sports
January 1, 2026
What I have learned from watching all 20 Premier League teams this season
Set pieces on the rise, fans transformed to customers and conspiracies seen in every decision – is football losing its fun?
TL;DR
- English football's current state mirrors societal uncertainties, conflicts, identities, and inequalities.
- There is a pervasive question of whether anyone is still enjoying the game amidst fan grumbles, fragile egos, and hard-pressing slogs.
- Promoted clubs like Sunderland and Leeds bucking the trend of sinking back down are exceptions to widespread dissatisfaction.
- "Well-run" clubs face glass ceilings, and major clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea are experiencing disappointments or ailing projects.
- Societal issues, such as falling out over chants like "stop the boats," are reflected within the game.
- Efficiency and analytics have marginalized improvisational football, with creativity being a victim of data.
- Rumors of AI being used for team selections seem plausible given the predictability of play.
- The rise of set pieces is a clear indicator of analytics' influence, with players valued for specific skills like long throws.
- Pep Guardiola's Manchester City still exhibit flair, but players like Erling Haaland exemplify the 2025 paradigm of physical prowess and productivity.
- Set pieces, once a domain of limited resources, are now crucial, making inefficiency in this area ruinous.
- The transformation of crowds from supporters to customers is ongoing, with customer complaints rife due to rising costs.
- The use of VAR and the pariah status of referees are significant issues for fans.
- Terrace anthems are losing exclusivity, and fan consciousness has yet to coalesce into a general strike against ticket prices.
- If modern football mirrors the world, an age of protest may soon follow.
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