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

City Make Statement

Manchester City’s 4–1 demolition of Liverpool at the Etihad was the standout result of the weekend and a clear message to Arsenal at the top of the table. Coming off the international break and without Erling Haaland in the starting XI, Pep Guardiola’s side showed no signs of slowing down. Julian Álvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish all shone as City tore through Liverpool with pace, precision, and intensity.

The performance underlined City’s frightening depth and tactical flexibility. Álvarez seamlessly filled the Haaland role, while the midfield dictated play and overwhelmed Liverpool’s often fragile defensive structure. It was one of those afternoons where City reminded everyone why they are perennial title favourites, ruthless, relentless, and unfazed by pressure.

For Liverpool, the result was a sobering continuation of a troubling trend. Their away form had been inconsistent all season, and once again they looked vulnerable when asked to defend in transition. While Mohamed Salah scored early to briefly spark hope, City’s response was swift and emphatic.

In the wider context of the title race, this was a pivotal weekend. City still had games in hand on Arsenal, and this performance suggested they were fully primed for a late-season surge. Momentum, belief, and goal difference all swung subtly in their favour.

Arsenal Keep Cool

Arsenal responded to the pressure by doing exactly what champions-in-waiting must do: win convincingly. Their 4–1 victory over Leeds United at the Emirates was controlled, confident, and full of attacking fluency. Gabriel Jesus’ brace was particularly significant, marking his first league goals since returning from long-term injury and offering a timely boost ahead of the season’s final stretch.

The Gunners dominated possession, created chances at will, and never allowed Leeds to settle. Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard continued to be central to everything positive Arsenal did, while the back line, despite a late consolation goal, remained largely untroubled.

What stood out most was Arsenal’s composure. With City breathing down their necks, there was no sign of nerves or hesitation. Instead, Mikel Arteta’s side played with clarity and purpose, sticking to their principles and trusting the system that had taken them this far.

As April began, Arsenal looked mentally strong and physically sharp. The title was far from decided, but weekends like this reinforced the sense that this young squad was ready to embrace the pressure rather than shrink from it.

European Places

Away from the title race, Matchweek 29 had major implications for the battle for Champions League qualification. Newcastle United’s 2–0 win over Manchester United was a huge result, not just for the score line but for the dominance they displayed. Eddie Howe’s side outworked, outplayed, and outthought United, strengthening their grip on a top-four place.

At Stamford Bridge, Aston Villa continued their remarkable resurgence under Unai Emery with a 2–0 victory over Chelsea. Villa looked organised, confident, and clinical, while Chelsea’s struggles deepened as their season drifted further off course. The result pushed Villa into genuine European contention and raised further questions about Chelsea’s direction.

Tottenham, meanwhile, missed a chance to gain ground after being held to a 1–1 draw by Everton on Monday night. The late drama at Goodison Park summed up Spurs’ inconsistency, while Everton earned a valuable point in their fight for survival.

As the season entered its final phase, Matchweek 29 helped clarify who had momentum and who was running out of time. The margins were tightening, the stakes rising, and every result now felt heavier, exactly as a Premier League run-in should.

Matchday 29 Player of the Week: Gabriel Jesus With City hammering Liverpool, Arsenal and Jesus kept themselves in full control of the title race with a brace against Leeds which could see the visitors looking down at the possible drop.

Matchday 29 Game of the Week: Manchester City 4-1 Liverpool Given the implications in the title race, Liverpool remain unpredictable, and City put them to the sword as they dominated the clash. With goals being shared among the many City attacking talents, it could give them a huge boost in the title charge.

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