EPL: Ten Key Highlights from the Latest Round of Matches
1. Elliot Anderson Gets Support from The Two Bosses
The Nottingham Forest midfielder spent much of Nottingham Forest's 2-0 setback at Newcastle, demonstrating Eddie Howe the talent he parted with when top-flight financial regulations forced the player's transfer to avert a sanction. This occurred in the summer transfer window of 2024, and the England international has excelled ever since moving to Nottingham Forest. Throughout the opening period he outshone even the Italian midfielder and, in total, was clearly the Forest manager's top performer. However Anderson is human, and when his wayward pass gave Bruno GuimarĂŁes an opening, his resulting attempted tackle was poorly timed and resulted in GuimarĂŁes falling in the area. GuimarĂŁes had previously fired Newcastle ahead from outside the box, and from the resulting penalty the striker netted his fourth strike in five starting appearances. Significantly, at the end of the match, both Postecoglou and Howe made obvious gestures to encourage Anderson. In the event that Forest's manager is to establish himself at Forest, he will certainly be reliant upon the midfielder's ability. The Newcastle coach, on the other hand, would love to bring back the former youth product. Should Forest, whether or not they have Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.
Two. The Spanish Midfielder Injury Concern Overshadows City Victory
The midfielder's expression was very revealing. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface looking down, there was a barely discernible head shake – though his demeanor said a lot. A new problem for the Spanish midfielder? The signs were not good. The City manager has made efforts to carefully use Rodri's game time this campaign since his tentative return from a long-term layoff; he now has to put more faith in other options. The Spanish midfielder is the natural stand-in in City's squad, however has only started to play from the outset just one Premier League fixture since late August. The £49.8m signing was a January purchase and will be needed to step up frequently after his early substitution for City in west London. On whether he can offer composure like the influential midfielder, it remains to be seen.
3. Mount Rises the Pecking Order at Manchester United
Injuries have affected the midfielder's spell with the club. His inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Cats was merely his 17th in the Premier League since arriving in 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has never been in doubt, but securing a regular role and enough game time to build momentum has proved problematic. On Saturday, his touch was superb and he brought inventiveness and work rate in similar amounts, which might explain why the United manager selected him over the alternative option. He finished expertly, getting the fastest early goal for United since his initial match last season. Under pressure, his know-how could be crucial. My role is injecting intensity into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a driving force going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, assisting those nearby and really bringing the energy. Scoring was a big moment for me.”
4. Nuno Demonstrates Faith in Youngster Callum Marshall
The West Ham manager's move to send on Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, in place of the established Callum Wilson, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Irish forward who was on loan last season at Huddersfield Town. Given that Wilson – who was signed for nothing in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have contributed just one goal between them so far in the top flight, Marshall could receive more chances if the Nuno's post-game remarks are any indication. It's a tough decision to put a young lad in over Callum Wilson,” said Nuno. We need, as soon as possible, to have total knowledge of our squad options. Based on training, [Marshall] has enthusiasm, he’s a clinical in front of goal, good mobility, he can recognize the gaps in the attack. I believe we have something we can use.”
Five. Composed Thomas Frank Steadily Secures his Spurs Rewards
Nobody seems quite sure how competitive Tottenham can be this season, least of all themselves. What is evident is that they are heading in the right direction under the Danish manager. After a third win from four matches on the road without defeat this campaign, optimism is rising that Spurs are evolving into a far more cohesive and resilient outfit than the squad which dropped to their lowest league position under Ange Postecoglou last term. There is a calm assuredness to the manager, who spoke glowingly of his players' mindset and team spirit in defeating a pugnacious Leeds United side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his Leeds counterpart and good friend Daniel Farke in their past five encounters, but scores from Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, either side of Noah Okafor's leveler before the break, resulted in the result went his way. There's a long way to go, but the future appears bright for Tottenham.
Six. Josh Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion
Enzo Maresca wanted a additional defender after losing the young defender to a long-term problem in pre-season. The club hierarchy disagreed. The squad depth are deep and a rushed signing was unnecessary. Later more injuries, leaving Maresca stretched. Some were worried about the teenage defender and the French centre-back starting against Liverpool on the weekend, but there need not have been. The 19-year-old is only 19 but he is highly rated. The teenager handled Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp
