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One. Anderson Gets Support from The Two Bosses

Elliot Anderson was prominent during Nottingham Forest's two-nil loss at Newcastle, demonstrating Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when Premier League profit and sustainability rules required the midfielder's transfer to avert a points deduction. This occurred during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has thrived since his switch to Forest. During the opening period he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was clearly the Forest manager's best player. However the player is only human, and when his misplaced ball gave the Brazilian midfielder an opening, his resulting attempted tackle was poorly timed and resulted in Guimarães falling in the penalty area. The Brazilian had already fired the Magpies ahead from 25 yards, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade converted his fourth strike in five starting appearances. Tellingly, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made clear attempts to comfort Anderson. If Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will undoubtedly be reliant upon Anderson's talent. Howe, on the other hand, would welcome the chance to re-sign the Newcastle academy graduate. If Nottingham Forest, with or without their manager, struggle, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

2. Rodri Injury Concern Mars City Victory

Rodri's face said it all. When he went down to the Brentford pitch gazing at the ground, there was a slight head shake – though his body language spoke volumes. A new problem for the key player? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has tried his best to manage his involvement this season since his tentative return from a long-term layoff; he now has to rely more on replacements. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in the team, however has only been trusted to start a single league match since 23 August. The £49.8m signing was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up more often after his introduction as a substitute for City in west London. On whether he can bring a measure of control akin to Rodri at his best, it remains to be seen.

Three. Mount Advances the Hierarchy at Manchester United

Setbacks have hampered Mason Mount's spell with the club. His start against the Black Cats was only his 17th in the league since arriving in 2023 from his former club. His ability has never been in doubt, but finding a position and enough game time to build momentum has proved problematic. On Saturday, his touch was superb and he offered vision and tactical awareness in equal measure, which perhaps influenced why the United manager selected him over Matheus Cunha. He took his goal brilliantly, getting the earliest goal for United since his first game in charge almost a year ago. At a big club, Mount's experience could prove vital. I consider myself providing energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I focus on, supporting my teammates and really bringing the energy. Finding the net was hugely important for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Shows Faith in Young Player Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's move to bring on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates against Arsenal, instead of the more experienced Callum Wilson, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Irish forward who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Given that Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once between them 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 difficult to put a young lad in over an experienced player,” said Nuno. We need, as soon as possible, to have total knowledge of the players available. Based on training, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a clinical in front of goal, good mobility, he can find space in the space. I think we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Calm Frank Steadily Gains his Tottenham Results

It's unclear how good Tottenham can be this campaign, least of all themselves. What is clear is that they are making progress under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four unbeaten away games this season, confidence is building that Spurs are evolving into a increasingly organized and tough side than the squad which dropped to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou previously. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who was very positive of his team’s mentality and team spirit in beating a pugnacious Leeds United side at a atmospheric Elland Road. Frank had been unable to overcome his rival manager and friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but goals from the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, either side of the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, resulted in the result went his way. It is early days, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Deliver

Enzo Maresca sought a additional defender after the injury to the young defender to a serious knee issue in pre-season. The club hierarchy had a different view. The playing staff are deep and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Later further fitness issues, leaving the coach short-handed. There was concern about the teenage defender and Benoît Badiashile featuring against the Reds on the weekend, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is only 19 but he is highly rated. He contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp