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1. Elliot Anderson Earns Sympathy from The Two Coaches

Elliot Anderson spent much of Forest's two-nil setback on Tyneside, reminding the Newcastle manager what he lost when top-flight profit and sustainability rules forced the midfielder's sale to avoid a points deduction. It happened back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since joining Forest. For much of the first half he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's standout individual. But Anderson is human, and when his misplaced ball offered Bruno Guimarães an chance, his resulting recovery tackle was poorly timed and caused Guimarães falling in the box. Guimarães had already shot Newcastle ahead from long range, and from the resulting penalty Nick Woltemade netted his fourth of the season in his last five games. Significantly, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made obvious gestures to encourage Anderson. If Postecoglou is to establish himself at the club, he will undoubtedly be reliant upon his star player. The Newcastle coach, in contrast, would love to buy the former youth product. If Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, continue to founder, Newcastle may yet be in with a chance.

2. Rodri Injury Concern Mars Manchester City Success

Rodri's face was very revealing. As he sank to the Griffin Park surface looking down, there was a slight disappointed gesture – though his demeanor spoke volumes. A fresh injury for the key player? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has tried his best to limit Rodri's game time this season since his return from injury from a serious knee injury; now he must rely more on replacements. Nico González is the natural stand-in in City's squad, but has only been trusted to begin a single league match since 23 August. The £49.8m signing was a big-money acquisition and will be called upon more frequently after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in west London. Regarding if he can offer composure similar to the influential midfielder, opinions are divided.

3. Mount Climbs the Pecking Order at United

Injuries have hampered Mason Mount's United career. His start against the Black Cats was only his 17th in the league since arriving in 2023 from his former club. His pedigree has never been questioned, but finding a position and sufficient minutes to build momentum has been difficult. During the fixture, his control was superb and he offered vision and tactical awareness in equal measure, which could be the reason why the United manager chose him ahead of Matheus Cunha. He finished brilliantly, getting the quickest opener for Amorim's team since his initial match last season. Under pressure, his know-how could prove vital. “I see myself as injecting intensity into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I focus on, supporting my teammates and really bringing the energy. To get the goal was a big moment for me.”

4. Nuno Shows Trust in Young Player Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's move to send on the young striker for his first appearance at the Emirates against Arsenal, instead of the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland attacker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Since Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the off-season – and the German striker have managed only a single goal together so far in the Premier League, Marshall could receive more chances if the new manager's post-match assessment are any indication. It's a tough decision to put a young lad in over an experienced player,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as rapidly, to have total knowledge of the players available. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a clinical in front of goal, movement, he can find space in the attack. I think we have a player who can contribute.”

5. Assured Frank Steadily Secures his Tottenham Results

There is uncertainty how strong Spurs can be this season, including the players. What is undeniable is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. After a third win from a solid away record this campaign, belief is growing that Tottenham are becoming a far more cohesive and resilient outfit compared to the team which dropped to their lowest league position under the previous manager last term. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who was very positive of his squad's attitude and collective desire in defeating a combative Leeds United side at a raucous, windswept their home ground. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his opposite number and good friend Daniel Farke in their past five encounters, but goals from the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, around the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, ensured the outcome was different. It is early days, but prospects are improving for Tottenham.

6. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Deliver

The Chelsea manager sought a additional defender after the injury to the young defender to a long-term problem in pre-season. The club hierarchy had a different view. The playing staff are strong and a panic buy was not needed. Later further fitness issues, leaving the coach with limited options. There was concern about the teenage defender and the French centre-back starting against Liverpool on the weekend, but their fears were misplaced. Acheampong is only 19 but few doubt his potential. He contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp