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One. Anderson Gets Encouragement from Each Managers

Elliot Anderson spent much of Nottingham Forest's 2-0 loss at Newcastle, showing the Newcastle manager the talent he parted with when Premier League spending rules required the midfielder's sale to avert a sanction. It happened back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has thrived since his switch to Forest. Throughout the opening period he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's best player. However Anderson is human, and when his wayward pass presented Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his subsequent challenge was ill-judged and sent Guimarães crashing in the box. The Brazilian had previously shot Newcastle into the lead from long range, and from the penalty spot the striker scored his fourth of the season in his last five games. Notably, at the end of the match, both Postecoglou and Howe made obvious gestures to encourage Anderson. In the event that Postecoglou is to establish himself at Forest, he will certainly be leaning on his star player. Howe, meanwhile, would welcome the chance to buy the former youth product. Should Nottingham Forest, regardless of their manager, continue to founder, Newcastle may yet be in with a chance.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Setback Dampens City Victory

His look told its own story. After collapsing to the Brentford turf staring at his feet, there was a almost imperceptible disappointed gesture – though his posture said a lot. Another setback for the City star? The signs were not good. The City manager has tried his best to carefully use Rodri's game time this season since his comeback from a significant knee problem; now he must trust alternatives. The Spanish midfielder is the most obvious replacement in the team, however has only been trusted to start just one Premier League fixture since late August. The £49.8m signing was a big-money acquisition and will be called upon more regularly after his introduction as a substitute for Manchester City in the capital. On whether he can provide stability similar to peak Rodri, it remains to be seen.

Three. Mount Advances the Pecking Order at United

Setbacks have hampered the midfielder's United career. His start against the Black Cats was only his 17th in the league since joining in 2023 from his former club. His quality has never been in doubt, but establishing himself and regular playing time to regain his best has been difficult. In the latest match, his first touch was impeccable and he offered creativity and work rate in balance, which could be the reason why the United manager chose him ahead of the alternative option. He finished expertly, netting the fastest early goal for the Red Devils since his first game in charge 11 months ago. Under pressure, Mount's experience could prove vital. My role is injecting intensity into the team and initiating the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, helping the people around me and really adding intensity. Scoring was a big moment for me.”

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

Nuno Espírito Santo's decision to send on the young striker for his first appearance at the Emirates against the Gunners, in place of the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an enormous show of faith in the young Northern Ireland attacker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Given that Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and the German striker have contributed just one goal together so far in the top flight, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the new manager's post-game remarks are any indication. “It’s not easy to give a debut in front of Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. We need, as soon as possible, to have a full understanding of our squad options. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a good finisher, movement, he can recognize the gaps in the attack. I believe we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Composed Thomas Frank Slowly Gains his Tottenham Rewards

Nobody seems quite sure how strong Spurs can be this season, including the players. What is clear is that they are heading in the right direction under the Danish manager. With a third success from four unbeaten away games this season, confidence is building that Tottenham are developing into a far more cohesive and durable team to the one which dropped to their poorest season under the previous manager last term. He brings stability to Frank, who praised highly of his team’s mentality and unity in seeing off a combative Leeds side at a atmospheric Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his rival manager and friend the Leeds manager in five previous meetings, but goals from Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, either side of the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, resulted in the tables were turned. It is early days, but the future appears bright for Spurs.

6. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

Enzo Maresca desired a additional defender after the injury to Levi Colwill to a knee injury ahead of the campaign. His bosses had a different view. The squad depth are deep and a desperate purchase was not needed. Later more injuries, leaving the coach stretched. There were nerves about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile featuring against Liverpool on Saturday, but it was unfounded. The 19-year-old is just a teenager but many believe in his ability. He dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp