Top Clubs, Top Challenges: Five Major Talking Points of the English Premier League Season So Far
The 2024/25 Premier League campaign has delivered three months of riveting drama. Due to the league’s popularity, numerous discussions have emerged about various aspects of the competition.
Our guide reviews five major talking points in the Premier League this season. Additionally, we will reveal our expectations for this season. To learn about the best soccer prediction site, visit the EaglePredict platform.
#1 Refereeing Decisions
The Video Assistant Referee system continues to fulfill its primary function yet falls short of expectations. Throughout the 2024/25 campaign, controversial calls and notable oversights have highlighted VAR’s persistent inadequacies. The technology’s inconsistent application has significantly impacted major clubs, creating advantages and setbacks. Let’s examine the most striking examples below.
Controversial Calls
- Kovacic’s handball against Chelsea
VAR decided not to give a penalty to Chelsea. However, should they have awarded the Blues one?
- Savinho’s Challenge against Ipswich
The general opinion is that Ipswich deserved a penalty from Savinho’s foul play in City’s penalty area. However, VAR decided otherwise.
- Dunk’s Handball against Arsenal
The gunners claimed they should have had a penalty. However, VAR had other plans.
- Leandro Trossard’s Second Yellow at Etihad
Despite ignoring similar instances during the game, the on-field referee sent off Trossard due to a delayed restart, which raises concerns about consistency.
- Martinez’s Foul on Kamada
The popular opinion was that the United centerback should have seen a red card. However, VAR deemed the on-field decision for yellow correct instead.
- Van Dijks Challenge on Guehi
The on-field referee and VAR deemed the Liverpool defender’s foul unworthy of a penalty call, which seemed quite controversial at the time.
- Saliba’s Red Card against Bournemouth
The on-pitch referee initially gave a yellow. However, the VAR saw Saliba’s challenge as denying a goal-scoring opportunity. Arsenal fans claim this decision did not match the one for a similar challenge by Adarabioyo against Liverpool in Jota.
#2 Tactical and Coaching Adjustments: A Season of Change
This season, a couple of big teams in the league have been trying to adjust tactically due to leadership changes. However, the extent of struggle is more significant for some than others.
Manchester United’s Search for Stability
The Red Devils have had a turbulent start to this season. Since his arrival, Erik Ten Hag has found it challenging to execute his plans. However, the start to 2024/25 has been the worst in United’s history, leading to the Red Devils firing Erik after game week 9.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy will hold down the fort until newly appointed manager Ruben Amorim arrives after the international break in November. The next few months will undoubtedly be challenging for United.
Chelsea’s Rebuilding Under Maresca
The tricky blues are adjusting quite nicely to Enzo Maresca’s tactics. However, it is yet to be seen how effective these new methods would help Chelsea in the long term. The plan is clear, but the road to ultimate stability will be daunting.
Liverpool’s New Leadership Approach
Nothing has changed at Merseyside since Jurgen Klopp departed from Liverpool. Arne Slot instilled his philosophy while maintaining the club’s core DNA, which Klopp nurtured over seven years. Having only played nine games so far, we do not have enough data to judge Slot and the new Liverpool.
#3 Injuries Testing Squad Depth
A number of the big teams this season have suffered critical injuries to key players. Will these affect their performances in the long run, or will they adapt?
Arsenal’s Key Players on the Sidelines
The Gooners have suffered injury woes to multiple key players this season. This situation has prevented Arsenal from playing their best team in several key games so far. Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ricardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Jurrien Timber have been on the sidelines recently.
If this situation persists, Arteta will find it challenging to compete for top honours. Thankfully, Bukayo Saka is back into the side after an injury scare during the last international break.
Manchester City’s Struggle Without Key Players
Though Manchester City maintains their stride, the absence of three significant players has left a visible void in their ranks. However, Kevin De Bruyne is expected to return from injury in November.
Ballon D’or recipient Rodri will miss the remainder of the campaign after tearing his ACL. Meanwhile, rising star Oscar Bobb’s recovery timeline remains uncertain. Despite this situation, Guardiola has enough options in his squad to deal with these problems.
#4 Consistency Issues Among Top Teams
Many top teams this season have had challenges maintaining performances, either due to injuries or changes in the side. Tottenham, for instance, has not looked the part at all this season.
We can attribute Arsenal’s struggles to injuries and controversial refereeing decisions. Lastly, United’s challenges have been down to inept tactics, indiscipline within the squad, and, soon, a change in leadership.
#5 The Title Race: Liverpool vs. Manchester City
Manchester City will challenge themselves to their fifth league title in a row. With Rodri Hernandez’s injury, there is little doubt whether City will be able to keep winning to secure their title. However, Pep Guardiola has been in a similar situation before and came out on top.
Liverpool looks set to give City a run for their money. Arne Slot will be looking to establish dominance, making it quite challenging for the Manchester Blues to run away with the EPL title again. With Arsenal battling with key injuries, the title race seems to be currently between Man City and the Merseyside Reds.
Conclusion: Key Storylines to Watch for the Rest of the Season
Football, in general, is unpredictable. However, the end of the season is 29 game weeks away. A lot could still happen, be it controversial refereeing decisions, injuries, or manager changes.
Regardless of how the table appears, there is still enough time for all the top clubs in England to turn things around and challenge for the title or, at least, the top four. One thing is sure: clubs and fans will feel the fun and the heat until the end—that is the game!