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1. Anderson Receives Encouragement from Both Coaches

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Forest's two-nil defeat at Newcastle, demonstrating Eddie Howe the player he had to sell when top-flight financial regulations forced the player's transfer to prevent a points deduction. This occurred during the 2024 summer window, and Anderson has rarely looked back moving to Nottingham Forest. For much of the opening period he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's best player. Yet the player is only human, and when his misplaced ball gave Bruno Guimarães an opening, his resulting attempted tackle was ill-judged and sent the Newcastle player crashing in the penalty area. The Brazilian had earlier fired Newcastle into the lead from long range, and from the penalty spot the striker netted his fourth of the season in five starts. Tellingly, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and Howe made obvious gestures to comfort the young midfielder. Should Postecoglou is to survive and then thrive at the club, he will certainly be heavily dependent on his star player. Howe, meanwhile, would love to bring back the homegrown talent. If Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club could have an opportunity.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Setback Mars City Victory

His look said it all. When he went down to the Brentford turf gazing at the ground, there was a almost imperceptible head shake – though his body language said a lot. A new problem for the key player? The signs were not good. The City manager has tried his best to carefully use the player's minutes this season since his comeback from a serious knee injury; now he must trust replacements. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in City's squad, but has only been trusted to start one league game since the start of the season. González was a big-money acquisition and will be needed to step up more often after his introduction as a substitute for Manchester City in the capital. Regarding if he can offer composure similar to the influential midfielder, it remains to be seen.

Three. Mason Mount Advances the Hierarchy at Manchester United

Injuries have affected Mason Mount's time at United. Being named in the first XI against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the Premier League since joining in 2023 from his former club. His quality has never been in doubt, but establishing himself and enough game time to play himself into form has been a challenge. In the latest match, his touch was impeccable and he brought vision and work rate in balance, which might explain why Ruben Amorim chose him ahead of the alternative option. He took his goal superbly, netting the quickest opener for Amorim's team since his initial match almost a year ago. At a big club, Mount's experience could be important. My role is injecting intensity into the team and setting off the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I focus on, supporting my teammates and really adding intensity. Scoring was a big moment for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Demonstrates Faith in Youngster Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's choice to bring on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, instead of the more experienced Callum Wilson, was an enormous show of faith in the 20-year-old Northern Irish attacker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield Town. Considering Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once together so far in the top flight, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-game remarks are a guide. It's difficult to put a young lad in over Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. We need, as quickly, to have total knowledge of our squad options. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a good finisher, pace, he can find space in the attack. I think we have a useful option.”

5. Calm Thomas Frank Gradually Gains his Tottenham Results

Nobody seems quite sure how good Spurs can be this campaign, including the players. What is undeniable 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 developing into a increasingly organized and tough side compared to the team which dropped to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou last season. He brings stability to the manager, who praised highly of his squad's attitude and collective desire in defeating a pugnacious Leeds side at a noisy, windy their home ground. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his opposite number and good friend the Leeds manager in five previous meetings, but scores from the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, around Noah Okafor's tying goal, resulted in the tables were turned. There's a long way to go, but prospects are improving for Tottenham.

6. Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver

The Chelsea manager sought a reinforcement at the back after being without Levi Colwill to a long-term problem in pre-season. The club hierarchy had a different view. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a panic buy was not needed. Subsequently additional setbacks, leaving Maresca stretched. There were nerves about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile lining up against the Reds on Saturday, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is only 19 but few doubt his potential. He contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp