Who Will Challenge Manchester City’s Dominance in the Premier League?
The Premier League is set to kick off this weekend, and all eyes will be on Manchester City as they aim to continue their supremacy in English football. However, there are several teams hoping to dethrone them and claim the title for themselves. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new this season and which teams and players to watch out for.
Changes to VAR, Blocking, and Handball
One of the major changes this season is to the video assistant referee (VAR) system. The bar for intervention has been raised, meaning that VAR should only step in if there is a clear mistake made by the on-pitch official. This will reduce the number of stoppages for marginal decisions.
Additionally, there will be tweaks to the handball rule. Players no longer have to keep their arms rigidly by their sides or behind their backs. The position of their arm or hand will be judged in relation to the movement of their body. Refereeing boss Howard Webb explains that the aim is to give fewer harsh handball penalties.
There will also be a drop in stoppage time due to changes in timing goal celebrations. Previously, time was added on for every second between the ball hitting the net and the kick-off being taken. Now, the clock will only start after 30 seconds, resulting in shorter stoppage time.
New Managers and Players
A quarter of the managers in the Premier League will be taking charge of their first top-flight game this weekend. Arne Slot at Liverpool, Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, Russell Martin at Southampton, Kieran McKenna at Ipswich, and Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton are all new to the English top-flight. It will be interesting to see how they adapt to the challenges of the Premier League.
There are also several new players to watch out for. Manchester United signed Lille defender Leny Yoro and Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, while Manchester City brought in Brazil winger Savinho from sister club Troyes. Arsenal recruited Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, who impressed at Euro 2024, and Brighton signed Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh from Newcastle United.
The Return of Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town is making their long-awaited return to the Premier League after 22 seasons away. They surprised everyone by finishing second and achieving back-to-back promotions. With very little Premier League experience in their squad, they will be an unknown quantity. Manager Kieran McKenna, an up-and-coming talent, will have the challenge of guiding them through the top flight.
Can Anyone Challenge Manchester City?
Manchester City has won four consecutive top-flight titles and will be aiming to make it five. However, Arsenal, under manager Mikel Arteta, have been their closest rivals in recent seasons, finishing runners-up the past two years. Liverpool, the only other team to win the title in the past seven seasons, will be without Jurgen Klopp for the first time since 2015-16.
Manchester United, with new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will be hoping for a better season under manager Erik ten Hag. Chelsea, as always, are a wildcard with their changing managers and heavy recruitment. Tottenham will be looking to improve on their fifth-placed finish under Ange Postecoglou, while Aston Villa face the challenge of balancing domestic and Champions League football.
In Conclusion
The 2024-25 Premier League season promises to be an exciting one, with teams vying to challenge Manchester City’s dominance. With changes to VAR, blocking, and handball rules, as well as new managers and players, there are plenty of storylines to follow. Will Manchester City make it five in a row, or will another team rise to the challenge? Only time will tell.