Matchweek 26 of the 2023/24 Premier League season delivered exactly what late-February football tends to promise: tension at the top, desperation at the bottom, and performances that immediately dominated the conversation. With the title race finely poised and the battle for European spots becoming increasingly crowded, every fixture carried weight. Even clubs marooned in mid-table had something to prove, whether to silence critics, spark a revival, or simply remind everyone of their quality.

Across six days of action, we saw old heroes rediscover form, emerging stars step up again, and struggling giants provide yet more fodder for pundits and fans alike. Whether you were glued to the relegation scrap or had your eyes fixed on the summit, Week 26 provided no shortage of compelling storylines. As the spring run-in approached, the implications of these matches felt bigger than ever, with every point becoming more valuable than the last.

Here are the three biggest talking points from a highly eventful week in the Premier League.

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.

Bowen Bags 3

Jarrod Bowen stole the headlines in Week 26 with a scintillating hat-trick in West Ham’s 4–2 victory over Brentford, his first ever in the Premier League and the first scored by a Hammer at the London Stadium. For a player who had endured a somewhat mixed run of form since the turn of the year, it was a statement performance at exactly the right time. Bowen’s movement, confidence, and finishing all returned in a way that reminded everyone why he has become such a crucial figure for both club and country.

The win itself was arguably even more important for West Ham than the goals were for Bowen. David Moyes had faced mounting pressure following a long winless streak stretching back to late December, and murmurs about fan discontent had been growing louder with each disappointing result. This match didn’t just lift West Ham up the table, it lifted the atmosphere, the mood, and perhaps even the trajectory of their season. It felt like a much-needed reset.

Bowen’s performance also served as a timely reassertion of his quality amid discussions about England’s squad depth for the coming summer. His goals displayed both poacher’s instinct and a willingness to attack space, traits highly valued in international football. It was the kind of performance that reminded fans and pundits alike of his importance in both domestic and national contexts.

Brentford, on the other hand, were left scratching their heads at yet another defensive lapse that cost them valuable points in their battle to avoid slipping closer to the relegation zone. As much as Bowen was superb, the Bees made life far too easy for him. Their defensive frailties were once again laid bare, highlighting the work they must do if they are to survive the season unscathed.

Liverpool Set The Pace

Liverpool’s 4–1 win over Luton at Anfield was one of the standout fixtures of the week, not because it was unexpected, but because it reaffirmed their resilience in the title race. Even without several key players, Jürgen Klopp’s side showed again that their squad depth and relentless energy remain among the strongest in the league. It was the sort of statement victory title contenders need in late February, especially with the pressure mounting from their rivals.

Elsewhere, the traditional heavyweights had a mixed few days that contributed to a fascinating narrative at the top end of the table. Manchester United produced yet another frustrating performance, highlighting the inconsistency that has defined their season. Every time they seem to be building positive momentum, they find a way to stall it, leaving fans wondering if they will ever mount a serious challenge.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, continued their eye-catching campaign with a 4–2 win over Nottingham Forest, reminding everyone they’re genuine European contenders and one of the league’s most entertaining sides. Unai Emery’s men combined attacking flair with structured pressing, two hallmarks of their impressive season. Weeks like this reinforce the idea that Villa aren’t just enjoying a good patch; they’re now a serious top-four challenger.

The contrasting fortunes of these clubs highlighted the increasingly unpredictable nature of the league below the title candidates. While Liverpool marched on, others showed cracks or flashes of brilliance that made the race for Europe and the remaining top-four spots one of the most compelling subplots of the season.

Unexpected Results

Week 26 also delivered its fair share of surprises, particularly in matches involving mid-table and relegation-threatened teams. Aston Villa’s commanding win over Nottingham Forest was one of the week’s more eye-catching results, not just for the scoreline but for how assertively they controlled the game. Forest, who have been fighting to put distance between themselves and the drop zone, were exposed defensively and left Villa Park looking like a team with bigger problems than simply collecting points.

Wolves, meanwhile, secured a hard-earned 1–0 win over Bournemouth in a tight and gritty contest that reflected the fine margins in the bottom half of the table. Bournemouth’s inconsistency re-emerged at the worst possible time, as they failed to build on their improving winter form. Wolves weren’t at their free-flowing best, but their determination and organisation made the difference in a match that could have swung either way.

Across the league, these kinds of results contributed to a growing sense that the gap between mid-table safety and the relegation fight has become extremely thin. Teams like Forest and Bournemouth can’t afford any extended dips, while Wolves and others hovering in that cluster know that a couple of wins can dramatically alter their season outlook. This unpredictability has become one of the defining features of the 2023/24 campaign.

Week 26 served as a reminder that while the title race commands the headlines, the battles lower down are equally compelling and arguably more dramatic. Every slip, every surprise win, and every moment of brilliance has the potential to change the complexion of the league in ways that will only grow more significant as the season approaches its climax.

Matchday 26 Player of the Week: Jarrod Bowen With his opener coming in the 5th minute, followed shortly with the 2nd coming in the 7th minute, he rounded off a hat-trick in the 63rd to make his side comfortably ahead as West Ham pick up their first win of 2024, a much needed performance to pick up some morale.

Matchday 26 Game of the Week: Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle United While a 4-1 win is fairly dominant, we’ve given this as game of the week due to the strong showing from Arsenal, as they have bagged 25 goals in 6 league games thus far in 2024, and only conceded 3 during this period. Title winning form as they push the competition on.

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