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One. Anderson Gets Sympathy from Each Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Forest's 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, showing the Newcastle manager the talent he parted with when top-flight profit and sustainability rules required the player's departure to avert a points deduction. This occurred during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has excelled ever since moving to Nottingham Forest. For much of the opening period he eclipsed even Sandro Tonali and, overall, was comfortably the Forest manager's best player. Yet Anderson is human, and when his wayward pass gave Bruno Guimarães an chance, his subsequent challenge was poorly timed and caused Guimarães crashing in the box. The Brazilian had previously fired the Magpies into the lead from long range, and from the penalty spot the striker netted his fourth goal in five starts. Tellingly, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and Howe made clear attempts to console the young midfielder. If Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at the club, he will certainly be leaning on his star player. Howe, meanwhile, would love to re-sign the homegrown talent. In case Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club could have an opportunity.

2. Rodri Fitness Worry Overshadows Manchester City Win

His look was very revealing. After collapsing to the Brentford pitch gazing at the ground, there was a slight disappointed gesture – though his posture spoke volumes. A new problem for the Spanish midfielder? It looked more than likely. Pep Guardiola has attempted to limit the player's minutes this campaign since his tentative return from a long-term layoff; he now has to trust alternatives. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in the team, yet has only started to begin a single league match since the start of the season. The former Porto man was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up more often after his early substitution for City in west London. As to whether he can provide stability similar to peak Rodri, the jury is still out.

3. Mason Mount Climbs the Ranking at United

Setbacks have hindered the midfielder's United career. His start against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the league since arriving in 2023 from his former club. His ability has never been in doubt, but securing a regular role and regular playing time to regain his best has proved problematic. In the latest match, his control was excellent and he offered vision and work rate in equal measure, which might explain why Ruben Amorim preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He took his goal expertly, netting the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his initial match last season. At a big club, his background could prove vital. “I see myself as providing energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a key instigator going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I aim to do, helping the people around me and really adding intensity. To get the goal was a big moment for me.”

4. Nuno Displays Faith in Young Player Callum Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to bring on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, rather than the established Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland attacker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Considering Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the off-season – and the German striker have scored only once between them so far in the top flight, the youngster could receive more chances if the Nuno's post-match assessment are anything to go by. It's difficult to put a young lad in ahead of an experienced player,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as quickly, to have a full understanding of who we have in the squad. Based on training, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a good finisher, pace, he can recognize the gaps in the final third. I think we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Assured Thomas Frank Steadily Earns his Spurs Rewards

It's unclear how good Spurs can be this campaign, including the players. What is clear is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. After a third win from a solid away record this campaign, belief is growing that Tottenham are developing into a much more united and durable team than the squad which dropped to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou previously. He brings stability to Frank, who was very positive of his team’s mentality and team spirit in seeing off a feisty Leeds side at a atmospheric Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his Leeds counterpart and close friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but strikes by Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, around the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, resulted in the outcome was different. It is early days, but the future appears bright for Tottenham.

6. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

Enzo Maresca sought a additional defender after being without the young defender to a long-term problem ahead of the campaign. His bosses thought otherwise. The playing staff are extensive and a desperate purchase was not needed. Then came further fitness issues, leaving the coach with limited options. There was concern about the teenage defender and the French centre-back starting against the Reds on Saturday, but it was unfounded. The 19-year-old is only 19 but few doubt his potential. The teenager handled Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp