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One. Elliot Anderson Receives Sympathy from The Two Bosses

Elliot Anderson spent much of Forest's 2-0 defeat on Tyneside, demonstrating Eddie Howe what he lost when Premier League profit and sustainability rules compelled the midfielder's transfer to avert a points penalty. It happened back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since moving to Nottingham Forest. Throughout the opening period he eclipsed even Sandro Tonali and, overall, was clearly the Forest manager's top performer. However Anderson is human, and when his loose pass presented Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his subsequent challenge was ill-judged and resulted in the Newcastle player crashing in the area. The Brazilian had previously shot Newcastle into the lead from outside the box, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade scored his fourth of the season in five starting appearances. Tellingly, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and Howe made clear attempts to console Anderson. If Postecoglou is to survive and then thrive at Forest, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, in contrast, would welcome the chance to bring back the former youth product. In case Nottingham Forest, with or without their manager, struggle, the Tyneside club might get another opportunity.

Two. Rodri Fitness Worry Mars City Win

His look was very revealing. After collapsing to the Brentford pitch gazing at the ground, there was a slight shake of the head – though his body language spoke volumes. A new problem for the key player? The signs were not good. The City manager has made efforts to carefully use his involvement this campaign since his tentative return from a long-term layoff; now he must trust other options. The Spanish midfielder is the natural stand-in in the team, however has only started to play from the outset a single league match since the start of the season. The former Porto man was a big-money acquisition and will be required to contribute more often after his early substitution for Manchester City in west London. On whether he can provide stability similar to the influential midfielder, it remains to be seen.

Three. Mason Mount Rises the Pecking Order at Manchester United

Injuries have hampered the midfielder's spell with the club. Being named in the first XI against Sunderland was only his 17th in the league since arriving in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has always been recognized, but finding a position and regular playing time to regain his best has been difficult. On Saturday, his touch was excellent and he brought creativity and tactical awareness in similar amounts, which perhaps influenced why Ruben Amorim selected him over Matheus Cunha. He took his goal expertly, getting the quickest opener for United since his first game in charge almost a year ago. In an intense environment, Mount's experience could be crucial. My role is bringing a lot of energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a key instigator going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, assisting those nearby and really raising the tempo. Finding the net was a big moment for me.”

Four. Nuno Displays Confidence in Young Player Callum Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's move to bring on Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, rather than the established Callum Wilson, was an enormous show of faith in the 20-year-old Northern Irish forward who had a loan spell at Huddersfield. Since Callum Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have contributed just one goal combined so far in the top flight, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's comments after the game are anything to go by. It's a tough decision to select a youngster in ahead of Callum Wilson,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have total knowledge of who we have in the squad. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, movement, he can recognize the gaps in the space. In my view we have something we can use.”

Five. Calm Thomas Frank Gradually Secures his Spurs Rewards

Nobody seems quite sure how strong Spurs can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is undeniable is that they are making progress under Thomas Frank. After a third win from a solid away record this season, optimism is rising that Spurs are developing into a increasingly organized and durable team compared to the team which slumped to their poorest season under the previous manager last term. He brings stability to the manager, who praised highly of his squad's attitude and team spirit in seeing off a pugnacious Leeds United side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his rival manager and friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but scores from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, before and after Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, meant the tables were turned. There's a long way to go, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

Six. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up

The Chelsea manager wanted a new centre-back after being without Levi Colwill to a serious knee issue ahead of the campaign. Chelsea's decision-makers disagreed. The squad depth are extensive and a rushed signing was not needed. Later further fitness issues, leaving Maresca short-handed. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back starting against the Reds on Saturday, but their fears were misplaced. Acheampong is just a teenager but many believe in his ability. He dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp