The Premier League has now played 15 rounds, so how does this season compare to the last? And what’s caught everyone by surprise? Personally, I think there are 7 major surprises so far.
1. Liverpool’s Revival
Who would’ve thought Liverpool, in their post-Klopp era, would be thriving under Slot? They’ve topped both the Premier League and Champions League tables. In Europe, they’ve won all six group stage games, conceding just one goal. Domestically, they sit first with a game in hand, holding onto the top spot for six consecutive weeks. Slot has transformed Gravenberch into a dominant defensive midfielder while Salah continues to shine. With almost no big signings in the summer, it’s incredible how Slot has turned Liverpool into a title contenders.
2. Manchester City’s Dip
City always has a slump at some point in the season, but who expected it to drag on for over a month? Without Rodri, they’ve struggled to recover. Their squad looks older, Haaland seems isolated up front, and after 15 rounds, they’re only fourth in the table. When they’ll climb back up to challenge Liverpool remains a mystery.
3. Chelsea’s Unexpected Form
Chelsea in second place? That’s a shocker. Their coach, Maresca, had no prior Premier League experience but has turned the Blues into an attacking machine. Across 23 games in all competitions, they’ve scored 61 goals, with 35 coming in 15 Premier League matches—far more than any other team. The club’s focus has shifted from aiming for a top-four finish to competing for the title.
4. Arsenal: Kings of Corners
Arsenal have earned the nickname “Kings of Corners.” From last season to now, they’ve scored 23 league goals from corners—the most in Europe’s top five leagues. This season alone, they’ve netted seven. And those goals have made a difference, helping them win crucial matches like their away victory over Spurs and their home win against Manchester United, where all three goals came from set pieces.
5. Nottingham Forest: The Dark Horse
Last season, Forest barely avoided relegation, finishing 17th. This season, they’re the surprise package, sitting fifth in the table. For the first time in the club’s history, they’ve won league away games against both Liverpool and Manchester United in a single season. Plus, 33-year-old Kiwi striker Chris Wood has scored 10 goals, placing fourth in the Premier League’s scoring chart.
6. Brentford’s Home Fortress
The best home record in the league isn’t Liverpool, City, or Arsenal—it’s Brentford. The Bees have won seven and drawn one of their eight home games, remaining unbeaten at their stadium. The downside? Their away form is dreadful, with just one point picked up on the road. As a result, they’re only ninth in the table despite their home dominance.
7. Manchester United’s Chaos
Finally, Manchester United under the new INEOS ownership. Despite going through three managers, their performances remain wildly inconsistent. To add to the chaos, sporting director Ashworth left after just five months in the job. United sit 13th in the table, a position they haven’t been in after 15 games since the 1986–87 season.
So, which of these surprises did you really not see coming?