EPL: 10 Major Highlights from the Weekend Action
One. Anderson Earns Sympathy from Each Managers
Elliot Anderson featured heavily in Forest's 2-0 defeat on Tyneside, reminding Eddie Howe what he lost when top-flight spending rules required the midfielder's transfer to prevent a sanction. It happened during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has excelled ever since joining Forest. During the first half he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was clearly the Forest manager's standout individual. Yet the player is only human, and when his misplaced ball offered Bruno Guimarães an chance, his subsequent challenge was ill-judged and resulted in the Newcastle player falling in the penalty area. The Brazilian had already scored the Magpies ahead from 25 yards, and from the spot Nick Woltemade scored his fourth of the season in his last five games. Significantly, at the final whistle, both Postecoglou and Howe made obvious gestures to encourage the young midfielder. In the event that Forest's manager is to establish himself at Forest, he will inevitably be heavily dependent on the midfielder's ability. Howe, in contrast, would love to bring back the homegrown talent. In case Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, struggle, the Tyneside club might get another opportunity.
Two. Rodri Fitness Worry Mars Manchester City Victory
The midfielder's expression was very revealing. After collapsing to the Brentford turf staring at his feet, there was a slight shake of the head – though his body language said a lot. A new problem for the key player? It looked more than likely. The City manager has attempted to limit Rodri's game time this campaign since his return from injury from a significant knee problem; he now has to put more faith in alternatives. The Spanish midfielder is the most obvious replacement in City's squad, but has only been trusted to begin one league game since the start of the season. The £49.8m signing was a big-money acquisition and will be required to contribute regularly after his introduction as a substitute for City in the capital. As to whether he can offer composure akin to Rodri at his best, it remains to be seen.
3. Mount Climbs the Pecking Order at Manchester United
Setbacks have hampered Mason Mount's spell with the club. His start against the Black Cats was only his 17th in the league since joining in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His pedigree has never been in doubt, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to regain his best has been a challenge. On Saturday, his first touch was excellent and he brought creativity and tactical awareness in similar amounts, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim preferred him to the alternative option. He scored expertly, scoring the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his initial match 11 months ago. In an intense environment, Mount's experience could prove vital. My role is injecting intensity into the team and initiating the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, assisting those nearby and really bringing the energy. Finding the net was obviously massive for me.”
4. Nuno Espírito Santo Shows Faith in Youngster Marshall
Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to send on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, in place of the veteran Callum Wilson, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Irish striker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield Town. Given that Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have contributed just one goal together so far in the top flight, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-match assessment are anything to go by. It's a tough decision to put a young lad in ahead of an experienced player,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as soon as possible, to have complete awareness of the players available. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a clinical in front of goal, pace, he can identify openings in the space. In my view we have something we can use.”
5. Composed Thomas Frank Steadily Earns his Spurs Progress
It's unclear how competitive Tottenham can be this season, least of all themselves. What is undeniable is that they are making progress under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four unbeaten away games this season, optimism is rising that Tottenham are evolving into a much more united and tough side to the one which slumped to their poorest season under the previous manager last season. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who spoke glowingly of his team’s mentality and unity in seeing off a pugnacious Leeds United side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his Leeds counterpart and close friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but goals from the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, either side of Noah Okafor's tying goal, meant the outcome was different. The season is young, but things are looking up for Spurs.
Six. Acheampong and Badiashile Deliver
The Chelsea manager desired a new centre-back after the injury to Levi Colwill to a serious knee issue in pre-season. Chelsea's decision-makers had a different view. Chelsea’s resources are strong and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Then came additional setbacks, leaving the coach stretched. There were nerves about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back lining up against Liverpool on the weekend, but their fears were misplaced. Acheampong is just a teenager but many believe in his ability. He handled Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp
