🔗 Share this article

1. Anderson Gets Encouragement from Each Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Forest's two-nil setback away to Newcastle, demonstrating Eddie Howe the player he had to sell when top-flight spending rules forced the player's transfer to avoid a points deduction. This occurred during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has excelled ever since joining Forest. During the initial 45 minutes he outshone even Sandro Tonali and, across the match, was easily the Forest manager's standout individual. But Anderson is human, and when his misplaced ball gave the Brazilian midfielder an opening, his subsequent recovery tackle was mistimed and resulted in Guimarães falling in the area. Guimarães had already shot the Magpies into the lead from long range, and from the penalty spot the striker netted his fourth goal in his last five games. Significantly, at the final whistle, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made concerted efforts to encourage Anderson. If Forest's manager is to establish himself at Forest, he will undoubtedly be leaning on his star player. Howe, on the other hand, would love to bring back the Newcastle academy graduate. In case Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, struggle, Newcastle could have an opportunity.

Two. Rodri Setback Overshadows City Victory

Rodri's face was very revealing. When he went down to the Brentford pitch gazing at the ground, there was a barely discernible head shake – though his demeanor said a lot. A fresh injury for the City star? It looked more than likely. Pep Guardiola has tried his best to manage the player's minutes this season since his comeback from a long-term layoff; it's time for him to trust alternatives. Nico González is the natural stand-in in the team, but has only been selected to start just one Premier League fixture since the start of the season. González was a £49.8m signing and will be called upon more more often after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in west London. On whether he can bring a measure of control similar to the influential midfielder, opinions are divided.

3. Mason Mount Rises the Hierarchy at Manchester United

Setbacks have hampered the midfielder's United career. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was only his 17th in the Premier League since joining in 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has never been in doubt, but securing a regular role and regular playing time to play himself into form has been a challenge. On Saturday, his control was impeccable and he brought creativity and discipline in equal measure, which might explain why the United manager preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He scored expertly, netting the fastest early goal for United since his initial match last season. At a big club, his background could prove vital. I consider myself injecting intensity into the team and setting off the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I aim to do, helping the people around me and really raising the tempo. To get the goal was obviously massive for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Faith in Youngster Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's move to bring on the young striker for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, instead of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland striker 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 Premier League, the youngster could receive more chances if the new manager's comments after the game are anything to go by. It's difficult to put a young lad in front of an experienced player,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as soon as possible, to have complete awareness of who we have in the squad. Based on training, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a good finisher, movement, he can identify openings in the attack. I think we have a useful option.”

5. Assured Thomas Frank Gradually Gains his Tottenham Results

It's unclear how competitive Tottenham can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is clear is that they are making progress under Thomas Frank. Following another victory from four unbeaten away games this campaign, belief is growing that Tottenham are becoming a increasingly organized and tough side than the squad which fell to their lowest league position under the previous manager last term. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who was very positive of his players' mindset and team spirit in defeating a combative Leeds side at a raucous, windswept Elland Road. Frank had not beaten his rival manager and close friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but strikes by the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, either side of Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, ensured the outcome was different. There's a long way to go, but the future appears bright for Tottenham.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up

The Chelsea manager wanted a new centre-back after the injury to Levi Colwill to a knee injury ahead of the campaign. Chelsea's decision-makers had a different view. The playing staff are deep and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Then came further fitness issues, leaving Maresca short-handed. There was concern about the teenage defender and Benoît Badiashile starting against Liverpool on Saturday, but their fears were misplaced. The 19-year-old is only 19 but he is highly rated. The teenager contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp