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1. Anderson Gets Sympathy from The Two Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's two-nil defeat at Newcastle, demonstrating the Newcastle manager the player he had to sell when top-flight profit and sustainability rules required the player's sale to avoid a sanction. It happened during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has excelled ever since moving to Nottingham Forest. During the initial 45 minutes he outshone even Sandro Tonali and, overall, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's top performer. But mistakes can happen, and when his loose pass presented Bruno Guimarães an opening, his following challenge was poorly timed and caused Guimarães tumbling in the box. The Brazilian had previously shot the Magpies ahead from outside the box, and from the penalty spot the striker converted his fourth goal in his last five games. Significantly, at the end of the match, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made clear attempts to comfort the young midfielder. Should Postecoglou is to survive and then thrive at Forest, he will undoubtedly be reliant upon the midfielder's ability. The Newcastle coach, in contrast, would be keen to buy the homegrown talent. In case Nottingham Forest, with or without Postecoglou, continue to founder, Newcastle may yet be in with a chance.

2. Rodri Setback Dampens City Win

His look said it all. When he went down to the Brentford pitch staring at his feet, there was a almost imperceptible disappointed gesture – though his demeanor was very telling. A fresh injury for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. The City manager has tried his best to carefully use his involvement this campaign since his tentative return from a long-term layoff; now he must rely more on alternatives. Nico González is the natural stand-in in the team, but has only been selected to start a single league match since late August. The former Porto man was a big-money acquisition and will be needed to step up regularly after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in the capital. On whether he can provide stability similar to the influential midfielder, opinions are divided.

3. Mount Advances the Ranking at United

Setbacks have hindered the midfielder's spell with the club. His inclusion in the starting lineup against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the Premier League since joining in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His quality has never been in doubt, but securing a regular role and sufficient minutes to play himself into form has been a challenge. During the fixture, his control was superb and he provided vision and discipline in balance, which perhaps influenced why the United manager selected him over the alternative option. He scored superbly, netting the earliest goal for Amorim's team since his initial match almost a year ago. In an intense environment, his know-how could be crucial. I consider myself injecting intensity into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a driving force going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I focus on, helping the people around me and really raising the tempo. Scoring was hugely important for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Confidence in Youngster Callum Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's move to send on Callum Marshall for his debut at the Emirates against Arsenal, in place of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the young Northern Ireland forward who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Since Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal combined so far in the Premier League, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the new manager's comments after the game are any indication. It's a tough decision to give a debut in over Callum Wilson,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as soon as possible, to have complete awareness of our squad options. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a clinical in front of goal, pace, he can identify openings in the space. I think we have something we can use.”

Five. Assured Frank Slowly Gains his Tottenham Progress

There is uncertainty how competitive Tottenham can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is evident is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. With a third success from a solid away record this campaign, optimism is rising that Spurs are developing into a far more cohesive and durable team to the one which dropped to their lowest league position under the previous manager previously. Frank exudes calm confidence to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his players' mindset and collective desire in seeing off a combative Leeds United side at a raucous, windswept Elland Road. Frank had been unable to overcome his rival manager and good friend the Leeds manager in their past five encounters, but strikes by Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, around the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, meant the tables were turned. There's a long way to go, but prospects are improving for Tottenham.

6. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up

The Chelsea manager sought a additional defender after being without the young defender to a serious knee issue ahead of the campaign. The club hierarchy thought otherwise. The squad depth are extensive and a desperate purchase was not needed. Then came more injuries, leaving the coach with limited options. Some were worried about the teenage defender and the French centre-back featuring against the Reds on the weekend, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is very young but many believe in his ability. He dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp