Matchday 7 of the Premier League delivered everything fans crave: shock results, controversial moments, and performances that shifted early-season narratives. Played across the weekend of 30 September to 2 October 2023, it felt like the first round where the league table began to take real shape. Title contenders stumbled, underdogs roared, and individual brilliance lit up grounds across England.

From a refereeing storm in north London to a goal-fest in Birmingham and a rare off-day for the champions, this was a weekend that will be remembered as one of the defining early checkpoints of the season.

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.

Controversy

Tottenham’s 2–1 win over Liverpool will forever be remembered less for the score line and more for the chaos surrounding it. The match was played at an incredible tempo, but it quickly became engulfed by refereeing controversy following the disallowed goal by Luis Díaz. A VAR communication error led to a legitimate Liverpool goal being incorrectly ruled out for offside, an incident that sparked outrage and debate across the footballing world.

Liverpool’s frustration only deepened as they were reduced to nine men following red cards for Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota. Despite the adversity, Jürgen Klopp’s side showed immense resilience, defending bravely and even threatening on the counter with limited numbers. It was a performance that drew admiration despite the eventual defeat.

Tottenham, to their credit, kept pushing. Ange Postecoglou’s side maintained their attacking principles and were eventually rewarded deep into stoppage time when Joel Matip turned the ball into his own net. The dramatic winner sent the home crowd into raptures but did little to quiet the wider debate about officiating standards.

In the aftermath, PGMOL issued a rare public apology, acknowledging the VAR mistake. The match became a flashpoint in ongoing discussions about technology, communication, and transparency in officiating, ensuring this game would be talked about long after the final whistle.

Villa Demolish Brighton

If Tottenham vs Liverpool was about controversy, Aston Villa’s 6–1 demolition of Brighton was all about dominance. Unai Emery’s side produced one of the performances of the season, completely overwhelming a Brighton team that had impressed neutrals with their style and consistency.

Ollie Watkins was the star of the show, scoring a sensational hat-trick and tormenting Brighton’s defence with relentless movement and clinical finishing. Villa’s pressing was aggressive, their passing sharp, and their transitions devastating. It was a masterclass in how to dismantle a possession-based side.

For Brighton, the defeat was a harsh reminder of the demands of juggling domestic and European football. Roberto De Zerbi’s side looked leg-weary and uncharacteristically vulnerable, particularly in transition. While they continued to play brave football, Villa punished every mistake with ruthless efficiency.

The result firmly announced Aston Villa as genuine contenders for the European places. It wasn’t just the score line that impressed, but the control, structure, and confidence with which Villa played, a clear reflection of Emery’s growing influence at Villa Park.

Wolves Stun City

Manchester City’s 2–1 defeat at Wolves was arguably the biggest shock of the weekend. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession as expected, but football’s golden rule, goals win games, came back to bite them. Wolves defended superbly, showed belief, and capitalised on City’s rare inefficiency.

An unfortunate Ruben Dias own goal gave Wolves the lead, and while Julián Álvarez pulled City level with a stunning free-kick, Wolves refused to retreat. Instead, they continued to break with purpose and courage, eventually scoring a deserved winner through Hwang Hee-chan.

The match highlighted a rare vulnerability in City’s squad. With Rodri suspended, their usual control in midfield was noticeably absent. Wolves exploited the spaces brilliantly, showing that even the champions can be unsettled with the right mix of discipline and bravery.

For Wolves, it was a landmark victory, one that boosted confidence and reinforced their reputation as giant-killers. For City, it served as an early reminder that the title race would be anything but straightforward.

Matchday 7 Player of the Week: Ollie Watkins There was no more decisive individual performance than Ollie Watkins’ hat-trick against Brighton. The striker was unplayable, sharp in the box, tireless off the ball, and devastatingly efficient when chances came his way. Beyond the goals, Watkins’ all-round play embodied Aston Villa’s performance: confident, aggressive, and cohesive. On a weekend full of headlines, Watkins made sure the loudest talking point came from his finishing.

Matchday 7 Game of the Week: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Liverpool Despite fierce competition, Tottenham vs Liverpool takes the crown as Game of the Week. The match had everything: pace, drama, controversy, red cards, late goals, and a moment that dominated football discourse for days. Even as a neutral, it was impossible to look away. While the officiating overshadowed the football, the intensity and emotion on display captured exactly why the Premier League remains so compelling. Love it or loathe it, this was a match that defined the weekend.

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