EPL: 10 Key Highlights from the Weekend Matches
One. Elliot Anderson Earns Encouragement from The Two Managers
The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Forest's 2-0 setback at Newcastle, reminding the Newcastle manager the player he had to sell when Premier League financial regulations required the midfielder's sale to avert a sanction. This occurred during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has excelled ever since joining Forest. Throughout the initial 45 minutes he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's standout individual. But mistakes can happen, and when his loose pass gave Bruno Guimarães an chance, his subsequent recovery tackle was mistimed and resulted in Guimarães tumbling in the area. The Brazilian had already fired Newcastle into the lead from 25 yards, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade netted his fourth strike in five starting appearances. Significantly, at the conclusion, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made concerted efforts to console the young midfielder. In the event that Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at the club, he will certainly be heavily dependent on the midfielder's ability. Howe, on the other hand, would be keen to buy the homegrown talent. If Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have Postecoglou, struggle, Newcastle could have an opportunity.
Two. Rodri Fitness Worry Mars City Win
Rodri's face was very revealing. When he went down to the Griffin Park surface gazing at the ground, there was a almost imperceptible head shake – though his body language said a lot. A new problem for the key player? It looked more than likely. Pep Guardiola has made efforts to carefully use his involvement this season since his tentative return from a long-term layoff; he now has to put more faith in other options. Nico González is the natural stand-in in the lineup, but has only been selected to begin a single league match since late August. González was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up more often after his early substitution for Manchester City in the capital. On whether he can offer composure like the influential midfielder, the jury is still out.
Three. Mason Mount Advances the Ranking at Manchester United
Injuries have affected Mason Mount's spell with the club. Being named in the first XI against the Black Cats was only his 17th in the Premier League since joining in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has never been in doubt, but securing a regular role and regular playing time to regain his best has been a challenge. In the latest match, his first touch was impeccable and he brought creativity and work rate in balance, which perhaps influenced why Ruben Amorim chose him ahead of Matheus Cunha. He finished brilliantly, netting the quickest opener for the Red Devils since his first game in charge almost a year ago. Under pressure, Mount's experience could be crucial. I consider myself providing energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a key instigator going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I aim to do, assisting those nearby and really adding intensity. Scoring was a big moment for me.”
4. Nuno Shows Faith in Young Player Callum Marshall
Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to send on the young striker for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, instead of the established Callum Wilson, was an significant vote of confidence in the young Northern Irish attacker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield Town. Given that Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal combined so far in the top flight, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's comments after the game are any indication. “It’s not easy to give a debut in ahead of an experienced player,” said the manager. Our priority is, as quickly, to have a full understanding of who we have in the squad. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, pace, he can recognize the gaps in the space. I think we have a useful option.”
Five. Composed Frank Gradually Gains his Spurs Progress
It's unclear how good Spurs can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is clear is that they are making progress under the Danish manager. With a third success from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, belief is growing that Spurs are developing into a much more united and durable team compared to the team which dropped to their worst Premier League finish under the previous manager last season. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who was very positive of his squad's attitude and team spirit in beating a pugnacious Leeds side at a raucous, windswept their home ground. Frank had failed to defeat his Leeds counterpart and friend the Leeds manager in five previous meetings, but scores from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, around Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, meant the outcome was different. It is early days, but the future appears bright for Spurs.
6. Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver
The Chelsea manager sought a new centre-back after losing Levi Colwill to a long-term problem in pre-season. Chelsea's decision-makers thought otherwise. The squad depth are deep and a panic buy was not required. Subsequently further fitness issues, leaving Maresca short-handed. Some were worried 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 just a teenager but few doubt his potential. He handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp
