2025 Premier League Summary: Liverpool’s title win by luck, Manchester City’s deliberate losses a facade

 

The final round of the Premier League was fiercely competitive, with an astonishing nine teams qualifying for European competitions. Tottenham, who won the Europa League, secured a Champions League spot despite finishing fourth from the bottom in the league. Manchester United’s situation was even more dire. Liverpool clinched the title with several rounds to spare, not due to their brilliance but because of the instability of other teams. Their last title win was similar, capitalizing on the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic when many players were affected, but Liverpool’s squad remained relatively stable, allowing consistent performances to secure the championship. 

This season, veterans like Salah and Van Dijk, facing contract uncertainties and age-related concerns, were motivated to perform at their best to earn renewals, which they achieved. However, this reliance on aging stars highlights Liverpool’s looming transition problem. Depending on veterans isn’t sustainable, and with rivals like Arsenal and Chelsea already successfully transitioning, Liverpool must prioritize long-term development by sacrificing short-term results, integrating younger talent, and allowing a new manager time to rebuild. While this title pleased fans and laid a foundation for reform, the renewals of aging stars suggest Liverpool may be delaying the inevitable.

Arsenal, after five years of rebuilding, have yet to win silverware. Chelsea endured two painful years but are maturing, with a balanced squad age and growing experience. With one or two top-class signings in attack and defense, they could challenge for the title. Their tactical approach is also maturing, making them strong contenders in the future. Manchester City faced pressure from the FA, with rumors of potential expulsion from the Premier League. To reduce external scrutiny, they seemingly employed a deliberate strategy of allowing their form to dip mid-season, losing games unexpectedly to create the illusion of decline. Blame was shifted to Grealish, who was scapegoated and “exiled” to Serie A, despite merely following club instructions as captain. 

Once the FA’s scrutiny subsided, City reinforced their squad and regained form, positioning them as title favorites for next season. If Arsenal, Chelsea, and City perform to their potential, they are the strongest contenders, making Liverpool’s title this season more a product of circumstance than dominance. Chelsea struggled with a blunt attack, Arsenal with injuries, and City with “political” issues mid-season. Without such disruptions next season, Liverpool’s title defense will be extremely challenging, especially with emerging teams like Newcastle and strong mid-table sides.

Klopp’s departure from Liverpool was driven by the immense pressure to win the title annually, only to fall short repeatedly. Despite limited investment, Liverpool lack the absolute strength to dominate consistently, leading to Klopp’s disillusionment. While they capitalized on this season’s chaos, their success isn’t sustainable long-term, especially given their financial constraints in a cash-driven Premier League. A fleeting moment of glory doesn’t equate to lasting success.

Manchester United’s decline stems from the Glazers’ acquisition, which involved financial sleight-of-hand rather than genuine investment. They extracted value from the club during its peak, turning it into a cash machine before selling it for profit, leaving United hollowed out. Subsequent mismanagement and limited finances, coupled with a lack of on-pitch success, have deepened their decline. Hiring Amorim was a risky move—Portuguese managers range from Mourinho’s brilliance to Villas-Boas’ failures. If Amorim persists with rigid tactics, like his insistence on a three-back system, and fails to adapt, United could sink further. The squad is demoralized, and rebuilding while abandoning short-term results is a tough sell. In the Premier League, adaptation is essential—stubbornness leads to failure with no middle ground.

Tottenham’s failure lies entirely with their manager’s approach: all-out attack with no defensive balance. Football isn’t rugby, and their Europa League triumph was built on solid defending, not just attacking flair. Their offensive strength must be paired with defensive improvements for a balanced strategy. Finishing fourth from the bottom proves this point—without change, they could slip further. Tottenham must urgently appoint a new manager to avoid dire consequences.

Next season, the Premier League will likely return to dominance by the traditional “Big Four” or “Big Six,” with maturing teams reasserting control. Newcomers like Newcastle face an uphill battle to break through. The focus will remain on United and Tottenham’s struggles, which add to the Premier League’s intrigue.