The Premier League 2024/25: A Season of Thrills and Records
The 2024/25 Premier League season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and competitive in recent memory. As the campaigns heat up, players are setting the stage for new records, dramatic late wins, and spectacular goals. Last season, Erling Haaland once again dominated the top scorers’ table, despite a mid-season injury. His prodigious talent was evident when he reached 100 goals in all competitions for Manchester City by scoring against Arsenal. However, the recent struggles of his team have opened the door for his closest challenger, Mohamed Salah. Haaland made a statement with a brace against West Ham in early January, but Salah was the first to hit the 20-goal mark with a penalty against Bournemouth in early February, further solidifying his Ballon d’Or candidacy.
Salah’s Surging Form and Isak’s Rise
Salah’s form has been nothing short of exceptional. He scored one and assisted another in Liverpool’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Everton in the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, bringing his tally to 22 goals and 14 assists on the year. This performance has cemented his position as the league’s best player. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak has emerged as a formidable contender with his hat-trick against Ipswich Town during the Festive Fixtures. Isak’s consistent performances, including scoring in eight straight matches, have garnered significant attention and praise.
Surprise Contenders and Rising Stars
A surprise contender in the running is Chris Wood, who netted his third career Premier League hat-trick in Nottingham Forest’s resounding victory over Brighton in early February. Cole Palmer, now the talisman for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, has also made a significant impact with six goals since the start of December. These players, along with Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford and Justin Kluivert of Bournemouth, are making their mark and adding to the league’s competitive landscape.
The Golden Boot Race: An Ongoing Battle
The race for the Golden Boot is as intense as ever. As of the match between Everton and Liverpool on February 12, Mohamed Salah leads the pack with 22 goals and 14 assists. Erling Haaland, with 19 goals and 2 assists in 24 matches, is not far behind. Alexander Isak and Chris Wood are tied for third place with 17 goals each. The table also includes notable performances by Justin Kluivert, Matheus Cunha, and Yoane Wissa, each with 11 goals. The battle for the Golden Boot will continue to be a highlight of the season, with many players vying for the top spot.
Historical Context: Past Golden Boot Winners
Looking back, the Premier League has seen some of the greatest goalscorers in football history. Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer’s record for the most goals in a Premier League season was shattered by Erling Haaland in 2022/23. Thierry Henry holds the record for the most Golden Boot wins with four, followed by Shearer and Harry Kane with three each. Haaland’s back-to-back Golden Boot wins in 2023/24 and 2022/23, with 27 and 36 goals respectively, mark him as a generational talent. His 36 goals in 2022/23 set a new single-season record, eclipsing Shearer’s 1994/95 tally of 34.
Global Appeal: Premier League TV and Streaming Rights
The Premier League continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with numerous platforms providing coverage in different regions. In the UK, matches are carried across Sky Sports and TNT Sports, with select matches on Amazon Prime. TNT Sports can be streamed via Discovery Plus. In the USA, select matches are televised on USA Network and Telemundo, and all matches are streamed on NBC’s Peacock platform. Canadian fans can watch every game live on Fubo, while Australian fans can stream matches on Optus Sport. In India, Star Sports has the broadcast rights, with regional feeds available on Star Sports 3 and other channels. The global reach of the Premier League underscores its status as one of the most popular and competitive football leagues in the world.
