Matchday 6 (2023/2024)

Matchday 6 of the Premier League delivered exactly what fans crave: eye-watering score lines, derby chaos and early signs of who meant business at the top of the table. With Europe back in full swing and squads beginning to feel the load, this weekend offered a fascinating snapshot of momentum, vulnerability and ambition across the league. From a historic demolition on Sunday afternoon to a pulsating North London derby, there was no shortage of talking points.
As the table began to take shape, some teams underlined their credentials while others were left searching for answers. Here are the three biggest talking points from a hugely eventful 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.
Newcastle History
Newcastle United didn’t just beat Sheffield United, they obliterated them. Eddie Howe’s side ran riot at Bramall Lane, producing an astonishing 8–0 victory that will live long in Premier League folklore. Remarkably, the goals were shared among eight different players, underlining the depth and collective strength of this Newcastle squad.
From the opening whistle, Newcastle played with intensity, precision and ruthless efficiency. Sheffield United simply couldn’t cope with the visitors’ pace in transition or their movement in the final third. By half-time the game was already beyond doubt, and the second half only deepened the misery for the hosts.
For Newcastle, this felt like a statement after an inconsistent start to the season. With Champions League commitments returning, there had been questions about squad rotation and fatigue. Instead, Howe’s men responded emphatically, reminding the league of their attacking firepower and hunger to compete on multiple fronts.
On the flip side, it was a sobering afternoon for Sheffield United. Defensive frailties were brutally exposed, and the result left them rooted to the bottom of the table. While one heavy defeat doesn’t define a season, the manner of this loss raised serious concerns about their ability to survive at this level.
Derby Chaos
The North London derby rarely disappoints, and this one was no exception. Arsenal and Tottenham played out a breathless 2–2 draw at the Emirates, a match packed with goals, controversy and momentum swings that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.
Tottenham showed real resilience under Ange Postecoglou, twice coming from behind thanks to a clinical Son Heung-min brace. Arsenal, meanwhile, were dominant for spells and created enough chances to win the game, but lapses in concentration proved costly.
The match also highlighted how far Spurs had come in a short space of time. Despite losing Harry Kane in the summer, Tottenham looked organised, brave in possession and tactically fearless, hallmarks of Postecoglou’s philosophy already taking shape.
For Arsenal, this felt like two points dropped rather than one gained. While there were plenty of positives in their attacking play, defensive mistakes and missed chances left Mikel Arteta frustrated. Still, the quality on display from both sides reinforced why this derby remains one of the Premier League’s must-watch fixtures.
City Set Pace
Manchester City continued to look ominously efficient as they maintained their 100% start to the season with a composed 2–0 win over Nottingham Forest. Without several key players, Pep Guardiola’s side once again demonstrated their ability to control games and deliver results with minimal fuss.
While the performance wasn’t flashy, it was professional, the hallmark of champions. City dictated possession, limited Forest’s chances and struck at the right moments, showcasing the depth and adaptability that have made them so dominant in recent years.
Elsewhere among the chasing pack, Liverpool impressed with a strong 3–1 win over West Ham, while Brighton continued their excellent form under Roberto De Zerbi. However, City’s ability to keep winning while rotating and managing injuries sent an early warning to the rest of the league.
Six games in, it was already clear: if anyone wanted to wrestle the title away from Manchester City, perfection, or close to it, would be required.
Matchday 6 Player of the Week: Son Heung-Min In a weekend of big performances, Son Heung-min stood tallest. His two goals at the Emirates showcased his intelligence, movement and deadly finishing, dragging Spurs back into the game twice and earning a crucial point. Leading by example as captain, Son delivered when it mattered most, the mark of a truly elite Premier League forward.
Matchday 6 Game of the Week: Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur While Newcastle’s score line stole headlines, the North London derby was the weekend’s standout spectacle. High quality, relentless intensity and huge emotional swings made it a perfect advert for the Premier League. From Son’s calm finishing to the drama of goals at both ends, this match had everything fans expect from a derby, and more.
Let us know over on Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) what you made of the sixth round of fixtures, and what you’re looking forward to in the next game week.
