Premier League Matchweek 22 Recap

Last night, Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton wrapped up Matchweek 22 of the English Premier League. After another eventful round filled with surprises and changes in the standings, let’s take a look at the teams and rankings just past the midway point of the season.

Liverpool Hold Firm at the Top

Heading into a tricky away fixture at Brentford, Arne Slot’s side remained first in the league but flirted with dropping points for much of the match, giving their title rivals a glimmer of hope. However, stoppage time had other plans. Despite firing over 30 shots, Liverpool struggled to break down Brentford’s defensive block. It was substitute Darwin Núñez, introduced around the hour mark, who turned the game on its head. The Uruguayan striker, assisted first by Trent Alexander-Arnold, broke the deadlock in the 91st minute before doubling his tally two minutes later with a goal set up by Harvey Elliott. These were Núñez’s third and fourth goals of the season, as he continues to fight for a starting spot, with Luis Díaz now preferred in a central role.

Nottingham Forest Keep Dreaming

With standout talents like Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Murillo, unexpected top performers such as Ola Aina, Matz Sels, and Chris Wood, and a squad fully committed both defensively and offensively, Nottingham Forest find themselves in an astonishing third place—defying preseason expectations that had them battling relegation. As each matchweek passes, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side edges closer to securing a European spot, with Champions League qualification now a realistic ambition. Their latest victory, a 3-2 triumph over Southampton, has given them a four-point cushion over fourth-placed Chelsea.

Tottenham’s Struggles Continue

Conversely, Spurs remain in freefall. Plagued by injuries, particularly in defense, they are now winless in six league matches, suffering three consecutive defeats and languishing in a shocking 15th place. Of their five defensive starters (four defenders and the goalkeeper), four are sidelined for several more weeks, leaving only right-back Pedro Porro available.

While these absences are significant—especially with Yves Bissouma also injured—manager Ange Postecoglou must take some responsibility. Stand-ins like Archie Gray, Ben Davies, and Djed Spence offer different qualities compared to Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, and Micky van de Ven, yet the Australian coach remains rigid in his tactical approach, showing little adaptability. With just one win in their last ten league matches—against the bottom-placed team—and a narrow FA Cup extra-time victory over fifth-tier Tamworth, Postecoglou could soon find himself under increasing pressure.

Other Results

Elsewhere, Manchester City climbed to fifth place after a dominant 6-0 win over Ipswich, featuring a second consecutive brace from Phil Foden, who finally looks to be hitting form. Arsenal remain second but were frustrated after surrendering a 2-0 lead in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Newcastle, in sixth, saw their winning streak snapped by Bournemouth, who are now seventh and unbeaten in ten matches.

Chelsea’s victory over Wolves marked their return to the top four and ended a five-match league winless streak. In mid-table, Brighton (9th) continued their solid form with a win over Manchester United, who remain a disappointing 13th. Crystal Palace (12th) extended their good run with a victory against West Ham, pushing the Hammers down to 14th. Fulham, now 10th, got back to winning ways against Leicester, who have slumped to 19th with seven straight defeats.

At the bottom, Southampton, with just six points from 22 matches, seem all but relegated—especially after their young star Tyler Dibling suffered a long-term injury.