English Premier League: 10 Important Highlights from the Weekend Matches
1. Elliot Anderson Receives Sympathy from The Two Coaches
Elliot Anderson spent much of Nottingham Forest's 2-0 setback at Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when top-flight financial regulations required the player's sale to avoid a points deduction. That was in the summer transfer window of 2024, and Anderson has thrived since his switch to Forest. For much of the initial 45 minutes he eclipsed even Sandro Tonali and, in total, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's best player. Yet the player is only human, and when his misplaced ball presented the Brazilian midfielder an opportunity, his following recovery tackle was poorly timed and sent Guimarães crashing in the box. The Brazilian had previously scored the Magpies ahead from long range, and from the resulting penalty the striker scored his fourth goal in five starting appearances. Notably, at the conclusion, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made clear attempts to console the young midfielder. In the event that Postecoglou is to survive and then thrive at the club, he will certainly be leaning on Anderson's talent. Howe, on the other hand, would be keen to bring back the Newcastle academy graduate. If Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, fail to improve, Newcastle might get another opportunity.
Two. The Spanish Midfielder Injury Concern Mars Manchester City Win
His look was very revealing. As he sank to the Brentford turf gazing at the ground, there was a almost imperceptible shake of the head – though his posture was very telling. A fresh injury for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. Pep Guardiola has made efforts to limit the player's minutes this season since his comeback from a serious knee injury; it's time for him to trust replacements. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the lineup, but has only been selected to play from the outset a single league match since the start of the season. González was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up regularly after his early substitution for City in the capital. As to whether he can provide stability similar to Rodri at his best, it remains to be seen.
Three. Mount Climbs the Pecking Order at Manchester United
Setbacks have hindered the midfielder's spell with the club. His start against Sunderland was only his 17th in the Premier League since joining in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His pedigree has always been recognized, but establishing himself and enough game time to play himself into form has been difficult. During the fixture, his control was impeccable and he offered inventiveness and work rate in similar amounts, which perhaps influenced why the United manager chose him ahead of Matheus Cunha. He finished expertly, scoring the earliest goal for the Red Devils since his initial match 11 months ago. Under pressure, Mount's experience could prove vital. My role is injecting intensity into the team and setting off the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I aim to do, supporting my teammates and really bringing the energy. Finding the net was a big moment for me.”
Four. Nuno Displays Trust in Young Player Marshall
The West Ham manager's choice to bring on Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, rather than the established Callum Wilson, was an significant vote of confidence in the young Northern Ireland forward who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Given that Callum Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and the German striker have scored only once between them so far in the top flight, Marshall could be given further game time if the new manager's post-match assessment are a guide. It's a tough decision to give a debut in over Callum Wilson,” said the manager. We need, as rapidly, to have a full understanding of who we have in the squad. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a sharp in the box, movement, he can find space in the space. In my view we have something we can use.”
Five. Calm Thomas Frank Steadily Gains his Tottenham Rewards
It's unclear how competitive Tottenham can be this season, including the players. What is clear is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four unbeaten away games this campaign, confidence is building that Tottenham are becoming a increasingly organized and resilient outfit compared to the team which dropped to their worst Premier League finish under the previous manager previously. Frank exudes calm confidence to the manager, who was very positive of his team’s mentality and collective desire in defeating a combative Leeds United side at a noisy, windy their home ground. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his rival manager and friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but goals from the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, around the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, meant the tables were turned. There's a long way to go, but the future appears bright for Spurs.
6. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion
The Chelsea manager desired a new centre-back after losing the young defender to a knee injury in pre-season. Chelsea's decision-makers had a different view. Chelsea’s resources are strong and a desperate purchase was not needed. Subsequently further fitness issues, leaving the coach stretched. There were nerves about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back featuring against Liverpool on the weekend, but there need not have been. Acheampong is just a teenager but many believe in his ability. He contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp