🔗 Share this article

One. Anderson Gets Support from The Two Managers

Elliot Anderson spent much of Nottingham Forest's two-nil setback at Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when Premier League spending rules forced the midfielder's departure to avert a points penalty. It happened in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since moving to Nottingham Forest. Throughout the opening period he outshone even Sandro Tonali and, in total, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's best player. However the player is only human, and when his loose pass gave Bruno Guimarães an opening, his resulting challenge was ill-judged and sent the Newcastle player tumbling in the box. The Brazilian had earlier shot Newcastle ahead from long range, and from the spot Nick Woltemade scored his fourth goal in five starts. Tellingly, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and Howe made obvious gestures to encourage Anderson. If Postecoglou is to establish himself at Forest, he will undoubtedly be reliant upon his star player. Howe, on the other hand, would be keen to re-sign the homegrown talent. In case Forest, whether or not they have Postecoglou, continue to founder, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

Two. Rodri Fitness Worry Dampens City Success

His look said it all. As he sank to the Griffin Park surface gazing at the ground, there was a slight head shake – though his posture was very telling. Another setback for the key player? The signs were not good. The City manager has tried his best to limit his involvement this season since his tentative return from a serious knee injury; he now has to trust replacements. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in City's squad, however has only started to play from the outset a single league match since late August. González was a big-money acquisition and will be called upon more regularly after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in the capital. Regarding if he can offer composure like the influential midfielder, the jury is still out.

Three. Mason Mount Rises the Hierarchy at United

Fitness issues have affected the midfielder's spell with the club. His start against Sunderland was just his 17th in the Premier League since signing in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His ability has always been recognized, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to play himself into form has been a challenge. In the latest match, his touch was impeccable and he offered vision and tactical awareness in equal measure, which perhaps influenced why Ruben Amorim selected him over Matheus Cunha. He took his goal brilliantly, getting the quickest opener for Amorim's team since his initial match 11 months ago. Under pressure, his background could be important. I consider myself providing energy into the team and setting off the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I aim to do, assisting those nearby and really adding intensity. Scoring was obviously massive for me.”

Four. Nuno Displays Faith in Young Player Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to send on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates against Arsenal, in place of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an enormous show of faith in the young Northern Ireland striker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Considering Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and the German striker have managed only a single goal combined so far in the top flight, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's comments after the game are any indication. “It’s not easy to put a young lad in ahead of an experienced player,” said the manager. We need, as quickly, to have a full understanding of our squad options. Based on training, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a sharp in the box, pace, he can identify openings in the final third. I believe we have a player who can contribute.”

5. Assured Thomas Frank Slowly Gains his Tottenham Rewards

It's unclear how good Tottenham can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is evident is that they are improving under the Danish manager. With a third success from a solid away record this season, optimism is rising that Tottenham are becoming a increasingly organized and durable team to the one which slumped to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou previously. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who praised highly of his team’s mentality and unity in seeing off a combative Leeds United side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. Frank had been unable to overcome his Leeds counterpart and close friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but strikes by Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, before and after Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, meant the outcome was different. The season is young, but things are looking up for Spurs.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up

The Chelsea manager sought a additional defender after being without Levi Colwill to a knee injury in pre-season. Chelsea's decision-makers had a different view. Chelsea’s resources are extensive and a rushed signing was not required. Subsequently more injuries, leaving Maresca short-handed. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile lining up against Liverpool on Saturday, but their fears were misplaced. Acheampong is just a teenager but many believe in his ability. The teenager contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp