🔗 Share this article

One. Elliot Anderson Gets Sympathy from The Two Coaches

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Nottingham Forest's 2-0 loss at Newcastle, showing the Newcastle manager what he lost when Premier League profit and sustainability rules compelled the player's transfer to avoid a points penalty. That was back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since his switch to Forest. During the opening period he outshone even Sandro Tonali and, overall, was easily Ange Postecoglou's top performer. Yet the player is only human, and when his loose pass gave the Brazilian midfielder an opportunity, his following attempted tackle was poorly timed and sent the Newcastle player falling in the penalty area. The Brazilian had earlier fired Newcastle ahead from 25 yards, and from the spot the striker scored his fourth of the season in five starts. Tellingly, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and Howe made concerted efforts to comfort Anderson. In the event that Forest's manager 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 homegrown talent. In case Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, struggle, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.

Two. Rodri Injury Concern Dampens Manchester City Victory

His look said it all. As he sank to the Brentford pitch staring at his feet, there was a almost imperceptible head shake – though his demeanor said a lot. Another setback for the Spanish midfielder? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has attempted to manage Rodri's game time this season since his comeback from a long-term layoff; now he must put more faith in replacements. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in the lineup, but has only started to start just one Premier League fixture since the start of the season. The former Porto man was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up frequently after his early substitution for Manchester City in the capital. As to whether he can bring a measure of control like the influential midfielder, opinions are divided.

3. Mount Rises the Ranking at United

Fitness issues have hindered the midfielder's time at United. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was only his 17th in the Premier League since joining in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His quality has always been recognized, but securing a regular role and sufficient minutes to build momentum has been difficult. On Saturday, his touch was superb and he brought creativity and discipline in similar amounts, which perhaps influenced why the United manager selected him over Matheus Cunha. He took his goal superbly, getting the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his debut as manager 11 months ago. Under pressure, Mount's experience could be important. “I see myself as injecting intensity into the team and initiating the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” commented. “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 Shows Confidence in Young Player Marshall

The West Ham manager's decision to bring on the young striker for his debut at the Emirates against Arsenal, in place of the established the seasoned forward, was an enormous show of faith in the young Northern Irish attacker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield Town. Given that Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal combined so far in the Premier League, Marshall could receive more chances if the Nuno's post-match assessment are any indication. “It’s not easy to put a young lad in over Callum Wilson,” said the manager. Our priority is, as soon as possible, to have total knowledge of our squad options. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a clinical in front of goal, pace, he can identify openings in the space. I think we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Calm Thomas Frank Slowly Earns his Spurs Results

Nobody seems quite sure how good Tottenham can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is clear is that they are improving under the Danish manager. After a third win from four unbeaten away games this campaign, belief is growing that Spurs are becoming a much more united and tough side than the squad which fell to their lowest league position under the previous manager last season. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who praised highly of his players' mindset and team spirit in defeating a pugnacious Leeds side at a noisy, windy their home ground. Frank had failed to defeat his Leeds counterpart and friend Daniel Farke in their past five encounters, but goals from Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, either side of Noah Okafor's first-half equaliser, resulted in the result went his way. The season is young, but the future appears bright for Tottenham.

6. Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver

The Chelsea manager desired a additional defender after losing Levi Colwill to a serious knee issue before the start of the season. The club hierarchy disagreed. The squad depth are strong and a desperate purchase was not needed. Later more injuries, leaving Maresca stretched. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back featuring against the Reds on the weekend, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is very young but he is highly rated. The teenager handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp