The Premier League never disappoints when it comes to unpredictability. Each season delivers shock results, breakout stars, and tactical shifts making the league feel as wild and random as spinning an online roulette wheel. Yet, beneath all the chaos, clear patterns are emerging in the 2025/26 campaign. From tactical throwback trends to the fall of traditional giants, here are nine major things we’ve learned so far.
1. Long Throws Are Officially Back in Fashion
The Premier League is experiencing a throwback literally.
The long throw tactic, once made famous by Rory Delap in the late 2000s, has resurfaced in a big way. Modern full backs like Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele and Brentford’s Michael Kayode are launching throws deep into the box, creating instant danger and bypassing structured defenses.
Some teams now treat long throws as more threatening than corner kicks proof that old school tactics can make a modern comeback.
2. Goodbye Fancy Build Up Hello Direct Football
Last season, everyone wanted silky buildup play from the goalkeeper. This year? Not so much.
Teams are shifting toward a direct, vertical approach, launching balls behind the backline instead of relying on slow positional buildup.
The sudden switch is catching opponents off guard and proving incredibly effective.
The Premier League may be famous for flair, but right now, pragmatism is winning matches.
3. The Title Race Is Wide Open (Even With Arsenal Ahead)
Arsenal may be leading the pack, but calling the title race over would be a mistake.
Injuries, fixture congestion, and squad fatigue could easily slow them down. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Chelsea are keeping a close eye on the opportunity to pounce. Even teams outside the traditional top four are pushing elite clubs much harder than expected.
This is shaping up to be one of the closest title battles in years.
4. New Signings Are Making an Immediate Impact
New players usually need months or even seasons to adapt to Premier League intensity. But this year, many arrivals have hit top form straight away.
Names like Martin Zubimendi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and returning star Granit Xhaka are already dominating headlines.
Their seamless transition is elevating their clubs and reshaping the league narrative.
5. The Managerial Merry Go Round Has Spun Early
We’re only partway into the season, and already four managers have been shown the door:
- Nuno Espirito Santo
- Graham Potter
- Ange Postecoglou
- Vitor Pereira
Nuno quickly resurfaced at West Ham, while Sean Dyche made a dramatic return as one club’s new leader.
The pressure on Premier League managers has never been more intense.
6. The Big Six Aren’t So Big Anymore
Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, and even Chelsea have shown worrying inconsistency.
Meanwhile, clubs like Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and this season’s breakout force Sunderland are proving they can match or outperform the traditional giants.
The long standing “Big Six” hierarchy is starting to crumble and the league is becoming more democratic.
7. Set Pieces Are Causing Chaos Everywhere
Set pieces continue to shape results across the league.
Arsenal dominated in this area last season, but more clubs have since joined the trend, crafting dangerous routines from corners and free kicks. At the same time, several teams appear increasingly vulnerable when defending them.
Expect set pieces to play a huge role as tensions rise late in the season.
8. Newly Promoted Sides Are Refusing to Back Down
Relegation often feels inevitable for newly promoted clubs but not this year.
Sunderland have shocked everyone by taking points off Liverpool and Arsenal and even beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Even Leeds and Burnley, despite sitting lower in the table, are very much in the survival conversation thanks to spirited performances.
With Wolves, Nottingham Forest, and West Ham struggling, the door is wide open for promoted sides to stay up.
9. Late Goals Are Deciding Everything
Drama in the dying minutes feels more common than ever.
Liverpool kicked off their campaign with a string of late winners, while numerous other sides have stolen points in stoppage time shifting league positions every week.
Injuries, fatigue, and tactical gambles are creating high stakes endings that define the Premier League’s identity.
Final Thoughts
This Premier League season has already delivered shocks, storylines, and standout moments that hint at an unforgettable campaign. From tactical throwbacks to crumbling hierarchies, the league feels more open and unpredictable than ever.
If the first half of the season is anything to go by, the rest of the campaign will be packed with drama, twists, and more lessons waiting to unfold.