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1. Elliot Anderson Gets Sympathy from The Two Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's two-nil setback on Tyneside, showing the Newcastle manager what he lost when Premier League financial regulations required the player's sale to prevent a points penalty. That was back in the summer of 2024, and Anderson has thrived since moving to Nottingham Forest. For much of the initial 45 minutes he outshone even Sandro Tonali and, in total, was easily Ange Postecoglou's best player. However mistakes can happen, and when his misplaced ball offered Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his following challenge was ill-judged and sent the Newcastle player tumbling in the area. Guimarães had earlier fired the Magpies into the lead from outside the box, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade scored his fourth strike in five starts. Tellingly, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and Howe made clear attempts to encourage Anderson. If Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at the club, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on his star player. The Newcastle coach, meanwhile, would be keen to buy the former youth product. Should Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have their manager, continue to founder, the Tyneside club might get another opportunity.

Two. Rodri Setback Overshadows Manchester City Success

Rodri's face told its own story. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface gazing at the ground, there was a slight disappointed gesture – though his posture said a lot. Another setback for the key player? It looked more than likely. Pep Guardiola has attempted to limit his involvement this campaign since his comeback from a long-term layoff; now he must trust other options. Nico González is the natural stand-in in City's squad, yet has only started to play from the outset one league game since the start of the season. González was a £49.8m signing and will be called upon more frequently after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in west London. Regarding if he can bring a measure of control like peak Rodri, it remains to be seen.

Three. Mount Advances the Pecking Order at Manchester United

Setbacks have hindered the midfielder's spell with the club. His inclusion in the starting lineup against Sunderland was only his 17th in the league since arriving in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His pedigree has never been questioned, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to build momentum has been difficult. On Saturday, his control was impeccable and he offered vision and work rate in similar amounts, which could be the reason why the United manager preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He finished brilliantly, scoring the quickest opener for the Red Devils since his first game in charge almost a year ago. At a big club, his background could be important. I consider myself providing energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I aim to do, helping the people around me and really adding intensity. To get the goal was a big moment for me.”

4. Nuno Demonstrates Trust in Young Player Marshall

The West Ham manager's choice to bring on the young striker for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, rather than the established Callum Wilson, was an enormous show of faith in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland forward who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Considering Callum Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the off-season – and the German striker have managed only a single goal together so far in the Premier League, the youngster could receive more chances if the Nuno's post-game remarks are any indication. “It’s not easy to give a debut in over Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. We need, as rapidly, to have total knowledge of who we have in the squad. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a sharp in the box, movement, he can find space in the attack. I think we have a useful option.”

Five. Calm Frank Steadily Earns his Tottenham Rewards

There is uncertainty how strong Tottenham can be this campaign, including the players. What is evident is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, optimism is rising that Tottenham are becoming a far more cohesive and resilient outfit compared to the team which slumped to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou last term. He brings stability to the manager, who praised highly of his players' mindset and team spirit in seeing off a combative Leeds side at a noisy, windy their home ground. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his opposite number and friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but strikes by Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, before and after the Swiss striker's tying goal, resulted in the tables were turned. There's a long way to go, but the future appears bright for Spurs.

6. Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager sought a additional defender after the injury to the young defender to a long-term problem ahead of the campaign. The club hierarchy disagreed. The squad depth are strong and a desperate purchase was not needed. Subsequently further fitness issues, leaving the coach with limited options. Some were worried about the teenage defender and the French centre-back lining up against Liverpool on the weekend, but it was unfounded. Acheampong is very young but he is highly rated. He handled Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp