Premier League: Ten Major Discussion Points from the Weekend's Matches

One. Anderson Gets Encouragement from The Two Coaches

Elliot Anderson spent much of Forest's two-nil loss on Tyneside, reminding the Newcastle manager the talent he parted with when top-flight financial regulations compelled the player's departure to prevent a points deduction. It happened in the summer transfer window of 2024, and Anderson has excelled ever since moving to Nottingham Forest. For much of the first half he surpassed even Sandro Tonali and, across the match, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou's standout individual. Yet the player is only human, and when his misplaced ball presented Bruno Guimarães an opportunity, his resulting challenge was mistimed and resulted in Guimarães crashing in the box. The Brazilian had already shot Newcastle into the lead from outside the box, and from the resulting penalty Nick Woltemade converted his fourth strike in five starts. Significantly, at the final whistle, both Postecoglou and Howe made obvious gestures to encourage the young midfielder. In the event that Postecoglou is to establish himself at the club, he will certainly be heavily dependent on the midfielder's ability. Howe, meanwhile, would welcome the chance to re-sign the homegrown talent. Should Forest, with or without Postecoglou, continue to founder, the Tyneside club could have an opportunity.

Two. The Spanish Midfielder Fitness Worry Dampens Manchester City Win

His look said it all. After collapsing to the Griffin Park surface gazing at the ground, there was a barely discernible shake of the head – though his posture was very telling. A new problem for the key player? The signs were not good. Pep Guardiola has made efforts to manage Rodri's game time this season since his return from injury from a significant knee problem; it's time for him to trust other options. Nico González is the first-choice alternative in City's squad, but has only been trusted to begin just one Premier League fixture since the start of the season. The former Porto man was a January purchase and will be needed to step up more often after his 22nd-minute introduction for Manchester City in west London. Regarding if he can bring a measure of control akin to Rodri at his best, the jury is still out.

Three. Mount Rises the Hierarchy at United

Setbacks have affected Mason Mount's time at United. His inclusion in the starting lineup 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 securing a regular role and regular playing time to regain his best has been difficult. On Saturday, his touch was excellent and he brought inventiveness and tactical awareness in equal measure, which perhaps influenced why the United manager chose him ahead of the alternative option. He finished brilliantly, scoring the quickest opener for United since his debut as manager almost a year ago. Under pressure, Mount's experience could be crucial. “I see myself as injecting intensity into the team and setting off the press at times, being a driving force going forward,” Mount said. “That’s always something that I concentrate on, supporting my teammates and really adding intensity. To get the goal was obviously massive for me.”

4. Nuno Espírito Santo Displays Trust in Youngster Marshall

The West Ham manager's move to send on the young striker for his bow at the Emirates against the Gunners, instead of the veteran the seasoned forward, was an major statement in the young Northern Irish forward who was on loan last season at Huddersfield Town. Given that Callum Wilson – who joined on a free transfer in the summer – and the German striker have managed only a single goal combined so far in the Premier League, Marshall could receive more chances if the new manager's comments after the game are anything to go by. “It’s not easy to select a youngster in ahead of Callum Wilson,” said the manager. We need, as quickly, to have complete awareness of our squad options. Based on training, [Marshall] has energy, he’s a sharp in the box, pace, he can recognize the gaps in the final third. In my view we have a player who can contribute.”

5. Assured Thomas Frank Slowly Earns his Tottenham Results

It's unclear how good Tottenham can be this campaign, including the players. What is evident is that they are improving under Thomas Frank. After a third win from a solid away record this campaign, optimism is rising that Spurs are evolving into a far more cohesive and resilient outfit compared to the team which fell to their worst Premier League finish under Ange Postecoglou previously. There is a calm assuredness to Frank, who praised highly of his squad's attitude and team spirit in defeating a combative Leeds side at a noisy, windy Elland Road. The Tottenham boss had not beaten his Leeds counterpart and good friend Daniel Farke in five previous meetings, but scores from Mathys Tel and the Ghanaian winger, before and after the Swiss striker's first-half equaliser, resulted in the tables were turned. The season is young, but prospects are improving for Spurs.

6. Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile Step Up

The Chelsea manager desired a additional defender after being without the young defender to a knee injury before the start of the season. His bosses had a different view. The playing staff are strong and a rushed signing was unnecessary. Then came additional setbacks, leaving the coach stretched. There were nerves about the teenage defender and the French centre-back starting against the Reds on the weekend, but it was unfounded. The 19-year-old is very young but many believe in his ability. He contained Crystal Palace’s {Jean-Philipp