EPL: Ten Important Discussion Points from the Weekend Matches

One. Anderson Receives Sympathy from Both Bosses

The Nottingham Forest midfielder spent much of Forest's 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, demonstrating the Newcastle manager the player he had to sell when top-flight profit and sustainability rules compelled the player's transfer to avoid a points penalty. It happened back in the summer of 2024, and Anderson has thrived since his switch to Forest. For much of the initial 45 minutes he surpassed even the Italian midfielder and, across the match, was clearly Ange Postecoglou's best player. Yet Anderson is human, and when his wayward pass presented Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his subsequent attempted tackle was mistimed and resulted in Guimarães tumbling in the penalty area. Guimarães had already fired the Magpies ahead from 25 yards, and from the penalty spot the striker converted his fourth of the season in his last five games. Notably, at the end of the match, both Postecoglou and Howe made concerted efforts to comfort Anderson. Should Postecoglou is to succeed and progress at Forest, he will certainly be reliant upon Anderson's talent. The Newcastle coach, meanwhile, would love to bring back the homegrown talent. Should Nottingham Forest, whether or not they have their manager, fail to improve, the Tyneside club may yet be in with a chance.

2. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Overshadows Manchester City Success

The midfielder's expression was very revealing. As he sank to the Griffin Park surface staring at his feet, there was a almost imperceptible shake of the head – though his posture was very telling. A new problem for the Spanish midfielder? That appeared to be the case. The City manager has attempted to manage the player's minutes this campaign since his tentative return from a serious knee injury; it's time for him to rely more on replacements. Nico González is the natural stand-in in City's squad, but has only been selected to begin one league game since the start of the season. The £49.8m signing was a big-money acquisition and will be needed to step up frequently after his introduction as a substitute for City in the capital. On whether he can bring a measure of control akin to peak Rodri, it remains to be seen.

3. Mount Rises the Pecking Order at United

Setbacks have hampered Mason Mount's United career. His inclusion in the starting lineup against Sunderland was merely his 17th in the league since signing in 2023 from Chelsea. His ability has never been questioned, but finding a position and enough game time to build momentum has proved problematic. On Saturday, his first touch was superb and he brought inventiveness and discipline in equal measure, which could be the reason why the United manager selected him over the alternative option. He took his goal expertly, getting the quickest opener for Amorim's team since his first game in charge almost a year ago. In an intense environment, his background could be crucial. “I see myself as providing energy into the team and leading the pressing at times, being a key instigator going forward,” stated. “That’s always something that I aim to do, assisting those nearby and really raising the tempo. To get the goal was hugely important for me.”

Four. Nuno Displays Trust in Youngster Callum Marshall

The West Ham manager's decision to introduce Callum Marshall for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, in place of the more experienced the seasoned forward, was an significant vote of confidence in the 20-year-old Northern Ireland striker who was on loan last season at Huddersfield. Since Callum Wilson – who arrived as a free agent in the summer – and Niclas Füllkrug have contributed just one goal combined so far in the top flight, Marshall could receive more chances if the new manager's post-game remarks are a guide. It's a tough decision to put a young lad in front of Callum Wilson,” said the manager. “It’s important for us, as quickly, to have a full understanding of who we have in the squad. What I’ve been seeing, [Marshall] has work rate, he’s a good finisher, pace, he can identify openings in the space. In my view we have a player who can contribute.”

Five. Calm Thomas Frank Steadily Secures his Spurs Progress

There is uncertainty how competitive Spurs can be this campaign, especially within the squad. What is evident is that they are heading in the right direction under Thomas Frank. After a third win from a solid away record this season, confidence is building that Spurs are evolving into a much more united 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 was very positive of his team’s mentality and collective desire in defeating a combative Leeds United side at a raucous, windswept Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had been unable to overcome his opposite number and close friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, either side of Noah Okafor's first-half equaliser, meant the result went his way. It is early days, but things are looking up for Tottenham.

6. Acheampong and Badiashile Rise to the Occasion

The Chelsea manager sought a reinforcement at the back after being without the young defender to a long-term problem ahead of the campaign. Chelsea's decision-makers disagreed. The playing staff are deep and a panic buy was not required. Then came additional setbacks, leaving Maresca with limited options. There was concern about Josh Acheampong and the French centre-back starting against the Reds on Saturday, but it was unfounded. The 19-year-old is only 19 but he is highly rated. The teenager contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp