English Premier League: Ten Key Highlights from the Weekend Fixtures
One. Elliot Anderson Gets Support from The Two Coaches
The Nottingham Forest midfielder spent much of Nottingham Forest's two-nil setback on Tyneside, showing the Newcastle manager the player he had to sell when Premier League profit and sustainability rules forced the player's sale to avert a points deduction. That was back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since joining Forest. For much of the initial 45 minutes he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was easily the Forest manager's top performer. Yet the player is only human, and when his wayward pass gave the Brazilian midfielder an chance, his resulting attempted tackle was poorly timed and sent Guimarães crashing in the area. Guimarães had earlier fired Newcastle ahead from long range, and from the spot Nick Woltemade scored his fourth of the season in five starts. Notably, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made concerted efforts to comfort the young midfielder. If Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will undoubtedly be reliant upon Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, on the other hand, would be keen to re-sign the former youth product. If Nottingham Forest, with or without their manager, struggle, Newcastle could have an opportunity.
2. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Mars City Win
His look was very revealing. As he sank to the Brentford turf gazing at the ground, there was a slight disappointed gesture – though his posture was very telling. Another setback for the Spanish midfielder? That appeared to be the case. Pep Guardiola has tried his best to limit the player's minutes this season since his tentative return from a significant knee problem; it's time for him to trust alternatives. The Spanish midfielder is the natural stand-in in City's squad, however has only been selected to start one league game since 23 August. González was a January purchase and will be needed to step up frequently after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in the capital. As to whether he can bring a measure of control similar to Rodri at his best, the jury is still out.
Three. Mason Mount Climbs the Hierarchy at United
Injuries have hampered Mason Mount's spell with the club. His start against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the Premier League since joining in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His quality has always been recognized, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to regain his best has proved problematic. On Saturday, his first touch was superb and he provided vision and work rate in balance, which could be the reason why the United manager preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He scored expertly, getting the fastest early goal for the Red Devils since his first game in charge almost a year ago. In an intense environment, his know-how could be crucial. My role is injecting intensity into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, supporting my teammates and really raising the tempo. Scoring was hugely important for me.”
Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Trust in Youngster Callum Marshall
Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to send on the young striker for his first appearance at the Emirates against the Gunners, rather than the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Irish attacker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Since Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the off-season – and the German striker have managed only a single goal together so far in the top flight, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-game remarks are any indication. “It’s not easy to give a debut in ahead of an experienced player,” said the manager. We need, as rapidly, to have complete awareness of the players available. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a clinical in front of goal, pace, he can recognize the gaps in the space. In my view we have something we can use.”
5. Assured Thomas Frank Gradually Earns his Tottenham Progress
It's unclear how good Spurs can be this season, least of all themselves. What is clear is that they are making progress under Thomas Frank. With a third success from four unbeaten away games this campaign, optimism is rising that Tottenham are evolving into a far more cohesive and durable team than the squad which fell to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou last term. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who praised highly of his squad's attitude and team spirit in defeating a combative Leeds United side at a atmospheric their home ground. Frank had been unable to overcome his Leeds counterpart and good friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but goals from Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, before and after the Swiss striker's tying goal, resulted in the outcome was different. The season is young, but things are looking up for Spurs.
6. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion
Enzo Maresca wanted a reinforcement at the back after being without the young defender to a knee injury in pre-season. Chelsea's decision-makers disagreed. The playing staff are strong and a desperate purchase was unnecessary. Subsequently additional setbacks, leaving the coach with limited options. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile lining up against Liverpool on Saturday, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is just a teenager but many believe in his ability. The teenager contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp