Premier League: Ten Important Highlights from the Weekend Matches
One. Anderson Gets Encouragement from Each Managers
The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Forest's 2-0 loss on Tyneside, reminding Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when top-flight financial regulations required the player's sale to avoid a points penalty. It happened in the summer transfer window of 2024, and Anderson has excelled ever since joining Forest. Throughout the initial 45 minutes he outshone even Sandro Tonali and, overall, was comfortably the Forest manager's best player. But the player is only human, and when his misplaced ball offered the Brazilian midfielder an opportunity, his following attempted tackle was poorly timed and sent the Newcastle player falling in the penalty area. Guimarães had earlier fired Newcastle ahead from long range, and from the penalty spot the striker netted his fourth strike in his last five games. Significantly, at the end of the match, both the Forest boss and Howe made clear attempts to console the young midfielder. In the event that Postecoglou is to survive and then thrive at the club, he will certainly be leaning on his star player. The Newcastle coach, on the other hand, would love to bring back the former youth product. Should Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, struggle, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.
Two. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Dampens City Success
His look was very revealing. After collapsing to the Brentford pitch gazing at the ground, there was a slight shake of the head – though his demeanor was very telling. Another setback for the City star? It looked more than likely. The City manager has made efforts to carefully use his involvement this season since his tentative return from a significant knee problem; now he must rely more on alternatives. Nico González is the most obvious replacement in the lineup, but has only been trusted to start just one Premier League fixture since late August. The £49.8m signing was a January purchase and will be required to contribute frequently after his 22nd-minute introduction for City in west London. Regarding if he can bring a measure of control akin to Rodri at his best, the jury is still out.
3. Mount Rises the Pecking Order at United
Setbacks have hampered Mason Mount's time at United. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was only his 17th in the Premier League since signing in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His ability has never been in doubt, but establishing himself and regular playing time to regain his best has proved problematic. During the fixture, his touch was impeccable and he provided creativity and tactical awareness in balance, which could be the reason why the United manager chose him ahead of Matheus Cunha. He scored brilliantly, netting the quickest opener for Amorim's team since his initial match 11 months ago. In an intense environment, his background could be important. I consider myself injecting intensity into the team and setting off the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, helping the people around me and really raising the tempo. Finding the net was hugely important for me.”
4. Nuno Shows Faith in Youngster Marshall
The West Ham manager's choice to introduce Callum Marshall for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, instead of the veteran Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Irish forward who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Since Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal together so far in the Premier League, the youngster could receive more chances if the new manager's comments after the game are anything to go by. It's difficult to put a young lad in ahead of Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as rapidly, to have complete awareness of the players available. From what I've observed, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a good finisher, movement, he can find space in the final third. In my view we have something we can use.”
Five. Assured Frank Gradually Earns his Tottenham Progress
It's unclear how good Spurs can be this season, including the players. What is evident is that they are making progress under the Danish manager. With a third success from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, belief is growing that Tottenham are becoming a far more cohesive and resilient outfit to the one which fell to their lowest league position under the previous manager previously. Frank exudes calm confidence to the manager, who praised highly of his players' mindset and collective desire in defeating a feisty Leeds United side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. Frank had been unable to overcome his opposite number and friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but strikes by the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, either side of Noah Okafor's first-half equaliser, meant the tables were turned. The season is young, but things are looking up for Tottenham.
6. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion
The Chelsea manager sought a additional defender after being without Levi Colwill to a knee injury before the start of the season. The club hierarchy disagreed. Chelsea’s resources are deep and a rushed signing was not required. Then came more injuries, leaving the coach stretched. There were nerves about the teenage defender and the French centre-back starting against the Reds on Saturday, but it was unfounded. The 19-year-old is only 19 but he is highly rated. The teenager dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp