The 2022/2023 Premier League season is now into its twenty-sixth 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.

Historic

There are big wins, and then there are statement wins. Liverpool’s 7–0 demolition of Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday afternoon firmly fell into the latter category. Few could have predicted such a one-sided contest, especially given United’s strong form and momentum coming into the match. Instead, what unfolded was one of the most astonishing Premier League score lines ever.

The game was finely balanced at half-time with Liverpool leading 1–0, but the second half turned into a relentless red tidal wave. Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah tore United apart with ruthless efficiency, exposing defensive gaps and punishing every mistake. Salah’s brace saw him become Liverpool’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, a milestone achieved on a day that will live long in Anfield folklore.

For Manchester United, the defeat was nothing short of humiliating. Conceding seven goals in a single league match equalled their heaviest ever loss and raised uncomfortable questions about mentality and game management. What made it even more jarring was the complete collapse after the break, a team chasing multiple trophies suddenly looked fragile and overwhelmed.

From Liverpool’s perspective, the result felt like a potential turning point. In a season of inconsistency, this performance hinted at what Jürgen Klopp’s side could still be capable of. It reignited belief in their push for European qualification and reminded the rest of the league that Liverpool, when flowing, remain utterly devastating.

Champions Mentality

If Liverpool provided shock, Arsenal delivered pure drama. Hosting Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, the league leaders found themselves 2–0 down and staring at one of the most damaging results of their title challenge. To make matters worse, the opening goal came just seconds into the match, a nightmare start by any measure.

What followed, however, was a powerful demonstration of character. Arsenal dominated possession, peppered Bournemouth’s goal, and refused to let panic take hold. Thomas Partey’s strike brought belief back into the Emirates, while Ben White’s late equaliser set the stage for an unforgettable finale.

Deep into stoppage time, Reiss Nelson produced a moment that may define Arsenal’s season. His thunderous left-footed winner sent the stadium into raptures and players into a pile-on near the corner flag. It wasn’t just a goal, it felt symbolic, the kind of moment champions often rely on when margins are razor thin.

Beyond the emotion, the win carried huge significance. Manchester City were lurking ominously behind Arsenal, waiting for any slip-up. Instead, Mikel Arteta’s side showed resilience, belief and togetherness, qualities that often separate title winners from nearly teams. This wasn’t Arsenal at their slickest, but it might have been one of their most important victories of the campaign.

Competition

While the headline acts stole the spotlight, Week 26 also reinforced just how competitive the Premier League was across the table. At the City Ground, Nottingham Forest and Everton played out a frantic 2–2 draw, a result that summed up the desperation and tension surrounding the relegation battle. Every point mattered, and neither side could afford to ease off.

Monday night saw Brentford edge Fulham 3–2 in an entertaining west London derby. It was another reminder of Brentford’s remarkable rise and their ability to compete toe-to-toe with established Premier League sides. For Fulham, the defeat was a setback, but not one that derailed an impressive season back in the top flight.

Taken together, these results highlighted a recurring theme of the 2022/23 season: no easy games. Whether fighting for survival, chasing Europe or aiming for the title, every team faced pressure and unpredictability. Week 26 encapsulated that perfectly, chaos at the top, drama in the middle, and tension at the bottom.

Matchday 26 Player of the Week: Mo Salah With 2 goals and 2 assists, Salah tore United apart at Anfield, and produced one of the best performances ever seen in a derby clash.

Matchday 26 Game of the Week: Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United We couldn’t pick anything else (unfortunately), but Manchester United were handed a historic loss that will live long in the memory of both sides.

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