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1. Elliot Anderson Earns Support from Each Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder spent much of Nottingham Forest's two-nil defeat on Tyneside, demonstrating the Newcastle manager what he lost when top-flight profit and sustainability rules compelled the midfielder's departure to prevent a points penalty. It happened in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since joining Forest. Throughout the first half he surpassed even Sandro Tonali and, across the match, was easily the Forest manager's standout individual. But the player is only human, and when his wayward pass presented the Brazilian midfielder an opening, his resulting recovery tackle was mistimed and caused the Newcastle player tumbling in the penalty area. The Brazilian had already scored Newcastle into the lead from 25 yards, and from the resulting penalty the striker scored his fourth of the season in five starting appearances. Notably, at the conclusion, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made concerted efforts to comfort the young midfielder. If Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will undoubtedly be leaning on his star player. Howe, on the other hand, would love to bring back the former youth product. Should Nottingham Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, fail to improve, the Tyneside club could have an opportunity.

Two. Rodri Fitness Worry Dampens Manchester City Victory

His look was very revealing. When he went down to the Griffin Park surface looking down, there was a barely discernible head shake – though his body language spoke volumes. Another setback for the City star? That appeared to be the case. Pep Guardiola has made efforts to manage Rodri's game time this season since his return from injury from a significant knee problem; he now has to put more faith in alternatives. The Spanish midfielder is the most obvious replacement in the team, yet has only been trusted to start one league game since late August. The £49.8m signing was a January purchase and will be required to contribute more often after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in west London. As to whether he can provide stability akin to peak Rodri, opinions are divided.

3. Mount Rises the Pecking Order at Manchester United

Fitness issues have hindered Mason Mount's time at United. Being named in the first XI against Sunderland was only his 17th in the league since arriving in 2023 from Chelsea. His quality has never been questioned, but finding a position and sufficient minutes to build momentum has been difficult. On Saturday, his first touch was excellent and he offered vision and work rate in balance, which might explain why the United manager preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He scored superbly, scoring the quickest opener for United since his first game in charge 11 months ago. Under pressure, Mount's experience could prove vital. My role is providing energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst 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 Espírito Santo Shows Faith in Young Player Marshall

The West Ham manager's move to introduce the young striker for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, in place of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an enormous show of faith in the young Northern Ireland attacker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Considering Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the off-season – and the German striker 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 any indication. It's a tough decision to put a young lad in ahead of an experienced player,” said Nuno. We need, as soon as possible, to have total knowledge 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 final third. In my view we have a useful option.”

5. Assured Frank Gradually Earns his Spurs Rewards

It's unclear how competitive Tottenham can be this season, especially within the squad. What is undeniable is that they are making progress under the Danish manager. With a third success from four matches on the road without defeat this season, confidence is building that Spurs are evolving into a increasingly organized and resilient outfit compared to the team which fell to their poorest season under the previous manager last season. He brings stability to the manager, who praised highly of his squad's attitude and team spirit in beating a pugnacious Leeds United side at a noisy, windy their home ground. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his rival manager and close friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but scores from the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, around the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, resulted in the result went his way. There's a long way to go, but things are looking up for Tottenham.

Six. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up

Enzo Maresca desired a reinforcement at the back after losing the young defender to a serious knee issue before the start of the season. Chelsea's decision-makers thought otherwise. The playing staff are deep and a panic buy was not needed. Subsequently further fitness issues, leaving the coach with limited options. There were nerves about the teenage defender and Benoît Badiashile lining up against the Reds on the weekend, but their fears were misplaced. The 19-year-old is just a teenager but few doubt his potential. The teenager dealt with Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp