The 2022/2023 Premier League season is now into its thirty-sixth 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.

Arsenal Falter

The biggest talking point of the weekend came at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal’s title challenge suffered a major blow. A 3–0 home defeat to Brighton wasn’t just a loss, it was a sobering reality check. Arsenal looked flat, short of ideas, and ultimately outplayed by a Brighton side brimming with confidence and clarity under Roberto De Zerbi.

Brighton controlled possession, pressed intelligently, and exposed Arsenal’s growing nervousness. Goals from Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav and Pervis Estupiñán reflected the gulf in composure between the two sides. For Arsenal, the defeat felt symbolic of a team that had carried the title race admirably but was now buckling under the weight of expectation.

Meanwhile, Manchester City quietly went about their business, knowing the pressure was firmly off them. With a game in hand and a growing points cushion, Pep Guardiola’s side suddenly needed very little to get over the line. The momentum had fully swung, and this weekend made it clear the title was City’s to lose.

By full time on Sunday, the sense was unmistakable: Arsenal’s challenge had run out of steam, and City were cruising toward yet another Premier League crown. Matchweek 36 didn’t mathematically end the title race, but emotionally and psychologically, it felt decisive.

Relegation Fight

At the other end of the table, survival was the overriding concern, and Elland Road delivered drama once again. Leeds United’s 2–2 draw with Newcastle United may not have been perfect, but it was priceless. Twice behind, Leeds showed grit and desperation, the kind that often defines relegation battles.

Patrick Bamford’s early penalty and a late strike from Rasmus Kristensen ensured Leeds stayed alive, even if they remained in the bottom three. The atmosphere was tense, frantic, and emotionally charged, exactly what you’d expect with so much on the line. Every challenge, every clearance, every chance was met with roars or groans from a crowd fully invested in their club’s fate.

For Newcastle, it was a frustrating afternoon. Dropped points against a struggling side slightly dented their Champions League ambitions, but the real story belonged to Leeds. The draw kept them within touching distance of safety and ensured the relegation battle would go right down to the wire.

As Matchweek 36 ended, the picture at the bottom remained congested and unpredictable. Leeds, Leicester, Everton and Nottingham Forest were all locked in a nerve-shredding scrap, and this weekend underlined just how fine the margins were between survival and the drop.

European Race

While the title and relegation battles grabbed headlines, the fight for European qualification was just as compelling. Aston Villa’s 2–1 victory over Tottenham was arguably one of the standout results of the weekend. Unai Emery’s side were organised, fearless, and ruthless, exposing Spurs’ defensive fragility and keeping their Europa League dreams alive.

Villa Park was bouncing as goals from Jacob Ramsey and Douglas Luiz rewarded Villa’s bold approach. The win highlighted just how remarkable Villa’s transformation had been under Emery, from relegation worries earlier in the season to genuine European contenders by mid-May.

Manchester United also took a big step toward Champions League qualification with a 2–0 win over Wolves at Old Trafford. Goals from Anthony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho steadied the ship after some inconsistent results, giving Erik ten Hag’s side breathing space over Liverpool and Brighton in the top-four race.

As the dust settled on Matchweek 36, the race for Europe was finely poised. Positions were tightening, pressure was rising, and every point now felt golden. With only two rounds left, the margins were slim, and this weekend ensured the battle for continental football would be one of the season’s defining finales.

Matchday 36 Player of the Week: Ilkay Gundogan With Arsenal slipping up again, Gundogan took control as captain for City, bagging a brace and assist as they cruised to victory over Everton to all-but claim the title.

Matchday 36 Game of the Week: Arsenal 0-3 Brighton Not many would have predicted this score line with Arsenal still having a chance at the title, but that looks as good as gone after this defeat at home to Brighton, who are ending their season in style.

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