EPL: Ten Important Highlights from the Weekend Action
One. Elliot Anderson Gets Sympathy from Both Managers
The Nottingham Forest midfielder spent much of Nottingham Forest's two-nil defeat at Newcastle, reminding Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when Premier League profit and sustainability rules compelled the midfielder's departure to prevent a points penalty. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has rarely looked back joining Forest. During the first half he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's top performer. Yet mistakes can happen, and when his loose pass presented Bruno Guimarães an opening, his subsequent challenge was ill-judged and resulted in the Newcastle player tumbling in the box. The Brazilian had earlier fired the Magpies ahead from 25 yards, and from the penalty spot the striker converted his fourth of the season in five starts. Notably, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and Howe made obvious gestures to comfort the young midfielder. Should Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at the club, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on his star player. Howe, on the other hand, would be keen to re-sign the former youth product. If Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have Postecoglou, fail to improve, the Tyneside club could have an opportunity.
Two. Rodri Fitness Worry Overshadows Manchester City Success
His look said it all. After collapsing to the Brentford turf looking down, there was a barely discernible shake of the head – though his demeanor spoke volumes. A fresh injury for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. Pep Guardiola has made efforts to manage Rodri's game time this campaign since his return from injury from a significant knee problem; he now has to trust other options. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the lineup, but has only been trusted to play from the outset one league game since late August. The former Porto man was a big-money acquisition and will be needed to step up frequently after his introduction as a substitute for Manchester City in west London. On whether he can provide stability akin to peak Rodri, it remains to be seen.
3. Mason Mount Climbs the Pecking Order at Manchester United
Injuries have hampered the midfielder's United career. Being named in the first XI against Sunderland was just his 17th in the Premier League since arriving in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His quality has never been in doubt, but securing a regular role and regular playing time to regain his best has proved problematic. On Saturday, his touch was superb and he offered inventiveness and discipline in similar amounts, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim selected him over Matheus Cunha. He scored superbly, scoring the earliest goal for Amorim's team since his initial match almost a year ago. In an intense environment, his know-how could be important. My role is bringing a lot of energy into the team and setting off the press at times, being a key instigator going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, helping the people around me and really raising the tempo. Scoring was obviously massive for me.”
4. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Faith in Youngster Marshall
The West Ham manager's decision to send on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, rather than the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an enormous show of faith in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland forward who had a loan spell at Huddersfield Town. Considering Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and the German striker have scored only once together so far in the Premier League, the youngster could receive more chances if the Nuno's post-match assessment are any indication. “It’s not easy to give a debut in ahead of an experienced player,” said Nuno. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have complete awareness of our squad options. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, movement, he can recognize the gaps in the attack. I think we have a player who can contribute.”
5. Assured Frank Slowly Secures his Spurs Progress
It's unclear how competitive Spurs can be this season, especially within the squad. What is evident is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. Following another victory from a solid away record this campaign, belief is growing that Spurs are developing into a increasingly organized and resilient outfit to the one which slumped to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou last term. He brings stability to the manager, who praised highly of his squad's attitude and unity in seeing off a combative Leeds United side at a atmospheric Elland Road. Frank had been unable to overcome his Leeds counterpart and good friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but strikes by the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, around Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, ensured the tables were turned. The season is young, but things are looking up for Tottenham.
6. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver
The Chelsea manager sought a reinforcement at the back after losing the young defender to a serious knee issue in pre-season. The club hierarchy disagreed. Chelsea’s resources are extensive and a panic buy was not required. Then came more injuries, leaving Maresca with limited options. There were nerves about the teenage defender and the French centre-back lining up against the Reds on Saturday, but it was unfounded. The 19-year-old is very young but many believe in his ability. He handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp
