Week 9 has arguably seen the move from early to mid-season in terms of the standings, and with some huge results this weekend, we’ve seen some big clashes, a managerial change and plenty of other drama which again suggests this season could prove to be quite exciting as it progresses.

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.

Big Club Pressure

It was a weekend that underlined just how fragile the storylines around football’s biggest clubs can become. Manchester United suffered a dramatic 2‑1 defeat to West Ham United, conceding a late penalty that sparked widespread debate. The loss exposed the team’s ongoing struggles to turn dominance into points, leaving fans frustrated with missed opportunities and moments of indecision. Pressure on manager Erik ten Hag reached boiling point, highlighting just how thin the margin for error has become at the top of the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Arsenal looked promising for long stretches in their 2‑2 draw at home against Liverpool. They twice took the lead, showcasing attacking flair and creativity, even as injuries to key defenders piled up. The absence of important defensive figures left gaps that Liverpool exploited, reminding us that even the strongest squads need depth to navigate a long season. It was a mixed bag: encouraging in performance, worrying in execution.

The weekend made clear that consistency is the ultimate differentiator. United’s defeat was more than a single poor outing; it was part of a pattern that could have serious implications if not corrected quickly. Arsenal, on the other hand, showed flashes of brilliance but also vulnerability, reinforcing the idea that leading games isn’t enough, you need to close them out.

Ultimately, these results reflect the high-stakes nature of the Premier League. Big clubs are under constant scrutiny, and one lapse can create pressure that lingers far beyond the final whistle. Fans and pundits alike were left asking: who can maintain composure under pressure, and who will crumble?

Emerging Resiliance

Amid the drama, there were also signs of resilience from the league’s top contenders. Liverpool, for instance, twice came from behind to rescue a 2‑2 draw at Arsenal, demonstrating the kind of mental toughness that often distinguishes title challengers. Despite a shaky first half and an unsettled midfield, they found a way to salvage a point, a testament to their quality and experience.

Arsenal’s performance, while ultimately yielding only a draw, also illustrated emerging resilience. They created chances, took the lead twice, and kept the game competitive despite significant injury concerns in defense. This showed that they are not only capable of dominating games but also of responding to setbacks, a key quality for any team aiming for the top of the table.

Yet, the draw also highlighted the fine line between resilience and inconsistency. Maintaining leads and handling pressure situations remains a challenge, even for the league’s strongest sides. It’s these moments, when teams must dig deep to hold onto advantage, that often determine whether a title campaign succeeds or falters.

In essence, resilience is visible, but it’s not enough on its own. For Arsenal and Liverpool, the coming weeks will test whether they can combine skill, depth, and mental fortitude to stay in contention across the full season.

Not The Big 6

One of the most exciting aspects of Week 9 was the impact of smaller clubs. Crystal Palace, for example, secured their first win of the season with a 1‑0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. This breakthrough not only lifted spirits within the squad but also demonstrated that teams outside the traditional “big six” can influence the league standings in meaningful ways.

Other mid-table and lower-ranked sides also made their presence felt. Nottingham Forest beat Leicester City 3‑1, thanks to a standout performance from Chris Wood, while other smaller clubs managed draws or narrow victories that shook up expectations. The standings after nine games were already tight, with surprises in form and goal difference creating a sense of unpredictability that makes the Premier League so compelling.

The success of these underdog teams highlights the competitive depth of the league. Even sides not expected to challenge for European spots or titles are capable of swinging momentum and creating headlines. For fans, it serves as a reminder that every match matters, and no team can be taken lightly.

Ultimately, Week 9 reinforced the idea that unpredictability is a hallmark of English football. The smaller clubs not only earned points but also injected drama and excitement, ensuring that the storylines in the Premier League remain fresh and compelling.

Game of the week: Brentford 4-3 Ipswich Town With 7 goals and a 9th minute winner, this game was chaotic as Ipswich looked strong when they went 2-0 ahead in the 31st minute, but Brentford switched on either side of half-time, and the late Mbeumo winner added a huge boost for Brentford and a massive shame for McKenna’s side.

Player of the week: Bryan Mbeumo With a goal from the spot that put his side 3-2 ahead, and a 96th minute winner to then make it 4-3, Mbeumo and Wissa were on top form and hard to separate this week. Mbeumo takes the award as his late winner made the ultimate difference, but the pair look once again dominant ahead of a long season.