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1. Elliot Anderson Earns Encouragement from Each Coaches

Elliot Anderson was prominent during Forest's 2-0 setback at Newcastle, demonstrating Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when Premier League spending rules forced the midfielder's departure to avert a points penalty. It happened back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has rarely looked back moving to Nottingham Forest. Throughout the opening period he surpassed even Sandro Tonali and, in total, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's standout individual. However Anderson is human, and when his wayward pass offered the Brazilian midfielder an opportunity, his resulting challenge was poorly timed and resulted in the Newcastle player crashing in the area. Guimarães had already scored the Magpies ahead from 25 yards, and from the spot the striker netted his fourth goal in five starts. Tellingly, at the conclusion, both Postecoglou and Howe made obvious gestures to encourage Anderson. If Forest's manager is to survive and then thrive at Forest, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on the midfielder's ability. The Newcastle coach, on the other hand, would be keen to buy the homegrown talent. If Forest, regardless of their manager, fail to improve, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Setback Mars Manchester City Victory

The midfielder's expression said it all. When he went down to the Brentford pitch staring at his feet, there was a barely discernible head shake – though his posture said a lot. A new problem for the Spanish midfielder? That appeared to be the case. Pep Guardiola has made efforts to carefully use the player's minutes this campaign since his tentative return from a long-term layoff; he now has to trust alternatives. The Spanish midfielder is the first-choice alternative in the lineup, but has only been selected to start just one Premier League fixture since the start of the season. The former Porto man was a January purchase and will be needed to step up more often after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in the capital. On whether he can provide stability similar to peak Rodri, it remains to be seen.

3. Mason Mount Advances the Pecking Order at United

Injuries have hampered the midfielder's spell with the club. His start against Sunderland was just his 17th in the Premier League since joining in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His ability has never been questioned, but securing a regular role and regular playing time to build momentum has proved problematic. In the latest match, his touch was impeccable and he brought vision and discipline in equal measure, which perhaps influenced why Ruben Amorim preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He took his goal expertly, scoring the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his first game in charge 11 months ago. Under pressure, his background could be important. I consider myself providing energy into the team and leading the pressing 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 bringing the energy. Scoring was a big moment for me.”

Four. Nuno Displays Confidence in Young Player Callum Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's decision to introduce Callum Marshall for his debut at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, in place of the veteran Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the young Northern Ireland attacker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Since Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once together so far in the Premier League, Marshall could be given further game time if the new manager's post-match assessment are a guide. “It’s not easy to select a youngster in front of an experienced player,” said the manager. Our priority is, as soon as possible, to have a full understanding of the players available. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a good finisher, good mobility, he can identify openings in the attack. In my view we have something we can use.”

Five. Calm Thomas Frank Slowly Secures his Spurs Progress

It's unclear how competitive Tottenham can be this campaign, including the players. What is undeniable is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. With a third success from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, optimism is rising that Spurs are developing into a increasingly organized and tough side to the one which fell to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou previously. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who spoke glowingly of his players' mindset and unity in beating a pugnacious Leeds United side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his rival manager and friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but strikes by the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, before and after the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, resulted in the outcome was different. It is early days, but the future appears bright for Spurs.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager desired a new centre-back after the injury to the young defender to a knee injury before the start of the season. His bosses had a different view. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Later more injuries, leaving Maresca stretched. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back starting against Liverpool on the weekend, but there need not have been. Acheampong is only 19 but many believe in his ability. He contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp