Premier League: Ten Important Talking Points from the Weekend Matches

1. Anderson Gets Encouragement from Both Managers

Elliot Anderson was prominent during Nottingham Forest's 2-0 loss away to Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when top-flight spending rules forced the player's transfer to prevent a points deduction. It happened back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since joining Forest. Throughout the opening period he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was easily the Forest manager's top performer. But the player is only human, and when his loose pass presented the Brazilian midfielder an opening, his resulting challenge was mistimed and caused Guimarães crashing in the box. The Brazilian had previously shot the Magpies into the lead from outside the box, and from the spot the striker converted his fourth strike in five starting appearances. Notably, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and the Newcastle manager made clear attempts to encourage the young midfielder. In the event that Postecoglou is to survive and then thrive at Forest, he will certainly be leaning on Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, in contrast, would love to re-sign the former youth product. In case Forest, with or without Postecoglou, continue to founder, Newcastle may yet be in with a chance.

Two. Rodri Injury Concern Dampens City Success

His look told its own story. When he went down to the Brentford pitch gazing at the ground, there was a almost imperceptible head shake – though his body language spoke volumes. A fresh injury for the City star? The signs were not good. Pep Guardiola has made efforts to manage his involvement this campaign since his tentative return from a significant knee problem; he now has to trust replacements. The Spanish midfielder is the natural stand-in in the team, however has only been selected to begin one league game since 23 August. The £49.8m signing was a January purchase and will be needed to step up more often after his early substitution for City in the capital. As to whether he can bring a measure of control similar to Rodri at his best, opinions are divided.

Three. Mason Mount Climbs the Ranking at United

Setbacks have affected the midfielder's spell with the club. His start against the Black Cats was only his 17th in the Premier League since arriving in 2023 from Chelsea. His pedigree has never been questioned, but establishing himself and regular playing time to build momentum has proved problematic. In the latest match, his touch was excellent and he offered inventiveness and tactical awareness in balance, which could be the reason why the United manager chose him ahead of the alternative option. He finished superbly, scoring the quickest opener for United since his initial match 11 months ago. In an intense environment, his background could be crucial. My role is injecting intensity 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, assisting those nearby and really bringing the energy. To get the goal was a big moment for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Trust in Youngster Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to send on the young striker for his bow at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, in place of the established the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Irish forward who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield. Given that Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have scored only once together so far in the Premier League, Marshall could receive more chances if the new manager's comments after the game are anything to go by. “It’s not easy to select a youngster in ahead of an experienced player,” said the manager. We need, as rapidly, to have complete awareness of who we have in the squad. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, movement, he can find space in the final third. I believe we have a useful option.”

Five. Assured Frank Steadily Secures his Spurs Results

There is uncertainty how good Spurs can be this campaign, including the players. What is evident is that they are improving under the Danish manager. Following another victory from a solid away record this season, optimism is rising that Spurs are becoming a much more united and durable team compared to the team which dropped to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou last season. Frank exudes calm confidence to Frank, who praised highly of his team’s mentality and collective desire in beating a pugnacious Leeds side at a noisy, windy their home ground. Frank had failed to defeat his opposite number and good friend the Leeds manager in their head-to-head record, but strikes by Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, around the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, ensured the tables were turned. The season is young, but the future appears bright for Spurs.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up

Enzo Maresca wanted a reinforcement at the back after losing Levi Colwill to a knee injury ahead of the campaign. His bosses disagreed. The playing staff are extensive and a desperate purchase was not required. Later additional setbacks, leaving the coach short-handed. Some were worried about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile featuring against the Reds on the weekend, but there need not have been. Acheampong is very young but he is highly rated. He dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp