🔗 Share this article

One. Elliot Anderson Gets Sympathy from Both Coaches

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's two-nil setback on Tyneside, showing Eddie Howe what he lost when top-flight financial regulations forced the player's departure to prevent a points deduction. It happened in the summer transfer window of 2024, and Anderson has rarely looked back his switch to Forest. Throughout the opening period he surpassed even Sandro Tonali and, across the match, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's top performer. But the player is only human, and when his wayward pass presented Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his subsequent recovery tackle was poorly timed and resulted in the Newcastle player crashing in the area. Guimarães had previously shot the Magpies into the lead from 25 yards, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade netted his fourth strike in five starts. Tellingly, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and Howe made obvious gestures to comfort Anderson. If Postecoglou is to survive and then thrive at the club, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on Anderson's talent. Howe, in contrast, would love to bring back the former youth product. Should Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club might get another opportunity.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Injury Concern Overshadows City Success

The midfielder's expression said it all. As he sank to the Brentford turf staring at his feet, there was a slight disappointed gesture – though his demeanor was very telling. A fresh injury for the Spanish midfielder? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has made efforts to carefully use Rodri's game time this season since his comeback from a significant knee problem; now he must trust alternatives. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the team, yet has only been trusted to play from the outset a single league match since the start of the season. The former Porto man was a January purchase and will be called upon more regularly after his introduction as a substitute for City in west London. Regarding if he can offer composure similar to Rodri at his best, the jury is still out.

3. Mason Mount Climbs the Pecking Order at United

Setbacks have affected Mason Mount's spell with the club. His start against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the Premier League since signing in 2023 from Chelsea. His pedigree has never been in doubt, but establishing himself and enough game time to play himself into form has proved problematic. On Saturday, his touch was superb and he offered vision and tactical awareness in balance, which perhaps influenced why Ruben Amorim preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He finished expertly, scoring the quickest opener for United since his initial match 11 months ago. At a big club, Mount's experience could be important. I consider myself bringing a lot of energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I focus on, supporting my teammates and really adding intensity. Finding the net was hugely important for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Shows Confidence in Youngster Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's decision to introduce Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, instead of the veteran Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the young Northern Ireland attacker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Given that Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal combined so far in the Premier League, the youngster could be given further game time if the new manager's post-match assessment are anything to go by. It's difficult to give a debut in over Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. We need, as rapidly, to have a full understanding of our squad options. Based on training, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a good finisher, good mobility, he can identify openings in the final third. I think we have something we can use.”

Five. Composed Thomas Frank Gradually Earns his Tottenham Rewards

There is uncertainty how good Tottenham can be this season, least of all themselves. What is clear is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four unbeaten away games this campaign, confidence is building that Spurs are becoming a far more cohesive and durable team compared to the team which dropped to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou last term. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who praised highly of his squad's attitude and unity in beating a feisty Leeds side at a atmospheric Elland Road. Frank had been unable to overcome his Leeds counterpart and close friend Daniel Farke in their past five encounters, but scores from Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, around the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, ensured the tables were turned. It is early days, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

6. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

Enzo Maresca desired a reinforcement at the back after losing the young defender to a knee injury in pre-season. Chelsea's decision-makers had a different view. Chelsea’s resources are strong and a desperate purchase was not required. Then came further fitness issues, leaving the coach stretched. There was concern about the teenage defender and the French centre-back lining up against the Reds on Saturday, but their fears were misplaced. Acheampong is just a teenager but he is highly rated. The teenager contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp