English Premier League: 10 Major Highlights from the Weekend Action

One. Elliot Anderson Receives Sympathy from The Two Managers

The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Forest's two-nil loss at Newcastle, reminding Eddie Howe what he lost when top-flight profit and sustainability rules required the player's sale to avoid a points penalty. That was during the 2024 summer window, and Anderson has rarely looked back his switch to Forest. During the first half he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's best player. Yet mistakes can happen, and when his wayward pass offered the Brazilian midfielder an opening, his following challenge was mistimed and caused Guimarães tumbling in the area. Guimarães had earlier scored Newcastle into the lead from outside the box, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade converted his fourth strike in five starting appearances. Notably, at the final whistle, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager 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. Howe, in contrast, would welcome the chance to bring back the former youth product. If Nottingham Forest, with or without their manager, continue to founder, Newcastle could have an opportunity.

Two. Rodri Setback Overshadows Manchester City Victory

The midfielder's expression told its own story. When he went down to the Brentford pitch staring at his feet, there was a barely discernible head shake – though his demeanor spoke volumes. A new problem for the City star? That appeared to be the case. Pep Guardiola has made efforts to limit the player's minutes this season since his tentative return from a serious knee injury; he now has to rely more on replacements. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the team, however has only been selected to play from the outset a single league match since the start of the season. The £49.8m signing was a January purchase and will be required to contribute more often after his introduction as a substitute for City in the capital. Regarding if he can offer composure like the influential midfielder, opinions are divided.

3. Mason Mount Rises the Pecking Order at United

Setbacks have affected the midfielder's spell with the club. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was merely his 17th in the league since joining in 2023 from Chelsea. His quality has never been in doubt, but finding a position and sufficient minutes to regain his best has proved problematic. On Saturday, his first touch was superb and he offered vision and tactical awareness in similar amounts, which might explain why the United manager selected him over Matheus Cunha. He scored superbly, scoring the earliest goal for United since his first game in charge almost a year ago. In an intense environment, his know-how 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 aim to do, helping the people around me and really adding intensity. Scoring was hugely important for me.”

Four. Nuno Demonstrates Confidence in Young Player Marshall

The West Ham manager's decision to introduce the young striker for his debut at the Emirates against Arsenal, instead of the established the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the young Northern Irish forward who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Since Callum Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and the German striker have scored only once combined so far in the Premier League, Marshall could be given further game time if the new manager's post-game remarks are anything to go by. “It’s not easy to select a youngster in front of Callum Wilson,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as soon as possible, to have total knowledge of our squad options. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a clinical in front of goal, movement, he can find space in the attack. I think we have something we can use.”

Five. Calm Thomas Frank Steadily Gains his Spurs Results

Nobody seems quite sure how competitive Tottenham can be this season, especially within the squad. What is evident is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. Following another victory from a solid away record this season, optimism is rising that Spurs are becoming a far more cohesive and resilient outfit compared to the team which slumped to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou last term. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who praised highly of his players' mindset and team spirit in defeating a feisty Leeds United side at a atmospheric Elland Road. Frank had been unable to overcome his opposite number and good friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but strikes by the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, either side of Noah Okafor's first-half equaliser, resulted in the result went his way. It is early days, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

6. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager wanted a additional defender after being without Levi Colwill to a knee injury ahead of the campaign. His bosses thought otherwise. Chelsea’s resources are strong and a desperate purchase was not required. Then came more injuries, leaving the coach with limited options. Some were worried about the teenage defender and Benoît Badiashile featuring against the Reds on Saturday, but there need not have been. Acheampong is just a teenager but he is highly rated. The teenager handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp