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1. Elliot Anderson Receives Support from Each Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Nottingham Forest's two-nil defeat on Tyneside, showing Eddie Howe the player he had to sell when top-flight profit and sustainability rules required the player's transfer to avert a points deduction. That was back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has thrived since joining Forest. During the initial 45 minutes he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's top performer. Yet mistakes can happen, and when his wayward pass offered the Brazilian midfielder an opening, his resulting challenge was ill-judged and sent the Newcastle player crashing in the box. Guimarães had already fired the Magpies into the lead from 25 yards, and from the spot the striker netted his fourth goal in his last five games. Notably, at the end of the match, both Postecoglou and Howe made obvious gestures to console Anderson. If Forest's manager is to survive and then thrive at the club, he will inevitably be leaning on Anderson's talent. Howe, on the other hand, would welcome the chance to re-sign the homegrown talent. Should Nottingham Forest, with or without their manager, fail to improve, Newcastle could have an opportunity.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Setback Overshadows City Success

The midfielder's expression told its own story. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface looking down, there was a slight shake of the head – though his posture said a lot. A new problem for the City star? It looked more than likely. Pep Guardiola has made efforts to limit Rodri's game time this season since his tentative return from a significant knee problem; he now has to trust alternatives. The Spanish midfielder is the natural stand-in in City's squad, yet has only been trusted to begin just one Premier League fixture since 23 August. The former Porto man was a £49.8m signing and will be required to contribute regularly after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in west London. Regarding if he can bring a measure of control similar to Rodri at his best, the jury is still out.

Three. Mason Mount Rises the Ranking at United

Setbacks have hampered Mason Mount's time at United. His inclusion in the starting lineup against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the league since joining 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. During the fixture, his control was excellent and he provided inventiveness and tactical awareness in similar amounts, which perhaps influenced why the United manager chose him ahead of Matheus Cunha. He took his goal superbly, scoring the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his initial match 11 months ago. At a big club, Mount's experience could prove vital. I consider myself injecting intensity into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, helping the people around me and really adding intensity. Scoring was obviously massive for me.”

4. Nuno Demonstrates Trust in Youngster Callum Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's move to bring on the young striker for his bow at the Emirates against Arsenal, rather than the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the young Northern Irish attacker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Considering Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and the German striker have scored only once together so far in the top flight, the youngster could receive more chances if the new manager's post-game remarks are any indication. “It’s not easy to put a young lad in ahead of Callum Wilson,” said the manager. We need, as rapidly, to have total knowledge of our squad options. Based on training, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a sharp in the box, good mobility, he can find space in the space. I believe we have something we can use.”

5. Calm Thomas Frank Slowly Gains his Tottenham Progress

There is uncertainty how strong Spurs can be this campaign, including the players. What is evident is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four matches on the road without defeat this season, optimism is rising that Tottenham are becoming a far more cohesive and resilient outfit compared to the team which dropped to their poorest season under Ange Postecoglou previously. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who was very positive of his squad's attitude and unity in beating a combative Leeds side at a atmospheric their home ground. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his Leeds counterpart and close friend the Leeds manager in their past five encounters, but goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, around the Swiss striker's tying goal, meant the result went his way. It is early days, but things are looking up for Spurs.

6. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up

Enzo Maresca wanted a reinforcement at the back after being without the young defender to a serious knee issue ahead of the campaign. His bosses disagreed. The squad depth are deep and a panic buy was not required. Subsequently additional setbacks, leaving the coach stretched. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile lining up against the Reds on Saturday, but it was unfounded. The 19-year-old is very young but he is highly rated. The teenager contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp