but finding a position and sufficient minutes to play himself into form has been a challenge. During the fixture, his touch was excellent and he provided inventiveness and work rate in balance, which might explain why Ruben Amorim selected him over Matheus Cunha. He took his goal superbly, getting the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his debut as manager 11 months ago. Under pressure, Mount's experience could be important. I consider myself bringing a lot of energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a key instigator going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I focus on, helping the people around me and really bringing the energy. Scoring was obviously massive for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Shows Trust in Young Player Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's choice to bring on the young striker for his debut at the Emirates against the Gunners, rather than the more experienced Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Irish attacker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Considering Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once combined so far in the top flight, Marshall could receive more chances if the Nuno's post-game remarks are any indication. It's difficult to give a debut in front of Callum Wilson,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as rapidly, to have a full understanding of who we have in the squad. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a clinical in front of goal, good mobility, he can recognize the gaps in the final third. I think we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Composed Thomas Frank Slowly Earns his Tottenham Results

Nobody seems quite sure how strong Spurs can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is undeniable is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four unbeaten away games this season, confidence is building that Spurs are becoming a much more united and resilient outfit compared to the team which slumped to their worst Premier League finish under the previous manager last term. He brings stability to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his players' mindset and team spirit in seeing off a combative Leeds side at a noisy, windy their home ground. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his opposite number and close friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but scores from the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, before and after Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, resulted in the tables were turned. There's a long way to go, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

6. Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

Enzo Maresca desired a new centre-back after being without the young defender to a long-term problem in pre-season. Chelsea's decision-makers thought otherwise. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a panic buy was not required. Later additional setbacks, leaving the coach with limited options. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile lining up against the Reds on the weekend, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is just a teenager but he is highly rated. He contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp