As we enter December, the footballing calendar is braced to hit full-gear, as the non-stop domestic action continues throughout the festive period. In week 13, we saw the start of this busy spell, as Liverpool extended their dominance while Arsenal remain chasers. We also saw the relegation candidates struggle again, and plenty of goals across the weekend.

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.

Title Race

The fixture between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, 1 December, was billed as a potential title decider — and it largely lived up to the hype. Liverpool produced a commanding 2‑0 victory, with Cody Gakpo opening the scoring in the 12th minute and Mohamed Salah converting a penalty late in the second half. The win extended Liverpool’s lead at the top to nine points, putting them a full eleven points ahead of the reigning champions, Manchester City.

What made this result even more significant was the manner of Liverpool’s performance. They controlled possession, pressed intelligently, and neutralized City’s usual attacking threat. For a team chasing a record-equalling fifth Premier League title, such dominance this early sends a clear message: Liverpool are serious contenders and perhaps favorites.

Conversely, Manchester City’s display highlighted cracks in their usually near-impenetrable setup. Their defence looked unsettled, and their attacking cohesion was noticeably absent. While the season is far from over, City now face a steep uphill battle to mount a credible title challenge, and this result could mark a psychological turning point in the race.

For fans and pundits alike, Liverpool’s performance reinforced the narrative that they are not just leading the league — they are setting the pace, and every other contender will have to raise their game significantly to keep up.

Arsenal’s Attack

Arsenal’s 5‑2 demolition of West Ham United away on Saturday, 30 November, was a spectacle that underlined their ambitions this season. The Gunners raced into a 4‑0 lead within the first 36 minutes, with further dominance ensuring a fifth goal before half-time. This emphatic win propelled Arsenal into second place in the league, signaling that they are no longer just hopeful contenders but genuine challengers for the top spots.

The standout element was Arsenal’s attacking cohesion. Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard orchestrated play beautifully, combining pace, creativity, and precision to dismantle West Ham’s defence. The team’s fluidity, sharp transitions, and ruthless finishing painted a picture of a squad evolving under Mikel Arteta’s guidance. It was not just a win; it was a statement.

This result also reshaped the chase for the title and European spots. With Liverpool asserting themselves at the summit and Manchester City faltering, Arsenal’s position as the main pursuer has become more pronounced. Their form suggests that they can not only challenge for the title but also influence the strategies and momentum of the teams around them.

For supporters, the win confirmed that Arsenal have the firepower and tactical discipline to remain in the top tier of the Premier League this season, providing thrilling attacking football while maintaining consistency in results.

Emerging Challengers

Week 13 wasn’t just about the top two; it also highlighted teams outside the traditional title race making waves. Chelsea, for instance, delivered a convincing 3‑0 victory over Aston Villa, with goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernández, and Cole Palmer. This win moved Chelsea into third place, alongside Arsenal, showing that they are serious contenders for the top European spots.

Chelsea’s performance showcased the emergence of young talent combined with tactical flexibility. Their ability to dominate possession, exploit Villa’s defensive gaps, and finish clinically indicates that the club is rediscovering the consistency needed to challenge for silverware. It also highlighted that the Premier League’s middle and upper tiers are becoming increasingly competitive, with multiple teams capable of influencing the standings.

Beyond the top six, mid-table teams also delivered surprises, making the league more unpredictable week by week. Emerging players, strategic shifts, and tactical adaptability are shaping a season where the fight for Europe, and even the battle against relegation, is proving just as compelling as the title race.

For fans, this week was a reminder that the Premier League’s depth is one of its greatest strengths. Even outside the headline battles, each match carries significance, producing unexpected results and narratives that keep the season engaging from top to bottom.

Game of the week: West Ham United 2-5 Arsenal Some might think the Liverpool-City clash was a bit more exciting, but to see 7 goals in one half of football, this game is surely worthy of game of the week. A huge first half, and then essentially nothing for the second 45.

Player of the week: Justin Kluivert With a record breaking hattrick, all from the penalty spot, it’s been a big week for the Dutchman. With Bournemouth claiming a big victory, I think Kluivert has secured his role as the penalty taker for life.