EPL: 10 Important Talking Points from the Weekend's Matches
1. Elliot Anderson Gets Encouragement from Both Coaches
Elliot Anderson was prominent during Forest's 2-0 setback away to Newcastle, demonstrating the Newcastle manager what he lost when Premier League spending rules forced the player's departure to prevent a points deduction. That was during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has rarely looked back moving to Nottingham Forest. For much of the opening period he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's standout individual. However mistakes can happen, and when his misplaced ball offered the Brazilian midfielder an chance, his resulting challenge was mistimed and resulted in Guimarães falling in the box. Guimarães had earlier scored the Magpies into the lead from long range, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade netted his fourth goal in five starting appearances. Significantly, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made clear attempts to console Anderson. Should Forest's manager is to survive and then thrive at the club, he will undoubtedly be leaning on his star player. The Newcastle coach, on the other hand, would be keen to bring back the homegrown talent. Should Forest, whether or not they have their manager, continue to founder, the Tyneside club could have an opportunity.
Two. Rodri Setback Overshadows City Success
His look was very revealing. When he went down to the Griffin Park surface looking down, there was a barely discernible head shake – though his posture said a lot. A fresh injury for the key player? The signs were not good. The City manager has attempted to limit Rodri's game time this season since his comeback from a long-term layoff; now he must put more faith in other options. The Spanish midfielder is the natural stand-in in the lineup, but has only started to begin one league game since late August. González was a January purchase and will be called upon more more often after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in west London. Regarding if he can bring a measure of control like Rodri at his best, it remains to be seen.
3. Mason Mount Climbs the Hierarchy at United
Setbacks have hampered the midfielder's time at United. Being named in the first XI against Sunderland 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 establishing himself and enough game time to play himself into form has proved problematic. On Saturday, his control was impeccable and he brought inventiveness and work rate in similar amounts, which perhaps influenced why Ruben Amorim selected him over Matheus Cunha. He finished superbly, scoring the quickest opener for Amorim's team since his first game in charge 11 months ago. In an intense environment, Mount's experience could be important. I consider myself injecting intensity into the team and setting off the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I aim to do, helping the people around me and really adding intensity. Scoring was hugely important for me.”
Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Demonstrates Faith in Youngster Marshall
The West Ham manager's decision to bring on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, rather than the established Callum Wilson, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland striker who had a loan spell at Huddersfield. Given that Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have contributed just one goal together so far in the Premier League, Marshall could receive more chances if the Nuno's post-game remarks are a guide. It's a tough decision to select a youngster in ahead of an experienced player,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as quickly, to have complete awareness of our squad options. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a good finisher, movement, he can identify openings in the final third. I believe we have a useful option.”
Five. Assured Thomas Frank Steadily Earns his Spurs Rewards
It's unclear how strong Tottenham can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is clear is that they are making progress under the Danish manager. Following another victory from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, belief is growing that Spurs are evolving into a increasingly organized and durable team compared to the team which fell to their lowest league position under the previous manager last term. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who spoke glowingly of his team’s mentality and team spirit in seeing off a feisty Leeds side at a noisy, windy their home ground. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his Leeds counterpart and friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but strikes by the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, before and after Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, resulted in the outcome was different. The season is young, but the future appears bright for Spurs.
Six. Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion
Enzo Maresca sought a reinforcement at the back after losing Levi Colwill to a serious knee issue before the start of the season. Chelsea's decision-makers had a different view. The squad depth are strong and a rushed signing was not needed. Then came additional setbacks, leaving the coach with limited options. There were nerves about the teenage defender and Benoît Badiashile lining up against the Reds on Saturday, but it was unfounded. Acheampong is just a teenager but many believe in his ability. The teenager contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp