Already, the 2024/25 Premier League campaign is nearly a quarter of the way through, with seven games played, though even now, there appears to be a number of clues as to how the season could pan out.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there is an early charge from all of the favourites and the top four probably does not come as a shock to many, except maybe with the exception of Chelsea – a club that has flattered to deceive over the last couple of years, following some below-par league finishes.
It could also be said that Liverpool might have sprung an early surprise – there were probably some football fans who were sceptical as to how the club might perform after the departure of Jurgen Klopp, though six wins sees them top the pile by one point from Manchester City, making the Premier League odds market possibly one of the most intriguing in recent seasons!
Although it might only be October, there have already been a fair number of standout performers in the English top-flight this season, whether this be individual or collective, which could result in honours come May. Below we’ve looked at some of the best of each so far!
Best Individual Performances So Far
Even though it is still early, there have been some memorable solo performances and some of you may have your favourites. Many people may find it hard to argue with the fact that the best is probably Cole Palmer’s showing for Chelsea against Brighton – a game in which he scored all four goals, becoming the first player of the Premier League era to notch a quad before half-time.
The first player to score four goals in the first half of a Premier League match:
Cole Palmer. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/sFTzvmPiFP
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 28, 2024
Arguably, another standout performer this season, who appears to have taken on (and embraced), the role of ‘super sub’, is Aston Villa’s 20-year-old Colombian striker Jhon Duran, who has just signed a new deal until 2030 at the club. The sensation has four Premier League goals (all from the bench), though it has to be said – each one could easily be a ‘goal of the season’ contender – he doesn’t seem to do tap-ins! Let’s not forget his winner in the sensational win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League as well!
There were many who were tipping Erling Haaland to notch become the first player to hit three hat-tricks in a row, though despite not achieving this, over a trio of matches, he still scored seven (including two consecutive hat-tricks). A lot of people (perhaps foolishly), seemed to write Haaland off after last season – one in which he (only), scored 27 top-flight goals (compared to 36 the season before), while also spending a substantial amount of time out injured. There were suggestions that he was one-dimensional and that defences had figured him out, however, with 10 goals after seven games, he appears set to break even more records.
Best Collective Performances So Far
As well as individual performances, there have been some impressive collective displays so far to the season, in which teams have demonstrated great displays of cohesion and spirit.
One team that appears to have quietly gone about their campaign – effectively starting it in the same manner in which they ended their last one is a club that have surprised many. Aston Villa appear to have ‘got it sorted’ – coach Unai Emery appears to have found a club that suits him – ambitious, with money to spend, but without the pressure that comes with being in charge of an elite club. He has worked wonders over the last 12 months, compiling an exciting squad that plays great football and which achieved a top-four finish last season. They are certainly one to watch and have been responsible for some very exciting displays this term so far.
The manner in which Brighton came back from 2-0 down at against Tottenham to win 3-2 is one which could well be a turning point in their early season schedule after a mixed start so far. Certainly, it makes it an ideal platform to build on after the international break, with the win taking them to a respectable sixth in the table on 12 points.
Beating Manchester United isn’t the achievement it once was, but the way in which Tottenham disposed of the Red Devils on their home turf in almost buccaneering fashion was inspired. There was an almost outrageous swagger about Spurs, even before their third and final goal went in, though to keep a clean sheet as well would have been something that really added insult to injury for the home side.
Ones To Watch
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There is sure to be many more great performances to come over the next few months and it will be interesting to see to what extent new signings can hit it off.
Speaking of which, a notable mention must go out to Arsenal’s new defensive recruit – Riccardo Calafiori who seems to be demonstrating that he could be the best in the world – able to operate at both centre-back and left-back.