Premier League 2024/25: Looking at the teams upsetting the balance

The phrase “there are no easy games in the Premier League” doesn’t exist without reason, and It has been clearly visible in the 2024/25 Premier League season, with teams like Nottingham Forest, Brentford, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Fulham punching above their weight.

For context, the gap between third place and eleventh place in the league table is a mere three points, with four teams on 19 points, the next three on 18 points, and the two after those on 16; it indeed is that tight in the top half of the table right now. 

Here, we take a look at these sides that have upset the balance and how they have impacted the 2024/25 Premier League table thus far. 

Forest on fire

Nottingham Forest have been on fire this season. After barely scraping through to avoid relegation last term, they have been a team transformed under manager Nuno Espírito Santo.

Forest are the only team to have beaten league leaders Liverpool away at Anfield. They are currently fifth in the league with 18 points from 11 games; they managed only 32 points in total last season.

Their defensive solidity sets Forest apart this season compared to what they had last time out. Add to that their quick transitions under Espírito Santo and one can see why they are a threat now.

The back line of Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, and Ola Aina has proven exceptional so far, not giving the opposition attackers any leeway. The wingers, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga, provide the pace, guile, and assists from the wide areas, and Chris Wood has been sensational in front of goal.

All in all, Forest are a team not to be taken lightly this season and possess the tactics and firepower to hurt anyone. We can’t say whether they will be able sustain these performances for the entire season and dream big of getting Champions League football, but they have certainly started with a bang. 

The Seagulls are soaring

There was a lot of speculation about Brighton potentially struggling this season under a new, young manager in Fabian Hürzeler, but they have proved everyone wrong. And it’s not like the Seagulls weren’t a difficult team to play against before the 31-year-old’s arrival, as they’re set up by a very well-run club with one of the best scouting and recruitment units in the league.

Hürzeler’s Brighton in the initial games played a very aggressive brand of football with a high line that was prone to conceding many goals if the offside trap failed. This was evident in their game away at Chelsea, where they shipped five goals and looked far too open. They have changed their tactics since then, however, and now look more solid.

Up front, Brighton boast the likes of Kaoru Mitoma, João Pedro, Evan Ferguson, and Simon Adingra, all of whom have been crucial helping the team go toe-to-toe against the top teams; they shared the spoils with Arsenal at the Emirates and recently beat Man City at home.

Brighton are currently seventh in the table. It would be quite an achievement if they manage to secure European football for next season. 

Also read: Premier League 2024/25: 5 worst summer signings

The Cottagers revelling in elite company

Fulham have shown a lot of improvement under Marco Silva, who has at his disposal a decent squad filled with a very talented forward line in Adama Traoré, Andreas Pereira, Raúl Jiménez, Alex Iwobi, Rodrigo Muniz, and Harry Wilson. The addition of Emile Smith Rowe has also just added that bit of missing flair in the team and has proven to be an incredible move so far.

Fulham’s home performances have been exceptional. They have lost only one game at Craven Cottage and scored some noticeable away wins too. Currently seventh in the table and separated from the top four by a point, the Cottagers’ performance against Man City at the Etihad was a heartening one despite their 3-2 defeat as their attacking intent and bravery going forward at the home of the defending champions was a refreshing change compared to most other sides that choose to sit back and defend.

Fulham have also shown great mentality in games where they have gone behind; their comeback wins showcase their never-give-up spirit. They have been strong and consistent so far and are unlikely to be a sure-shot three points for any opposition. 

The Bees have a sting

Brentford were a dangerous team last season as well with their attacking and attractive game under Thomas Frank. This time round, however, they have added a certain mental toughness to their game and are not deterred by going behind.

The Bees have started the season well and are sitting on 16 points from 11 games, just three points off top four. They have two deadly forwards in Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbuemo, who are a threat for any opposition. Add to that their decent players in midfield and defence, with Mark Flekken a reassuring presence in goal, and Brentford prove pushovers for no side.

Brentford are a physical side and really dangerous on set-pieces, and they duly have a brilliant home record to show for their efforts.

The Cherries are toppling the giants

Bournemouth have improved vastly since bringing in Andoni Iraola as their manager last season. In his very first season in the English topflight, the Spaniard led the Cherries to their highest-ever Premier League points total.

And Bournemouth continue to impress. They upset Arsenal and Man City in succession, thus establishing their giant-killing credentials. They play in a 4-3-3/4-3-2-1 setup with focus on quick ball recoveries and transitions leading to counters.

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has been a major threat with important goals. They have more promising players in Evanilson, Justin Kluivert, Luis Sinisterra, and Marcus Tavernier. Centre-back Marcos Senesi and left-back Milos Kerkez have also been sensational this season.

Under Iraola, Bournemouth have firmly established themselves as a very difficult opposition away from home, and it will take an exceptional performance to take three points off them for any Premier League side in the 2024/25 season.