Football is a sport full of surprises. Even when there’s a clear favorite, the outcome is never guaranteed.
Some teams exceed all expectations, while others falter unexpectedly. This season, several clubs have defied predictions in fascinating ways. Here’s a closer look at 7 teams that we were completely wrong about this season.
Chelsea: The London Blues Reignite
Chelsea has stunned the football world this season with their incredible Premier League performances. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues have been revitalized with a sharp tactical approach. Maresca’s dynamic 4-2-3-1 system has blended youth and experience, emphasizing high turnovers and defensive solidity.
Key players like Moisés Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson, and Madueke are thriving, while previously inconsistent players like Marc Cucurella and Levi Colwill are stepping up. Cole Palmer has been a revelation, establishing himself as one of Europe’s best attacking players. Chelsea’s newfound confidence has taken them to a strong Premier League position, leaving fans optimistic about the future under Maresca.
Liverpool: Arne Slot’s Magic Touch
Taking over from Jurgen Klopp was a monumental challenge, but Arne Slot has exceeded expectations in his debut season at Liverpool. The Reds are leading the Premier League and maintaining an unblemished record in the Champions League.
Rather than splurging on transfers, Slot focused on refining the existing squad. The team’s dominance across competitions is a testament to his tactical brilliance. Slot hasn’t just replaced Klopp—he’s building a new legacy at Anfield, silencing critics and thrilling fans.
Nottingham Forest: Nuno’s Defensive Revolution
Nottingham Forest has gone from survival struggles to an impressive Premier League season under Nuno Espírito Santo. Last season’s defensive woes have been addressed, thanks in large part to the arrival of Nikola Milenković for just £12 million.
Forest now boasts one of the league’s best defensive records, second only to Liverpool. On the counterattack, players like Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga have been exceptional. Their disciplined, well-organized approach makes them one of the most surprising teams of the season.
Eintracht Frankfurt: Efficiency in Germany
Over in Germany, Eintracht Frankfurt has surprised everyone with their efficient football. While they’re not dominating possession, their defensive solidity and counterattacking brilliance have taken them to second place in the Bundesliga.
Defenders like Tuta and Arthur Theate have been rock-solid, while the attacking duo of Marmoush and Ekitiké is thriving. Frankfurt’s ability to challenge Bayern Munich has been a refreshing surprise, proving that possession isn’t everything.
Manchester City: The Unexpected Decline
One of the biggest shocks of the season has been Manchester City’s uncharacteristic struggles. Known for their dominance under Pep Guardiola, City has looked disjointed. Even with excuses like Rodri’s absence, the team’s attack lacks its usual cohesion.
For a club that has set such high standards, this season has sparked questions about whether this is a temporary dip or a sign of deeper issues. Guardiola has some serious work ahead to restore the team’s former glory.
AS Roma: A Season to Forget
In contrast to the success stories, AS Roma has had a disastrous season. Despite the club’s storied history, they’ve struggled for consistency under four different managers in just 11 months.
The constant tactical changes—from a 4-3-3 to a 3-4-2-1—have left players confused and performances lackluster. Fans can only hope that Claudio Ranieri can stabilize the team before the season spirals further out of control.
Brest: A Champions League Underdog Story
In the Champions League, Brest has captured hearts with their underdog spirit. Their group-stage performances, including a victory over Sparta Praha and a draw against Leverkusen, have been impressive.
Despite injuries to key players like Abdallah Sima, Brest’s resilience and attacking flair have earned them respect. With a chance to finish in the top 8, they’ve already surpassed expectations, proving that determination can rival star power.
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