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One. Anderson Receives Encouragement from Each Coaches

Elliot Anderson spent much of Nottingham Forest's 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle, reminding Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when Premier League profit and sustainability rules required the midfielder's transfer to prevent a sanction. This occurred during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has rarely looked back his switch to Forest. Throughout the opening period he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was comfortably the Forest manager's standout individual. But Anderson is human, and when his wayward pass gave Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his resulting attempted tackle was poorly timed and sent the Newcastle player tumbling in the box. The Brazilian had previously fired the Magpies ahead from long range, and from the spot the striker converted his fourth of the season in his last five games. Notably, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made clear attempts to encourage Anderson. In the event that Forest's manager is to survive and then thrive at Forest, he will inevitably be leaning on Anderson's talent. Howe, meanwhile, would be keen to buy the homegrown talent. Should Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have their manager, fail to improve, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Mars City Victory

The midfielder's expression was very revealing. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface looking down, there was a slight shake of the head – though his demeanor said a lot. A new problem for the City star? The signs were not good. Pep Guardiola has tried his best to manage his involvement this season since his return from injury from a serious knee injury; now he must trust replacements. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in City's squad, however has only started to start a single league match since late August. The former Porto man was a big-money acquisition and will be called upon more frequently after his early substitution for Manchester City in the capital. As to whether he can bring a measure of control similar to the influential midfielder, opinions are divided.

3. Mason Mount Advances the Ranking at United

Setbacks have hampered Mason Mount's United career. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the league since signing in 2023 from his former club. His pedigree has never been questioned, but establishing himself and enough game time to build momentum has been a challenge. During the fixture, his first touch was impeccable and he brought vision and discipline in similar amounts, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim preferred him to the alternative option. He finished superbly, scoring the quickest opener for Amorim's team since his debut as manager 11 months ago. Under pressure, his background could be important. My role is bringing a lot of 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, helping the people around me and really adding intensity. Scoring was a big moment for me.”

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

The West Ham manager's decision to introduce the young striker for his debut at the Emirates against Arsenal, instead of the established Callum Wilson, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland forward 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 scored only once together so far in the top flight, Marshall could be given further game time if the new manager's post-match assessment are anything to go by. It's a tough decision to put a young lad in front of an experienced player,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have complete awareness of the players available. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, good mobility, he can recognize the gaps in the space. In my view we have something we can use.”

Five. Composed Frank Slowly Earns his Spurs Progress

There is uncertainty how good Tottenham can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is evident is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four unbeaten away games this campaign, optimism is rising that Tottenham are evolving into a far more cohesive and resilient outfit to the one which slumped to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou last term. He brings stability to the manager, who was very positive of his team’s mentality and collective desire in beating a pugnacious Leeds side at a raucous, windswept Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his Leeds counterpart and 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, ensured the tables were turned. There's a long way to go, but things are looking up for Tottenham.

6. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Step Up

Enzo Maresca sought a additional defender after the injury to Levi Colwill to a knee injury ahead of the campaign. His bosses disagreed. Chelsea’s resources are strong and a rushed signing was unnecessary. Subsequently more injuries, leaving Maresca short-handed. Some were worried about the teenage defender and Benoît Badiashile lining up against the Reds on the weekend, but their fears were misplaced. Acheampong is only 19 but he is highly rated. The teenager contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp