As we near the end of February, the season is heading full steam into the final third of the division, and things at either end of the table are looking more and more inevitable, but not yet confirmed. Liverpool picked up a huge win that many believe will be enough to secure the title, while the 3 likely relegated sides all suffered big defeats.

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.

Title Momentum

Liverpool’s 2–0 victory away at Manchester City was the defining moment of the weekend, and possibly of the season. Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai struck in the first half to silence the Etihad and send Liverpool 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League. It was a disciplined, mature performance that balanced defensive structure with ruthless finishing, the kind of display title winners produce in crunch moments.

What made this result even more remarkable was how little of the ball Liverpool needed. They had just 34% possession, their lowest in a Premier League win, yet completely dictated the terms of the match. City looked unusually blunt, unable to find rhythm or break through Liverpool’s compact defensive shape. Every Liverpool counterattack felt threatening, and Salah in particular looked rejuvenated after his return from injury.

For Arne Slot, it was a tactical masterclass. His side blended the intensity of the Klopp era with a cooler, more measured control. The win didn’t just extend Liverpool’s lead, it shifted the psychological balance of the title race. Pep Guardiola’s City suddenly looked human, while Liverpool looked unstoppable. If there was ever a weekend that marked a passing of the torch, this felt like it.

Arsenal Stumble

A day before Liverpool’s triumph, Arsenal suffered a gut-wrenching 1–0 defeat to West Ham at the Emirates Stadium. Jarrod Bowen’s first-half header proved decisive as the Hammers executed a disciplined, well-drilled game plan to perfection. It was a result that ended Arsenal’s 15-match unbeaten league run and left them trailing the leaders by eight points — a significant dent to their title aspirations.

This was one of those matches where Arsenal had all the ball but none of the incision. Despite dominating possession and territory, Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to create clear chances. Injuries to key attacking players had thinned their options, and the creativity that once flowed freely seemed to dry up under West Ham’s pressure. Bowen’s goal came from a simple but effective set-piece routine, a moment that highlighted Arsenal’s vulnerability at both ends.

For West Ham, it was a statement win that hinted at the steady progress under Graham Potter. They were organized, patient, and clinical when it mattered most. For Arsenal, it was a timely reality check. After a long unbeaten run, the loss exposed how narrow the margins are at the top. In a title race defined by fine details, this slip could prove costly.

Battles Throughout The Table

While Liverpool and Arsenal grabbed most of the headlines, matchweek 26 was just as eventful elsewhere. The so-called “big six” didn’t have it all their own way, and several outsiders took full advantage. Aston Villa continued their impressive campaign with a 2–1 win over Chelsea, reinforcing their European ambitions. Tottenham and Manchester United both dropped points in winnable games, keeping the race for Champions League qualification wide open.

The results reflected the unpredictable nature of this season. Teams like Villa, Newcastle, and even Wolves have been punching above their weight, while traditional powers continue to fluctuate between brilliance and inconsistency. Every week, the middle of the table looks more like a battleground than a comfort zone.

What this weekend underlined was how the Premier League’s hierarchy continues to blur. The notion of a fixed “big six” feels increasingly outdated, especially when clubs like Villa and West Ham are consistently taking points from the elite. As the run-in approaches, those chasing Europe or fighting for survival are proving that reputation alone counts for nothing. In this season’s Premier League, anyone can beat anyone, and matchweek 26 was the perfect reminder.

Game of the week: Newcastle United 4-3 Nottingham Forest With Newcastle hunting down Forest among others in their hunt for Champions League football, this big win will prove valuable, and after a first half turnaround that saw the hosts go from 1-0 down to 4-1 up at half-time, a late comeback attempt from the visitors wasn’t enough as Isak and Newcastle showed their quality.

Player of the week: Alexander Isak After a brace that puts huge pressure on the Champions League placed sides with Newcastle hunting them down, Isak’s efforts was hugely pivotal for the final run in for the placings this season, and his impeccable form this season continues.