🔗 Share this article

1. Anderson Receives Encouragement from Both Bosses

Elliot Anderson was prominent during Nottingham Forest's 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe the player he had to sell when Premier League financial regulations forced the player's sale to avert a points penalty. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has thrived since moving to Nottingham Forest. Throughout the initial 45 minutes he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's standout individual. But mistakes can happen, and when his loose pass gave the Brazilian midfielder an opportunity, his resulting recovery tackle was poorly timed and resulted in Guimarães falling in the area. Guimarães had previously shot Newcastle into the lead from 25 yards, and from the resulting penalty Nick Woltemade netted his fourth strike in his last five games. Tellingly, at the conclusion, both Postecoglou and Howe made obvious gestures to console the young midfielder. Should Postecoglou is to establish himself at Forest, he will certainly be leaning on the midfielder's ability. Howe, in contrast, would welcome the chance to bring back the Newcastle academy graduate. In case Forest, with or without their manager, struggle, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Overshadows City Win

His look was very revealing. When he went down to the Griffin Park surface staring at his feet, there was a almost imperceptible head shake – though his demeanor was very telling. Another setback for the City star? It looked more than likely. The City manager has tried his best to limit the player's minutes this campaign since his return from injury from a significant knee problem; he now has to trust other options. The Spanish midfielder is the first-choice alternative in the team, however has only been trusted to play from the outset just one Premier League fixture since the start of the season. González was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up regularly after his early substitution for City in the capital. Regarding if he can offer composure similar to peak Rodri, the jury is still out.

3. Mason Mount Rises the Ranking at United

Fitness issues have hampered Mason Mount's United career. His start against the Black Cats was merely his 17th in the Premier League since signing in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His pedigree has always been recognized, but finding a position and regular playing time to play himself into form has been a challenge. During the fixture, his first touch was excellent and he brought vision and discipline in equal measure, which might explain why Ruben Amorim chose him ahead of Matheus Cunha. He finished superbly, getting the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his debut as manager almost a year ago. Under pressure, his background could prove vital. I consider myself bringing a lot of energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a key instigator going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I focus on, helping the people around me and really adding intensity. Scoring was a big moment for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Trust in Young Player Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's decision to bring on the young striker for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, in place of the established the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the young Northern Ireland attacker who had a loan spell at Huddersfield Town. Given that Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once combined so far in the Premier League, Marshall could be given further game time if the new manager's post-match assessment are a guide. It's difficult to put a young lad in over Callum Wilson,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have total knowledge of our squad options. Based on training, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a clinical in front of goal, movement, he can identify openings in the space. In my view we have a useful option.”

5. Assured Thomas Frank Gradually Secures his Spurs Progress

Nobody seems quite sure how strong Spurs can be this campaign, least of all themselves. What is clear is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four unbeaten away games this campaign, belief is growing that Spurs are evolving into a increasingly organized and resilient outfit than the squad which slumped to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou last season. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who was very positive of his players' mindset and team spirit in seeing off a feisty Leeds United side at a raucous, windswept their home ground. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his opposite number and friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but scores from the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, either side of the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, resulted in the result went his way. It is early days, but the future appears bright for Spurs.

6. Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver

Enzo Maresca desired a additional defender after being without Levi Colwill to a long-term problem ahead of the campaign. Chelsea's decision-makers thought otherwise. The playing staff are extensive and a rushed signing was not required. Subsequently more injuries, leaving the coach stretched. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back lining up against the Reds on the weekend, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is very young but many believe in his ability. He contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp