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One. Anderson Receives Encouragement from Each Bosses

Elliot Anderson spent much of Forest's two-nil loss at Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when Premier League profit and sustainability rules forced the player's sale to avert a points deduction. That was in the summer transfer window of 2024, and Anderson has thrived since moving to Nottingham Forest. For much of the initial 45 minutes he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was easily Ange Postecoglou's best player. But mistakes can happen, and when his wayward pass offered Bruno Guimarães an opening, his following challenge was ill-judged and resulted in the Newcastle player crashing in the box. The Brazilian had previously scored the Magpies into the lead from long range, and from the spot the striker scored his fourth strike in his last five games. Tellingly, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and Howe made clear attempts to console the young midfielder. Should Forest's manager is to survive and then thrive at Forest, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on his star player. The Newcastle coach, in contrast, would welcome the chance to re-sign the former youth product. Should Forest, with or without Postecoglou, struggle, the Tyneside club might get another opportunity.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Dampens Manchester City Success

Rodri's face said it all. When he went down to the Brentford turf gazing at the ground, there was a barely discernible shake of the head – though his posture spoke volumes. A new problem for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. The City manager has attempted to limit the player's minutes this campaign since his return from injury from a serious knee injury; now he must trust alternatives. Nico González is the natural stand-in in the team, yet has only been trusted to begin one league game since the start of the season. González was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up more often after his early substitution for Manchester City in west London. As to whether he can provide stability akin to the influential midfielder, opinions are divided.

3. Mount Climbs the Ranking at United

Setbacks have hindered Mason Mount's spell with the club. Being named in the first XI against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the Premier League since joining in 2023 from his former club. His ability has never been questioned, but securing a regular role and regular playing time to play himself into form has been a challenge. During the fixture, his first touch was excellent and he provided inventiveness and discipline in balance, which might explain why the United manager selected him over the alternative option. He took his goal expertly, getting the earliest goal for the Red Devils since his debut as manager 11 months ago. Under pressure, his background could be important. My role is injecting intensity into the team and initiating the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I focus on, helping the people around me and really raising the tempo. Finding the net was a big moment for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Shows Faith in Young Player Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to send on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, instead of the established the seasoned forward, was an enormous show of faith in the young Northern Ireland forward who had a loan spell at Huddersfield. Given that Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and the German striker have scored only once between them so far in the Premier League, Marshall could receive more chances if the Nuno's comments after the game are a guide. “It’s not easy to select a youngster in ahead of Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have complete awareness of our squad options. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, good mobility, he can recognize the gaps in the final third. I believe we have a player who can contribute.”

5. Assured Frank Steadily Secures his Spurs Results

There is uncertainty how good Tottenham can be this season, including the players. What is evident is that they are making progress under the Danish manager. Following another victory from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, confidence is building that Spurs are developing into a increasingly organized and durable team to the one which fell to their lowest league position under the previous manager last term. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who praised highly of his squad's attitude and team spirit in beating a combative Leeds side at a atmospheric their home ground. Frank had been unable to overcome his rival manager and friend the Leeds manager in five previous meetings, but strikes by Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, around Noah Okafor's tying goal, ensured the tables were turned. The season is young, but things are looking up for Spurs.

6. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver

The Chelsea manager wanted a reinforcement at the back after losing the young defender to a knee injury ahead of the campaign. The club hierarchy disagreed. The squad depth are extensive and a desperate purchase was not required. Subsequently additional setbacks, leaving the coach with limited options. There were nerves about the teenage defender and the French centre-back featuring against Liverpool on the weekend, but it was unfounded. The 19-year-old is just a teenager but few doubt his potential. He dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp