In Week 28 of the season, with 10 rounds of fixtures remaining, Liverpool looked to have fully stamped their name on the title as most expect, as Arsenal and City stumble in their away clashes. Meanwhile, battles for European places were shaken up given results throughout the league.

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.

Top VS Bottom

Liverpool’s 3–1 victory over Southampton on 8 March 2025 saw them extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to 16 points. The match was a testament to their resilience, as they came from behind to secure all three points. Southampton took the lead early in the second half, but Darwin Núñez equalized shortly after, and Mohamed Salah scored twice, both from the penalty spot, to seal the win.

This commanding performance underscored Liverpool’s dominance in the league. With Arsenal drawing against Manchester United the following day, the Reds’ position at the summit appeared increasingly unassailable. The victory not only bolstered their title aspirations but also highlighted the depth and quality of their squad.

Manager Jürgen Klopp’s tactical acumen was evident as he made key substitutions that shifted the momentum in Liverpool’s favor. The team’s ability to maintain composure under pressure and execute their game plan effectively was a hallmark of their season. As the business end of the campaign approached, Liverpool’s form suggested they were well on their way to securing another league title.

The match also marked a significant milestone for Mohamed Salah, who moved level with Sergio Agüero on 184 Premier League goals, further cementing his legacy as one of the league’s all-time greats.

Forest’s Surprise

In a match that had significant implications for the top-four race, Nottingham Forest secured a 1–0 home win against Manchester City on 8 March 2025. Callum Hudson-Odoi was the hero, scoring the only goal of the game in the 83rd minute, capitalizing on a precise cross from Morgan Gibbs-White.

The victory was a testament to Forest’s tactical discipline and resilience. Despite having less possession and fewer shots on target than City, they managed to capitalize on their limited opportunities, showcasing the effectiveness of their counter-attacking strategy. This win propelled Forest into third place, strengthening their bid for a Champions League spot.

For Manchester City, the defeat was a blow to their aspirations of securing a top-four finish. The loss highlighted concerns over their consistency, with the team failing to break down a well-organized Forest defense. Manager Pep Guardiola would have been disappointed with the lack of cutting edge in the final third, as City struggled to convert possession into clear goal-scoring opportunities.

This result also underscored the unpredictability of the Premier League, where even the top teams can be upended by determined underdogs. Nottingham Forest’s performance served as a reminder that in football, tactical discipline and clinical finishing can often outweigh sheer possession and star power.

Arsenal Halted

Arsenal’s 1–1 draw against Manchester United on 9 March 2025 dealt a significant blow to their Premier League title aspirations. Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for United with a free-kick, and although Declan Rice equalized for Arsenal in the second half, the Gunners were unable to find a winner.

The draw left Arsenal trailing Liverpool by a substantial margin, with their attacking play lacking the fluency and incisiveness that had characterized their earlier performances. Injuries and fatigue appeared to have taken their toll, as the team struggled to break down United’s defence. Manager Mikel Arteta would have been frustrated by the missed opportunities and the inability to capitalize on Liverpool’s slip-ups.

This result also highlighted the competitive nature of the Premier League, where even the most consistent teams can falter under pressure. For Arsenal, the focus would now shift to regaining momentum and ensuring they secure a top-four finish, with the Champions League qualification at stake.

The match at Old Trafford served as a reminder that in the Premier League, every point is crucial, and even a single dropped point can have significant ramifications in the title race. Arsenal’s response in the coming weeks would be critical in determining the outcome of their season.

Game of the week: Liverpool 3-1 Southampton While 1st vs 20th might not have been the most exciting clash on paper, the need for Liverpool to come from behind to edge closer to confirming their place as champions made this clash intriguing and exciting where other games played out more as a stalemate.

Player of the week: Mo Salah As mentioned previously, Liverpool’s comeback made their crowning almost inevitable, and Salah was key to this, having scored in the 54th and 88th minute both from the spot, but showing the composure expected from the talismanic figure.