With the dust settling on the January transfer window and the hectic months of football seen in December/January, round 24 saw dominant results take centre stage. Forest made up for their defeat last time out in some style, while Everton, and Arsenal picked up big wins.

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.

Arsenal’s Statement Win

When Arsenal rolled out a 5–1 demolition of defending champions Manchester City at the Emirates on 2 February, the Premier League title race suddenly felt wide open. The Gunners opened the scoring early through Martin Ødegaard, and though City responded via Erling Haaland’s equaliser, Arsenal quickly regained control. Goals from Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz, and Ethan Nwaneri compounded the damage, leaving the visitors shell-shocked. It was the kind of emphatic statement that immediately sets the tone for the title race.

What made this result so eye-catching was Arsenal’s overall performance. The team played with swagger, variety, and precision in attack, exploiting every weakness in City’s usually impervious setup. City appeared unusually off the pace, struggling to handle Arsenal’s pressing game and transitions. Defensively they looked exposed, and once Arsenal gained momentum, there was little they could do to stop the flow of goals.

Psychologically, the impact was enormous. Arsenal trimmed the gap to the league leaders and showed they could dominate one of Europe’s elite teams on a big stage. This victory not only boosts the squad’s confidence but also signals to the rest of the league that Arsenal are genuine title contenders. Meanwhile, City must now reassess their campaign and question how they can respond to this setback.

The match also highlighted Mikel Arteta’s tactical acumen. From pressing triggers to quick switches of play, Arsenal executed a plan that was both flexible and decisive. In short, it wasn’t just a win, it was a statement of intent, and one that will reverberate across the Premier League for weeks to come.

Forest Bounce Back

One week after suffering a heavy 0–5 defeat to Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest roared back with an astonishing 7–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the City Ground on 1 February. It was a performance that felt almost cathartic for the club, sending a clear signal that last week’s loss was an anomaly. From the first whistle, Forest played with pace, confidence, and relentless attacking intent.

The goals came in waves. An early own goal by Brighton’s Lewis Dunk set the tone, followed by a header from Morgan Gibbs-White. Chris Wood then completed a hat-trick, including a penalty, underlining his importance as the team’s talisman. Beyond the individual brilliance, it was the collective fluidity and precision that stood out, Forest looked sharp in transition, clinical in finishing, and disciplined in maintaining pressure.

This victory had immediate implications in the league table, cementing Forest’s position among the top contenders and proving they are capable of challenging for European qualification. It also sent a warning to the rest of the Premier League: this is a team that cannot be underestimated, capable of devastating opponents when firing on all cylinders.

For Brighton, the defeat was a sobering experience. It highlighted tactical vulnerabilities and mental lapses that need addressing quickly. Forest’s performance was a perfect counterbalance to the disappointment of the previous week and showcased the resilience and fighting spirit that could define their season.

Top 4 Battles

Beyond the headline-grabbing results, Week 24 saw the top-four race become even more intense. Arsenal’s win over City and Forest’s resurgence shook up the standings, while Chelsea’s narrow 2–1 victory over West Ham provided a timely lift for the Blues in their bid to stay in the European race. With only a few points separating third from sixth, every match now carries heightened significance.

This week underscored the volatility of the Premier League. Teams that had looked secure at the top suddenly found themselves under pressure, while clubs battling for European spots sensed an opportunity. Every result has the potential to shift momentum dramatically, meaning teams cannot afford complacency. The league’s tight margins are forcing managers to focus on both tactical execution and squad psychology.

In short, Week 24 wasn’t just about stunning wins, it was a reminder that the Premier League is a relentless competition where momentum, psychology, and strategic planning all intersect. For players, managers, and fans alike, the drama and stakes only intensified as the season approached its decisive stages.

Game of the week: Nottingham Forest 7-0 Brighton & Hove Albion While again a dominant display like this doesn’t always suggest the best contest, the switch from losing 5-0 last time out, to beating a fairly solid Brighton side shows the unpredictability of the Premier League, and surely helps recover the momentum lost in the last game week.

Player of the week: Chris Wood After having a blistering first half of the campaign, it remained to be seen if Chris Wood could continue his early form, but leading the way as he bagged 3 of Forest’s 7 goals against Brighton, suggests that he and they may well be on for a solid end to the campaign which could result in the Champions League qualification.