Gameweek 2 of the 2024/2025 Premier League has ended and the action is beginning to thicken. Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side are chasing a fifth successive title but they have their work extremely cut out for them. After bottling and losing the title for two consecutive seasons, Mikel Arteta and his Gunners are desperate and determined to clear this infamous tag. Almost all the top pundits have shared their thoughts on how the top four race will end and we are also going to do same.
4th Place: Manchester United
Player Quality: Manchester United boasts a squad brimming with talent across the pitch. The attacking prowess of Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Højlund and new signing Joshua Zirkzee gives them a potent edge in the final third. Their midfield, anchored by Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, combines grit with creativity, while the defense, led by Lisandro Martínez, has become a bit more stable under Erik ten Hag’s guidance.
Coach and Philosophy: Erik ten Hag has brought a clear vision to Manchester United, emphasizing control, discipline, and a well-organized defense. His philosophy aims to maintain possession and build attacks patiently, while also being quick to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. Ten Hag’s tactical awareness and ability to manage big games have reinvigorated the Red Devils, making them a threat which can’t be denied.
Tactical Adaptability: Ten Hag has shown a willingness to experiment with different formations, including a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3, depending on the opposition. His tactical flexibility has allowed United to adapt to various challenges, whether breaking down a deep-lying defense or countering a high-pressing team.
Squad Depth: United has a deep squad, which is crucial for a team competing in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions. The presence of experienced players like Christian Eriksen and versatile options such as Jadon Sancho provides ten Hag with the ability to rotate without significantly weakening the team.
Competitions: Manchester United’s involvement in multiple competitions could test their squad’s endurance. However, their motivation to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite should drive them to secure a top-four finish.
3rd Place: Liverpool
Player Quality: Liverpool’s squad is packed with world-class talent, particularly in attack. Mohamed Salah remains one of the most lethal forwards in the world, and the presence of Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota and Luiz Diaz adds different dimensions to their frontline. Their midfield is filled with dynamic superstars like Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, while the defense, led by Virgil van Dijk, is among the best in the league.
Coach and Philosophy: Arne Slot, the Dutch football coach, is known for his progressive and dynamic coaching philosophy, which emphasizes high-intensity pressing, quick ball recovery, and fluid, attacking football. Slot’s approach is rooted in a possession-based style, where his teams focus on controlling the game through short, precise passes and maintaining a high defensive line to keep pressure on the opponent. He encourages players to be versatile and proactive, making quick transitions from defense to attack.
Tactical Adaptability: Arne Slot has utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation in the first two games of the season so far and it remains to be seen whether he’ll tweak it to combat opponents with different profiles as the season progresses.
Squad Depth: The likes of Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott provide additional firepower and creativity, while their defensive backups like Jarell Quansah, Tsimikas, and Konate ensure that injuries to key players like Van Dijk won’t derail their season.
Competitions: Liverpool’s participation in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups will demand a lot from their squad. However, their experience in balancing multiple competitions should see them secure a top-three finish.
2nd Place: Manchester City
Player Quality: Manchester City arguably has the best squad in the Premier League, if not the world. With players like Erling Haaland, who breaks scoring records for fun, and Kevin De Bruyne, one of the finest playmakers in the game, City has unmatched firepower. Their midfield, bolstered by Rodri, Bernardo Silva, the return of Gundogan and the dynamic Phil Foden, offers creativity and control, while their defense, anchored by Ruben Dias and John Stones, is both solid and capable of contributing to the attack.
Coach and Philosophy: Pep Guardiola is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in football history. His philosophy of controlling possession, playing out from the back, and pressing high up the pitch has revolutionized English football. Guardiola’s meticulous attention to detail and ability to evolve his tactics keep Manchester City at the forefront of the game.
Tactical Adaptability: Guardiola’s tactical acumen is second to none. He frequently adjusts his formations and strategies to exploit opponents’ weaknesses, whether it’s using a false nine, inverting full-backs, or deploying a more direct approach when needed. This adaptability is a key reason why City remains so dominant across multiple competitions.
Squad Depth: City’s squad depth is unparalleled. The likes of Jack Grealish, Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol and new signing Savinho, ensure that Guardiola can rotate his team without any drop in quality. This depth is crucial as they compete for trophies on all fronts, including the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups.
Competitions: Manchester City’s involvement in multiple competitions could be seen as a challenge, but they have consistently shown they can handle the pressure. Their success in winning the treble two seasons ago is a testament to their ability to maintain high performance levels across all tournaments. With Guardiola at the helm and a squad full of world-class players, City is the team to beat, and they are likely to secure another Premier League title. However…
Winner: Arsenal
Player Quality: Arsenal has assembled a squad filled with young, talented players who have gained valuable experience over the past few seasons. With a strong attacking line led by Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Martin Ødegaard, the team has the firepower to challenge any defense. Their midfield, strengthened by the presence of Declan Rice and Thomas Partey, offers a blend of creativity and solidity, while their defense, marshaled by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, has become increasingly reliable.
Coach and Philosophy: Mikel Arteta, a disciple of Pep Guardiola, has instilled a philosophy centered around possession-based football, high pressing, and quick transitions. His ability to develop young players and create a cohesive unit has transformed Arsenal into a team capable of competing at the highest level. Arteta’s tactical flexibility and willingness to adapt his approach based on the opponent make Arsenal a dangerous side, especially in tight matches.
Tactical Adaptability: The Gunners have shown they can adjust to different formations and styles of play, whether it’s a more conservative 4-2-3-1 or an aggressive 4-3-3. Their ability to shift tactics mid-game gives them an edge in close encounters, helping them secure crucial points.
Squad Depth: Arsenal has significantly improved their squad depth, which will be crucial as they compete on multiple fronts, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. The addition of Calafiori and the presence of versatile players like Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Zinchenko, Jorginho provides Arteta with more options to rotate and maintain performance levels throughout the season.
Competitions: Their improved squad depth and the hunger to end their league trophy drought should keep them motivated and focused in finally winning the elusive Premier League title.