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One. Anderson Earns Support from The Two Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder spent much of Nottingham Forest's two-nil loss at Newcastle, reminding the Newcastle manager what he lost when top-flight financial regulations forced the midfielder's transfer to avoid a points penalty. That was back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since moving to Nottingham Forest. For much of the initial 45 minutes he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's standout individual. But the player is only human, and when his misplaced ball offered Bruno Guimarães an opening, his resulting recovery tackle was poorly timed and sent Guimarães crashing in the box. The Brazilian had previously shot the Magpies ahead from long range, and from the resulting penalty the striker converted his fourth goal in his last five games. Significantly, at the final whistle, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made concerted efforts to comfort Anderson. If Postecoglou is to establish himself at the club, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, in contrast, would love to buy the Newcastle academy graduate. If Forest, with or without their manager, struggle, Newcastle may yet be in with a chance.

2. Rodri Setback Dampens Manchester City Success

Rodri's face was very revealing. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface gazing at the ground, there was a almost imperceptible disappointed gesture – though his demeanor was very telling. Another setback for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. Pep Guardiola has tried his best to limit the player's minutes this season since his comeback from a serious knee injury; now he must rely more on other options. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in the team, however has only been selected to play from the outset just one Premier League fixture since late August. The former Porto man was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up regularly after his early substitution for Manchester City in west London. On whether he can bring a measure of control like Rodri at his best, opinions are divided.

3. Mount Rises the Pecking Order at United

Fitness issues have hindered Mason Mount's United career. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the league since arriving in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His quality has never been questioned, but establishing himself and enough game time to regain his best has been a challenge. During the fixture, his touch was excellent and he provided creativity and discipline in equal measure, which perhaps influenced why the United manager selected him over Matheus Cunha. He took his goal brilliantly, getting the quickest opener for United since his debut as manager last season. Under pressure, his background could be crucial. I consider myself bringing a lot of energy into the team and setting off the press at times, being a key instigator going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I aim to do, helping the people around me and really bringing the energy. To get the goal was obviously massive for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Demonstrates Faith in Youngster Callum Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's move to send on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, in place of the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Irish striker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Given that Callum Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and the German striker have contributed just one goal combined so far in the top flight, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-match assessment are anything to go by. “It’s not easy to give a debut in ahead of Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. We need, as quickly, to have total knowledge of the players available. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a sharp in the box, pace, he can find space in the attack. I believe we have something we can use.”

5. Composed Thomas Frank Gradually Gains his Tottenham Results

Nobody seems quite sure how good Tottenham can be this season, including the players. What is clear is that they are heading in the right direction 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 to the one which dropped to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou previously. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who was very positive of his squad's attitude and team spirit in defeating a pugnacious Leeds United side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his Leeds counterpart and close friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but goals from the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, before and after the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, meant the result went his way. There's a long way to go, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

Enzo Maresca sought a reinforcement at the back after the injury to Levi Colwill to a long-term problem in pre-season. Chelsea's decision-makers disagreed. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a panic buy was unnecessary. Then came further fitness issues, leaving the coach stretched. Some were worried about the teenage defender and Benoît Badiashile starting against Liverpool on Saturday, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is very young but many believe in his ability. The teenager contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp