EPL: Ten Important Highlights from the Weekend Action
One. Elliot Anderson Receives Sympathy from The Two Coaches
The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Forest's two-nil loss on Tyneside, demonstrating the Newcastle manager the talent he parted with when top-flight profit and sustainability rules forced the player's transfer to avert a points deduction. That was during the 2024 summer window, and Anderson has rarely looked back joining Forest. During the first half he outshone even Sandro Tonali and, overall, was clearly the Forest manager's standout individual. However mistakes can happen, and when his misplaced ball offered the Brazilian midfielder an opening, his subsequent challenge was poorly timed and caused the Newcastle player falling in the box. The Brazilian had already shot Newcastle into the lead from long range, and from the spot Nick Woltemade converted his fourth strike in five starting appearances. Significantly, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and Howe made concerted efforts to comfort Anderson. In the event that Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will inevitably be heavily dependent on his star player. The Newcastle coach, meanwhile, would love to re-sign the Newcastle academy graduate. In case Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have Postecoglou, continue to founder, Newcastle may yet be in with a chance.
Two. Rodri Injury Concern Overshadows Manchester City Success
Rodri's face told its own story. As he sank to the Brentford turf gazing at the ground, there was a barely discernible head shake – though his posture spoke volumes. A fresh injury for the City star? It looked more than likely. Pep Guardiola has attempted to limit Rodri's game time this season since his comeback from a long-term layoff; he now has to trust alternatives. The Spanish midfielder is the first-choice alternative in City's squad, yet has only been selected to begin just one Premier League fixture since 23 August. The £49.8m signing was a January purchase and will be required to contribute frequently after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in the capital. On whether he can offer composure like the influential midfielder, the jury is still out.
3. Mount Climbs the Ranking at United
Setbacks have hampered Mason Mount's spell with the club. 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 ability has never been in doubt, but finding a position and regular playing time to play himself into form has been difficult. On Saturday, his control was impeccable and he brought creativity and work rate in similar amounts, which might explain why the United manager selected him over Matheus Cunha. He finished brilliantly, scoring the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his debut as manager last season. In an intense environment, Mount's experience could be important. “I see myself as bringing a lot of energy into the team and setting off the press at times, being a key instigator going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, supporting my teammates and really adding intensity. Finding the net was a big moment for me.”
Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Shows Faith in Young Player Callum Marshall
The West Ham manager's move to bring on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, in place of the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland forward who had a loan spell at Huddersfield Town. Given that Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and the German striker have contributed just one goal between them so far in the Premier League, Marshall could be given further game time if the new manager's post-game remarks are anything to go by. “It’s not easy to put a young lad in ahead of an experienced player,” 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, good mobility, he can identify openings in the attack. I believe we have something we can use.”
Five. Composed Thomas Frank Slowly Earns his Spurs Progress
It's unclear how good Spurs can be this campaign, including the players. What is evident is that they are making progress under the Danish manager. Following another victory from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, confidence is building that Tottenham are becoming a much more united and resilient outfit compared to the team which dropped to their poorest season under the previous manager last term. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who was very positive of his team’s mentality and unity in seeing off a pugnacious Leeds side at a raucous, windswept their home ground. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his Leeds counterpart and close friend Daniel Farke in their past five encounters, but scores from the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, around Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, meant the tables were turned. There's a long way to go, but things are looking up for Spurs.
Six. Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion
The Chelsea manager wanted a new centre-back after the injury to the young defender to a serious knee issue in pre-season. The club hierarchy disagreed. The playing staff are extensive and a rushed signing was unnecessary. Then came additional setbacks, leaving the coach short-handed. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back starting against the Reds on Saturday, but it was unfounded. Acheampong is very young but few doubt his potential. The teenager handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp
