Heading into the final international break of the year, it couldn’t come at a better time for several sides, while others won’t want to stop their strong form that they’ve been building as week 11 saw Manchester City beaten, Arsenal draw and Liverpool win again. Another packed week of action, with plenty to digest.

As always, in this post we will be picking out 3 of the biggest talking points of the weekend, along with giving out the game of the week and player of the week awards. If we’ve missed something in this post that you saw over the weekend please do get in touch with us on all the usual places (Bluesky @NextGoalWinner – Instagram @NextGoalWin), and if you prefer an audio round up of the action then do check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner) where we post weekly reviews on there of all the key talking points in the Premier League and around Europe.

Liverpool Lead, City Wobble

It was a weekend that shifted the tone of the title race. Liverpool’s 2–0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield saw them open up a five-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table. Goals from Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah capped off a composed performance from Arne Slot’s side, who look increasingly confident in his system. Liverpool didn’t dominate every minute, but they were ruthlessly efficient when it mattered, showing the kind of control and composure that defines potential champions.

Meanwhile, Manchester City suffered a shock 2–1 defeat away to Brighton & Hove Albion. It was the fourth loss in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s team, a rarity in his reign, and a result that left their usually calm demeanour looking slightly frayed. Defensive lapses and uncharacteristic sluggishness in midfield hinted at fatigue or complacency creeping into City’s play.

For Liverpool, this was the perfect weekend: they handled their own business clinically and watched their main rivals stumble. What’s more, they did it with confidence rather than desperation. Slot’s side are playing with freedom, balance, and a growing belief that this could be their year. The momentum now clearly sits with Liverpool, while City find themselves facing the first genuine test of character in their campaign.

First Wins

Down at the other end of the table, Matchweek 11 brought relief for a couple of struggling clubs. Both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ipswich Town finally recorded their first wins of the season, a milestone that took far longer to arrive than either would have liked. For Ipswich, the victory was particularly sweet, coming against a top-half opponent and reminding everyone why they were such a success story in their return to the top flight.

These long-awaited wins underline both the depth and the disparity of the Premier League. It’s not that these sides are incapable; rather, the margins are painfully small. A single missed chance or lapse in concentration can turn a competitive performance into yet another defeat. Getting that first win removes a psychological weight, and sometimes that’s what sparks a revival.

Still, it also highlights the gulf between the top and bottom clubs. While Liverpool and City fight for silverware, the lower sides are still trying to find their footing, often out-muscled by squads with greater depth and experience. Yet, these victories serve as reminders that every team, no matter how far adrift, can rise on their day, and that’s what keeps the Premier League captivating from top to bottom.

Tactical Shifts

Tactically, this weekend offered a fascinating contrast. Brighton’s comeback against Manchester City was a masterclass in adaptation and belief. After going behind to an early City goal, Brighton’s midfield adjustments changed the rhythm of the game. The introduction of Carlos Baleba helped them regain control and push City deeper, allowing their creative players to exploit gaps. The eventual 2–1 turnaround wasn’t luck, it was the product of smart substitutions and bold attacking intent.

Aston Villa, by contrast, were undone by tactical frailties in their loss to Liverpool. Villa matched the league leaders for stretches but struggled to handle Liverpool’s transitions and set-piece routines. The goals they conceded came from lapses in organisation and poor reaction to second balls, small details that can make all the difference at this level. Unai Emery’s side have been excellent at home but inconsistent on the road, and this defeat exposed the weaknesses that still linger beneath their progress.

These two matches captured how finely tuned Premier League football has become. A single substitution, a tweak in shape, or a lost duel can turn a contest on its head. Brighton’s adaptability showed what can happen when a team dares to press the giants; Villa’s loss showed how ruthlessness at the top punishes even small tactical slip-ups. Week 11 was a reminder that in modern football, brains and bravery count just as much as talent.

Game of the week: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Ipswich Town With a 2-0 lead at half-time, a late Spurs attempted comeback wasn’t enough as the visitors picked up their first Premier League win since 2002. ‘It’s been a long time’ according to Kieran McKenna, and it’s hard to disagree.

Player of the week: Bruno Fernandes With Ruud at the wheel, things look better at Old Trafford, and with a goal and assist, captain Bruno Fernandes looked solid once again. While he stands out as a top performer across recent years at United, this showed him at his best.