Premier League: Ten Important Highlights from the Latest Round of Action

1. Anderson Receives Support from Both Managers

Elliot Anderson was prominent during Nottingham Forest's two-nil setback at Newcastle, demonstrating Eddie Howe what he lost when Premier League profit and sustainability rules required the player's transfer to avoid a sanction. This occurred during the 2024 summer window, and the England international has rarely looked back joining Forest. For much of the first half he eclipsed even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's top performer. But the player is only human, and when his misplaced ball gave the Brazilian midfielder an opening, his following recovery tackle was poorly timed and resulted in the Newcastle player falling in the penalty area. Guimarães had earlier fired the Magpies into the lead from long range, and from the spot Nick Woltemade converted his fourth goal in five starts. Significantly, at the final whistle, both Postecoglou and Howe made clear attempts to encourage the young midfielder. If Forest's manager is to succeed and progress at the club, he will undoubtedly be heavily dependent on his star player. The Newcastle coach, meanwhile, would be keen to bring back the Newcastle academy graduate. In case Nottingham Forest, regardless of Postecoglou, fail to improve, the Tyneside club could have an opportunity.

2. Rodri Fitness Worry Overshadows Manchester City Victory

His look was very revealing. After collapsing to the Brentford turf looking down, there was a slight shake of the head – though his posture spoke volumes. Another setback for the City star? The signs were not good. The City manager has tried his best to manage the player's minutes this campaign since his tentative return from a serious knee injury; it's time for him to put more faith in other options. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in City's squad, but has only been trusted to start just one Premier League fixture since the start of the season. González was a £49.8m signing and will be required to contribute frequently after his introduction as a substitute for Manchester City in west London. As to whether he can provide stability akin to the influential midfielder, the jury is still out.

3. Mason Mount Rises the Ranking at United

Setbacks have hampered Mason Mount's time at United. His start against Sunderland was only his 17th in the Premier League since joining in the summer of 2023 from his former club. His ability has never been questioned, but securing a regular role and enough game time to play himself into form has proved problematic. In the latest match, his touch was superb and he provided vision and discipline in balance, which perhaps influenced why the United manager selected him over Matheus Cunha. He finished brilliantly, getting the fastest early goal for the Red Devils since his initial match almost a year ago. At a big club, his know-how could be crucial. My role is bringing a lot of energy into the team and initiating the press at times, being a bit of a catalyst going forward,” commented. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, assisting those nearby and really bringing the energy. To get the goal was obviously massive for me.”

Four. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Confidence in Youngster Callum Marshall

Nuno Espírito Santo's move to bring on Callum Marshall for his debut at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, rather than the veteran the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Irish attacker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield Town. Considering Callum Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the off-season – and the German striker have managed only a single goal combined so far in the top flight, the youngster could get plenty of more opportunities if the Nuno's post-match assessment are a guide. It's a tough decision to select a youngster in over an experienced player,” said the manager. Our priority is, as quickly, to have total knowledge of the players available. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a clinical in front of goal, movement, he can find space in the attack. I think we have a useful option.”

5. Assured Thomas Frank Slowly Gains his Spurs Progress

There is uncertainty how strong Tottenham can be this season, including the players. What is undeniable is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. After a third win from four unbeaten away games this season, belief is growing that Spurs are becoming a far more cohesive and resilient outfit compared to the team which dropped to their worst Premier League finish under the previous manager previously. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who praised highly of his players' mindset and unity in seeing off a combative Leeds United side at a noisy, windy their home ground. Frank had been unable to overcome his rival manager and close friend Daniel Farke in their head-to-head record, but scores from the French forward and Mohammed Kudus, around Noah Okafor's first-half equaliser, meant the result went his way. There's a long way to go, but prospects are improving for Tottenham.

6. Acheampong and Badiashile Step Up

The Chelsea manager wanted a reinforcement at the back after being without the young defender to a serious knee issue ahead of the campaign. His bosses thought otherwise. The squad depth are deep and a rushed signing was unnecessary. Then came further fitness issues, leaving Maresca with limited options. There were nerves about Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile lining up against the Reds on Saturday, but it was unfounded. Acheampong is very young but few doubt his potential. He dealt with Palace's {Jean-Philipp