The Premier League 2024–25 campaign delivered everything fans have come to expect; and then some. With just a few games left, this season has already served up a compelling mix of tactical evolution, surprise success stories, and the end of long-standing droughts. From managerial masterclasses to unexpected title chases and dramatic comebacks, this season will go down as one of the most memorable in recent years.
In this review, we spotlight the standout teams that redefined expectations and left a lasting mark on English football.
Champions Reimagined: Liverpool’s New Dawn Under Arne Slot
Few transitions in modern football have been as seamless, or as successful, as Liverpool’s post-Klopp evolution. When Arne Slot stepped in to replace the legendary Jürgen Klopp, expectations were measured. But within months, Slot had reenergized a squad and led them to their 20th league title, reclaiming domestic dominance in emphatic fashion.
Slot introduced a controlled, high-intelligence 4-2-4 system that traded Klopp’s chaos for composure. Liverpool’s off-ball shape shifted to a more structured 4-4-2, allowing the Reds to press with purpose rather than panic.
Mohamed Salah enjoyed a renaissance, tallying an incredible 27 goals and 18 assists. Behind him, Gravenberch, Van Dijk, and Konaté provided the stability that defined Liverpool’s tactical rebirth.Despite disappointments in the Champions League and domestic cups, Slot’s men secured the league with a dominant 5–1 victory over Spurs in April, proving that a new era at Anfield has well and truly begun.
Nottingham Forest: From Relegation Fears to European Dreams
One of the season’s biggest turnarounds came from Nottingham Forest, a club many had written off before a ball was kicked. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest have evolved into a cohesive, counter-attacking machine capable of punching above their weight.
Built around a compact low block and lethal transitions, Forest’s system has flourished thanks to the revitalized Chris Wood, who netted 18 league goals, and the pacey wing play of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Elanga, in particular, has looked reborn, offering end-product and flair on the flank.
Morgan Gibbs-White has been pivotal in midfield, dictating tempo and unlocking defenses, while the backline of Murillo and Milenković held firm during key fixtures. With few fixtures remaining and a potential top-five finish on the cards, having already qualified for Europe, Forest’s ascent under Nuno stands as one of the season’s most compelling stories.
Brentford: From Underdogs to European Contenders
Brentford FC proved that smart planning and tactical clarity can produce extraordinary results. Under Thomas Frank, the Bees are on course to achieve a club-record eighth-place finish. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have been exceptional, each scoring 18 league goals and forming one of the Premier League’s most lethal strike partnerships.
Brentford also lead the league in aerial duels and headed goals, scoring 13 headed goals. The Bees also set a club record for five straight away wins during the season. Their resilience and identity made them one of the most enjoyable teams to watch this season. With Frank in the running for Manager of the Season and multiple players hitting double digits in goals, Brentford’s trajectory is unmistakably upward.
Newcastle: Ending the Wait, Building the Future
After decades of near misses and mid-table mediocrity, Newcastle finally had their breakthrough. Under Eddie Howe, the Magpies are not only holding on to a top-three finish but also lifted their first domestic trophy in 70 years by winning the Carabao Cup.
Leading the line was Alexander Isak, whose 27 goals across competitions included a vital strike in the cup final win over Liverpool. Bruno Guimarães, now captain, orchestrated play with poise and lifted silverware in what became a defining moment for the club.
Howe’s tactics, based on intensity, press resistance, and fast transitions, fueled a remarkable mid-season run of seven wins in nine games, propelling Newcastle back into Champions League contention. With the club now boasting squad depth and a clear identity, The Magpies are no longer a rebuilding project, they’re a force.
Bournemouth: The Quiet Climbers
While big clubs made headlines, Bournemouth quietly broke their own records under the guidance of Andoni Iraola. Known for high-energy football and vertical attacks, the Cherries will finish the season with their best-ever Premier League points tally, still having games left to play.
Breakout star Dean Huijsen showed composure beyond his years, anchoring a defense that grew more resolute with every match. In attack, Evanilson, Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert provided versatility and goals, giving Iraola’s side the firepower to challenge mid-table norms, flirting with European qualification. A spirited FA Cup run to the quarter-finals added another feather to Bournemouth’s cap, as the south coast side announced themselves as more than just survivors.
Aston Villa: Emery’s Tactical Evolution
Unai Emery continued his impressive work at Aston Villa, guiding the club to the brink of a second consecutive Champions League qualification, a once unthinkable feat. Their resilience was best showcased in their Champions League quarter-final second leg, where they turned a 2–0 deficit into a stunning 3–2 win over PSG, only to be eliminated on aggregate. Still, the fight they showed has become a hallmark of Emery’s reign
Central to their success was striker Ollie Watkins, who became the club’s all-time leading Premier League scorer with 75 goals, while smart rotation and squad depth kept them competitive on multiple fronts. Villa’s consistency and commitment suggest that this isn’t a fleeting peak, but part of a long-term vision coming to life.
A Season of Unexpected Triumphs
This season proved why the Premier League remains the most thrilling league in football. From Liverpool’s tactical reinvention to Nottingham Forest’s fairytale rise, and Brentford’s remarkable journey to Newcastle’s long-awaited silverware, every chapter told a new story.
Established powerhouses reinvented themselves. Historic underdogs found their voice. And a new wave of managers and players reshaped the league’s balance of power. The Premier League 2024–25 campaign reminded us all: in the Premier League, expect the unexpected.
Read also: Largest and smallest Premier League Stadiums: 2024/25 Season
