We are flying towards the closing stages of the season now, and after week 24 there has been some more hammerings, some more close clashes and plenty of goals to dig our way through this weekend.

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 Hammer

When Arsenal turned up at the London Stadium, few could have imagined just how ruthless the visitors would be. By half-time, Arsenal were already 4–0 up, a devastating spell punctuated by goals from William Saliba, Bukayo Saka (from the penalty spot), Gabriel Magalhães and Leandro Trossard. The second half brought even more fireworks, with Saka striking again and Declan Rice capping off the rout with a thumping long-range strike to make it 6–0.

For Arsenal, this wasn’t simply a big win, it was a statement. After a patchy spell, doubts had crept in about their title credentials. This performance, their biggest away win in Premier League history, erased those doubts. They dominated every department, from defence to attack, showing they could dismantle top-flight opposition with pace, precision, and panache.

For West Ham, it was a brutal day to forget. They were carved open repeatedly and struggled to offer any resistance. By half-time, the crowd had already sensed the inevitable, and the collapse left them shell-shocked. Defensively and tactically, the Hammers were exposed in a way few expected against a side they had previously held relatively tight.

Beyond the score line, the win reinvigorated Arsenal’s squad and fanbase. In a tight title race, such dominant performances are crucial, they boost morale, strengthen belief, and send a loud message to rivals that Arsenal are a force to be reckoned with. Matches like this can be defining moments in a season.

Big Clubs Deliver

The weekend reminded everyone why the Premier League’s elite teams are so hard to beat. Manchester City, hosting Everton, struggled to find rhythm in the first half, with chances limited and Everton standing firm. But the second half told a different story: Erling Haaland’s brace sealed a 2–0 win and reinforced City’s reputation as a side that can switch gears and dominate when it matters.

Liverpool, meanwhile, faced Burnley at Anfield and delivered a controlled, if not spectacular, 3–1 victory. Goals from Diogo Jota, Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez were enough to secure all three points and maintain momentum at the top of the table. Despite defensive absences and Burnley’s spirited start, Liverpool showed resilience and composure, grinding out a win that kept them in the hunt.

What stood out in both matches was the consistency and depth of the elite clubs. City and Liverpool demonstrated the ability to manage games, adapt when things don’t go their way, and find decisive moments to clinch results. For the chasing pack and mid-table sides, this served as a reminder of the gap between them and the league’s traditional heavyweights.

The takeaway was clear: the top clubs may stumble occasionally, but their ability to consistently deliver in crucial moments is what separates them from the rest. Even when the underdogs show spirit, the quality, depth, and experience of the big teams usually tell in the end.

The Best Of The Rest

Match week 24 also showcased drama beyond the title race, with mid-table clashes and survival battles taking centre stage. Manchester United travelled to Aston Villa and emerged 2–1 victors thanks to a late header from Scott McTominay. United had taken an early lead, but Villa fought back and looked dangerous for much of the second half. It was the resilience and composure of United that ultimately decided the game.

The match highlighted the fine margins for teams outside the top six. While United capitalized on their chances and showed grit, Villa’s attacking threat made the points hard-earned. These kinds of tight, high-stakes matches are often where mid-table teams earn their points and define their seasons.

This win also marked an important moment of confidence for United, a club searching for stability and momentum amid a turbulent season. Games like this can help build character and a winning mentality, proving that they can grind out results even when under pressure.

For other mid-table sides, the weekend illustrated how survival often hinges on taking advantage of opportunities and maintaining consistency. Wins like these can make the difference between comfortable safety, a push for Europe, or an uncomfortable scrap at the bottom of the table. The league’s unforgiving nature was on full display, every point counts.

Matchday 24 Player of the Week: Bukayo Saka While only playing 67 minutes in this clash, his brace helped Arsenal feel completely in control of the game against West Ham, and with a few more minutes on the pitch he may well have bagged a 3rd and given Arsenal an even more commanding result.

Matchday 24 Game of the Week: West Ham United 0-6 Arsenal While a 6-0 hammering might not usually make for the best watch, Arsenal’s fast start as they went 4 up inside of the first 45 minutes made this a great bit of entertainment. They added the remaining 2 in the second half as everyone wanted in on the scoring action.

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