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One. Anderson Earns Support from Both Coaches

Elliot Anderson spent much of Forest's two-nil defeat on Tyneside, reminding Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when top-flight profit and sustainability rules forced the player's departure to prevent a sanction. It happened in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has rarely looked back moving to Nottingham Forest. During the opening period he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was clearly the Forest manager's best player. However Anderson is human, and when his loose pass gave Bruno Guimarães an chance, his resulting challenge was mistimed and resulted in Guimarães falling in the box. The Brazilian had earlier fired the Magpies into the lead from outside the box, and from the resulting penalty Nick Woltemade scored his fourth strike in his last five games. Notably, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and Howe made concerted efforts to comfort Anderson. If Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will certainly be heavily dependent on Anderson's talent. Howe, in contrast, would be keen to buy the homegrown talent. In case Forest, with or without their manager, fail to improve, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Overshadows City Success

His look told its own story. As he sank to the Brentford turf looking down, there was a almost imperceptible head shake – though his body language spoke volumes. A fresh injury for the key player? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has made efforts to limit the player's minutes this season since his tentative return from a serious knee injury; he now has to trust replacements. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in the team, but has only started to start just one Premier League fixture since 23 August. The former Porto man was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up frequently after his introduction as a substitute for City in west London. Regarding if he can bring a measure of control akin to the influential midfielder, the jury is still out.

3. Mason Mount Rises the Pecking Order at United

Setbacks have hindered Mason Mount's time at United. His inclusion in the starting lineup against Sunderland was just his 17th in the Premier League since signing in 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has never been in doubt, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to regain his best has been difficult. In the latest match, his touch was superb and he provided inventiveness and tactical awareness in balance, which perhaps influenced why Ruben Amorim chose him ahead of the alternative option. He finished superbly, netting the quickest opener for United since his debut as manager 11 months ago. At a big club, his background could be important. I consider myself providing energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a driving force going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, assisting those nearby and really adding intensity. Finding the net was obviously massive for me.”

4. Nuno Shows Trust in Youngster Marshall

The West Ham manager's decision to bring on the young striker for his bow at the Emirates against the Gunners, instead of the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the young Northern Irish forward who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Given that Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and the German striker have managed only a single goal combined so far in the top flight, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-game remarks are a guide. It's difficult to put a young lad in front of an experienced player,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have a full understanding of who we have in the squad. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a sharp in the box, movement, he can find space in the space. I believe we have something we can use.”

Five. Assured Frank Gradually Earns his Spurs Rewards

There is uncertainty how competitive Spurs can be this campaign, including the players. What is evident is that they are heading in the right direction under the Danish manager. Following another victory from four matches on the road without defeat this season, belief is growing that Tottenham are evolving into a much more united and resilient outfit than the squad which dropped to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou previously. Frank exudes calm confidence to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his players' mindset and collective desire in beating a combative Leeds side at a raucous, windswept their home ground. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his rival manager and friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but scores from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, either side of the Swiss striker's tying goal, resulted in the result went his way. The season is young, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

6. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up

Enzo Maresca sought a reinforcement at the back after losing the young defender to a long-term problem ahead of the campaign. Chelsea's decision-makers disagreed. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a rushed signing was not required. Then came additional setbacks, leaving the coach with limited options. There were nerves about the teenage defender and Benoît Badiashile starting against the Reds on Saturday, but their fears were misplaced. Acheampong is just a teenager but many believe in his ability. The teenager dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp