🔗 Share this article

1. Anderson Earns Support from The Two Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder spent much of Nottingham Forest's two-nil setback away to Newcastle, reminding Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when Premier League profit and sustainability rules required the player's sale to avert a sanction. It happened back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since joining Forest. For much of the initial 45 minutes he outshone even Sandro Tonali and, overall, was comfortably the Forest manager's standout individual. However Anderson is human, and when his misplaced ball gave the Brazilian midfielder an chance, his subsequent challenge was poorly timed and resulted in the Newcastle player crashing in the penalty area. The Brazilian had previously fired the Magpies into the lead from outside the box, and from the spot the striker netted his fourth of the season in five starts. Significantly, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and Howe made obvious gestures to console Anderson. If Postecoglou is to establish himself at Forest, he will inevitably be reliant upon Anderson's talent. Howe, on the other hand, would be keen to buy the Newcastle academy graduate. In case Nottingham Forest, with or without Postecoglou, struggle, Newcastle may yet be in with a chance.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Injury Concern Dampens Manchester City Success

The midfielder's expression was very revealing. As he sank to the Griffin Park surface staring at his feet, there was a almost imperceptible head shake – though his demeanor was very telling. Another setback for the key player? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has made efforts to carefully use Rodri's game time this season since his return from injury from a significant knee problem; now he must rely more on alternatives. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in City's squad, yet has only been trusted to play from the outset one league game since late August. The £49.8m signing was a big-money acquisition and will be required to contribute regularly after his early substitution for City in the capital. On whether he can provide stability like peak Rodri, opinions are divided.

3. Mason Mount Rises the Pecking Order at Manchester United

Injuries have hampered Mason Mount's time at United. Being named in the first XI against Sunderland was just his 17th in the Premier League since signing in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has never been in doubt, but securing a regular role and enough game time to build momentum has proved problematic. On Saturday, his control was impeccable and he provided vision and work rate in balance, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim preferred him to the alternative option. He took his goal brilliantly, scoring the earliest goal for the Red Devils since his initial match 11 months ago. In an intense environment, Mount's experience could be important. I consider myself bringing a lot of energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, helping the people around me and really bringing the energy. Scoring was a big moment for me.”

Four. Nuno Shows Faith in Young Player Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's decision to bring on Callum Marshall for his debut at the Emirates against the Gunners, in place of the established Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the young Northern Ireland attacker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Since Callum Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the off-season – and the German striker have contributed just one goal between them so far in the Premier League, 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 Callum Wilson,” said the manager. Our priority is, as soon as possible, to have a full understanding of the players available. Based on training, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a clinical in front of goal, movement, he can identify openings in the space. In my view we have a useful option.”

5. Calm Frank Gradually Gains his Spurs Progress

There is uncertainty how good Spurs can be this season, including the players. What is undeniable is that they are making progress under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four unbeaten away games this season, confidence is building that Tottenham are becoming a much more united and tough side than the squad which slumped to their poorest season under Ange Postecoglou previously. He brings stability to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his team’s mentality and unity in seeing off a feisty Leeds United side at a atmospheric their home ground. Frank had not beaten his rival manager and good friend the Leeds manager in their past five encounters, but goals from the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, around Noah Okafor's first-half equaliser, resulted in the outcome was different. The season is young, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

6. Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver

The Chelsea manager wanted a additional defender after the injury to the young defender to a serious knee issue ahead of the campaign. His bosses disagreed. Chelsea’s resources are strong and a desperate purchase was not needed. Then came more injuries, leaving Maresca short-handed. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile starting against the Reds on the weekend, but there need not have been. Acheampong is only 19 but he is highly rated. He handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp