Matchday 23

The 2022/2023 Premier League season is now into its twenty-third game week, and the entertainment continues to be relentless and thoroughly enjoyable.
As a result, we will be breaking down each round of fixtures by picking out 3 of the biggest talking points, covering the biggest results, goals and general talking points from the week. We then will round off by picking our player of the week and game of the week based on what we saw in that round of games.
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.
Leicester Beat Spurs
If there was a headline grabber of the weekend, it had to be Leicester City’s incredible 4–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the King Power Stadium. Spurs initially looked to have the upper hand, opening the scoring and briefly giving fans hope for a controlled performance. However, Leicester’s response was emphatic and emphatically stylish. Goals from Nampalys Mendy, James Maddison, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Harvey Barnes completely turned the game on its head, leaving Antonio Conte’s side shell-shocked.
The performance was more than just a win; it was a statement. Leicester demonstrated that they could mix technical quality with tactical nous to dismantle a team that had been pushing for the Champions League. For Tottenham, the result was a jarring reminder that form in the Premier League can be fleeting, even for clubs with world-class talent. Supporters were left questioning whether Spurs’ top-four ambitions were slipping away, while Leicester enjoyed a well-earned morale boost that could be a turning point in their mid-table campaign.
Fans and pundits alike were quick to praise Leicester’s attacking cohesion and defensive resilience. The way they absorbed Spurs’ early pressure before striking back with ruthless efficiency showcased a team that is comfortable taking the game to anyone on their day. This result will undoubtedly go down as one of the standout performances of Leicester’s season and a weekend shock that reshaped expectations.
Mid-Table Draws
While Leicester stole the headlines, another story quietly unfolded across several fixtures: a spate of draws that reinforced just how competitive the Premier League has become. Matches like West Ham’s 1–1 draw with Chelsea, Arsenal’s 1–1 with Brentford, and Crystal Palace holding Brighton to a similar score line showed that even teams chasing higher table positions weren’t guaranteed easy victories. Each match featured moments of attacking flair, but ultimately defensive discipline and missed opportunities led to stalemates.
These draws are more than just numbers on the table, they underscore the league’s depth and balance. Teams are increasingly capable of frustrating their rivals, even when the stars might favour one side on paper. From Bournemouth’s 1–1 tie with Newcastle to other hard-fought matches, the weekend offered a reminder that every point is hard-earned in England. For midtable teams, these shared spoils could have lasting implications for relegation battles or pushes toward European qualification.
Moreover, these stalemates created an interesting ripple effect on the league standings. While the title contenders and top-four hopefuls jostled for dominance, the congested midtable became even more unpredictable. Fans watching from home might have cringed at the defensive scrappiness in some matches, but the tension and uncertainty kept the Premier League’s signature drama alive and kicking.
Key Results
Finally, beyond shock results and draws, the weekend also saw some of the Premier League’s top teams asserting their dominance. Manchester United’s 2–0 victory over Leeds was a statement of intent, keeping them firmly in the race for a Champions League spot. Meanwhile, Manchester City continued to flex their title credentials with a 3–1 win against Aston Villa, blending fluid attacking play with the kind of defensive organization that has made them perennial contenders. Liverpool’s 2–0 triumph over Everton in the Merseyside derby ensured their campaign stayed on track, and it reinforced their ability to deliver in high-stakes matches.
These results highlighted the contrast between the league’s elite and the midtable turbulence. While Leicester and the draw-heavy matches offered unpredictability, the performances of City, United, and Liverpool reminded fans why these clubs are constantly mentioned in conversations about titles and Europe. Individual brilliance, tactical discipline, and depth in the squad were all on display, making Week 23 a weekend that had something for every football fan, whether you love shock results, tense draws, or dominant displays from the big clubs.
In short, Week 23 of the 2022/23 Premier League season captured the essence of English football: unpredictable, dramatic, and utterly captivating. Between Leicester’s statement win, a flurry of hard-fought draws, and commanding performances from the top sides, it was a weekend that left fans talking and eagerly anticipating the next round of fixtures.
Matchday 23 Player of the Week: James Maddison With a goal and assist, it was a real captains performance from Maddison as he lead the line well in the absence of Vardy. With a huge effort to turn things around, he showed real quality.
Matchday 23 Game of the Week: Leicester City 4-1 Tottenham Hotspur A result seemingly from nowhere as Spurs look lost, and Leicester capitalised, coming from behind to clinch a huge victory and 3 points.
Let us know over on Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) what you made of the twenty-third round of fixtures, and what you’re looking forward to in the next game week.
