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One. Elliot Anderson Receives Support from Each Coaches

Elliot Anderson featured heavily in Forest's 2-0 loss on Tyneside, demonstrating the Newcastle manager the talent he parted with when Premier League financial regulations forced the midfielder's departure to prevent a points deduction. That was 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, overall, was comfortably the Forest manager's best player. But Anderson is human, and when his wayward pass offered Bruno Guimarães an chance, his resulting recovery tackle was ill-judged and caused the Newcastle player tumbling in the penalty area. Guimarães had earlier shot the Magpies ahead from 25 yards, and from the resulting penalty Nick Woltemade scored his fourth of the season in five starts. Notably, at the end of the match, both Postecoglou and Howe made obvious gestures to encourage the young midfielder. If Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at the club, he will inevitably be leaning on Anderson's talent. Howe, on the other hand, would welcome the chance to re-sign the Newcastle academy graduate. If Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have their manager, struggle, Newcastle may yet be in with a chance.

2. Rodri Fitness Worry Mars City Win

Rodri's face said it all. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface gazing at the ground, there was a almost imperceptible head shake – though his demeanor spoke volumes. A new problem for the key player? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has tried his best to manage his involvement this season since his comeback from a significant knee problem; now he must trust replacements. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the lineup, however has only been trusted to play from the outset one league game since 23 August. The £49.8m signing was a January purchase and will be called upon more more often after his early substitution for City in west London. On whether he can bring a measure of control akin to peak Rodri, the jury is still out.

3. Mount Rises the Pecking Order at Manchester United

Setbacks have hampered the midfielder's time at United. His start against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the Premier League since joining in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has never been questioned, but establishing himself and regular playing time to build momentum has been a challenge. During the fixture, his control was superb and he provided creativity and work rate in similar amounts, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim chose him ahead of the alternative option. He scored expertly, getting the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his initial match 11 months ago. At a big club, Mount's experience could be important. I consider myself providing energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I aim to do, helping the people around me and really bringing the energy. Finding the net was a big moment for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Faith in Young Player Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's decision to bring on the young striker for his debut at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, rather than the established Callum Wilson, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Irish forward who was on loan last season at Huddersfield Town. Given that Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once together so far in the Premier League, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-game remarks are a guide. It's difficult to select a youngster in over Callum Wilson,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have total knowledge of the players available. Based on training, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a good finisher, good mobility, he can recognize the gaps in the attack. I believe we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Assured Thomas Frank Slowly Gains his Tottenham Rewards

There is uncertainty how strong Spurs can be this campaign, least of all themselves. What is undeniable is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. After a third win from a solid away record this campaign, confidence is building that Spurs are becoming a much more united and durable team than the squad which slumped to their worst Premier League finish under the previous manager last season. He brings stability to Frank, who was very positive of his squad's attitude and team spirit in defeating a combative Leeds side at a raucous, windswept their home ground. Frank had been unable to overcome his Leeds counterpart and close friend the Leeds manager in five previous meetings, but goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, 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 Badiashile Deliver

Enzo Maresca wanted a additional defender after the injury to the young defender to a serious knee issue before the start of the season. His bosses disagreed. Chelsea’s resources are extensive and a panic buy was unnecessary. Subsequently further fitness issues, leaving the coach short-handed. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back lining up against Liverpool on the weekend, but it was unfounded. Acheampong is just a teenager but he is highly rated. The teenager handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp