Matchweek 12 of the 2023/24 Premier League season delivered exactly what fans have come to expect from November football: chaos, drama, and storylines that rippled through the title race and beyond. With the international break looming, teams were eager to head into the pause with momentum, or at least without further damage.

From a stunning eight-goal classic at Stamford Bridge to crucial wins for Liverpool and damaging defeats for top-four hopefuls, the weekend reminded everyone just how unforgiving this league can be. Defensive frailties were exposed, stars shone brightly, and several managers were left with plenty to think about over the next two weeks.

Here are the three biggest talking points from a memorable Week 12.

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.

A Modern Classic

Chelsea and Manchester City produced one of the games of the season in an extraordinary 4–4 draw at Stamford Bridge, a match that felt more like a cup final than a mid-November league fixture. From the opening whistle, both sides played with intensity, bravery, and very little regard for defensive caution, creating a spectacle that had fans glued to their screens.

For Chelsea, this performance felt like a statement. Under Mauricio Pochettino, there had been flashes of promise but little consistency. Against the champions, however, Chelsea matched City stride for stride, showing resilience and attacking quality that has often been missing. Cole Palmer, facing his former club, showed composure from the penalty spot late on to secure a deserved point and underline his growing importance to this young side.

Manchester City, meanwhile, were brilliant and vulnerable in equal measure. Erling Haaland bullied Chelsea’s back line and continued his remarkable scoring run, while City’s midfield still looked capable of overwhelming opponents. Yet defensively, they were uncharacteristically open, struggling to cope with transitions and individual errors that ultimately cost them two valuable points.

The draw didn’t derail City’s title ambitions, but it did raise questions about their defensive solidity without key players fully fit. For Chelsea, though, this felt bigger than the league table, it was proof that their rebuild might finally be turning a corner.

Liverpool Keep Up Pressure

Liverpool quietly but convincingly did their job with a 3–0 victory over Brentford at Anfield, a result that kept them firmly in the title conversation. While not as headline-grabbing as events in west London, this was arguably one of the most professional performances of the weekend.

Mohamed Salah once again proved to be Liverpool’s difference-maker. His goals and overall influence were decisive, combining ruthless finishing with intelligent movement that caused Brentford constant problems. As speculation around his long-term future lingered, Salah’s form continued to speak louder than any rumours.

What impressed most about Liverpool was their control. Brentford are well-organised and difficult to break down, but Jürgen Klopp’s side were patient, disciplined, and efficient. The midfield balance, an area of transition earlier in the season, looked increasingly settled, offering protection to the back line while still supporting attacks.

As rivals dropped points elsewhere, Liverpool’s win felt significant. It reinforced the idea that, while they may not always grab the spotlight, they remain one of the most reliable sides in the league, exactly the kind of team that stays in a title race deep into spring.

Newcastle’s Schedule

Week 12 was a sobering reminder of how quickly momentum can disappear in the Premier League. Tottenham’s 2–1 defeat at Wolves and Newcastle’s 2–0 loss to Bournemouth exposed the toll injuries and fixture congestion were taking on squads already stretched thin.

For Spurs, the loss at Molineux came amid a growing injury crisis. Ange Postecoglou’s side played with commitment but lacked the sharpness and control that had defined their earlier form. Wolves, energetic and aggressive, capitalised late on to turn the game around and punish Tottenham’s fatigue and defensive lapses.

Newcastle’s defeat was perhaps even more concerning. After a heavy schedule that included Champions League commitments, Eddie Howe’s side looked leggy and blunt. Bournemouth fully deserved their win, pressing aggressively and exploiting Newcastle’s lack of depth as injuries continued to mount.

These results didn’t just affect individual matches, they reshaped narratives. Spurs’ early title chatter cooled, while Newcastle’s top-four credentials suddenly looked fragile. November, once again, proved to be a season-defining month.

Matchday 12 Player of the Week: Mo Salah While others delivered fireworks, Salah delivered certainty. His goals and leadership against Brentford ensured Liverpool took full advantage of dropped points elsewhere. Week after week, Salah continues to prove why he remains one of the Premier League’s most decisive players, reliable, ruthless, and indispensable.

Matchday 12 Game of the Week: Chelsea 4-4 Manchester City There was only one choice. Eight goals, multiple momentum swings, late drama, and elite quality on display made this an instant Premier League classic. It was chaotic, thrilling, and utterly unmissable, the kind of match that defines a season’s highlight reel.

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