Midseason Review: Liverpool on Course for Premier League Title as City and United Struggle
As we approach the end of 2024, the Premier League title race is heating up with Liverpool leading the pack, while Manchester City and Manchester United are facing challenging times.
This season has been full of surprises, with Nottingham Forest making a remarkable surge to second place in the standings, leaving traditional powerhouses like United and Tottenham languishing in the lower half of the table.
Five Key Insights at the Midpoint of the 2024/25 Season:
Liverpool’s Success Without Klopp
Following Jurgen Klopp’s emotional departure after almost a decade at the helm, Liverpool fans were apprehensive about the team’s prospects. However, under new manager Arne Slot, the Reds have been in sensational form, winning 23 out of 27 matches and maintaining a perfect record in the Champions League.
Star player Mohamed Salah has been instrumental with 17 goals and 13 assists in the Premier League, propelling Liverpool to the top of the table. Despite contract uncertainties surrounding key players, including Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool is firmly on course to equal Manchester United’s record of 20 English league titles.
City’s Decline
Manchester City, the reigning champions, have struggled this season, with just two wins in their last 14 matches. Manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that their chances of securing a fifth consecutive title are slim, as they currently sit in sixth place, 14 points adrift of the leaders.
The absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri due to injury and a depleted defensive line have been major factors in City’s decline. Guardiola has hinted at the need for reinforcements to revive their season and maintain their Champions League qualification streak.
Forest’s Surprise Run
Nottingham Forest has been the surprise package of the season, going from narrowly avoiding relegation last year to challenging for a top-four finish under manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Victories against top teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have showcased their credentials, with striker Chris Wood among the top scorers in the league.
With solid defensive performances and a potent attacking lineup, Forest are aiming for a return to the Champions League after a 45-year absence, alongside other unexpected contenders like Bournemouth and Fulham.
Man Utd’s Struggles Continue
Manchester United’s woes have deepened this season, with the club languishing in 14th place after a poor start under new manager Ruben Amorim. Despite significant changes behind the scenes, including a new sporting structure and high-profile signings, United have failed to deliver on the pitch.
Four consecutive defeats and a string of underwhelming performances have raised concerns among fans, with the team closer to the relegation zone than the top four. United’s decline marks a stark contrast to their glory days and highlights the need for a major overhaul.
Promoted Teams in Trouble
After all three promoted teams were relegated last season, a similar scenario seems likely this year, with Southampton, Ipswich, and Leicester battling to avoid the drop. The widening gap between the Premier League and the Championship has raised questions about the sustainability of newly promoted clubs in the top flight.
Southampton’s struggles, in particular, have set them on course to break unwanted records for the lowest points tally in Premier League history, underscoring the challenges faced by promoted sides in a highly competitive league.
As the 2024/25 season reaches its midpoint, the Premier League continues to deliver drama and surprises, with Liverpool leading the title race and traditional giants facing unexpected challenges. With the race for European spots heating up and the relegation battle intensifying, the second half of the season promises more excitement and intrigue.
