The 2022/2023 Premier League season is now into its twenty-fourth game week, and the entertainment continues to be relentless and thoroughly enjoyable.

As a result, we will be breaking down each round of fixtures by picking out 3 of the biggest talking points, covering the biggest results, goals and general talking points from the week. We then will round off by picking our player of the week and game of the week based on what we saw in that round of games.

Let us know over on Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) if you have seen anything in a game that you think we should be talking about, or have anything to share from what you’ve seen at a game that week. Any funny stories, tactical analysis or general comments will be featured.

Arsenal Show Credentials

Arsenal’s 4–2 victory away at Aston Villa was the kind of result that title contenders simply have to produce. Twice the Gunners found themselves pegged back, and with Manchester City breathing down their necks, the pressure was firmly on. Villa Park was bouncing, the momentum was swinging, and for a moment it looked like Arsenal’s grip on the title race might be slipping.

Instead, Mikel Arteta’s side showed remarkable composure and belief. Oleksandr Zinchenko’s long-range strike brought Arsenal level for the second time, but it was the closing stages that truly defined the afternoon. Jorginho’s fierce effort cannoned off the crossbar and in off Emiliano Martínez for a dramatic go-ahead goal, before Gabriel Martinelli sealed the win deep into stoppage time.

Beyond the goals, it was Arsenal’s mentality that stood out. After recent setbacks and criticism about their ability to handle pressure, this felt like a response laden with character. They continued to dominate possession, trusted their attacking principles, and never abandoned their belief that another chance would come.

In the context of the title race, this was massive. Dropped points here could have lingered psychologically, but instead Arsenal left with momentum restored. It was chaotic, dramatic and nervy, but crucially, it was three points that champions often grind out in moments like these.

United Show Champions League Form

Manchester United’s 3–0 win over Leicester City may not have carried the same late drama, but it was every bit as significant. Fresh off a gruelling run of fixtures across multiple competitions, Erik ten Hag’s side delivered a performance built on control, efficiency and confidence. From the first whistle, United looked sharper, quicker and far more purposeful.

Marcus Rashford once again stole the headlines, scoring twice to continue his electric run of form. His movement caused Leicester constant problems, while his finishing underlined why he had become one of the league’s most dangerous forwards. Jadon Sancho’s late goal, his first in the Premier League since returning from time away, added an emotional lift to the afternoon.

What impressed most was United’s balance. Casemiro dictated play in midfield, the defence looked secure, and David de Gea made key saves when needed. Leicester had moments, but United always appeared one step ahead, both tactically and physically.

As the season entered its decisive stretch, this result reinforced United’s claim as genuine top-four contenders. With Rashford in relentless form and Ten Hag instilling clarity and discipline, Old Trafford once again felt like a place where big results were becoming routine rather than hopeful.

Tottenham Seize Momentum

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2–0 win over West Ham might not have been a classic, but it was ruthlessly effective. With Newcastle faltering and the race for Champions League places tightening, Spurs seized the opportunity to move themselves firmly into the top-four picture. It was a professional performance when one was badly needed.

Goals from Emerson Royal and Son Heung-min ensured the points, but the broader story was Tottenham’s ability to manage the game. Under interim head coach Cristian Stellini, Spurs looked organised and patient, allowing West Ham possession while remaining comfortable defensively and clinical in key moments.

For West Ham, however, the alarm bells were ringing louder. The defeat saw them slip into the relegation zone, and despite moments of pressure, they lacked cutting edge and confidence in the final third. The London Stadium atmosphere reflected growing frustration as another opportunity to climb away from danger passed them by.

From Tottenham’s perspective, this was about momentum. Not flashy, not free-flowing, but effective. In a season marked by inconsistency, this result kept their Champions League ambitions alive, while simultaneously deepening the sense that West Ham were sleepwalking into a serious relegation fight.

Matchday 24 Player of the Week: Bruno Fernandes While Rashford took the plaudits for his brace, Fernandes had the captains performance in their win over Leicester, who themselves were coming off a strong win over Spurs. Fernandes produced 2 assists and led his team to what turned out to be a comfortable afternoon.

Matchday 24 Game of the Week: Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal A meeting between two sides with plenty still to play for. This game produced a solid bit of entertainment to start the weekend in style and produced plenty of late drama at lunchtime on Saturday.

Let us know over on Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) what you made of the twenty-fourth round of fixtures, and what you’re looking forward to in the next game week.