EPL: 10 Major Highlights from the Weekend Fixtures
1. Elliot Anderson Earns Support from The Two Managers
The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Forest's 2-0 setback at Newcastle, reminding Eddie Howe what he lost when top-flight financial regulations forced the midfielder's sale to avert a points deduction. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has rarely looked back moving to Nottingham Forest. During the opening period he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was clearly the Forest manager's standout individual. Yet the player is only human, and when his loose pass offered Bruno Guimarães an chance, his subsequent attempted tackle was mistimed and sent the Newcastle player tumbling in the area. The Brazilian had already shot Newcastle ahead from long range, and from the spot Nick Woltemade scored his fourth strike in five starts. Notably, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and Howe made clear attempts to comfort the young midfielder. In the event that Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at the club, he will undoubtedly be leaning on Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, meanwhile, would welcome the chance to bring back the homegrown talent. If Forest, with or without Postecoglou, fail to improve, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.
2. Rodri Setback Overshadows Manchester City Success
His look was very revealing. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface gazing at the ground, there was a almost imperceptible disappointed gesture – though his body language spoke volumes. A fresh injury for the City star? The signs were not good. The City manager has made efforts to manage the player's minutes this season since his tentative return from a significant knee problem; now he must rely more on other options. The Spanish midfielder is the first-choice alternative in the team, but has only started to start one league game since the start of the season. The £49.8m signing was a £49.8m signing and will be needed to step up regularly after his introduction as a substitute for Manchester City in west London. On whether he can bring a measure of control similar to the influential midfielder, opinions are divided.
Three. Mason Mount Advances the Pecking Order at United
Setbacks have affected Mason Mount's time at United. His start against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the Premier League since joining in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His pedigree has never been questioned, but finding a position and enough game time to build momentum has been a challenge. During the fixture, his touch was superb and he provided inventiveness and discipline in balance, which could be the reason why the United manager selected him over the alternative option. He finished superbly, getting the fastest early goal for the Red Devils since his first game in charge last season. Under pressure, his know-how could prove vital. “I see myself as providing energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a driving force going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I aim to do, supporting my teammates and really raising the tempo. Scoring was a big moment for me.”
Four. Nuno Shows Faith in Youngster Callum Marshall
Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to send on Callum Marshall for his debut at the Emirates against the Gunners, in place of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland attacker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Considering Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the off-season – and the German striker have scored only once combined so far in the top flight, the youngster could receive more chances if the Nuno's post-game remarks are anything to go by. It's a tough decision to give a debut in ahead of an experienced player,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as rapidly, to have total knowledge of our squad options. Based on training, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a sharp in the box, movement, he can find space in the final third. I think we have a useful option.”
Five. Calm Frank Steadily Secures his Tottenham Rewards
Nobody seems quite sure how strong Tottenham can be this season, least of all themselves. What is clear is that they are improving under the Danish manager. Following another victory from four unbeaten away games this campaign, belief is growing that Tottenham are developing into a increasingly organized and resilient outfit than the squad which fell to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou previously. He brings stability to the manager, who praised highly of his players' mindset and unity in defeating a combative Leeds United side at a atmospheric Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his rival manager and good friend Daniel Farke in their past five encounters, but goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, around the Swiss striker's tying goal, resulted in the result went his way. There's a long way to go, but the future appears bright for Spurs.
Six. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Deliver
The Chelsea manager sought a reinforcement at the back after losing Levi Colwill to a serious knee issue in pre-season. The club hierarchy disagreed. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a rushed signing was unnecessary. Then came more injuries, leaving the coach with limited options. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile 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 dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp
