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One. Elliot Anderson Receives Support from Each Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's 2-0 setback away to Newcastle, demonstrating Eddie Howe what he lost when Premier League spending rules compelled the player's departure to avert a sanction. It happened during the 2024 summer window, and Anderson has excelled ever since joining Forest. During the opening period he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's top performer. But Anderson is human, and when his misplaced ball gave Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his resulting attempted tackle was poorly timed and sent Guimarães tumbling in the box. Guimarães had previously fired the Magpies ahead from outside the box, and from the penalty spot the striker scored his fourth strike in five starts. Notably, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and Howe made concerted efforts to comfort the young midfielder. Should Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at the club, he will certainly be leaning on his star player. The Newcastle coach, meanwhile, would be keen to re-sign the Newcastle academy graduate. If Forest, whether or not they have their manager, struggle, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Overshadows Manchester City Success

Rodri's face was very revealing. When he went down to the Brentford turf staring at his feet, there was a barely discernible head shake – though his body language spoke volumes. A new problem for the City star? The signs were not good. Pep Guardiola has tried his best to limit Rodri's game time this campaign since his return from injury from a long-term layoff; it's time for him to trust other options. The Spanish midfielder is the most obvious replacement in the team, yet has only been trusted to begin one league game since late August. The former Porto man was a January purchase and will be called upon more frequently after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in west London. Regarding if he can bring a measure of control similar to the influential midfielder, opinions are divided.

Three. Mason Mount Climbs the Ranking at Manchester United

Setbacks have hampered Mason Mount's time at United. His start against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the Premier League since joining in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His ability has never been in doubt, but securing a regular role and enough game time to build momentum has been a challenge. During the fixture, his touch was excellent and he brought vision and discipline in similar amounts, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim preferred him to the alternative option. He took his goal expertly, getting the earliest goal for the Red Devils since his first game in charge almost a year ago. Under pressure, his background could prove vital. My role is providing energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a driving force going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, helping the people around me and really adding intensity. To get the goal was hugely important for me.”

4. Nuno Shows Faith in Youngster Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's move to send on the young striker for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, in place of the veteran Callum Wilson, was an enormous show of faith in the 20-year-old Northern Irish forward who was on loan last season at Huddersfield Town. Since Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have contributed just one goal combined so far in the Premier League, Marshall could be given further game time if the new manager's comments after the game are any indication. “It’s not easy to put a young lad in over Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as quickly, to have complete awareness of who we have in the squad. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a clinical in front of goal, good mobility, he can recognize the gaps in the attack. I think we have a useful option.”

5. Calm Frank Slowly Secures his Tottenham Progress

It's unclear how good Tottenham can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is undeniable is that they are making progress under Thomas Frank. Following another victory from a solid away record this season, confidence is building that Tottenham are evolving into a much more united and durable team compared to the team which fell to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou last term. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who praised highly of his squad's attitude and team spirit in defeating a pugnacious Leeds United side at a raucous, windswept their home ground. Frank had failed to defeat his rival manager and good friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but goals from Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, around Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, meant the outcome was different. The season is young, but things are looking up for Tottenham.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager sought a reinforcement at the back after being without the young defender to a serious knee issue ahead of the campaign. His bosses thought otherwise. The squad depth are deep and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Then came additional setbacks, leaving the coach with limited options. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile starting against Liverpool on Saturday, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is just a teenager but he is highly rated. He handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp