Premier League Matchday 23 Review 2026: Surprises & Key Results

Matchday 23 Review: Drama, Goals, and Upsets in the Premier League 2026

Matchday 23 of the Premier League 2026 delivered everything fans love about football — tense contests, big surprises, and results that shook up the standings. A total of 19 goals across 10 matches ensured plenty of drama, with teams jostling for crucial points as the season approaches its final stretch. From narrow escapes to stunning setbacks, the round had it all.

Our Prediction Scorecard

The round proved challenging for our prediction model, particularly in the 1X2 market where we only managed a 30% accuracy rate (3 out of 10 correct). However, there was redemption in the Over/Under markets, with a solid 70% accuracy on total goals, while BTTS (Both Teams to Score) calls landed at 50%. Here's the breakdown:

• 1X2: 3 correct out of 10 (30%)
• Over/Under 2.5 goals: 7 correct out of 10 (70%)
• BTTS: 5 correct out of 10 (50%)

Let’s dive into the key moments and surprises of the round.

Most Notable Results

Welayta Dicha 3-1 Sidama Bunna: Leaders Stumble

Few anticipated Sidama Bunna, the league leaders, to falter so decisively against mid-table Welayta Dicha. Our prediction leaned towards an away win (38% confidence), but Welayta had other plans, producing a clinical attacking performance that stunned their visitors. Key goals from Elias Worku and a brace from Tesfaye Kassa proved too much for Sidama Bunna, who found themselves chasing shadows for much of the game. Despite the loss, Sidama holds onto the top spot, though their lead has narrowed to just four points, keeping the title race alive.

Sheger Ketema 1-0 Kedus Giorgis: Slim Margins, Big Impact

Sheger Ketema pulled off a gritty 1-0 win in a match that defied our predictions, which favored Kedus Giorgis (37%). A solitary goal late in the second half from Abiy Solomon was enough to seal the three points for Sheger. The victory provides a significant morale boost for Sheger, who remain outside the top eight but showed they’re capable of upsetting one of the league’s most iconic clubs.

Mebrat Hayl 2-1 Ethiopia Bunna: Late Drama

Mebrat Hayl produced one of the round’s most dramatic finishes, overturning our draw prediction (33%) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ethiopia Bunna. The match reached boiling point late in the second half when Mebrat’s Samuel Tilahun scored the decisive goal after a sharp counterattack. This result boosts Mebrat Hayl’s chances of a top-four finish, as they leapfrog rivals Fasil Ketema on goal difference.

Biggest Surprises

Our predictions were most off-target in matches where confident picks crumbled. Two standout disappointments:

• Sidama Bunna’s loss: With league leaders Sidama Bunna boasting one of the best defensive records, a stumble against Welayta Dicha was unexpected. Welayta’s attacking intensity exposed Sidama’s weaknesses, turning our prediction for an away win (38%) upside down.
• Suhul Shire 1-1 Fasil Ketema: Fasil Ketema, sitting on equal points with Mebrat Hayl, were heavily backed (42% confidence) for an away win. Instead, Suhul Shire showed resilience, holding a stronger opponent to a 1-1 draw and frustrating Fasil’s momentum.

Best Calls

While our 1X2 accuracy left room for improvement, some predictions hit the mark:

• Bahardar 0-0 Negelle Arsi: We correctly anticipated a low-scoring draw (confidence 31%) between two sides known for their defensive setups.
• Awassa Kenema 1-0 Mekelle Kenema: Our prediction for an Awassa victory (40%) was spot on, as a goal from Edom Girma secured a crucial three points. Awassa's win positions them firmly in third place.

Standings Impact

Matchday 23 reshuffled the top eight as teams battled for key positions:

• Sidama Bunna: Despite their loss, they hold onto the top spot with 42 points but now have Negelle Arsi and Awassa Kenema closing the gap.
• Negelle Arsi: A goalless draw against Bahardar leaves them in second, four points off the summit.
• Awassa Kenema: Their narrow win against Mekelle Kenema puts them within five points of the top, reigniting their title hopes.
• Mebrat Hayl and Fasil Ketema: Both are tied at 34 points, but Mebrat Hayl’s victory gives them a slight edge on goal difference.

With 23 rounds played, the league’s middle pack remains competitive, and the fight for continental qualification spots is heating up.

Looking Ahead

The Premier League resumes with Matchday 24 next week, promising another round of intense action. Sidama Bunna will be desperate to bounce back, while teams like Awassa Kenema and Negelle Arsi will look to further close the gap at the top. With just seven rounds remaining, every point matters as the title race and relegation battles unfold. Can Sidama recover their form, or will the chasing pack apply more pressure?

Stay tuned for more twists and turns!