Every Premier League Club’s 2024/25 Season So Far Evaluated

• The first seven games of the Premier League season have brought major upsets.
• Manchester United is enduring their worst-ever season start, while Chelsea is showing remarkable strength.
• Each Premier League club has been assessed and categorised from “excellent” to “terrible” based on their early-season performances.

As we are now well into the second international break of the 2024-25 Premier League season, fans are reflecting on what the opening weeks have revealed about their teams. From the first seven matches, teams have outlined their title ambitions, their aims for European football, and, for some managers, an increased risk of getting the sack.

Football is heavily influenced by momentum, and the narratives formed in these early stages may look drastically different in a few months. For now, however, EPLNews has ranked every team from “excellent” to “terrible” based mostly on how they have performed relative to pre-season expectations.

So let’s have a look at the Premier League clubs ranked according to their performances this season.

Excellent

Liverpool

Only one team has landed in the top category, and it’s hard to argue against Liverpool’s exceptional start under Arne Slot. Many thought it would take time for the Dutchman to settle in following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, yet the Reds currently top the table with just one stumble against Nottingham Forest.

With players like Luis Diaz showing a renewed sharpness and Ryan Gravenberch emerging as a true world-class talent, Liverpool looks as close to title contenders as they did during Klopp’s peak years. This success not only ramps up pressure on Slot but also underscores the club’s patience in appointing the right manager.

Impressive So Far

Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brighton, Fulham

Despite high standards, both Manchester City and Arsenal find themselves just shy of excellence, as perfection was required for a top rating. Given they had to face each other, a flawless record was impossible for at least one. Still, both teams are keeping Liverpool on their toes.

Chelsea has seen a stunning turnaround compared to recent seasons. Under Enzo Maresca, the team is a strong contender for the Champions League, though tougher tests await. Aston Villa and Brighton, recent European participants, are currently occupying Europa League spots. Managers Unai Emery and Fabian Hurzeler should be pleased with these early achievements but remain hungry for even greater success.

Marco Silva has quietly guided Fulham to an impressive 8th place, a position the club would be delighted to secure by the season’s end.

Respectable

Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Brentford, Leicester City

With last season’s injury woes behind them, Newcastle has made a stable, if unremarkable, start under Eddie Howe. Their single loss matches Liverpool’s record, but three draws, including against Bournemouth and Everton, have hindered their climb up the table.

Nottingham Forest, initially seen as relegation candidates, have proven to be formidable under Nuno Espirito Santo. The team has taken points from top sides like Chelsea, Brighton, and Liverpool, landing them a mid-table spot. Brentford, despite losing Ivan Toney, have managed to find success in scoring early goals under Thomas Frank.

Leicester City, against the odds, have shown resilience. Missing promotion-winning manager Maresca, Steve Cooper has done a commendable job with the resources at hand, keeping the Foxes competitive.

Needs Improvement

Tottenham, West Ham, Bournemouth, Everton, Ipswich Town

Ange Postecoglou’s description of Tottenham’s 3-2 loss to Brighton as his most embarrassing defeat speaks volumes. The match encapsulates Spurs’ season: moments of dominance mixed with complete disarray.

West Ham supporters called for David Moyes’ exit well before he left last season. Julen Lopetegui, his successor, has encountered growing pains, with the Hammers appearing disjointed at times. Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, set a high standard last season and are now feeling the weight of those expectations. Everton, however, have improved recently, lifting pressure off Sean Dyche.

Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League has been rough, but simply staying out of the relegation zone is a minor victory. However, a winless record indicates room for improvement in the months ahead.

Terrible

Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Wolves

Despite last season’s rocky start, Manchester United’s current run under Erik ten Hag is even worse, marking their worst start in Premier League history. With just two wins, relegation, while unlikely, feels less inconceivable.

Crystal Palace, now managed by Oliver Glasner, is struggling to find its identity. Southampton and Wolves, both with just a single point, are languishing at the bottom of the table, needing significant improvement to avoid a relegation battle.