In Matchday 21, after the FA Cup action had the previous weekends focus, we are back to Premier League action. With some big results and close encounters, the games offered plenty of drama and a few shifts through the standings as the season now heads full steam to the close.

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Liverpool Reassert Themselves

Liverpool visited Bournemouth and made a statement of intent, sweeping the Cherries aside 4–0 in a display that looked almost effortless. After a cautious first half with few clear chances, the floodgates opened after the break. Darwin Núñez broke the deadlock early in the second half, and Diogo Jota followed with two quick goals that effectively ended the contest. Núñez then capped the rout with a second goal in stoppage time, rounding off a devastating away performance.

What made the performance remarkable wasn’t just the scoreline — it was the context. Liverpool were missing several key players, yet the squad’s depth shone through. Their second-half control and clinical finishing showed that they are capable of dominating even when not at full strength. The combination of Núñez and Jota in attack was particularly lethal, and their movement and finishing made it seem almost inevitable that Liverpool would score at will once the first breakthrough came.

The wider significance of this result cannot be overstated. With the win, Liverpool extended their unbeaten league run and moved five points clear at the top, sending a clear message to the rest of the league: they are not merely contenders, they are the team to beat. In a season where consistency has been rare among the top clubs, this kind of dominant away display gave their title challenge a boost in both confidence and credibility.

Beyond the points, the performance had a psychological effect on the league. Rivals saw Liverpool’s ruthlessness and realized that dropping points in even one game could leave them playing catch-up. The result was a reminder that the Reds are built not only to compete but to dominate, and that their pursuit of the Premier League title is far from over.

Arsenal Dominate

Two days before Liverpool’s show, Arsenal lit up the weekend with a stunning 5–0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates. From the first whistle, the Gunners looked sharp, fluid, and in total control. Their aerial threat was apparent immediately, with the first goal coming from a pinpoint header off a corner. Arsenal doubled the lead soon after, exploiting Palace’s defensive frailties and showing precision in attack.

The second half brought even more dominance. Leandro Trossard added a third with a cool finish following a swift counter-attack, while Gabriel Martinelli capped the rout with two late goals after coming off the bench. It wasn’t just a win, it was a statement. After a period of struggling to score consistently, Arsenal looked unstoppable, showing that when firing on all cylinders, they can trouble any defence in the league.

Beyond the scoreline, the result restored confidence throughout the club. Players, staff, and fans could all take a collective breath: Arsenal’s attacking prowess was back, and their position near the top of the table suddenly felt more secure. Momentum is vital in a title race, and this emphatic win gave the team a tangible boost in morale heading into a busy run of fixtures.

Another key aspect was Arsenal’s effectiveness from set pieces. The two early goals highlighted their preparation and execution, with aerial dominance proving decisive. It reminded everyone that sometimes it’s the small, well-practiced details that make the difference in a title challenge, and Arsenal seemed ready to capitalize on them.

Mid-Season Congestion

That two-week period also highlighted the gruelling nature of mid-season football, with congested fixtures and tight margins producing plenty of drama. While Liverpool and Arsenal grabbed headlines with dominant wins, several other teams were embroiled in closely fought contests. Narrow victories and draws dominated the landscape, with teams fighting tooth and nail for every point.

A prime example was Manchester United’s 2–2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. United twice took the lead, only for Spurs to claw back both times, leaving both teams frustrated. Similarly, Chelsea edged past Fulham 1–0 in a match where they controlled possession but struggled to break down a stubborn defense. These results captured the essence of the Premier League mid-season: nothing comes easily, and even strong teams must grind for points.

This mix of tight matches and scrappy outcomes underlined just how valuable emphatic wins like Liverpool’s and Arsenal’s can be. While many teams are left battling for minor gains, those who can dominate decisively gain both points and momentum, putting them in a stronger position for the title or European spots.

In short, the mid-season window illustrated the league’s dual nature: it rewards depth, ruthlessness, and composure while punishing inconsistency. Teams that manage the fixture congestion effectively can rise above the chaos, while others must navigate the uncertainty with resilience, knowing that every point, and every goal, matters more than ever.

Matchday 21 Player of the Week: Diogo Jota With a brace and assist in his efforts, Jota put in a strong performance leading the Liverpool line. While Bournemouth put up little in terms of a response, Jota and Liverpool looked on top form as they cruised to victory.

Matchday 21 Game of the Week: Newcastle United 2-3 Manchester City With another dramatic clash involving Newcastle, in which the hosts came out short once again, it was a 91st minute winner for youngster Oscar Bobb who helped City claim a big win as they came from behind with a solid second half performance.

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