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1. Anderson Gets Encouragement from The Two Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder spent much of Nottingham Forest's 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe the player he had to sell when Premier League financial regulations forced the midfielder's transfer to avert a sanction. That was in the summer transfer window of 2024, and Anderson has rarely looked back his switch to Forest. For much of the first half he outshone even Sandro Tonali and, in total, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's top performer. But Anderson is human, and when his loose pass gave Bruno Guimarães an chance, his following recovery tackle was mistimed and sent the Newcastle player crashing in the area. Guimarães had earlier fired the Magpies ahead from long range, and from the resulting penalty Nick Woltemade scored his fourth strike in his last five games. Significantly, at the end of the match, both Postecoglou and Howe made obvious gestures to comfort the young midfielder. Should Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at the club, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, meanwhile, would love to buy the Newcastle academy graduate. Should Forest, regardless of their manager, fail to improve, the Tyneside club could have an opportunity.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Overshadows Manchester City Victory

His look told its own story. After collapsing to the Brentford turf staring at his feet, there was a barely discernible head shake – though his posture was very telling. A fresh injury for the City star? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has attempted to limit Rodri's game time this campaign since his return from injury from a significant knee problem; it's time for him to put more faith in replacements. The Spanish midfielder is the natural stand-in in the team, however has only been selected to begin just one Premier League fixture since the start of the season. The former Porto man was a January purchase and will be required to contribute regularly after his early substitution for City in west London. Regarding if he can bring a measure of control akin to peak Rodri, the jury is still out.

3. Mount Climbs the Hierarchy at United

Fitness issues have affected the midfielder's United career. His inclusion in the starting lineup against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the league since arriving in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His quality has always been recognized, but securing a regular role and enough game time to regain his best has been difficult. In the latest match, his touch was superb and he offered vision and work rate in balance, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim preferred him to the alternative option. He finished expertly, netting the earliest goal for Amorim's team since his initial match 11 months ago. In an intense environment, his background could be crucial. My role is bringing a lot of energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, helping the people around me and really adding intensity. Scoring was hugely important for me.”

Four. Nuno Displays Faith in Youngster Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's choice to send on Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, rather than the veteran Callum Wilson, was an significant vote of confidence in the young Northern Irish forward who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Considering Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the off-season – and the German striker have managed only a single goal combined so far in the Premier League, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-game remarks are any indication. “It’s not easy to select a youngster in front of an experienced player,” said Nuno. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have complete awareness of who we have in the squad. Based on training, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a good finisher, good mobility, he can find space in the space. In my view we have something we can use.”

5. Assured Thomas Frank Slowly Secures his Tottenham Results

It's unclear how strong Tottenham can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is evident is that they are improving under the Danish manager. With a third success from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, confidence is building that Tottenham are becoming a much more united and durable team to the one which dropped to their worst Premier League finish under the previous manager previously. He brings stability to the manager, who was very positive of his squad's attitude and team spirit in seeing off a feisty Leeds United side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. Frank had not beaten his Leeds counterpart and close friend Daniel Farke in their past five encounters, but goals from the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, either side of Noah Okafor's tying goal, resulted in the tables were turned. There's a long way to go, but the future appears bright for Spurs.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up

Enzo Maresca desired a new centre-back after being without Levi Colwill to a serious knee issue in pre-season. His bosses disagreed. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a panic buy was not required. Then came further fitness issues, leaving Maresca with limited options. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile featuring against Liverpool on Saturday, but there need not have been. Acheampong is only 19 but many believe in his ability. The teenager handled Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp