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1. Anderson Gets Sympathy from Both Coaches

Elliot Anderson featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when top-flight financial regulations forced the midfielder's sale to prevent a sanction. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has thrived since joining Forest. For much of the first half he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was clearly the Forest manager's best player. Yet the player is only human, and when his loose pass offered the Brazilian midfielder an opportunity, his resulting challenge was ill-judged and caused the Newcastle player crashing in the penalty area. The Brazilian had earlier fired the Magpies into the lead from outside the box, and from the resulting penalty Nick Woltemade netted his fourth of the season in his last five games. Tellingly, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and Howe made concerted efforts to encourage Anderson. If Forest's manager is to survive and then thrive at the club, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on the midfielder's ability. The Newcastle coach, on the other hand, would love to re-sign the former youth product. Should Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have their manager, struggle, Newcastle may yet be in with a chance.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Injury Concern Overshadows Manchester City Win

Rodri's face said it all. When he went down to the Brentford pitch looking down, there was a almost imperceptible head shake – though his body language said a lot. A fresh injury for the City star? It looked more than likely. Pep Guardiola has made efforts to limit Rodri's game time this season since his tentative return from a serious knee injury; it's time for him to put more faith in replacements. The Spanish midfielder is the natural stand-in in the lineup, however has only started to play from the outset one league game since late August. González was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up frequently after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in west London. As to whether he can bring a measure of control akin to the influential midfielder, it remains to be seen.

3. Mount Rises the Hierarchy at United

Setbacks have hindered the midfielder's United career. His start against Sunderland was only his 17th in the league since joining in 2023 from his former club. His ability has never been in doubt, but finding a position and sufficient minutes to build momentum has been a challenge. During the fixture, his control was excellent and he provided creativity and discipline in equal measure, which might explain why the United manager preferred him to the alternative option. He took his goal superbly, netting the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his initial match 11 months ago. In an intense environment, his know-how could prove vital. “I see myself as injecting intensity into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, assisting those nearby and really adding intensity. Scoring was a big moment for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Shows Trust in Young Player Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's move to bring on the young striker for his debut at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, instead of the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland attacker who had a loan spell at Huddersfield. Since Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and the German striker have scored only once combined so far in the top flight, Marshall could be given further game time if the Nuno's post-game remarks are anything to go by. It's difficult to put a young lad in front of an experienced player,” said Nuno. “It’s important for us, as rapidly, to have complete awareness of our squad options. Based on training, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a sharp in the box, pace, he can recognize the gaps in the final third. I think we have a useful option.”

5. Composed Thomas Frank Steadily Earns his Spurs Progress

It's unclear how competitive Spurs can be this season, especially within the squad. What is evident is that they are making progress under the Danish manager. After a third win from four unbeaten away games this campaign, confidence is building that Spurs are becoming a much more united and durable team than the squad which dropped to their lowest league position under the previous manager last term. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who praised highly of his players' mindset and collective desire in defeating a combative Leeds United side at a noisy, windy their home ground. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his opposite number and friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but scores from the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, either side of the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, ensured the outcome was different. It is early days, but the future appears bright for Tottenham.

Six. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Deliver

The Chelsea manager sought a new centre-back after being without the young defender to a serious knee issue ahead of the campaign. The club hierarchy had a different view. The playing staff are extensive and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Subsequently additional setbacks, leaving the coach with limited options. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile lining up against Liverpool on the weekend, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is just a teenager but many believe in his ability. He dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp