Matchday 22 (2023/2024)

With January already coming to a close and the Premier League fixtures enjoying a brief pause, week 22 offered a chance to see more goals, a few shock results and the big hitters perform at their best.
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.
Liverpool Demolish Chelsea
Liverpool’s 4–1 thrashing of Chelsea at Anfield was a performance that demanded attention. From the first whistle, the Reds dominated possession, pressing high and forcing mistakes, while their attack looked sharp and fluid. Goals from Diogo Jota, Conor Bradley, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Luis Díaz underlined Liverpool’s depth, with Bradley, just 20 years old, producing a goal and two assists in a breakout display that had the Anfield faithful on their feet.
Statistically, Liverpool’s dominance was remarkable. They had 28 shots, with 13 on target, the most Chelsea had conceded in a Premier League match in two decades. Even Darwin Núñez, who struck the woodwork four times including a penalty, highlighted just how relentless the Reds were in attack. Every player looked in sync, moving the ball quickly, exploiting spaces, and taking advantage of Chelsea’s defensive lapses.
Beyond the numbers, the psychological impact was huge. Chelsea, already struggling for consistency under pressure, looked outclassed, while Liverpool’s players emerged with a newfound swagger. This kind of emphatic victory not only reinforces confidence within the squad but sends a clear message to the rest of the league: Liverpool are serious contenders, and their title ambitions are very much alive.
The match also showcased Liverpool’s tactical flexibility. Klopp’s side could break through with pace, width, and intricate interplay, adapting mid-game to exploit Chelsea’s weaknesses. For fans and neutrals alike, it was a reminder of why Liverpool remain one of the Premier League’s most exciting sides, and why they are so difficult to beat when in full flow.
Luton Hammer Brighton
While Liverpool made headlines at the top, Luton Town made waves at the bottom. Their 4–0 demolition of Brighton was not just a win, it was a statement. Within moments, the Hatters were two goals to the good, signalling their intent from the very first whistle. Elijah Adebayo scored in the opening seconds, and Chiedozie Ogbene followed up quickly, putting Brighton on the back foot immediately.
Adebayo wasn’t done, completing a hat-trick by the 56th minute, becoming the first Luton player to achieve such a feat in the Premier League. The Hatters pressed relentlessly, punished Brighton’s mistakes, and maintained intensity throughout, showing the kind of cohesion and belief that can define a survival campaign. Every tackle, every run, and every finish contributed to a performance that felt like the perfect blend of grit and flair.
The result lifted Luton temporarily out of the relegation zone and gave the team a crucial boost in confidence. For a club fighting for survival, this kind of emphatic win does more than add points to the table, it builds belief and momentum. Fans left the stadium elated, knowing that survival was not only possible but within reach if they could maintain this level of intensity.
Moreover, it sent a warning to the rest of the relegation-threatened teams: the battle at the bottom is far from decided. Luton’s performance demonstrated that determination, tactical discipline, and a bit of audacity can turn the tides in the Premier League, no matter how small a club may seem.
Newcastle Beat Villa
Week 22 wasn’t only about the top and bottom of the table; the mid‑table also provided plenty of intrigue. Newcastle United visited Villa Park and came away with a convincing 3–1 victory. The Magpies’ attacking prowess and organized shape exposed Villa’s weaknesses, delivering a result that shook up the standings and reminded everyone that the fight for European spots is far from settled.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United produced a thrilling 3–2 encounter. Palace found themselves 2–0 down within the opening minutes but mounted a spirited comeback, with Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise scoring crucial goals to snatch the win. Matches like this underscore the unpredictability of the league and the fact that mid-table clashes can be just as gripping as battles at the very top or bottom.
This week highlighted how volatile the so-called “comfortable middle” can be. Teams thought to be safely mid-table suddenly find themselves dragged into battles for Europe or survival. Every point matters, and a single result can have ripple effects across the league.
For fans, these games provided drama, excitement, and a reminder of why the Premier League is so compelling. It isn’t just about the top six or relegation scraps, every club, every match, and every moment has the potential to shake up the season. Week 22 was a perfect illustration of that thrilling unpredictability.
Matchday 22 Player of the Week: Elijah Adebayo While there hasn’t been too much to cheer about for Luton in their season thus far, the hattrick and 4-0 demolition of Brighton will certainly be up there as they hit a momentum boost which could see them escape the drop.
Matchday 22 Game of the Week: Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-4 Manchester United With 5 goals coming in the last 20 minutes, it looked like the points would be shared as Neto made it 3-3 in the 95th minute, until young star Kobbie Mainoo showed a huge amount of composure and quality as he bagged the winning goal in the 97th minute.
Let us know over on Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) what you made of the twenty-second round of fixtures, and what you’re looking forward to in the next game week.
