The 2022/2023 Premier League season is now into its final 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.

Heartbreak And Joy

As always, the most gripping narrative on the final day centred around the relegation battle, and this year it went right down to the wire. Everton, Leicester City, and Leeds United all entered Matchweek 38 knowing their Premier League futures were at stake, creating an atmosphere thick with tension before a ball was even kicked.

For Everton, the day ended in pure relief. A crucial 1–0 win over Bournemouth at Goodison Park was enough to secure safety, sparking emotional scenes among players, staff, and supporters. After a turbulent season marked by managerial change and inconsistency, survival felt like an achievement in itself, and a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in the Premier League.

Elsewhere, the news was far bleaker. Leicester City, champions just seven years earlier, saw their top-flight stay come to an end despite beating West Ham. Leeds United’s heavy defeat at Tottenham confirmed their relegation too, capping off a chaotic campaign. The contrasting emotions across the grounds underlined why the Premier League’s final day remains unmatched for drama.

Europe Secured

While relegation grabbed the headlines, European qualification was also on the line, particularly in the race for Champions League places. Manchester United’s 2–1 win over Fulham proved decisive, securing third place and confirming their return to Europe’s elite competition under Erik ten Hag.

The result was symbolic of United’s season: not always spectacular, but effective when it mattered. Finishing third represented a strong foundation in Ten Hag’s first year, restoring Champions League football after a difficult previous campaign and offering optimism for the future.

Further down the table, Aston Villa’s surge under Unai Emery reached its reward. Their final-day victory sealed seventh place and qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League, a remarkable turnaround after starting the season near the relegation zone. Villa’s achievement was one of the league’s most impressive stories, showing how quickly momentum can change with the right leadership.

Finale

With the major prizes already decided, several teams used the final day to make statements or provide fitting conclusions to their campaigns. Arsenal’s emphatic 5–0 win over Wolves was a reminder of the attacking brilliance that had driven their unexpected title challenge. Although they fell short of Manchester City, the performance felt like a promise of what could come next season.

Elsewhere, the goals flowed freely, as is often the case on the final weekend. Matches were played with less caution and more freedom, leading to open, entertaining football across the league. Players chased personal milestones, managers experimented, and fans soaked up the last moments of another Premier League year.

As the dust settled on Matchweek 38, the overarching feeling was one of closure. Dreams were realised, hopes were dashed, and storylines were neatly tied together. The final day once again showcased why the Premier League’s conclusion is not just an ending, but an event in its own right.

Matchday 38 Player of the Week: Kamaldeen Sulemana With a brace at home, you would be hoping for 3 points no matter the opponent, but despite the draw for Southampton, their young Ghanaian striker put on a solid showing to make for a dramatic end to the season.

Matchday 38 Game of the Week: Southampton 4-4 Liverpool A game with little on the line on the final day, but a 4-4 draw will always capture the attention. With Liverpool starting quickly, Southampton fought back and looked to be in for a big win on the closing day, until Jota and Gakpo brought Liverpool back into it to share the points.

Let us know over on Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) what you made of the final round of fixtures this season, and what you’ve made of the season overall.