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1. Elliot Anderson Gets Support from The Two Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Forest's 2-0 loss at Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when top-flight financial regulations forced the player's transfer to prevent a points penalty. It happened back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since his switch to Forest. For much of the initial 45 minutes he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's top performer. But Anderson is human, and when his loose pass presented the Brazilian midfielder an opportunity, his resulting recovery tackle was mistimed and caused Guimarães tumbling in the penalty area. The Brazilian had earlier scored Newcastle ahead from long range, and from the resulting penalty the striker scored his fourth of the season in five starts. Tellingly, at the end of the match, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made concerted efforts to console Anderson. If Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at the club, he will inevitably be reliant upon Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, meanwhile, would love to bring back the former youth product. In case Nottingham Forest, regardless of their manager, continue to founder, Newcastle could have an opportunity.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Injury Concern Dampens City Victory

His look told its own story. As he sank to the Brentford turf gazing at the ground, there was a barely discernible disappointed gesture – though his body language was very telling. A new problem for the City star? The signs were not good. Pep Guardiola has tried his best to manage the player's minutes this season since his comeback from a long-term layoff; now he must put more faith in replacements. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in the team, yet has only been selected to begin a single league match since the start of the season. González was a January purchase and will be needed to step up more often after his early substitution for Manchester City in the capital. As to whether he can offer composure similar to Rodri at his best, opinions are divided.

Three. Mount Rises the Ranking at United

Setbacks have affected the midfielder's time at United. His start against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the league since signing in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His pedigree has always been recognized, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to build momentum has been a challenge. On Saturday, his control was superb and he brought creativity and work rate in similar amounts, which could be the reason why the United manager preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He scored superbly, netting the earliest goal for United since his first game in charge last season. At a big club, his know-how could be important. My role is providing energy into the team and setting off the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, supporting my teammates and really raising the tempo. Scoring was a big moment for me.”

Four. Nuno Demonstrates Trust in Youngster Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's move to send on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, in place of the established the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Irish attacker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Since Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the summer – and the German striker have scored only once combined so far in the Premier League, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's comments after the game are any indication. “It’s not easy to give a debut in ahead of Callum Wilson,” said the manager. We need, as quickly, to have a full understanding of our squad options. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a sharp in the box, pace, he can recognize the gaps in the attack. I think we have a useful option.”

5. Assured Thomas Frank Gradually Earns his Spurs Progress

It's unclear how competitive Tottenham can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is undeniable is that they are making progress under the Danish manager. Following another victory from four unbeaten away games this season, belief is growing that Spurs are becoming a much more united and durable team than the squad which slumped to their lowest league position under the previous manager previously. Frank exudes calm confidence to Frank, who was very positive of his team’s mentality and team spirit in defeating a pugnacious Leeds United side at a raucous, windswept their home ground. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his Leeds counterpart and good friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but goals from the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, either side of the Swiss striker's tying goal, resulted in the outcome was different. It is early days, but prospects are improving for Tottenham.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Step Up

The Chelsea manager desired a new centre-back after being without Levi Colwill to a knee injury in pre-season. The club hierarchy disagreed. The squad depth are extensive and a desperate purchase was not needed. Subsequently additional setbacks, leaving Maresca with limited options. Some were worried about the teenage defender and the French centre-back starting against Liverpool on Saturday, but there need not have been. Acheampong is just a teenager but many believe in his ability. He contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp