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1. Anderson Receives Support from Both Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's two-nil defeat on Tyneside, reminding Eddie Howe the player he had to sell when top-flight spending rules required the midfielder's transfer to prevent a points deduction. This occurred back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since his switch to Forest. During the initial 45 minutes he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was easily the Forest manager's best player. However mistakes can happen, and when his loose pass offered Bruno Guimarães an chance, his resulting challenge was ill-judged and sent the Newcastle player falling in the box. Guimarães had already shot the Magpies into the lead from long range, and from the spot Nick Woltemade scored his fourth strike in five starts. Significantly, at the final whistle, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made concerted efforts to encourage Anderson. Should Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will inevitably be leaning on Anderson's talent. Howe, meanwhile, would welcome the chance to buy the homegrown talent. In case Nottingham Forest, regardless of their manager, continue to founder, the Tyneside club might get another opportunity.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Dampens Manchester City Success

Rodri's face said it all. As he sank to the Griffin Park surface staring at his feet, there was a slight head shake – though his posture was very telling. Another setback for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. The City manager has tried his best to manage the player's minutes this campaign since his tentative return from a significant knee problem; now he must trust replacements. 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 needed to step up more often after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in the capital. On whether he can offer composure akin to Rodri at his best, it remains to be seen.

Three. Mount Advances the Hierarchy at United

Setbacks have affected the midfielder's United career. His start against Sunderland was just his 17th in the Premier League since joining in 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has never been in doubt, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to play himself into form has been difficult. During the fixture, his touch was superb and he offered vision and tactical awareness in similar amounts, which might explain why Ruben Amorim chose him ahead of Matheus Cunha. He scored expertly, scoring the quickest opener for United since his first game in charge 11 months ago. In an intense environment, his know-how could be important. My role is injecting intensity into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a key instigator going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I focus on, assisting those nearby and really adding intensity. Finding the net was obviously massive for me.”

4. Nuno Demonstrates Trust in Youngster Marshall

The West Ham manager's decision to introduce the young striker for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, instead of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the young Northern Ireland striker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Considering Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the summer – and the German striker have managed only a single goal together so far in the top flight, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-game remarks are any indication. It's a tough decision to select a youngster in over Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have total knowledge of the players available. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, good mobility, he can identify openings in the final third. I think we have a useful option.”

5. Assured Thomas Frank Slowly Secures his Tottenham Progress

Nobody seems quite sure how strong Tottenham can be this campaign, including the players. What is clear is that they are heading in the right direction under the Danish manager. With a third success from a solid away record this campaign, confidence is building that Spurs are evolving into a far more cohesive and durable team to the one which slumped to their poorest season under Ange Postecoglou last term. Frank exudes calm confidence to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his players' mindset and collective desire in defeating a feisty Leeds side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. Frank had failed to defeat his rival manager and close friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but strikes by Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, around the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, meant the outcome was different. There's a long way to go, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

6. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

Enzo Maresca desired a additional defender after being without Levi Colwill to a long-term problem before the start of the season. The club hierarchy thought otherwise. The squad depth are strong and a rushed signing was not needed. Subsequently more injuries, leaving the coach stretched. There was concern about the teenage defender and Benoît Badiashile lining up against Liverpool on Saturday, but there need not have been. Acheampong is just a teenager but few doubt his potential. The teenager contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp