🔗 Share this article

1. Anderson Receives Encouragement from Each Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder spent much of Forest's 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, reminding the Newcastle manager the talent he parted with when Premier League profit and sustainability rules required the midfielder's sale to prevent a sanction. This occurred during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has rarely looked back joining Forest. Throughout the opening period he eclipsed even Sandro Tonali and, overall, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's standout individual. Yet the player is only human, and when his loose pass offered Bruno Guimarães an opening, his resulting challenge was poorly timed and caused the Newcastle player crashing in the box. The Brazilian had already shot Newcastle into the lead from long range, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade converted his fourth strike in his last five games. Significantly, at the final whistle, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made clear attempts to comfort Anderson. In the event that Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at the club, he will inevitably be heavily dependent on Anderson's talent. Howe, on the other hand, would welcome the chance to buy the homegrown talent. If Forest, with or without Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club could have an opportunity.

2. Rodri Setback Mars City Success

The midfielder's expression said it all. After collapsing to the Brentford pitch staring at his feet, there was a barely discernible head shake – though his posture spoke volumes. A new problem for the key player? It looked more than likely. Pep Guardiola has tried his best to carefully use his involvement this season since his return from injury from a serious knee injury; it's time for him to put more faith in replacements. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the lineup, however has only started to play from the outset just one Premier League fixture since late August. González was a £49.8m signing and will be called upon more frequently after his early substitution for City in west London. On whether he can offer composure akin to Rodri at his best, it remains to be seen.

3. Mount Rises the Hierarchy at United

Setbacks have hampered the midfielder's spell with the club. His start against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the Premier League since arriving in 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has always been recognized, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to play himself into form has been a challenge. During the fixture, his first touch was excellent and he offered vision and tactical awareness in balance, which could be the reason why the United manager preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He finished expertly, getting the fastest early goal for United since his debut as manager 11 months ago. Under pressure, his know-how could prove vital. My role is providing energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a driving force going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I aim to do, supporting my teammates and really raising the tempo. Scoring was hugely important for me.”

Four. Nuno Shows Confidence in Youngster Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to bring on the young striker for his first appearance at the Emirates against Arsenal, instead of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an enormous show of faith in the young Northern Ireland striker who had a loan spell at Huddersfield Town. Given that Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once between them so far in the top flight, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-game remarks are any indication. It's a tough decision to select a youngster in over an experienced player,” said Nuno. We need, as rapidly, to have a full understanding of the players available. Based on training, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a good finisher, good mobility, he can identify openings in the final third. I believe we have a player who can contribute.”

5. Assured Frank Slowly Secures his Spurs Results

There is uncertainty how strong Spurs can be this season, least of all themselves. What is evident is that they are making progress under the Danish manager. After a third win from four matches on the road without defeat this season, belief is growing that Spurs are developing into a increasingly organized and tough side than the squad which dropped to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou previously. He brings stability to the manager, who praised highly of his players' mindset and collective desire in seeing off a combative Leeds side at a atmospheric Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his Leeds counterpart and good friend the Leeds manager in five previous meetings, but strikes by the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, before and after the Swiss striker's tying goal, meant the result went his way. The season is young, but things are looking up for Tottenham.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager wanted a reinforcement at the back after losing Levi Colwill to a serious knee issue in pre-season. His bosses had a different view. Chelsea’s resources are extensive and a desperate purchase was not needed. Then came more injuries, leaving Maresca stretched. Some were worried about the teenage defender and the French centre-back featuring against Liverpool on Saturday, but it was unfounded. The 19-year-old is just a teenager but he is highly rated. He dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp