Premier League: 10 Key Highlights from the Weekend Fixtures

One. Anderson Receives Sympathy from The Two Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder was prominent during Nottingham Forest's two-nil setback at Newcastle, reminding the Newcastle manager what he lost when Premier League spending rules compelled the player's transfer to prevent a points deduction. It happened in the summer transfer window of 2024, and Anderson has excelled ever since joining Forest. During the opening period he eclipsed even Sandro Tonali and, overall, was comfortably the Forest manager's standout individual. But mistakes can happen, and when his wayward pass offered the Brazilian midfielder an chance, his following attempted tackle was ill-judged and resulted in the Newcastle player tumbling in the penalty area. The Brazilian had earlier shot Newcastle ahead from 25 yards, and from the resulting penalty Nick Woltemade netted his fourth of the season in five starting appearances. Notably, at the conclusion, both the Forest boss and Howe made concerted efforts to console Anderson. In the event that Forest's manager is to establish himself at the club, he will inevitably be reliant upon Anderson's talent. Howe, meanwhile, would love to buy the Newcastle academy graduate. If Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have Postecoglou, struggle, Newcastle may yet be in with a chance.

Two. Rodri Injury Concern Overshadows City Victory

His look told its own story. As he sank to the Brentford pitch looking down, there was a barely discernible shake of the head – though his posture spoke volumes. A fresh injury for the key player? It looked more than likely. The City manager has tried his best to manage the player's minutes this season since his return from injury from a long-term layoff; now he must put more faith in alternatives. The Spanish midfielder is the first-choice alternative in the lineup, yet has only started to begin one league game since late August. The £49.8m signing was a big-money acquisition and will be called upon more more often after his introduction as a substitute for City in the capital. Regarding if he can offer composure akin to Rodri at his best, opinions are divided.

Three. Mason Mount Climbs the Ranking at United

Fitness issues have hindered the midfielder's time at United. Being named in the first XI against the Black Cats was merely his 17th in the Premier League since arriving in 2023 from his former club. His quality has always been recognized, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to build momentum has been a challenge. On Saturday, his control was impeccable and he offered vision and discipline in balance, which perhaps influenced why Ruben Amorim selected him over Matheus Cunha. He took his goal brilliantly, getting the fastest early goal for Amorim's team since his debut as manager last season. Under pressure, his background could be important. My role is providing energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a driving force 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 Shows Faith in Youngster Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's move to send on the young striker for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, in place of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the young Northern Irish attacker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Given that Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have managed only a single goal between them so far in the Premier League, the youngster could be given further game time if the new manager's post-match assessment are anything to go by. It's difficult to give a debut in ahead of Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as quickly, to have a full understanding of who we have in the squad. Based on training, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a clinical in front of goal, movement, he can find space in the attack. I think we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Composed Thomas Frank Gradually Secures his Spurs Results

There is uncertainty how strong Tottenham can be this season, especially within the squad. What is evident is that they are making progress under Thomas Frank. With a third success from a solid away record this season, optimism is rising that Spurs are becoming a much more united and tough side than the squad which dropped to their poorest season under the previous manager last season. Frank exudes calm confidence to the manager, who praised highly of his team’s mentality and unity in beating a feisty Leeds side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had failed to defeat his Leeds counterpart and close friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but scores from the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, around the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, meant the result went his way. It is early days, but the future appears bright for Tottenham.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up

The Chelsea manager wanted a additional defender after the injury to the young defender to a long-term problem ahead of the campaign. Chelsea's decision-makers had a different view. The playing staff are deep and a rushed signing was unnecessary. Then came further fitness issues, leaving Maresca stretched. There were nerves about the teenage defender and the French centre-back featuring against the Reds on Saturday, but their fears were misplaced. Acheampong is very young but few doubt his potential. The teenager handled Palace's {Jean-Philipp

Kyle Douglas
Kyle Douglas

Eine leidenschaftliche Journalistin, die sich auf deutsche Kultur und gesellschaftliche Entwicklungen spezialisiert hat.