As the Premier League calendar hurtled towards Christmas, Matchweek 17 (15–17 December 2023) delivered plenty of intrigue, even if it lacked a glut of goal fests. The weekend saw title contenders flex their muscles, champions show rare vulnerability, and one of football’s fiercest rivalries end in a tense stalemate. With fixtures piling up and pressure mounting, the significance of small moments and dropped points became clearer than ever.

From Arsenal’s measured win over Brighton, to Manchester City’s frustrating collapse against Crystal Palace, and a low-scoring but highly symbolic clash at Anfield, this round of fixtures offered several narratives that would echo well beyond the weekend itself.

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.

Arsenal’s Challenge

Arsenal’s 2–0 victory over Brighton felt like the kind of win that title challenges are built on. Brighton arrived at the Emirates with a reputation for bold football and giant-killing tendencies, yet Mikel Arteta’s side controlled the contest with maturity and discipline. It wasn’t free-flowing at all times, but it was professional, and that mattered.

Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring with a moment of quality that reflected his growing influence despite not always dominating headlines with goals. Arsenal were patient in possession, pressed intelligently, and limited Brighton’s ability to play through midfield, no small feat against Roberto De Zerbi’s side. The Gunners’ defensive structure, marshalled superbly by William Saliba and Gabriel, ensured chances were scarce for the visitors.

Kai Havertz’s late goal added a layer of reassurance and symbolism. Still a polarising figure among sections of the fanbase at that point, Havertz delivered in a big moment, reinforcing Arteta’s faith in him. It was the kind of contribution that can quietly build confidence over a congested festive period.

Crucially, the result kept Arsenal top of the table after 17 games. While the title race was far from settled, this performance underlined Arsenal’s evolution from an exciting young side into one capable of grinding out results, a trait that often separates challengers from champions.

City’s Late Collapse

Manchester City dropping points at home always feels significant, and their 2–2 draw with Crystal Palace was no exception. For large parts of the match, City appeared comfortable, racing into a 2–0 lead and seemingly on course for a routine victory. Yet football has a habit of punishing complacency.

Palace refused to fold and gradually grew into the game, capitalising on City’s uncharacteristic sloppiness. The late equaliser, a calmly converted penalty, stunned the Etihad and capped off a remarkable comeback. It was another instance in a run of matches where City failed to see games out, something rarely associated with Pep Guardiola’s sides.

Injuries and absences played a role. Without key figures such as Kevin De Bruyne and a fully fit defensive unit, City lacked their usual control in midfield and authority at the back. Rodri’s importance was once again highlighted, when City lose their grip on games, it often coincides with him being isolated or overworked.

While no one was panicking in December, the draw hinted at vulnerability. For a team so accustomed to perfection, these dropped points allowed rivals to sense opportunity, keeping the title race far more open than many had expected at this stage.

Anfield Stalemate

Liverpool vs Manchester United rarely fails to deliver drama, but this 0–0 draw was a contest defined by tension rather than goals. Despite Liverpool’s dominance in possession and territory, United dug deep, producing one of their most resilient defensive performances of the season.

For Liverpool, the frustration was palpable. Chances came and went, with Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez unable to find a breakthrough. Anfield roared, pushed, and urged, but United held firm. At times, it felt like a match Liverpool might replay a hundred times and still not score.

From United’s perspective, the result carried significant psychological weight. Under scrutiny and short on confidence, Erik ten Hag’s side delivered a disciplined, backs-to-the-wall display. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective, and it showed a level of resolve that had been questioned in previous weeks.

While the draw slightly stalled Liverpool’s momentum in the title race, it also reinforced how fine the margins were at the top. As the festive schedule loomed, this fixture served as a reminder that even when the goals dry up, the Premier League’s biggest games still shape the season in subtle but meaningful ways.

Matchday 17 Player of the Week: Lucas Paqueta With a hat-trick of assists to his name, the Brazilian was once again the main creative outlet for West Ham, creating the most chances of anyone on the pitch and a main driving force behind his sides comfortable win.

Matchday 17 Game of the Week: Manchester City 2-2 Crystal Palace With Palace bagging a 95th minute penalty, points were shares in this game which was certainly dominated by the hosts, but the visitors made it tricky and coming back from 2-0 down to level the score, they will feel like they won while City will be left ruing missed chances.

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