Premier League 2024/25: The Superb, The Shambolic, and the Shock Surprises
The Premier League season delivered drama, despair, and delight. From Liverpool’s title triumph to Manchester United’s meltdown, here’s how Phil McNulty assessed the campaign—from pre-season predictions to end-of-season verdicts.
Liverpool: Champions with Style
Pre-season prediction: 3rd | Final finish: 1st
Liverpool were dominant from start to finish. Arne Slot’s debut season saw them storm to a 20th league title. Mohamed Salah inspired, but every department contributed to their relentless charge. A £125m move for Florian Wirtz could follow.
Arsenal: Promise Without Prizes
Pre-season prediction: 2nd | Final finish: 2nd
Arsenal had a strong season on paper, but silverware eluded them again. Arteta’s fifth trophyless year raises pressure. A lack of a proven striker was costly. Addressing that must be their priority if they’re to finally break through.
Manchester City: Rarely Second Best—But Not This Time
Pre-season prediction: 1st | Final finish: 3rd
City never truly competed for a fifth straight title. Losses in the Champions League and FA Cup stung. Pep Guardiola called the Community Shield a success, but this was a campaign that fell well short of usual standards.
Chelsea: Maresca Defies Critics
Pre-season prediction: 7th | Final finish: 4th
Despite inconsistencies, Enzo Maresca led Chelsea to Champions League qualification. Cole Palmer’s brilliance faded late, but progress was clear. Fans remain cautious about the system, yet a European final and a top-four finish mark solid progress.
Newcastle United: Historic Return to Europe
Pre-season prediction: 9th | Final finish: 5th
Newcastle ended their trophy drought by beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and clinched Champions League qualification. Eddie Howe’s work was outstanding. Keeping Isak and Guimaraes is vital as the club aims to build on success.
Aston Villa: Emery’s Project Progresses
Pre-season prediction: 4th | Final finish: 6th
Villa missed out on back-to-back Champions League qualifications amid controversial final-day drama. Unai Emery remains a class act, and despite an FA Cup no-show, his transformation of Villa continues. With top young talent, the future looks bright.
Nottingham Forest: European Dream Realized
Pre-season prediction: 16th | Final finish: 7th
Forest exceeded all expectations. Under Nuno Espirito Santo, they went from relegation candidates to European qualifiers. Chris Wood shone, Morgan Gibbs-White impressed, and the backline was resolute. More ambition is expected as they enter continental competition.
Brighton: Attractive, Ambitious, and Still Rising
Pre-season prediction: 12th | Final finish: 8th
Fabian Hurzeler’s debut season brought energy and a genuine push for Europe. Brighton’s style remained intense and enjoyable. Though they missed out on continental spots, the club remains one of the league’s best-run and most watchable.
Bournemouth: From Underdogs to Europe Chasers
Pre-season prediction: 14th | Final finish: 9th
Bournemouth flirted with Champions League qualification before fading. Andoni Iraola impressed, while departures of Huijsen and Kerkez signal their growth. Their planning, recruitment, and ambition confirm they’ve outgrown relegation battles and are now top-half mainstays.
Brentford: Punching Above Their Weight—Again
Pre-season prediction: 17th | Final finish: 10th
Thomas Frank’s Brentford continue to outperform expectations. They finished comfortably mid-table, even after losing Ivan Toney. Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa stepped up, and the Bees are proving that smart management can defy the odds.
Fulham: Flashes of Progress Amid Fluctuations
Pre-season prediction: 13th | Final finish: 11th
Marco Silva guided Fulham to a safe finish, although their FA Cup quarter-final exit disappointed. Inconsistency plagued them, but the team continues to build. Tottenham’s rumored interest in Silva could become a major off-season storyline.
Crystal Palace: FA Cup Glory Defines Season
Pre-season prediction: 10th | Final finish: 12th
Palace’s season started in crisis but ended in history. Oliver Glasner’s bold tactics led to their first-ever FA Cup triumph. With attacking flair and young talent, they’re more than just a cup story—they’re a team on the rise.
Everton: A Farewell and a Fresh Start
Pre-season prediction: 11th | Final finish: 13th
Everton’s emotional farewell to Goodison was matched by renewed optimism. David Moyes returned and sparked a late revival. Under new ownership, a major rebuild is coming, but hopes are higher heading into their new riverside home.
West Ham: No Joy, No Progress
Pre-season prediction: 8th | Final finish: 14th
Julen Lopetegui was sacked after just six months. Graham Potter arrived but couldn’t lift West Ham’s form. Jarrod Bowen was the only bright spot in a dour season. Major changes are needed to avoid further decline.
Manchester United: Utter Chaos
Pre-season prediction: 5th | Final finish: 15th
Manchester United were, in McNulty’s words, “an utter shambles.” From Erik ten Hag’s sacking to Ruben Amorim’s lifeless reign, nothing went right. Off-field instability, tactical confusion, and lack of direction have left this once-proud club in disarray.
Wolves: Pereira Lifts Spirits
Pre-season prediction: 15th | Final finish: 16th
Vitor Pereira’s arrival sparked a six-game winning run that saved Wolves from the drop. Matheus Cunha’s likely departure will hurt, but the mood is much improved. Safety was secured early, giving hope for a more stable next season.
Tottenham: Glory Abroad, Misery at Home
Pre-season prediction: 6th | Final finish: 17th
Ange Postecoglou ended Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought with Europa League glory—but their league form was abysmal. The board now faces a dilemma: sack a trophy-winning coach or trust him to fix a team that lost 22 league games.
Leicester City: From Chaos to Relegation
Pre-season prediction: 19th | Final finish: 18th
Managerial turmoil doomed Leicester. Steve Cooper flopped, Ruud van Nistelrooy did worse, and even Jamie Vardy couldn’t save them. The club fell apart on and off the pitch. Fans had every right to demand better. A true fiasco.
Ipswich Town: Out of Depth, But Proud
Pre-season prediction: 20th | Final finish: 19th
Ipswich’s return to the Premier League was too much, but the journey was remarkable. Kieran McKenna’s side lacked top-flight depth, though Liam Delap impressed. With stability and investment, they could mount another charge for promotion next season.
Southampton: Strategy Sinks Saints
Pre-season prediction: 18th | Final finish: 20th
Southampton were doomed early as Russell Martin’s tactics flopped. Ivan Juric offered no salvation. They avoided being the worst team in history, but that’s the only consolation. New boss Will Still has a huge task ahead in the Championship.
Final Verdict: Who Excelled? Who Crumbled?
Superb: Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Brentford
Solid: Chelsea, Brighton, Palace
Shambolic: Manchester United, Tottenham, Leicester City, Southampton
The 2024/25 Premier League season delivered high drama and huge surprises. What comes next promises to be just as compelling.
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