EPL: Ten Major Highlights from the Latest Round of Fixtures
1. Anderson Gets Support from Both Managers
The Nottingham Forest midfielder featured heavily in Forest's 2-0 setback on Tyneside, demonstrating the Newcastle manager the player he had to sell when Premier League spending rules compelled the player's transfer to avert a points deduction. It happened in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since moving to Nottingham Forest. During the initial 45 minutes he eclipsed even Sandro Tonali and, overall, was clearly the Forest manager's standout individual. However Anderson is human, and when his wayward pass gave the Brazilian midfielder an opportunity, his resulting recovery tackle was poorly timed and resulted in the Newcastle player crashing in the box. The Brazilian had earlier fired Newcastle into the lead from 25 yards, and from the penalty spot the striker converted his fourth strike in his last five games. Notably, at the final whistle, both Postecoglou and the Newcastle manager made concerted efforts to comfort the young midfielder. In the event that Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at the club, he will inevitably be reliant upon his star player. Howe, meanwhile, would welcome the chance to buy the Newcastle academy graduate. In case Nottingham Forest, with or without their manager, struggle, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.
Two. Rodri Fitness Worry Dampens Manchester City Victory
The midfielder's expression told its own story. When he went down to the Griffin Park surface gazing at the ground, there was a almost imperceptible shake of the head – though his posture was very telling. A new problem for the City star? It looked more than likely. The City manager has made efforts to limit the player's minutes this season since his comeback from a long-term layoff; it's time for him to put more faith in alternatives. Nico González is the natural stand-in in the lineup, but has only started to begin a single league match since 23 August. González was a £49.8m signing and will be called upon more frequently after his early substitution for City in west London. Regarding if he can bring a measure of control akin to the influential midfielder, the jury is still out.
3. Mason Mount Climbs the Hierarchy at United
Injuries have hampered Mason Mount's United career. His start against the Black Cats was merely his 17th in the Premier League since joining in 2023 from his former club. His quality has never been questioned, but establishing himself and sufficient minutes to build momentum has been a challenge. On Saturday, his touch was excellent and he provided creativity and discipline in similar amounts, which might explain why Ruben Amorim chose him ahead of the alternative option. He took his goal superbly, netting the fastest early goal for the Red Devils since his first game in charge 11 months ago. In an intense environment, his background could prove vital. I consider myself bringing a lot of energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I focus on, supporting my teammates and really adding intensity. Finding the net was hugely important for me.”
Four. Nuno Demonstrates Confidence in Young Player Callum Marshall
Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to introduce the young striker for his bow at the Emirates against Arsenal, instead of the more experienced Callum Wilson, was an major statement in the 20-year-old Northern Irish attacker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Given that Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and the German striker have managed only a single goal together so far in the Premier League, Marshall could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's comments after the game are anything to go by. It's a tough decision to select a youngster in front of Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as rapidly, to have complete awareness of the players available. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a clinical in front of goal, movement, he can identify openings in the attack. In my view we have a player who can contribute.”
5. Calm Frank Steadily Earns his Spurs Progress
There is uncertainty how competitive Tottenham can be this season, especially within the squad. What is clear is that they are heading in the right direction under the Danish manager. Following another victory from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, optimism is rising that Spurs are becoming a much more united and tough side than the squad which fell to their lowest league position under the previous manager last term. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who was very positive of his players' mindset and team spirit in seeing off a combative Leeds United side at a raucous, windswept their home ground. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his opposite number and good friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but goals from the French forward and the Ghanaian winger, before and after the Swiss striker's tying goal, resulted in the result went his way. The season is young, but the future appears bright for Tottenham.
Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up
Enzo Maresca desired a new centre-back after losing the young defender to a knee injury ahead of the campaign. The club hierarchy thought otherwise. The squad depth are extensive and a panic buy was not required. Then came further fitness issues, leaving the coach with limited options. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile featuring against the Reds on Saturday, but their fears were misplaced. The 19-year-old is only 19 but few doubt his potential. The teenager contained Palace's {Jean-Philipp
