The 2024-2025 Premier League is not a magical year like Leicester City's championship (2016) but there are notable similarities. At that time, Claudio Ranieri's army led the rankings after 22 rounds, taking advantage of the decline of the big teams to win the championship with only 81 points.
This season’s story is shaping up to be a different one. The mid-table clubs in the Premier League are showing considerable strength, creating a new balance in the league.
The big difference from almost a decade ago is the consistent economic growth across the league. According to Deloitte, teams like Aston Villa, Brighton, Fulham and Bournemouth are now among the 30 richest clubs in the world in terms of revenue. Thanks to strong financial resources, these teams are building their squads, investing in tactics and creating surprises against the big guys.
Brighton, despite their injury problems, were superb in their win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Bournemouth also beat Newcastle 4-1 despite a weakened squad due to injury. Andoni Iraola's controlled pressing style and smart recruitment have made the Vitality Stadium side a model for success for clubs rated as average.
Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Bournemouth are all taking advantage of a season where the big clubs are struggling. Liverpool, though far from perfect, are comfortably top of the table. Arsenal, on the other hand, have been inconsistent, dropping points in games they should have won, such as against Aston Villa and Everton.
Other big names like Man City, Man United and Tottenham have all gone through periods of instability. Chelsea are on a journey to regain their identity and class after a spending spree. Meanwhile, Aston Villa are struggling to balance domestic and European competition.
This has opened up opportunities for mid-table teams to prove themselves. Bournemouth have impressed not only with their tactical flexibility but also with the rise of individuals such as Justin Kluivert, who scored two hat-tricks this season. Brighton have continued to assert their position with smart investment strategies and the ability to reinvest record profits.
The rise of mid-table clubs could mean that the Premier League champions no longer need 95 points to be crowned champions. Leicester won the title with 81 points, but since then no team has won the title with less than 86. However, this season has seen a clear division as mid-table clubs have not only strengthened but also brought new excitement to the league.
Matches between mid-table sides are no longer just relegation battles, they have become high-profile clashes. From Bournemouth with their modern pressing strategy, Brighton with their smart recruitment model to Nottingham Forest with their effective off-the-ball play, each team brings its own unique story, enriching the identity of the Premier League.
This is a good sign not only for the fans but also for the future of the tournament, where every team has the opportunity to shine and prove their worth. They are no longer just challengers but are gradually asserting themselves as factors that cannot be ignored in the overall picture of the most attractive football tournament on the planet.
