EPL: Ten Key Highlights from the Weekend Fixtures

1. Elliot Anderson Earns Support from The Two Coaches

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Nottingham Forest's two-nil setback at Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when Premier League profit and sustainability rules forced the midfielder's transfer to avert a sanction. This occurred back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since his switch to Forest. Throughout the first half he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was comfortably the Forest manager's top performer. But Anderson is human, and when his misplaced ball presented Bruno Guimarães an chance, his subsequent attempted tackle was ill-judged and resulted in Guimarães tumbling in the penalty area. The Brazilian had already scored Newcastle into the lead from outside the box, and from the penalty spot Nick Woltemade netted his fourth strike in five starting appearances. Tellingly, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and Howe made clear attempts to console Anderson. In the event that Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will inevitably be heavily dependent on his star player. Howe, in contrast, would welcome the chance to re-sign the former youth product. Should Forest, regardless of their manager, continue to founder, Newcastle may yet be in with a chance.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Injury Concern Dampens Manchester City Success

The midfielder's expression was very revealing. As he sank to the Brentford pitch staring at his feet, there was a almost imperceptible shake of the head – though his body language was very telling. A fresh injury for the Spanish midfielder? That appeared to be the case. Pep Guardiola has tried his best to limit his involvement this season since his return from injury from a significant knee problem; now he must trust other options. Nico González is the natural stand-in in the team, but has only started to start one league game since the start of the season. González was a January purchase and will be called upon more regularly after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in the capital. On whether he can bring a measure of control like Rodri at his best, the jury is still out.

Three. Mount Climbs the Hierarchy at Manchester United

Injuries have hampered Mason Mount's time at United. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the Premier League since arriving in 2023 from his former club. His pedigree has always been recognized, but finding a position and regular playing time to play himself into form has been difficult. During the fixture, his control was excellent and he brought vision and discipline in balance, which could be the reason why Ruben Amorim preferred him to Matheus Cunha. He finished superbly, getting the fastest early goal for United since his initial match last season. At a big club, his background could be important. I consider myself providing energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a key instigator going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I aim to do, supporting my teammates and really adding intensity. Finding the net was obviously massive for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Demonstrates Trust in Young Player Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to introduce Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, instead of the more experienced Callum Wilson, was an enormous show of faith in the young Northern Ireland striker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield Town. Considering Callum Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the off-season – and the German striker have contributed just one goal between them so far in the Premier League, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's comments after the game are a guide. “It’s not easy to put a young lad in ahead of an experienced player,” said Nuno. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have complete awareness of the players available. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a clinical in front of goal, pace, he can identify openings in the space. I think we have a player who can contribute.”

5. Composed Frank Slowly Earns his Spurs Rewards

Nobody seems quite sure how strong Spurs can be this campaign, least of all themselves. What is undeniable is that they are heading in the right direction under the Danish manager. With a third success from four unbeaten away games this season, confidence is building that Spurs are evolving into a far more cohesive and tough side to the one which dropped to their worst Premier League finish under the previous manager previously. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his players' mindset and collective desire in seeing off a pugnacious Leeds side at a raucous, windswept their home ground. Frank had been unable to overcome his opposite number and good friend the Leeds manager in five previous meetings, but strikes by the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, before and after the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, resulted in the result went his way. The season is young, but the future appears bright for Tottenham.

6. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Deliver

The Chelsea manager wanted a reinforcement at the back after being without Levi Colwill to a serious knee issue ahead of the campaign. The club hierarchy thought otherwise. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a panic buy was unnecessary. Later further fitness issues, leaving the coach stretched. There were nerves about the teenage defender and the French centre-back lining up against Liverpool on Saturday, but their fears were misplaced. Acheampong is only 19 but many believe in his ability. The teenager contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp