EPL: 10 Important Highlights from the Latest Round of Matches
One. Elliot Anderson Gets Sympathy from Each Bosses
The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Forest's two-nil loss at Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe what he lost when Premier League financial regulations compelled the midfielder's transfer to avoid a sanction. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has thrived since his switch to Forest. Throughout the opening period he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was easily the Forest manager's top performer. Yet mistakes can happen, and when his misplaced ball presented Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his resulting challenge was ill-judged and resulted in Guimarães falling in the area. Guimarães had already scored Newcastle ahead from long range, and from the spot the striker converted his fourth of the season in five starts. Significantly, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made obvious gestures to encourage the young midfielder. In the event that Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at the club, he will certainly be heavily dependent on Anderson's talent. Howe, meanwhile, would be keen to buy the former youth product. If Forest, whether or not they have Postecoglou, struggle, the Tyneside club could have an opportunity.
2. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Mars City Win
His look was very revealing. When he went down to the Brentford turf staring at his feet, there was a almost imperceptible disappointed gesture – though his demeanor was very telling. A new problem for the City star? It looked more than likely. The City manager has tried his best to manage Rodri's game time this season since his return from injury from a long-term layoff; now he must trust replacements. The Spanish midfielder is the most obvious replacement in City's squad, however has only been trusted to begin just one Premier League fixture since late August. The £49.8m signing was a £49.8m signing and will be called upon more more often after his introduction as a substitute for Manchester City in the capital. Regarding if he can provide stability akin to Rodri at his best, it remains to be seen.
Three. Mason Mount Advances the Hierarchy at Manchester United
Setbacks have hampered the midfielder's United career. Being named in the first XI against Sunderland was only his 17th in the league since arriving in 2023 from Chelsea. His quality has never been in doubt, but securing a regular role and sufficient minutes to play himself into form has proved problematic. On Saturday, his control was excellent and he offered creativity and tactical awareness in balance, which perhaps influenced why the United manager preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He took his goal superbly, getting the quickest opener for United since his debut as manager almost a year ago. At a big club, Mount's experience could prove vital. “I see myself as bringing a lot of energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, helping the people around me and really bringing the energy. Scoring was a big moment for me.”
4. Nuno Shows Faith in Young Player Callum Marshall
Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to send on the young striker for his debut at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, in place of the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the young Northern Irish attacker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Given that Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and the German striker have managed only a single goal combined so far in the top flight, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-game remarks are anything to go by. “It’s not easy to select a youngster in over an experienced player,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as soon as possible, to have total knowledge of who we have in the squad. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a good finisher, movement, he can identify openings in the space. I think we have something we can use.”
5. Assured Frank Slowly Gains his Tottenham Rewards
There is uncertainty how strong Tottenham can be this season, least of all themselves. What is clear is that they are heading in the right direction under the Danish manager. Following another victory from four unbeaten away games this campaign, belief is growing that Spurs are developing into a increasingly organized and resilient outfit compared to the team which fell to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou previously. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who praised highly of his team’s mentality and team spirit in beating a combative Leeds United side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his opposite number and good friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but scores from Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, either side of Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, meant the result went his way. There's a long way to go, but prospects are improving for Tottenham.
Six. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up
Enzo Maresca wanted a additional defender after the injury to the young defender to a knee injury before the start of the season. Chelsea's decision-makers had a different view. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a panic buy was not needed. Subsequently additional setbacks, leaving the coach short-handed. There was concern about the teenage defender and Benoît Badiashile lining up against the Reds on Saturday, but there need not have been. Acheampong is just a teenager but he is highly rated. The teenager contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp