🔗 Share this article

1. Anderson Earns Support from The Two Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Forest's 2-0 setback away to Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe what he lost when Premier League financial regulations forced the midfielder's departure to prevent a points penalty. It happened back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has rarely looked back moving to Nottingham Forest. For much of the first half he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was clearly the Forest manager's best player. Yet the player is only human, and when his loose pass offered Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his resulting attempted tackle was ill-judged and caused Guimarães tumbling in the box. Guimarães had previously scored the Magpies into the lead from long range, and from the spot the striker scored his fourth of the season in five starting appearances. Notably, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and Howe made concerted efforts to encourage the young midfielder. If Forest's manager is to establish himself at the club, he will undoubtedly be leaning on Anderson's talent. Howe, meanwhile, would welcome the chance to buy the Newcastle academy graduate. Should Nottingham Forest, regardless of their manager, continue to founder, Newcastle could have an opportunity.

Two. Rodri Setback Overshadows City Victory

His look told its own story. When he went down to the Griffin Park surface gazing at the ground, there was a slight shake of the head – though his body language said a lot. A new problem for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. The City manager has made efforts to limit the player's minutes this season since his return from injury from a long-term layoff; it's time for him to rely more on other options. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the lineup, however has only started to start a single league match since the start of the season. González was a big-money acquisition and will be needed to step up regularly after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in west London. As to whether he can bring a measure of control akin to peak Rodri, it remains to be seen.

Three. Mount Climbs the Ranking at Manchester United

Fitness issues have hindered Mason Mount's spell with the club. His start against Sunderland was just his 17th in the league since joining in 2023 from Chelsea. His pedigree has never been in doubt, but establishing himself and enough game time to play himself into form has proved problematic. During the fixture, his first touch was impeccable and he provided vision and tactical awareness in similar amounts, which might explain why the United manager preferred him to the alternative option. He finished expertly, scoring the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his debut as manager last season. 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,” stated. “That’s always something that I focus on, assisting those nearby and really adding intensity. Scoring was a big moment for me.”

4. Nuno Shows Trust in Youngster Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's decision to introduce the young striker for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, rather than the established the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the young Northern Ireland attacker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Since Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the off-season – and the German striker have contributed just one goal together so far in the top flight, the youngster could be given further game time if the new manager's comments after the game are any indication. It's difficult to put a young lad in ahead of an experienced player,” said the manager. Our priority is, as soon as possible, to have a full understanding of who we have in the squad. Based on training, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a good finisher, good mobility, he can identify openings in the attack. I think we have something we can use.”

5. Assured Frank Gradually Secures his Tottenham Results

There is uncertainty how competitive Spurs can be this campaign, least of all themselves. What is evident is that they are making progress under the Danish manager. With a third success from a solid away record this campaign, belief is growing that Spurs are evolving into a far more cohesive and durable team to the one which dropped to their poorest season under Ange Postecoglou last season. Frank exudes calm confidence to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his squad's attitude and team spirit in seeing off a feisty Leeds United side at a noisy, windy their home ground. Frank had failed to defeat his rival manager and close friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but scores from the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, before and after Noah Okafor's tying goal, ensured the tables were turned. It is early days, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

6. Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver

Enzo Maresca desired a additional defender after losing Levi Colwill to a knee injury ahead of the campaign. Chelsea's decision-makers had a different view. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a rushed signing was not required. Then came further fitness issues, leaving Maresca with limited options. Some were worried about the teenage defender and the French centre-back featuring against Liverpool on the weekend, but it was unfounded. The 19-year-old is only 19 but he is highly rated. The teenager dealt with Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp