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One. Elliot Anderson Gets Encouragement from Both Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's 2-0 setback at Newcastle, demonstrating Eddie Howe the player he had to sell when top-flight spending rules required the midfielder's sale to avoid a points penalty. This occurred during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has excelled ever since joining Forest. Throughout the opening period he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was easily the Forest manager's standout individual. But the player is only human, and when his loose pass offered Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his subsequent challenge was poorly timed and caused the Newcastle player crashing in the penalty area. The Brazilian had previously scored Newcastle into the lead from outside the box, and from the spot the striker scored his fourth goal in his last five games. Tellingly, at the final whistle, both Postecoglou and Howe made concerted efforts to comfort the young midfielder. If Forest's manager is to survive and then thrive at the club, he will undoubtedly be leaning on the midfielder's ability. The Newcastle coach, meanwhile, would be keen to buy the Newcastle academy graduate. If Forest, with or without Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Setback Overshadows Manchester City Success

Rodri's face was very revealing. When he went down to the Brentford pitch looking down, there was a barely discernible shake of the head – though his body language spoke volumes. Another setback for the Spanish midfielder? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has tried his best to carefully use his involvement this campaign since his comeback from a significant knee problem; now he must rely more on other options. The Spanish midfielder is the most obvious replacement in City's squad, but has only started to play from the outset just one Premier League fixture since the start of the season. González was a big-money acquisition and will be needed to step up regularly after his introduction as a substitute for Manchester City in west London. Regarding if he can provide stability akin to the influential midfielder, the jury is still out.

Three. Mount Climbs the Ranking at Manchester United

Injuries have hindered Mason Mount's time at United. His start against Sunderland was only 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 enough game time to build momentum has proved problematic. In the latest match, his first touch was superb and he offered creativity and work rate in balance, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim selected him over the alternative option. He took his goal brilliantly, getting the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his first game in charge last season. At a big club, his background could be important. I consider myself injecting intensity 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, assisting those nearby and really adding intensity. Scoring was a big moment for me.”

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

Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to send on the young striker for his debut at the Emirates against the Gunners, rather than the more experienced Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Irish striker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Since Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and the German striker have scored only once together so far in the Premier League, the youngster could be given further game time if the Nuno's comments after the game are a guide. It's a tough decision to put a young lad in over an experienced player,” said the manager. Our priority is, as quickly, to have total knowledge of who we have in the squad. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a good finisher, good mobility, he can recognize the gaps in the final third. In my view we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Assured Thomas Frank Gradually Secures his Spurs Progress

It's unclear how competitive Tottenham can be this season, especially within the squad. What is clear is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. With a third success from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, optimism is rising that Tottenham are developing into a much more united and resilient outfit to the one which slumped to their lowest league position under the previous manager last term. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who was very positive of his players' mindset and collective desire in defeating a combative Leeds side at a atmospheric their home ground. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his opposite number and close friend the Leeds manager in their past five encounters, but strikes by the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, around Noah Okafor's first-half equaliser, meant the result went his way. The season is young, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

6. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Deliver

The Chelsea manager wanted a reinforcement at the back after the injury to Levi Colwill to a serious knee issue ahead of the campaign. The club hierarchy had a different view. The squad depth are strong and a desperate purchase was not required. Later additional setbacks, leaving the coach stretched. There were nerves about the teenage defender and the French centre-back starting against Liverpool on Saturday, but there need not have been. Acheampong is only 19 but few doubt his potential. The teenager contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp