English Premier League: 10 Important Highlights from the Weekend's Fixtures

1. Anderson Receives Support from The Two Coaches

The Nottingham Forest midfielder spent much of Forest's two-nil loss away to Newcastle, showing Eddie Howe the player he had to sell when Premier League financial regulations forced the player's sale to avert a points deduction. It happened back in the summer of 2024, and the England international has rarely looked back moving to Nottingham Forest. During the initial 45 minutes he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was comfortably the Forest manager's best player. But mistakes can happen, and when his misplaced ball presented the Brazilian midfielder an opportunity, his following challenge was ill-judged and sent the Newcastle player crashing in the area. Guimarães had already fired Newcastle ahead from 25 yards, and from the spot Nick Woltemade scored his fourth goal in his last five games. Tellingly, at the final whistle, both the Forest boss and Howe made clear attempts to console Anderson. In the event that Forest's manager is to establish himself at the club, he will inevitably be reliant upon his star player. The Newcastle coach, on the other hand, would welcome the chance to buy the homegrown talent. In case Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, struggle, the Tyneside club might get another opportunity.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Injury Concern Mars Manchester City Win

Rodri's face was very revealing. When he went down to the Brentford pitch looking down, there was a almost imperceptible shake of the head – though his demeanor spoke volumes. A new problem for the key player? It looked more than likely. The City manager has tried his best to limit the player's minutes this campaign since his return from injury from a significant knee problem; now he must put more faith in replacements. The Spanish midfielder is the first-choice alternative in City's squad, yet has only started to play from the outset a single league match since the start of the season. The £49.8m signing was a January purchase and will be called upon more frequently after his introduction as a substitute for Manchester City in west London. As to whether he can offer composure like the influential midfielder, opinions are divided.

Three. Mount Advances the Hierarchy at Manchester United

Setbacks have hindered the midfielder's time at United. Being named in the first XI against the Black Cats was just his 17th in the Premier League since joining in 2023 from Chelsea. His quality has never been in doubt, but finding a position and regular playing time to regain his best has been difficult. On Saturday, his control was excellent and he provided inventiveness and tactical awareness in balance, which might explain why the United manager chose him ahead of Matheus Cunha. He scored brilliantly, netting the fastest early goal for the Red Devils since his debut as manager almost a year ago. In an intense environment, Mount's experience could be crucial. “I see myself as injecting intensity into the team and initiating the press at times, being a key instigator going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, assisting those nearby and really adding intensity. To get the goal was a big moment for me.”

Four. Nuno Demonstrates Trust in Youngster Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's choice to bring on Callum Marshall for his debut at the Emirates Stadium against the Gunners, instead of the veteran Callum Wilson, was an significant vote of confidence in the young Northern Irish striker who spent last year on loan at Huddersfield Town. Considering Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and Niclas Füllkrug have contributed just one goal together so far in the Premier League, the youngster could be given further game time if the Nuno's post-game remarks are any indication. It's a tough decision to select a youngster in over Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. Our priority is, as rapidly, to have a full understanding of our squad options. Based on training, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a good finisher, movement, he can identify openings in the final third. I think we have something we can use.”

Five. Calm Thomas Frank Slowly Earns his Tottenham Rewards

There is uncertainty how competitive Spurs can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is undeniable is that they are making progress under the Danish manager. With a third success from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, optimism is rising that Spurs are evolving into a far more cohesive and durable team than the squad which fell to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou last season. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who was very positive of his squad's attitude and collective desire in seeing off a combative Leeds side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. Frank had not beaten his opposite number and close friend the Leeds manager in their past five encounters, but strikes by Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, around the Swiss striker's leveler before the break, ensured the outcome was different. It is early days, but the future appears bright for Tottenham.

Six. Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

Enzo Maresca wanted a reinforcement at the back after losing Levi Colwill to a long-term problem before the start of the season. The club hierarchy disagreed. The squad depth are strong and a desperate purchase was not required. Subsequently further fitness issues, leaving Maresca short-handed. There were nerves about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile lining up against the Reds on Saturday, but it was unfounded. The 19-year-old is only 19 but many believe in his ability. The teenager dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp