English Premier League: 10 Key Discussion Points from the Weekend Action
One. Elliot Anderson Receives Sympathy from The Two Bosses
The Nottingham Forest midfielder spent much of Nottingham Forest's two-nil loss at Newcastle, reminding Eddie Howe the player he had to sell when top-flight spending rules forced the midfielder's sale to prevent a points penalty. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has rarely looked back joining Forest. For much of the initial 45 minutes he outshone even Sandro Tonali and, in total, was comfortably the Forest manager's standout individual. But mistakes can happen, and when his misplaced ball presented the Brazilian midfielder an chance, his following challenge was ill-judged and caused the Newcastle player tumbling in the area. Guimarães had already scored the Magpies into the lead from outside the box, and from the penalty spot the striker scored his fourth goal in five starting appearances. Tellingly, at the end of the match, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made obvious gestures to comfort Anderson. Should Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at the club, he will certainly be reliant upon Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, in contrast, would welcome the chance to buy the homegrown talent. In case Nottingham Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, fail to improve, Newcastle might get another opportunity.
2. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Dampens Manchester City Success
His look said it all. As he sank to the Brentford pitch looking down, there was a almost imperceptible shake of the head – though his body language was very telling. Another setback for the Spanish midfielder? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has tried his best to limit his involvement this season since his return from injury from a significant knee problem; now he must rely more on other options. The Spanish midfielder is the first-choice alternative in City's squad, but has only been selected to start just one Premier League fixture since 23 August. The £49.8m signing was a big-money acquisition and will be called upon more more often after his early substitution for City in west London. On whether he can bring a measure of control similar to Rodri at his best, it remains to be seen.
Three. Mount Climbs the Ranking at Manchester United
Injuries have hampered the midfielder's spell with the club. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the Premier League since joining in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His quality has always been recognized, but finding a position and enough game time to play himself into form has proved problematic. During the fixture, his control was excellent and he offered creativity and tactical awareness in equal measure, which might explain why Ruben Amorim selected him over Matheus Cunha. He finished superbly, scoring the quickest opener for the Red Devils since his debut as manager 11 months ago. At a big club, his know-how could be important. “I see myself as providing energy into the team and setting off the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I focus on, supporting my teammates and really raising the tempo. Scoring was a big moment for me.”
Four. Nuno Displays Confidence in Young Player Callum Marshall
The West Ham manager's decision to send on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, instead of the established Callum Wilson, was an enormous show of faith in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland forward who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Considering Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have contributed just one goal combined so far in the Premier League, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the new manager's post-game remarks are a guide. It's difficult to give a debut in ahead of an experienced player,” said the manager. Our priority is, as quickly, to have a full understanding of the players available. Based on training, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, pace, he can recognize the gaps in the space. In my view we have a player who can contribute.”
Five. Assured Thomas Frank Slowly Earns his Tottenham Results
There is uncertainty how good Tottenham can be this season, including the players. What is clear is that they are improving under the Danish manager. With a third success from four unbeaten away games this campaign, belief is growing that Tottenham are developing into a increasingly organized and tough side than the squad which fell to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou previously. Frank exudes calm confidence to Frank, who spoke glowingly of his team’s mentality and collective desire in defeating a feisty Leeds United side at a atmospheric their home ground. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his opposite number and close friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but goals from the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, before and after Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, resulted in the tables were turned. There's a long way to go, but prospects are improving for Spurs.
Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Deliver
Enzo Maresca desired a reinforcement at the back after being without the young defender to a serious knee issue before the start of the season. The club hierarchy disagreed. The squad depth are deep and a panic buy was unnecessary. Later further fitness issues, leaving the coach with limited options. There were nerves about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile featuring against Liverpool on Saturday, but their fears were misplaced. Acheampong is only 19 but few doubt his potential. The teenager handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp