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1. Elliot Anderson Earns Sympathy from Each Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's two-nil defeat on Tyneside, reminding the Newcastle manager the player he had to sell when top-flight financial regulations forced the midfielder's sale to avert a sanction. It happened in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has rarely looked back joining Forest. Throughout the initial 45 minutes he outshone even Sandro Tonali and, in total, was clearly the Forest manager's top performer. However mistakes can happen, and when his loose pass gave Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his resulting challenge was mistimed and sent the Newcastle player tumbling in the penalty area. Guimarães had already shot the Magpies into the lead from long range, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade converted his fourth of the season in five starting appearances. Tellingly, at the final whistle, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made clear attempts to encourage the young midfielder. In the event that Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will certainly be reliant upon the midfielder's ability. The Newcastle coach, in contrast, would be keen to re-sign the former youth product. In case Nottingham Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club might get another opportunity.

Two. Rodri Fitness Worry Dampens Manchester City Success

Rodri's face said it all. When he went down to the Griffin Park surface staring at his feet, there was a almost imperceptible shake of the head – though his body language said a lot. Another setback for the City star? The signs were not good. The City manager has made efforts to manage his involvement this campaign since his comeback from a long-term layoff; now he must trust other options. Nico González is the natural stand-in in City's squad, however has only been selected to begin a single league match since the start of the season. The £49.8m signing was a big-money acquisition and will be called upon more regularly after his introduction as a substitute for Manchester City in west London. As to whether he can provide stability like Rodri at his best, the jury is still out.

Three. Mount Advances the Ranking at United

Injuries have hindered the midfielder's United career. Being named in the first XI against Sunderland was only his 17th in the league since signing in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His pedigree has never been in doubt, but establishing himself and enough game time to regain his best has been a challenge. During the fixture, his first touch was excellent and he brought vision and discipline in equal measure, which could be the reason why the United manager selected him over the alternative option. He finished brilliantly, scoring the fastest early goal for the Red Devils since his initial match almost a year ago. In an intense environment, Mount's experience could be important. “I see myself as providing energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I aim to do, supporting my teammates and really adding intensity. Scoring was hugely important for me.”

Four. Nuno Shows Faith in Young Player Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's decision to introduce Callum Marshall for his debut at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, in place of the veteran Callum Wilson, was an enormous show of faith in the young Northern Irish attacker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Since Callum Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – 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 comments after the game are a guide. It's a tough decision to put a young lad in over an experienced player,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as rapidly, to have total knowledge of our squad options. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a good finisher, movement, he can recognize the gaps in the final third. I believe we have something we can use.”

5. Calm Frank Slowly Gains his Tottenham Rewards

There is uncertainty how strong Tottenham can be this campaign, 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 season, belief is growing that Spurs are developing into a increasingly organized and tough side than the squad which dropped to their poorest season under the previous manager last term. Frank exudes calm confidence to Frank, who praised highly of his players' mindset and team spirit in seeing off a combative Leeds United side at a atmospheric their home ground. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his rival manager and friend the Leeds manager in their past five encounters, but strikes by the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, before and after Noah Okafor's tying goal, ensured the result went his way. The season is young, but things are looking up for Tottenham.

Six. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager wanted a new centre-back after being without Levi Colwill to a long-term problem ahead of the campaign. His bosses disagreed. The squad depth are strong and a panic buy was unnecessary. Then came further fitness issues, leaving Maresca short-handed. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile starting against Liverpool on Saturday, but there need not have been. Acheampong is just a teenager but few doubt his potential. The teenager contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp