June 18, (THEWILL)- Manchester City’s unyielding grip on the English Premier League has been unprecedented in the modern era. Pep Guardiola’s men have won four titles in a row, sweeping aside all-comers with their slick passing, intense pressing and deadly finishing. However, every dynasty must eventually come to an end. The question on the lips of EPL fans now is whether 2024/2025 will finally see City’s iron-clad hold on the trophy loosen.
Their rivals have been investing heavily to try and catch up. Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have all spent big money revamping their squads over the last couple of seasons. They have the talent to push City all the way, but do they have the consistency and mentality to go the distance?
United’s opening fixture against newly-promoted Fulham gives them a chance to lay down an early marker. Liverpool will also want to hit the ground running in the post-Jürgen Klopp era at Ipswich too after some disappointing campaigns of late. Arsenal and Chelsea cannot afford slow starts either if they are to keep pace with City.
The first big tests for City’s title contenders will come in the crunch derby clashes after starting the season against Chelsea on Sunday, August 18. The Merseyside derby kicked off proceedings in early December, quickly followed by the first Manchester derby later that month. These seismic six-pointers could shake up the title race before we even hit the halfway point of the season.
Ultimately though, it may come down to who can handle the pressure best over the gruelling campaign. City have been there and done it, but their rivals are hungry for success. With world-class talent all over the pitch, one slip-up could allow the chasing pack to steal in and snatch the crown from City’s grasp the way they did it over the Gunners last season.
For the fans, the excitement is revving up again and they will have to buckle up and get ready for what promises to be another enthralling and hotly-contested EPL season in living memory. The dominance of the Champions could be about to face its greatest test yet.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
