Why Are Smaller Clubs Doing So Well in the Premier League?
The 2024/25 Premier League season has been a testament to the unpredictability and competitiveness that we football fans love. Several clubs, traditionally considered mid-tier or smaller, have defied expectations, positioning themselves prominently in the league standings and pushing for European qualification.
EPLNews examines today why these sides are doing so well this season.
Current Standings and Overperforming Clubs
As of today, the Premier League table showcases a remarkable shift from historical norms:
- Liverpool – 70 points
- Arsenal – 58 points
- Nottingham Forest – 54 points
- Chelsea – 49 points
- Manchester City – 48 points
- Newcastle United – 47 points
- Brighton & Hove Albion – 47 points
- Fulham – 45 points
- Aston Villa – 45 points
- AFC Bournemouth – 44 points
Notably, clubs like Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham and Bournemouth have emerged as formidable contenders, challenging the traditional hierarchy of English football.
Strategic Management and Ambitious Ownership
A significant factor in the ascent of these clubs is the strategic vision of their management and the ambition of their ownership. For instance, Nottingham Forest, under the ownership of Evangelos Marinakis, has experienced a renaissance.
Marinakis’s bold prediction that Forest could soon compete in the UEFA Champions League underscores the club’s elevated aspirations. Their current third-place standing, seven points clear of sixth, aligns with this vision.
Similarly, Bournemouth has flourished under the stewardship of American billionaire Bill Foley. Since acquiring the club in December 2022, Foley has implemented infrastructural enhancements, including plans for a new 20,000-seat stadium and state-of-the-art training facilities.
These developments, coupled with strategic player acquisitions, as well as the appointment of Spanish coach Andoni Iraola, have played their part in Bournemouth not too long ago occupying the sixth place in the standings, ahead of traditional powerhouses like Manchester City and Manchester United.
Shrewd Recruitment and Tactical Acumen
The success of these clubs also stems from astute recruitment strategies and tactical innovations. Brentford, for example, has capitalised on set-piece situations, a testament to their meticulous preparation and coaching. Their recent 2-1 victory over Bournemouth highlighted their proficiency in this area, with both goals originating from set plays.
Brighton & Hove Albion have also impressed with their dynamic style of play, blending youth with experience. Their commitment to attacking football has yielded positive results, placing them seventh in the league at the moment. It seems like the appointment of Fabian Hürzeler, the youngest coach in Premier League history, last summer has been something of a masterstroke for the south coast club.
Decline of Traditional Giants
While the rise of smaller clubs is noteworthy, the concurrent struggles of traditional giants have contributed to the reshaped league landscape. Manchester United, for instance, find themselves in the bottom half of the table, a scenario that would have been unthinkable in previous seasons. The same can be said about Tottenham, who, while also playing in the Europa League like United, are having huge problems in the domestic standings.
Similarly, Manchester City has experienced an uncharacteristic dip in form, currently occupying fifth place, which is thanks to a small resurgence in recent matchweeks, as they were even further down the table a couple of months ago.
Financial Prudence and Sustainable Models
Financial sustainability has been a cornerstone of the success for these overperforming clubs. Despite their on-field achievements, clubs like Bournemouth have maintained one of the league’s lowest wage bills, emphasising prudent financial management. This approach ensures long-term stability and avoids the pitfalls associated with reckless spending.
Impact on European Competition
The competitive nature of the league has intensified the race for European spots. With only eight points separating fourth-placed Chelsea from eleventh-placed Brentford, the battle for continental competition is fiercer than ever, especially since there might be more European spots than ever available to English clubs.
This scenario underscores the meritocratic essence of the Premier League, where historical success does not guarantee future performance.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Premier League season epitomises the league’s unpredictability and competitiveness. The remarkable performances of traditionally smaller clubs result from visionary ownership, strategic management, tactical ingenuity, and financial prudence. As these clubs continue to challenge the established order, they enrich the narrative of English football, offering fresh storylines and inspiring future ambitions.