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1. Elliot Anderson Earns Support from Each Managers

Elliot Anderson was prominent during Forest's two-nil loss away to Newcastle, demonstrating the Newcastle manager the player he had to sell when Premier League profit and sustainability rules compelled the midfielder's sale to avoid a points deduction. This occurred back in the summer of 2024, and Anderson has thrived since moving to Nottingham Forest. Throughout the opening period he surpassed even Sandro Tonali and, overall, was comfortably the Forest manager's best player. But Anderson is human, and when his misplaced ball presented Bruno Guimarães an chance, his following challenge was ill-judged and resulted in Guimarães crashing in the area. The Brazilian had already fired Newcastle into the lead from long range, and from the resulting penalty Nick Woltemade netted his fourth of the season in five starts. Significantly, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made concerted efforts to console Anderson. Should Forest's manager is to survive and then thrive at Forest, he will certainly be heavily dependent on the midfielder's ability. Howe, on the other hand, would love to buy the Newcastle academy graduate. In case Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have their manager, fail to improve, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

Two. Rodri Setback Dampens Manchester City Victory

His look told its own story. As he sank to the Brentford turf looking down, there was a barely discernible head shake – though his demeanor said a lot. Another setback for the key player? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has made efforts to limit his involvement this season since his return from injury from a serious knee injury; now he must rely more on replacements. Nico González is the natural stand-in in the team, but has only been trusted to play from the outset a single league match since late August. González was a £49.8m signing and will be called upon more frequently after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in the capital. Regarding if he can provide stability like peak Rodri, the jury is still out.

Three. Mason Mount Climbs the Pecking Order at United

Setbacks have affected Mason Mount's spell with the club. His inclusion in the starting lineup against Sunderland was just his 17th in the league since signing in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His ability has always been recognized, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to build momentum has proved problematic. During the fixture, his control was superb and he brought vision and discipline in equal measure, which perhaps influenced why the United manager preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He took his goal superbly, getting the earliest goal for United since his initial match last season. At a big club, his know-how could be crucial. “I see myself as injecting intensity into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a driving force going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I aim to do, assisting those nearby and really bringing the energy. Scoring was obviously massive for me.”

Four. Nuno Demonstrates Trust in Young Player Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's decision to send on Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, rather than the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an enormous show of faith in the young Northern Ireland forward who was on loan last season at Huddersfield Town. Considering Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have contributed just one goal combined so far in the top flight, the youngster could receive more chances if the Nuno's post-match assessment are anything to go by. It's difficult to give a debut in ahead of Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as rapidly, to have a full understanding of who we have in the squad. Based on training, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a sharp in the box, good mobility, he can recognize the gaps in the final third. In my view we have something we can use.”

Five. Calm Frank Slowly Gains his Spurs Progress

It's unclear how good Spurs can be this season, least of all themselves. What is undeniable is that they are making progress under Thomas Frank. Following another victory from four matches on the road without defeat this season, optimism is rising that Spurs are developing into a much more united and durable team compared to the team which fell to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou previously. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his squad's attitude and collective desire in defeating a pugnacious Leeds United side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. Frank had been unable to overcome his rival manager and good friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but strikes by Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, either side of the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, ensured the result went his way. It is early days, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

6. Acheampong and Badiashile Step Up

Enzo Maresca wanted a reinforcement at the back after losing Levi Colwill to a serious knee issue before the start of the season. The club hierarchy disagreed. The playing staff are deep and a rushed signing was not required. Later more injuries, leaving the coach stretched. Some were worried about the teenage defender and the French centre-back starting against Liverpool on the weekend, but their fears were misplaced. The 19-year-old is very young but he is highly rated. The teenager dealt with Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp