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1. Elliot Anderson Earns Encouragement from Both Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Nottingham Forest's two-nil setback at Newcastle, demonstrating Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when Premier League profit and sustainability rules compelled the player's transfer to avert a sanction. This occurred during the 2024 summer window, and Anderson has rarely looked back moving to Nottingham Forest. Throughout the initial 45 minutes he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's standout individual. Yet mistakes can happen, and when his loose pass presented the Brazilian midfielder an chance, his following challenge was poorly timed and caused the Newcastle player tumbling in the penalty area. The Brazilian had already shot Newcastle ahead from 25 yards, and from the spot Nick Woltemade netted his fourth of the season in five starts. Tellingly, at the conclusion, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made obvious gestures to encourage Anderson. Should Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at the club, he will certainly be heavily dependent on Anderson's talent. Howe, on the other hand, would welcome the chance to bring back the Newcastle academy graduate. If Forest, with or without Postecoglou, struggle, Newcastle could have an opportunity.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Setback Mars City Victory

Rodri's face said it all. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface staring at his feet, there was a barely discernible disappointed gesture – though his body language was very telling. A fresh injury for the Spanish midfielder? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has made efforts to manage Rodri's game time this season since his return from injury from a long-term layoff; he now has to put more faith in alternatives. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the lineup, however has only been selected to start just one Premier League fixture since the start of the season. The former Porto man was a £49.8m signing and will be required to contribute frequently after his introduction as a substitute for Manchester City in west London. As to whether he can provide stability akin to peak Rodri, the jury is still out.

Three. Mount Climbs the Ranking at Manchester United

Setbacks have hindered the midfielder's United career. His start against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the Premier League since arriving in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His quality has never been questioned, but securing a regular role and enough game time to build momentum has proved problematic. During the fixture, his control was impeccable and he offered vision and discipline in balance, which might explain why Ruben Amorim preferred him to the alternative option. He finished superbly, scoring the earliest goal for United since his debut as manager last season. In an intense environment, his know-how could be crucial. “I see myself as 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 concentrate on, assisting those nearby and really raising the tempo. To get the goal was obviously massive for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Trust in Young Player Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's choice to send on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, instead of the veteran Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the young Northern Ireland striker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield Town. Since Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have contributed just one goal together so far in the top flight, the youngster could receive more chances if the new manager's comments after the game are any indication. It's a tough decision to put a young lad in ahead of an experienced player,” said Nuno. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have a full understanding of the players available. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a good finisher, movement, he can identify openings in the final third. I believe we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Calm Frank Gradually Gains his Spurs Progress

It's unclear how good Tottenham can be this campaign, including the players. What is undeniable is that they are making progress under the Danish manager. After a third win from four unbeaten away games this season, optimism is rising that Tottenham are evolving into a far more cohesive and resilient outfit to the one which fell to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou previously. He brings stability to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his players' mindset and team spirit in defeating a combative Leeds United side at a noisy, windy their home ground. Frank had failed to defeat his Leeds counterpart and close friend the Leeds manager in five previous meetings, but goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, either side of the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, resulted in the result went his way. There's a long way to go, but the future appears bright for Spurs.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager wanted a new centre-back after being without the young defender to a serious knee issue before the start of the season. His bosses thought otherwise. Chelsea’s resources are extensive and a panic buy was unnecessary. Then came additional setbacks, leaving the coach short-handed. Some were worried about the teenage defender and the French centre-back starting against Liverpool on Saturday, but it was unfounded. The 19-year-old is very young but he is highly rated. He dealt with Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp