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1. Anderson Earns Encouragement from Both Coaches

Elliot Anderson featured heavily in Forest's 2-0 setback at Newcastle, showing the Newcastle manager the talent he parted with when Premier League financial regulations compelled the midfielder's sale to avoid a points deduction. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has rarely looked back joining Forest. Throughout the first half he surpassed even Sandro Tonali and, across the match, was comfortably the Forest manager's best player. However mistakes can happen, and when his misplaced ball presented the Brazilian midfielder an chance, his resulting recovery tackle was poorly timed and sent the Newcastle player tumbling in the box. Guimarães had earlier shot the Magpies ahead from 25 yards, and from the resulting penalty the striker netted his fourth strike in five starting appearances. Significantly, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and Howe made obvious gestures to console Anderson. If Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at the club, he will inevitably be leaning on Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, meanwhile, would be keen to re-sign the former youth product. Should Nottingham Forest, regardless of their manager, struggle, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.

Two. Rodri Fitness Worry Overshadows City Win

Rodri's face was very revealing. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface looking down, there was a slight shake of the head – though his posture spoke volumes. A new problem for the key player? That appeared to be the case. Pep Guardiola has made efforts to carefully use his involvement this campaign since his return from injury from a significant knee problem; now he must put more faith in alternatives. Nico González is the natural stand-in in City's squad, however has only been selected to play from the outset just one Premier League fixture since late August. The £49.8m signing was a £49.8m signing and will be required to contribute more often after his introduction as a substitute for Manchester City in west London. Regarding if he can offer composure similar to Rodri at his best, it remains to be seen.

3. Mount Climbs the Hierarchy at United

Fitness issues have hindered Mason Mount's United career. Being named in the first XI against the Black Cats was merely his 17th in the league since signing in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His quality has always been recognized, but establishing himself and enough game time to regain his best has been a challenge. On Saturday, his touch was impeccable and he brought creativity and discipline in equal measure, which perhaps influenced why the United manager chose him ahead of the alternative option. He scored brilliantly, getting the fastest early goal for the Red Devils since his initial match almost a year ago. In an intense environment, his know-how could prove vital. “I see myself as providing energy 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 concentrate on, assisting those nearby and really adding intensity. Scoring was hugely important for me.”

Four. Nuno Shows Faith in Young Player Callum Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's decision to introduce Callum Marshall for his debut at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, in place of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the young Northern Ireland striker who had a loan spell at Huddersfield. Considering Callum Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal together so far in the top flight, Marshall could be given further game time if the Nuno's post-game remarks are a guide. It's a tough decision to select a youngster in over Callum Wilson,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as soon as possible, to have total knowledge of who we have in the squad. Based on training, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, movement, he can find space in the final third. In my view we have a useful option.”

5. Assured Thomas Frank Steadily Secures his Tottenham Rewards

Nobody seems quite sure how competitive Tottenham can be this campaign, including the players. What is undeniable is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, optimism is rising that Spurs are developing into a much more united and resilient outfit to the one which slumped to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou previously. He brings stability to the manager, who praised highly of his squad's attitude and unity in beating a pugnacious Leeds United side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. Frank had been unable to overcome his rival manager and good friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but strikes by the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, before and after Noah Okafor's first-half equaliser, resulted in the result went his way. It is early days, but prospects are improving for Tottenham.

6. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager sought a additional defender after losing Levi Colwill to a long-term problem before the start of the season. Chelsea's decision-makers disagreed. The squad depth are deep and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Subsequently further fitness issues, leaving Maresca with limited options. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back featuring against the Reds on Saturday, but there need not have been. Acheampong is only 19 but few doubt his potential. The teenager contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp