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One. Elliot Anderson Receives Sympathy from Each Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Forest's 2-0 defeat on Tyneside, demonstrating Eddie Howe what he lost when top-flight profit and sustainability rules required the midfielder's sale to prevent a points deduction. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and Anderson has thrived since his switch to Forest. Throughout the opening period he eclipsed even Sandro Tonali and, across the match, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's standout individual. However the player is only human, and when his misplaced ball gave Bruno Guimarães an chance, his subsequent recovery tackle was mistimed and caused Guimarães tumbling in the box. Guimarães had previously scored the Magpies into the lead from long range, and from the spot the striker netted his fourth strike in five starting appearances. Significantly, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made concerted efforts to encourage Anderson. If Postecoglou is to survive and then thrive at the club, he will certainly be reliant upon Anderson's talent. Howe, on the other hand, would welcome the chance to re-sign the homegrown talent. Should Forest, whether or not they have their manager, continue to founder, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Mars City Success

The midfielder's expression was very revealing. When he went down to the Griffin Park surface looking down, there was a almost imperceptible head shake – though his posture was very telling. A fresh injury for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. Pep Guardiola has tried his best to manage Rodri's game time this campaign since his comeback from a serious knee injury; it's time for him to trust other options. The Spanish midfielder is the most obvious replacement in the lineup, yet has only been selected to start just one Premier League fixture since the start of the season. The £49.8m signing was a big-money acquisition and will be called upon more frequently after his early substitution for City in the capital. As to whether he can offer composure similar to the influential midfielder, the jury is still out.

Three. Mason Mount Rises the Ranking at United

Injuries have hindered the midfielder's spell with the club. Being named in the first XI against Sunderland was only his 17th in the Premier League since arriving in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His quality has never been in doubt, but finding a position and regular playing time to build momentum has been difficult. In the latest match, his first touch was superb and he provided vision and tactical awareness in equal measure, which might explain why Ruben Amorim preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He scored expertly, netting the fastest early goal for United since his initial match 11 months ago. In an intense environment, his know-how could be crucial. My role is bringing a lot of energy 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 focus on, helping the people around me and really bringing the energy. Finding the net was hugely important for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Shows Trust in Youngster Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's move to introduce Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates against Arsenal, rather than the veteran the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the young Northern Ireland attacker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Considering Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once together so far in the Premier League, Marshall could be given further game time if the Nuno's post-game remarks are a guide. It's difficult to give a debut in front of an experienced player,” said the manager. Our priority is, as rapidly, to have complete awareness of who we have in the squad. Based on training, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a good finisher, pace, he can find space in the final third. In my view we have something we can use.”

5. Calm Thomas Frank Gradually Earns his Tottenham Progress

Nobody seems quite sure how strong Tottenham can be this season, least of all themselves. What is clear is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four matches on the road without defeat this season, belief is growing that Tottenham are becoming a far more cohesive and tough side compared to the team which fell to their poorest season under the previous manager last term. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who was very positive of his squad's attitude and team spirit in defeating a feisty Leeds United side at a noisy, windy their home ground. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his opposite number and friend the Leeds manager in five previous meetings, but strikes by the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, around the Swiss striker's tying goal, meant the outcome was different. The season is young, but things are looking up for Tottenham.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Deliver

Enzo Maresca sought a additional defender after losing Levi Colwill to a knee injury ahead of the campaign. The club hierarchy thought otherwise. The squad depth are strong and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Subsequently more injuries, leaving Maresca short-handed. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back starting against Liverpool on Saturday, but their fears were misplaced. The 19-year-old is very young but many believe in his ability. The teenager dealt with Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp