🔗 Share this article

1. Anderson Earns Support from Both Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Forest's two-nil setback at Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe what he lost when Premier League financial regulations compelled the player's departure to prevent a points deduction. That was during the 2024 summer window, and Anderson has rarely looked back moving to Nottingham Forest. For much of the initial 45 minutes he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's standout individual. Yet mistakes can happen, and when his wayward pass gave Bruno Guimarães an chance, his subsequent recovery tackle was poorly timed and sent Guimarães falling in the penalty area. The Brazilian had already fired Newcastle ahead from 25 yards, and from the resulting penalty Nick Woltemade scored his fourth goal in five starts. Tellingly, at the final whistle, both Postecoglou and Howe made clear attempts to console Anderson. In the event that Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will certainly be heavily dependent on Anderson's talent. Howe, on the other hand, would love to bring back the homegrown talent. Should Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have their manager, struggle, the Tyneside club could have an opportunity.

2. Rodri Fitness Worry Dampens Manchester City Victory

His look was very revealing. As he sank to the Griffin Park surface gazing at the ground, there was a barely discernible disappointed gesture – though his demeanor said a lot. A new problem for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. Pep Guardiola has tried his best to limit the player's minutes this season since his comeback from a long-term layoff; it's time for him to rely more on replacements. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the lineup, yet has only been trusted to begin one league game since 23 August. González was a big-money acquisition and will be needed to step up regularly after his introduction as a substitute for City in west London. As to whether he can offer composure similar to peak Rodri, it remains to be seen.

Three. Mason Mount Rises the Hierarchy at United

Injuries have hampered the midfielder's United career. His start against Sunderland was only his 17th in the league since joining in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His pedigree has never been in doubt, but finding a position and enough game time to play himself into form has been a challenge. In the latest match, his control was superb and he offered vision and tactical awareness in equal measure, which might explain why the United manager selected him over Matheus Cunha. He took his goal superbly, getting the fastest early goal for the Red Devils since his debut as manager last season. In an intense environment, his know-how could be important. I consider myself injecting intensity into the team and initiating the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I aim to do, assisting those nearby and really adding intensity. Scoring was hugely important for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Faith in Youngster Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's decision to introduce the young striker for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, rather than the more experienced Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland striker who had a loan spell at Huddersfield. Given that Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and the German striker have contributed just one goal together so far in the Premier League, Marshall could be given further game time if the new manager's comments after the game are anything to go by. It's a tough decision to select a youngster in front of an experienced player,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as rapidly, to have complete awareness of who we have in the squad. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a good finisher, movement, he can identify openings in the final third. I think we have a useful option.”

Five. Assured Frank Steadily Gains his Tottenham Rewards

It's unclear how good Tottenham can be this season, including the players. What is undeniable is that they are making progress under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, belief is growing that Tottenham are developing into a far more cohesive and tough side compared to the team which slumped to their poorest season under Ange Postecoglou last season. Frank exudes calm confidence to Frank, who praised highly of his squad's attitude and team spirit in beating a pugnacious Leeds United side at a raucous, windswept their home ground. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his Leeds counterpart and good friend the Leeds manager in five previous meetings, but goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, before and after Noah Okafor's tying goal, meant the outcome was different. The season is young, but prospects are improving for Tottenham.

Six. Acheampong and Badiashile Step Up

Enzo Maresca sought a additional defender after being without the young defender to a serious knee issue in pre-season. The club hierarchy disagreed. The squad depth are extensive and a desperate purchase was not needed. Subsequently more injuries, leaving Maresca short-handed. There were nerves about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back starting against Liverpool on Saturday, but their fears were misplaced. The 19-year-old is very young but he is highly rated. The teenager dealt with Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp