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One. Anderson Earns Encouragement from Both Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Forest's two-nil defeat on Tyneside, showing Eddie Howe the player he had to sell when top-flight spending rules forced the midfielder's departure to prevent a points deduction. That was back in the summer of 2024, and Anderson has rarely looked back moving to Nottingham Forest. During the initial 45 minutes he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was clearly the Forest manager's best player. Yet the player is only human, and when his loose pass offered Bruno Guimarães an opening, his following challenge was ill-judged and resulted in Guimarães tumbling in the box. Guimarães had already shot the Magpies into the lead from 25 yards, and from the spot the striker netted his fourth strike in his last five games. Significantly, at the final whistle, both Postecoglou and Howe made clear attempts to encourage the young midfielder. If Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at the club, he will undoubtedly be reliant upon his star player. The Newcastle coach, meanwhile, would be keen to re-sign the former youth product. If Forest, with or without Postecoglou, fail to improve, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

2. Rodri Injury Concern Overshadows Manchester City Success

His look told its own story. When he went down to the Brentford pitch gazing at the ground, there was a slight shake of the head – though his demeanor spoke volumes. Another setback for the City star? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has tried his best to limit Rodri's game time this campaign since his comeback from a serious knee injury; he now has to put more faith in alternatives. The Spanish midfielder is the natural stand-in in the lineup, however has only been selected to start just one Premier League fixture since 23 August. The £49.8m signing was a January purchase and will be called upon more frequently after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in the capital. Regarding if he can offer composure akin to peak Rodri, the jury is still out.

Three. Mason Mount Advances the Hierarchy at Manchester United

Setbacks have hampered the midfielder's time at United. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was only his 17th in the Premier League since joining in 2023 from his former club. His quality has always been recognized, but establishing himself and regular playing time to regain his best has been difficult. On Saturday, his control was excellent and he provided inventiveness and tactical awareness in equal measure, which perhaps influenced why Ruben Amorim chose him ahead of the alternative option. He finished expertly, netting the earliest goal for United since his initial match almost a year ago. In an intense environment, Mount's experience could prove vital. I consider myself providing energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, assisting those nearby and really bringing the energy. Finding the net was a big moment for me.”

4. Nuno Shows Faith in Young Player Marshall

The West Ham manager's move to bring on the young striker for his first appearance at the Emirates against Arsenal, in place of the more experienced Callum Wilson, was an enormous show of faith in the 20-year-old Northern Irish attacker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Considering Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and the German striker have managed only a single goal together so far in the top flight, the youngster could receive more chances 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 an experienced player,” said the manager. We need, as quickly, to have a full understanding of our squad options. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a good finisher, movement, he can recognize the gaps in the attack. I believe we have a useful option.”

Five. Assured Frank Gradually Gains his Tottenham Rewards

There is uncertainty how competitive Tottenham can be this season, especially within the squad. What is undeniable is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. After a third win from a solid away record this season, optimism is rising that Tottenham are developing into a far more cohesive and durable team to the one which dropped to their poorest season under the previous manager previously. He brings stability to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his squad's attitude and team spirit in beating a combative Leeds side at a atmospheric Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his opposite number and good friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, either side of Noah Okafor's first-half equaliser, ensured the result went his way. The season is young, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

Six. Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver

Enzo Maresca wanted a new centre-back after being without Levi Colwill to a knee injury ahead of the campaign. The club hierarchy disagreed. Chelsea’s resources are strong and a panic buy was unnecessary. Then came further fitness issues, leaving Maresca stretched. There were nerves about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back featuring against the Reds on Saturday, but their fears were misplaced. The 19-year-old is just a teenager but many believe in his ability. The teenager contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp