English Premier League: 10 Important Talking Points from the Weekend Action

1. Elliot Anderson Gets Sympathy from The Two Coaches

Elliot Anderson featured heavily in Forest's two-nil setback away to Newcastle, demonstrating the Newcastle manager the talent he parted with when Premier League financial regulations forced the midfielder's departure to avoid a points penalty. That was during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has rarely looked back joining Forest. Throughout the first half he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was easily Ange Postecoglou's best player. Yet Anderson is human, and when his loose pass gave the Brazilian midfielder an opening, his subsequent recovery tackle was ill-judged and resulted in the Newcastle player falling in the area. The Brazilian had already scored Newcastle ahead from long range, and from the resulting penalty Nick Woltemade netted his fourth goal in five starts. Significantly, at the conclusion, both Postecoglou and Howe made obvious gestures to console Anderson. Should Postecoglou is to establish himself at Forest, he will certainly be leaning on Anderson's talent. Howe, meanwhile, would be keen to re-sign the Newcastle academy graduate. If Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have their manager, continue to founder, Newcastle might get another opportunity.

2. Rodri Injury Concern Mars Manchester City Victory

Rodri's face told its own story. As he sank to the Brentford turf staring at his feet, there was a almost imperceptible head shake – though his demeanor said a lot. A fresh injury for the key player? The signs were not good. The City manager has tried his best to carefully use Rodri's game time this season since his tentative return from a long-term layoff; he now has to rely more on other options. Nico González is the natural stand-in in City's squad, but has only been trusted to start a single league match since late August. The £49.8m signing was a big-money acquisition and will be required to contribute regularly after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in west London. As to whether he can offer composure akin to Rodri at his best, opinions are divided.

3. Mason Mount Advances the Ranking at Manchester United

Setbacks have hindered the midfielder's spell with the club. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was only his 17th in the league since signing in 2023 from Chelsea. His pedigree has never been questioned, but finding a position and sufficient minutes to play himself into form has been difficult. On Saturday, his control was superb and he offered inventiveness and tactical awareness in balance, which could be the reason why the United manager chose him ahead of the alternative option. He finished brilliantly, getting the quickest opener for the Red Devils since his debut as manager last season. In an intense environment, Mount's experience could prove vital. “I see myself as providing energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a key instigator going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I focus on, supporting my teammates and really bringing the energy. Finding the net was obviously massive for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Demonstrates Faith in Young Player Marshall

The West Ham manager's move to introduce Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, instead of the established Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Irish striker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Given that Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal between them so far in the Premier League, the youngster could receive more chances if the new manager's post-match assessment are a guide. It's a tough decision to put a young lad in front of Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have a full understanding of the players available. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a good finisher, movement, he can find space in the final third. In my view we have something we can use.”

5. Assured Thomas Frank Slowly Gains his Tottenham Results

There is uncertainty how good Spurs can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is undeniable is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. Following another victory from four unbeaten away games this campaign, optimism is rising that Tottenham are developing into a far more cohesive and tough side than the squad which dropped to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou last season. He brings stability to Frank, who praised highly of his team’s mentality and unity in seeing off a pugnacious Leeds side at a raucous, windswept their home ground. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his rival manager and good friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, before and after the Swiss striker's tying goal, ensured the result went his way. It is early days, but things are looking up for Spurs.

6. Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager wanted a reinforcement at the back after being without Levi Colwill to a knee injury ahead of the campaign. His bosses had a different view. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a rushed signing was not required. Subsequently further fitness issues, leaving the coach short-handed. There were nerves about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back starting against Liverpool on Saturday, but their fears were misplaced. The 19-year-old is only 19 but he is highly rated. He contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp