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1. Elliot Anderson Receives Encouragement from Each Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Forest's two-nil loss away to Newcastle, demonstrating the Newcastle manager the talent he parted with when top-flight financial regulations required the player's transfer to avoid a sanction. This occurred back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has rarely looked back joining Forest. During the first half he eclipsed even Sandro Tonali and, in total, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's top performer. However the player is only human, and when his loose pass presented Bruno Guimarães an opening, his subsequent challenge was ill-judged and caused Guimarães crashing in the penalty area. The Brazilian had earlier shot Newcastle into the lead from long range, and from the spot Nick Woltemade converted his fourth goal in his last five games. Significantly, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made obvious gestures to encourage Anderson. If Forest's manager is to survive and then thrive at Forest, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on his star player. Howe, on the other hand, would welcome the chance to re-sign the homegrown talent. Should Forest, with or without Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club might get another opportunity.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Overshadows City Win

His look said it all. As he sank to the Brentford pitch looking down, there was a barely discernible disappointed gesture – though his demeanor spoke volumes. A new problem for the key player? It looked more than likely. The City manager has attempted to carefully use his involvement this season since his comeback from a significant knee problem; it's time for him to put more faith in other options. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in City's squad, however has only been trusted to play from the outset a single league match since late August. González was a January purchase and will be required to contribute more often after his early substitution for Manchester City in the capital. Regarding if he can offer composure similar to the influential midfielder, opinions are divided.

Three. Mount Advances the Pecking Order at United

Injuries have hampered the midfielder's spell with the club. His start against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the Premier League since joining in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His pedigree has never been in doubt, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to regain his best has been difficult. During the fixture, his touch was superb and he provided inventiveness and work rate in similar amounts, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim preferred him to the alternative option. He took his goal expertly, netting the quickest opener for United since his first game in charge last season. Under pressure, his background could be important. “I see myself as providing energy into the team and setting off the press at times, being a key instigator going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I focus on, supporting my teammates and really raising the tempo. Finding the net was obviously massive for me.”

4. Nuno Shows Faith in Young Player Marshall

The West Ham manager's choice to introduce the young striker for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, rather than the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an enormous show of faith in the 20-year-old Northern Irish attacker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Given that Callum Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal together so far in the Premier League, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the new manager's comments after the game are anything to go by. “It’s not easy to give a debut in front of Callum Wilson,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have total knowledge of who we have in the squad. Based on training, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a good finisher, good mobility, he can recognize the gaps in the space. I think we have something we can use.”

Five. Assured Frank Slowly Earns his Spurs Progress

Nobody seems quite sure how competitive Tottenham can be this season, especially within the squad. What is evident is that they are making progress under Thomas Frank. After a third win from a solid away record this campaign, confidence is building that Tottenham are evolving into a much more united and tough side to the one which slumped to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou last season. He brings stability to the manager, who was very positive of his players' mindset and collective desire in beating a combative Leeds side at a atmospheric their home ground. Frank had not beaten his rival manager and friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but strikes by the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, around Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, ensured the result went his way. It is early days, but the future appears bright for Tottenham.

6. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up

Enzo Maresca desired a additional defender after losing the young defender to a knee injury before the start of the season. His bosses had a different view. The playing staff are extensive and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Subsequently more injuries, leaving the coach short-handed. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back lining up against Liverpool on the weekend, but it was unfounded. Acheampong is very young but few doubt his potential. He handled Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp