EPL: 10 Key Highlights from the Weekend Matches
One. Anderson Receives Support from Both Bosses
The Nottingham Forest midfielder spent much of Forest's two-nil defeat on Tyneside, demonstrating the Newcastle manager the talent he parted with when top-flight spending rules compelled the midfielder's sale to prevent a points deduction. That was during the 2024 summer window, and Anderson has rarely looked back moving to Nottingham Forest. Throughout the first half he surpassed even Sandro Tonali and, in total, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's top performer. Yet Anderson is human, and when his misplaced ball presented Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his subsequent recovery tackle was ill-judged and resulted in the Newcastle player crashing in the area. Guimarães had previously shot the Magpies into the lead from outside the box, and from the spot the striker converted his fourth goal in his last five games. Significantly, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made concerted efforts to encourage Anderson. If Postecoglou is to establish himself at Forest, he will undoubtedly be reliant upon the midfielder's ability. Howe, in contrast, would welcome the chance to re-sign the homegrown talent. Should Nottingham Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.
2. Rodri Fitness Worry Overshadows Manchester City Success
Rodri's face told its own story. After collapsing to the Brentford pitch staring at his feet, there was a slight head shake – though his posture was very telling. Another setback for the City star? It looked more than likely. The City manager has tried his best to carefully use Rodri's game time this campaign since his comeback from a long-term layoff; it's time for him to trust other options. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in the team, yet has only been selected to play from the outset just one Premier League fixture since 23 August. The former Porto man was a £49.8m signing and will be required to contribute frequently after his early substitution for City in the capital. Regarding if he can provide stability similar to peak Rodri, it remains to be seen.
3. Mount Climbs the Pecking Order at Manchester United
Fitness issues have affected the midfielder's time at United. His start against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the league since joining in 2023 from his former club. His quality has never been in doubt, but finding a position and enough game time to regain his best has been difficult. In the latest match, his control was impeccable and he brought inventiveness and work rate in similar amounts, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim preferred him to the alternative option. He took his goal superbly, netting the earliest goal for Amorim's team since his debut as manager almost a year ago. At a big club, Mount's experience could be crucial. “I see myself as bringing a lot of energy into the team and initiating 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. To get the goal was obviously massive for me.”
Four. Nuno Shows Confidence in Youngster Marshall
The West Ham manager's move to bring on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, in place of the veteran Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the young Northern Ireland striker who had a loan spell at Huddersfield. Considering Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal together so far in the Premier League, Marshall could receive more chances if the Nuno's post-match assessment are any indication. “It’s not easy to put a young lad in over Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. We need, as rapidly, to have total knowledge of the players available. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a sharp in the box, good mobility, he can recognize the gaps in the space. In my view we have a useful option.”
Five. Composed Thomas Frank Steadily Secures his Tottenham Rewards
Nobody seems quite sure how good Tottenham can be this season, especially within the squad. What is evident is that they are heading in the right direction under the Danish manager. After a third win from four matches on the road without defeat this season, belief is growing that Spurs are developing into a increasingly organized and durable team than the squad which dropped to their poorest season under the previous manager previously. He brings stability to the manager, who was very positive of his team’s mentality and unity in defeating a pugnacious Leeds side at a atmospheric Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his opposite number and friend the Leeds manager in their past five encounters, but scores from the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, before and after Noah Okafor's first-half equaliser, meant the result went his way. There's a long way to go, but prospects are improving for Spurs.
Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up
The Chelsea manager sought a reinforcement at the back after losing the young defender to a serious knee issue ahead of the campaign. His bosses had a different view. The squad depth are strong and a desperate purchase was not needed. Then came additional setbacks, leaving Maresca with limited options. There were nerves about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back starting against the Reds on the weekend, but there need not have been. Acheampong is only 19 but many believe in his ability. The teenager handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp
