🔗 Share this article

One. Elliot Anderson Gets Encouragement from Each Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Forest's two-nil setback on Tyneside, reminding Eddie Howe the player he had to sell when top-flight spending rules forced the player's departure to avert a points deduction. That was in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since his switch to Forest. For much of the opening period he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was comfortably the Forest manager's best player. But the player is only human, and when his misplaced ball presented the Brazilian midfielder an opportunity, his subsequent challenge was mistimed and caused the Newcastle player crashing in the area. The Brazilian had previously shot Newcastle ahead from 25 yards, and from the resulting penalty Nick Woltemade converted his fourth goal in his last five games. Notably, at the conclusion, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made clear attempts to console Anderson. If Postecoglou is to establish himself at the club, he will certainly be leaning on Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, in contrast, would welcome the chance to re-sign the Newcastle academy graduate. If Forest, regardless of their manager, continue to founder, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

2. Rodri Injury Concern Overshadows City Victory

Rodri's face was very revealing. When he went down to the Griffin Park surface staring at his feet, there was a slight disappointed gesture – though his body language said a lot. A new problem for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. The City manager has attempted to manage the player's minutes this season since his comeback from a long-term layoff; he now has to trust alternatives. The Spanish midfielder is the natural stand-in in the team, however has only been selected to start one league game since 23 August. The £49.8m signing was a January purchase and will be needed to step up frequently after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in west London. Regarding if he can offer composure like the influential midfielder, the jury is still out.

Three. Mason Mount Climbs the Pecking Order at Manchester United

Injuries have affected the midfielder's time at United. Being named in the first XI against Sunderland was just his 17th in the Premier League since joining in 2023 from Chelsea. His pedigree has always been recognized, but securing a regular role and enough game time to regain his best has been difficult. During the fixture, his first touch was impeccable and he offered inventiveness and work rate in balance, which perhaps influenced why Ruben Amorim selected him over the alternative option. He finished expertly, scoring the fastest early goal for United since his first game in charge 11 months ago. In an intense environment, Mount's experience could prove vital. My role is providing energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a key instigator going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, helping the people around me and really raising the tempo. To get the goal was obviously massive for me.”

4. Nuno Shows Trust in Young Player Marshall

The West Ham manager's choice to introduce Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, rather than the established the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland attacker who had a loan spell at Huddersfield. Considering Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have contributed just one goal combined so far in the top flight, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the new manager's post-game remarks are a guide. “It’s not easy to give a debut in over Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. We need, as soon as possible, to have a full understanding of our squad options. Based on training, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a good finisher, pace, he can find space in the attack. I think we have a useful option.”

Five. Composed Frank Gradually Gains his Tottenham Progress

There is uncertainty how competitive Spurs can be this campaign, least of all themselves. What is clear is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. Following another victory from a solid away record this campaign, confidence is building that Tottenham are becoming a much more united and durable team compared to the team which dropped to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou previously. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who spoke glowingly of his squad's attitude and team spirit in beating a feisty Leeds side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. Frank had failed to defeat his Leeds counterpart and good friend the Leeds manager in their past five encounters, but goals from the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, around the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, ensured the result went his way. The season is young, but the future appears bright for Spurs.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Deliver

Enzo Maresca wanted a reinforcement at the back after the injury to the young defender to a long-term problem in pre-season. The club hierarchy disagreed. The playing staff are strong and a panic buy was not needed. Subsequently more injuries, leaving Maresca stretched. There were nerves about the teenage defender and the French centre-back starting against Liverpool on the weekend, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is very young but few doubt his potential. He handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp