Premier League: Ten Important Discussion Points from the Weekend's Action
1. Anderson Earns Support from Each Coaches
Elliot Anderson featured heavily in Nottingham Forest's two-nil defeat away to Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when Premier League spending rules forced the player's sale to avert a points penalty. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since joining Forest. Throughout the first half he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, overall, was clearly the Forest manager's best player. Yet the player is only human, and when his wayward pass offered the Brazilian midfielder an opening, his following attempted tackle was mistimed and resulted in the Newcastle player crashing in the penalty area. Guimarães had previously scored Newcastle into the lead from 25 yards, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade netted his fourth of the season in five starting appearances. Significantly, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made clear attempts to console the young midfielder. In the event that Postecoglou is to establish himself at Forest, he will inevitably be heavily dependent on his star player. Howe, on the other hand, would love to re-sign the homegrown talent. Should Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, continue to founder, Newcastle may yet be in with a chance.
2. The Spanish Midfielder Setback Mars Manchester City Success
His look told its own story. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface gazing at the ground, there was a slight shake of the head – though his posture was very telling. A new problem for the key player? It looked more than likely. The City manager has attempted to manage Rodri's game time this campaign since his return from injury from a serious knee injury; it's time for him to rely more on replacements. The Spanish midfielder is the first-choice alternative in the team, yet has only been trusted to start one league game since the start of the season. The £49.8m signing was a £49.8m signing and will be called upon more frequently after his introduction as a substitute for City in west London. Regarding if he can provide stability similar to Rodri at his best, the jury is still out.
Three. Mount Advances the Hierarchy at Manchester United
Injuries have affected the midfielder's spell with the club. Being named in the first XI against Sunderland was just his 17th in the league since signing in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has never been questioned, but establishing himself and regular playing time to play himself into form has been difficult. On Saturday, his touch was superb and he brought inventiveness and discipline in similar amounts, which could be the reason why the United manager selected him over the alternative option. He scored brilliantly, getting the fastest early goal for United since his initial match last season. Under pressure, his know-how could be important. “I see myself as bringing a lot of energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a driving force going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, helping the people around me and really raising the tempo. Finding the net was a big moment for me.”
Four. Nuno Demonstrates Confidence in Youngster Marshall
The West Ham manager's move to introduce the young striker for his debut at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, in place of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an enormous show of faith in the young Northern Irish attacker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Considering Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and the German striker have contributed just one goal combined so far in the Premier League, Marshall could receive more chances if the new manager's post-game remarks are anything to go by. “It’s not easy to select a youngster in over an experienced player,” said Nuno. We need, as soon as possible, to have total knowledge of the players available. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a sharp in the box, pace, he can identify openings in the attack. I think we have a useful option.”
Five. Calm Thomas Frank Steadily Earns his Tottenham Results
It's unclear how strong Tottenham can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is clear 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 durable team compared to the team which fell to their poorest season under the previous manager last term. Frank exudes calm confidence to Frank, who spoke glowingly of his squad's attitude and unity in defeating a combative Leeds side at a atmospheric their home ground. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his opposite number and friend the Leeds manager in their past five encounters, but goals from the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, around the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, ensured the outcome was different. It is early days, but prospects are improving for Spurs.
6. Acheampong and Badiashile Step Up
Enzo Maresca wanted a additional defender after being without the young defender to a long-term problem ahead of the campaign. Chelsea's decision-makers had a different view. The squad depth are deep and a panic buy was not required. Later more injuries, leaving Maresca short-handed. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile starting against Liverpool on Saturday, but it was unfounded. Acheampong is very young but he is highly rated. The teenager contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp
