This week saw the season enter double figures in games, as the table continues to take shape and teams begin to find their standings within the table. With some teams hoping to continue their early-season form, others are thankful for many more games remaining to allow them to recover their campaigns. As a result, week 10 offered some interesting clashes and developments at all parts of the table.

As always, in this post we will be picking out 3 of the biggest talking points of the weekend, along with giving out the game of the week and player of the week awards. If we’ve missed something in this post that you saw over the weekend please do get in touch with us on all the usual places (Bluesky @NextGoalWinner – Instagram @NextGoalWin), and if you prefer an audio round up of the action then do check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner) where we post weekly reviews on there of all the key talking points in the Premier League and around Europe.

Liverpool Leap Ahead

Liverpool’s comeback against Brighton felt like one of those moments that define a season. After conceding early at Anfield, Arne Slot’s men refused to panic. They steadily turned the screw, controlling possession and pinning Brighton deep until the inevitable equaliser arrived. When Mohamed Salah slotted home the decisive second-half goal, the roar around the ground wasn’t just about three points, it was about a team that looks every inch a title contender. Salah’s relentless sharpness in front of goal remains unmatched, but it was also the collective belief and tactical cohesion that stood out.

Slot’s impact has been clear from day one, but this victory underlined how quickly his ideas have taken root. The Reds are pressing with intelligence rather than chaos, moving the ball with speed yet patience, and crucially, finding ways to win even when they’re not at their fluent best. The manager’s post-match smile said plenty: this was a grind, but the kind of grind champions master.

More importantly, the result catapulted Liverpool to the top of the table, ahead of faltering rivals. They’re not running away with the league yet, but this was a statement weekend, proof that under new management, they’re evolving without losing their identity. With Manchester City and Arsenal both slipping, Liverpool’s timing couldn’t have been better. Slot’s side look balanced, hungry and, whisper it, capable of going all the way.

Heavyweight Shocks

No one saw it coming: Manchester City, unbeaten in 32 league games, undone by Bournemouth. Pep Guardiola’s side were strangely flat, missing the cutting edge and composure we’ve come to expect. Bournemouth, meanwhile, were superb, compact, disciplined, and ruthless on the counter. Antoine Semenyo and Dominic Solanke caused constant problems, while Neto’s late saves preserved a famous 2-1 win that sent the Vitality Stadium into delirium. City’s defeat wasn’t catastrophic, but it raised eyebrows: have the champions lost a bit of their aura?

Guardiola was pragmatic afterwards, insisting his side would “learn and move on,” but even he admitted that City looked “a yard short” in every department. With Kevin De Bruyne still working his way back to full sharpness and Erling Haaland feeding on scraps, City looked human, a reminder that even the greats need to reset occasionally. The result also breathed new life into the league narrative; the title race suddenly feels less predictable.

Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle compounded the sense of a shifting order. The Gunners were second best for large spells, unable to match Newcastle’s aggression and directness. Alexander Isak’s early strike was enough, and Mikel Arteta’s frustration boiled over in a post-match interview that bordered on combustible. Arsenal still have quality, but doubts linger about their ability to sustain consistency away from home. Between City’s stumble and Arsenal’s misfire, the Premier League’s hierarchy wobbled, and Liverpool happily filled the void.

Surprise Packages

Beyond the title talk, this weekend reminded everyone that the Premier League’s middle pack is as fierce and fascinating as ever. Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 dismantling of West Ham was arguably their best performance since returning to the top flight. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest have developed a sharp, organised edge, pressing high when needed, defending with discipline, and making the most of their attacking talent. Their rise into the top three, even if temporary, highlights just how unpredictable the season has become.

Bournemouth’s win over City wasn’t just an upset; it was validation. Andoni Iraola’s side have quietly improved after a difficult start, combining energetic pressing with clever transitional play. Their win encapsulated the belief that so-called smaller clubs can go toe-to-toe with anyone if they get the details right. The Premier League thrives on these moments, they’re what keep it compelling week after week.

Elsewhere, sides like Aston Villa and Fulham continued to show flashes of ambition and resilience, making the mid-table battle genuinely entertaining. Every week feels like a reshuffle waiting to happen. With the traditional powerhouses wobbling, teams outside the elite sense opportunity, for Europe, for headlines, and for glory of their own. The “mini-league” behind the top four is brimming with energy, and if this weekend was any indication, the season’s surprises are far from over.

Game of the week: Bournemouth 2-1 Manchester City With Arsenal losing and Liverpool salvaging 3 points against Brighton, Manchester City’s loss against Bournemouth could be pivotal as City look off their usual dominant self. Going behind early, they fell 2 down going into the closing stages when a late Gvardiol goal couldn’t save their blushes, but Bournemouth deserve huge credit.

Player of the week: Dominic Solanke With a brace to his name against a tricky Villa side, Solanke made the most of his limited touches. With Solanke looking like a strong acquisition for Spurs, a win like this could help them to have a strong season.