The Premier League 2024/25 campaign has been a rollercoaster, delivering surprises, drama, and a reshuffling of the league hierarchy. As the calendar year comes to a close, Liverpool are marching towards the title, while Manchester City and Manchester United are enduring seasons to forget.
Here are seven key takeaways from a season brimming with unexpected twists:
1. Liverpool Shine Without Klopp
When Jürgen Klopp, the architect of Liverpool’s recent golden era, bid an emotional farewell after nearly nine transformative years, expectations of a title charge plummeted. But under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool have surged back to dominance.
Slot, formerly of Feyenoord, has guided Liverpool to 23 wins in 27 games across all competitions. His tactical brilliance has ensured a perfect Champions League campaign and a place in the League Cup semi-finals.
Mohamed Salah has been the heart of this resurgence, contributing an astonishing 17 goals and 13 assists in just 18 Premier League matches. Despite looming uncertainties over the contracts of Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool remain unstoppable.With a nine-point lead over Arsenal, Liverpool are on track to equal Manchester United’s record of 20 English top-flight titles.
2. Manchester City’s Stunning Decline
From record-breaking champions to mid-table strugglers, Manchester City’s season has unraveled in shocking fashion. Pep Guardiola’s side has won only two of their last 14 games, slipping to sixth place, 14 points behind Liverpool.
The loss of midfield maestro Rodri to a season-ending knee injury has been devastating, while defensive injuries have further crippled the team. Guardiola has admitted the squad needs reinforcements, stating, “In some positions, we need help.”
City now face a battle just to secure Champions League qualification, a remarkable fall for a team that seemed untouchable.
3. Nottingham Forest: The Surprise Package
A year ago, Nottingham Forest narrowly avoided relegation. This season, they’ve transformed into one of the league’s most formidable sides under Nuno Espírito Santo.
Famous victories at Anfield and Old Trafford have fueled Forest’s charge into second place. Their defensive solidity—only Liverpool and Arsenal have conceded fewer goals—has been key, as has the resurgence of striker Chris Wood, who is competing for the Golden Boot.
After a 45-year absence, Forest could be heading back to the Champions League, a testament to their incredible turnaround.
4. Manchester United Hit Rock Bottom
Old Trafford has seen brighter days. Despite a high-profile takeover by Jim Ratcliffe and a revamped sporting structure, Manchester United are languishing in 14th place.
The dismissal of Erik ten Hag and the hiring of Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon have done little to halt the slide. Amorim’s two league wins mark the worst start for a United manager in nearly a century.
United’s struggles at home are glaring, with three consecutive losses at Old Trafford. Once giants of English football, they now face a fight to avoid complete irrelevance.
5. Promoted Sides Face the Drop
The Premier League has always been a tough proving ground for newly promoted teams, but this season highlights a worrying trend. Southampton, Ipswich, and Leicester are rooted to the bottom three, all on course for relegation.
Southampton’s six points from 19 games could set a new low, breaking Derby County’s infamous record from the 2007/08 season. The growing financial disparity between the Premier League and the Championship raises questions about competitiveness and sustainability.
6. Arsenal: The Lone Challenger
While Liverpool dominate, Arsenal have emerged as the most credible challengers. Their consistency and defensive prowess have kept them in the hunt, but a nine-point gap feels insurmountable against a relentless Liverpool side.
Mikel Arteta’s team remains a work in progress, but their resilience suggests brighter days ahead, even if this season doesn’t yield a title.
7. The Underdogs Shine
Beyond Forest, other unexpected contenders have risen. Bournemouth sit sixth, and Fulham hold eighth, capitalizing on the struggles of traditional powerhouses like United and Tottenham.
The unpredictability of this season underscores why the Premier League remains the world’s most captivating football league.
Final Thoughts
The first half of the 2024/25 Premier League season has been anything but ordinary. Liverpool’s resurgence, City’s decline, and Forest’s fairytale run have rewritten expectations. As we enter the second half, one thing is certain: more twists and turns await.
