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1. Anderson Earns Support from Each Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Forest's 2-0 loss away to Newcastle, showing the Newcastle manager the player he had to sell when top-flight profit and sustainability rules compelled the midfielder's transfer to avert a sanction. That was during the 2024 summer window, and Anderson has thrived since joining Forest. During the first half he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was easily the Forest manager's standout individual. However mistakes can happen, and when his loose pass gave the Brazilian midfielder an opening, his following challenge was ill-judged and resulted in Guimarães falling in the box. Guimarães had earlier scored the Magpies ahead from 25 yards, and from the resulting penalty the striker scored his fourth strike in five starting appearances. Tellingly, at the end of the match, both Postecoglou and Howe made obvious gestures to encourage Anderson. In the event that Postecoglou is to establish himself at the club, he will inevitably be heavily dependent on Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, in contrast, would be keen to buy the homegrown talent. In case Nottingham Forest, regardless of their manager, fail to improve, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.

2. Rodri Fitness Worry Overshadows City Victory

Rodri's face said it all. When he went down to the Brentford pitch gazing at the ground, there was a slight shake of the head – though his posture said a lot. A fresh injury for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. The City manager has attempted to limit the player's minutes this campaign since his tentative return from a significant knee problem; it's time for him to trust alternatives. The Spanish midfielder is the first-choice alternative in the team, however has only been selected to begin a single league match since 23 August. The former Porto man was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up regularly after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in the capital. On whether he can provide stability similar to peak Rodri, the jury is still out.

Three. Mount Advances the Ranking at Manchester United

Setbacks have hampered Mason Mount's spell with the club. His start against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the Premier League since joining in 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has never been in doubt, but finding a position and enough game time to build momentum has been a challenge. During the fixture, his first touch was superb and he brought vision and work rate in equal measure, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim preferred him to the alternative option. He scored superbly, getting the fastest early goal for United since his first game in charge 11 months ago. In an intense environment, Mount's experience could be important. My role is injecting intensity into the team and setting off the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, assisting those nearby and really adding intensity. Finding the net was obviously massive for me.”

Four. Nuno Demonstrates Faith in Youngster Marshall

The West Ham manager's decision to introduce the young striker for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, instead of the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Irish forward who had a loan spell at Huddersfield Town. Since Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have contributed just one goal between them so far in the top flight, the youngster could be given further game time if the new manager's post-match assessment are anything to go by. It's a tough decision to put a young lad in ahead of Callum Wilson,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as rapidly, to have complete awareness of our squad options. Based on training, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a good finisher, pace, he can find space in the space. I think we have a useful option.”

Five. Composed Thomas Frank Steadily Gains his Spurs Progress

It's unclear how strong Tottenham can be this season, including the players. What is clear is that they are heading in the right direction under the Danish manager. With a third success from four matches on the road without defeat this season, belief is growing that Tottenham are developing into a increasingly organized and durable team compared to the team which slumped to their poorest season under the previous manager last term. He brings stability to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his squad's attitude and unity in seeing off a feisty Leeds United side at a raucous, windswept Elland Road. Frank had failed to defeat his opposite number and good friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but scores from the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, either side of the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, resulted in the tables were turned. It is early days, but the future appears bright for Spurs.

6. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Step Up

The Chelsea manager desired a reinforcement at the back after losing the young defender to a knee injury in pre-season. The club hierarchy disagreed. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a desperate purchase was not required. Then came further fitness issues, leaving the coach with limited options. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back lining up against the Reds on Saturday, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is just a teenager but few doubt his potential. He dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp