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One. Anderson Receives Sympathy from Each Coaches

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Forest's two-nil loss away to Newcastle, showing the Newcastle manager the player he had to sell when Premier League spending rules required the midfielder's transfer to prevent a points deduction. It happened back in the summer of 2024, and Anderson has thrived since joining Forest. For much of the initial 45 minutes he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's top performer. However Anderson is human, and when his wayward pass gave Bruno Guimarães an chance, his subsequent challenge was ill-judged and resulted in the Newcastle player crashing in the penalty area. The Brazilian had earlier shot Newcastle ahead from outside the box, and from the penalty spot the striker scored his fourth strike in five starts. Tellingly, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made obvious gestures to encourage the young midfielder. In the event that Forest's manager is to survive and then thrive at the club, he will certainly be reliant upon Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, meanwhile, would welcome the chance to re-sign the homegrown talent. If Forest, whether or not they have Postecoglou, fail to improve, Newcastle could have an opportunity.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Injury Concern Overshadows City Win

Rodri's face said it all. As he sank to the Griffin Park surface looking down, there was a slight head shake – though his body language spoke volumes. A fresh injury for the City star? The signs were not good. Pep Guardiola has tried his best to limit the player's minutes this season since his tentative return from a serious knee injury; he now has to rely more on alternatives. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the team, yet has only been selected to play from the outset just one Premier League fixture since late August. The £49.8m signing was a £49.8m signing and will be required to contribute regularly after his introduction as a substitute for City in the capital. Regarding if he can bring a measure of control like Rodri at his best, it remains to be seen.

Three. Mason Mount Climbs the Pecking Order at United

Injuries have hindered Mason Mount's United career. Being named in the first XI against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the league since joining in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His pedigree has never been questioned, but establishing himself and regular playing time to build momentum has proved problematic. During the fixture, his control was superb and he provided vision and discipline in equal measure, which might explain why Ruben Amorim preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He scored brilliantly, getting the fastest early goal for United since his debut as manager 11 months ago. Under pressure, his know-how could prove vital. My role is injecting intensity into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a key instigator going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I aim to do, helping the people around me and really raising the tempo. Finding the net was hugely important for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Shows Faith in Youngster Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's decision to bring on the young striker for his debut at the Emirates against Arsenal, instead of the veteran Callum Wilson, was an enormous show of faith in the 20-year-old Northern Irish striker who had a loan spell at Huddersfield Town. Considering Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once combined so far in the Premier League, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-match assessment are a guide. “It’s not easy to give a debut in over Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as soon as possible, to have complete awareness of our squad options. Based on training, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a good finisher, pace, he can recognize the gaps in the attack. In my view we have a useful option.”

Five. Composed Frank Steadily Gains his Tottenham Results

Nobody seems quite sure 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 unbeaten away games this campaign, confidence is building that Tottenham are developing into a increasingly organized and resilient outfit than the squad which fell to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou previously. He brings stability to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his team’s mentality and team spirit in beating a pugnacious Leeds United side at a atmospheric their home ground. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his opposite number and friend the Leeds manager in their past five encounters, but scores from Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, around the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, ensured the outcome was different. It is early days, but prospects are improving for Tottenham.

6. Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver

The Chelsea manager desired a new centre-back after losing Levi Colwill to a knee injury in pre-season. Chelsea's decision-makers disagreed. The squad depth are strong and a desperate purchase was not needed. Subsequently more injuries, leaving Maresca with limited options. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back starting against the Reds on the weekend, but it was unfounded. The 19-year-old is very young but many believe in his ability. The teenager dealt with Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp