EPL: Ten Major Discussion Points from the Weekend's Action
1. Elliot Anderson Earns Encouragement from The Two Bosses
The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Forest's 2-0 loss on Tyneside, showing Eddie Howe what he lost when top-flight financial regulations compelled the player's departure to avert a points deduction. This occurred back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has rarely looked back joining Forest. For much of the initial 45 minutes he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was comfortably the Forest manager's standout individual. Yet Anderson is human, and when his misplaced ball gave Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his following challenge was mistimed and sent Guimarães crashing in the penalty area. The Brazilian had previously scored Newcastle into the lead from 25 yards, and from the penalty spot the striker scored his fourth of the season in his last five games. Significantly, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made clear attempts to console the young midfielder. If Postecoglou is to survive and then thrive at the club, he will inevitably be heavily dependent on the midfielder's ability. Howe, meanwhile, would be keen to re-sign the homegrown talent. In case Forest, whether or not they have Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.
Two. Rodri Fitness Worry Overshadows City Success
Rodri's face said it all. When he went down to the Griffin Park surface looking down, there was a slight disappointed gesture – though his demeanor was very telling. A new problem for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. Pep Guardiola has made efforts to carefully use his involvement this season since his return from injury from a serious knee injury; he now has to rely more on replacements. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in City's squad, however has only been selected to begin one league game since late August. The former Porto man was a £49.8m signing and will be required to contribute regularly after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in west London. On whether he can offer composure akin to peak Rodri, it remains to be seen.
Three. Mason Mount Advances the Hierarchy at United
Setbacks have hindered Mason Mount's United career. His start against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the Premier League since arriving in 2023 from his former club. His pedigree has never been questioned, but securing a regular role and regular playing time to build momentum has been difficult. In the latest match, his first touch was impeccable and he provided inventiveness and discipline in balance, which perhaps influenced why Ruben Amorim preferred him to the alternative option. He scored superbly, netting the earliest goal for Amorim's team since his first game in charge last season. Under pressure, his know-how could be important. My role is bringing a lot of energy into the team and setting off the press at times, being a key instigator going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I aim to do, helping the people around me and really bringing the energy. To get the goal was obviously massive for me.”
4. Nuno Displays Confidence in Young Player Marshall
Nuno Espírito Santo's move to introduce the young striker for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, in place of the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the young Northern Irish forward who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Considering Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the summer – and the German striker have managed only a single goal together so far in the Premier League, Marshall could be given further game time if the new manager's comments after the game are anything to go by. It's a tough decision to select a youngster in over Callum Wilson,” said the manager. We need, as quickly, to have a full understanding of our squad options. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, movement, he can recognize the gaps in the final third. I believe we have something we can use.”
5. Assured Thomas Frank Steadily Gains his Tottenham Rewards
There is uncertainty how competitive Spurs can be this season, especially within the squad. 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, optimism is rising that Spurs are developing into a much more united and resilient outfit than the squad which slumped to their worst Premier League finish under the previous manager previously. He brings stability to Frank, who spoke glowingly of his squad's attitude and collective desire in defeating a feisty Leeds United side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his rival manager and good friend the Leeds manager in five previous meetings, but scores from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, either side of Noah Okafor's tying goal, ensured the result went his way. There's a long way to go, but things are looking up for Tottenham.
6. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up
The Chelsea manager sought a additional defender after being without the young defender to a long-term problem before the start of the season. His bosses thought otherwise. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a rushed signing was not needed. Subsequently further fitness issues, leaving Maresca stretched. There were nerves about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back featuring against Liverpool on the weekend, but it was unfounded. Acheampong is very young but many believe in his ability. The teenager handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp
