Four Teams Who have Underperformed in the Early Stages of the Premier League

The new Premier League season has seen plenty of shocks so far in its early stages, with some great goals and early moments that have made fans believe that the 2024/25 campaign will be one to remember. Indeed, the Premier League betting is as unpredictable as ever, with several teams staking their claim to challenge defending champions Manchester City for the title.

With both Liverpool and Arsenal hot on Pep Guardiola’s heels, fans of England’s top flight can expect another enthralling title race, while others around the traditional six have yet to get going. Games at both ends of the table have been hotly contested, with minimal margin for error, and that has led to some sides falling well below par with what was expected of them back in August.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at four Premier League teams that have underperformed in the early stages of the season. Read on to find out more.

Manchester United

Erik ten Hag is outdoing himself for all the wrong reasons at Manchester United – his side enduring the worst start to a Premier League season in the club’s history.

Having salvaged his job by winning the FA Cup against City back in May, Ten Hag has struggled to really build any momentum this time around, losing key home games to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in humiliating fashion.

Currently languishing in 14th at the time of writing, the Red Devils must turn things around quickly or face another season of mediocrity, which will inevitability culminate with a new manager at Old Trafford.

Everton

With just one win from their first seven games, Everton will be hoping to avoid a relegation dogfight before moving into their new Bramley Moore Dock Stadium.

The Toffees’ final campaign at Goodison Park has been overshadowed by an inability to hold out a lead – throwing away crucial points against Bournemouth and Aston Villa from winning positions.

Pressure will mount on Sean Dyche, who has navigated sides out of the drop zone before, but you wonder how long it will take for Everton to find their feet after years of poor performances.

West Ham United

Following the departure of David Moyes over the summer, West Ham United fans were excited by the announcement of Julen Lopetegui, who had impressed in Europe with Sevilla as well as enjoying a successful stint in charge of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, the Irons have yet to pick up a win on home soil at the time of writing, with difficult fixtures against City and Chelsea preventing the new manager from embracing the atmosphere inside the London Stadium.

Things will only get better, though. Lopetegui made some clever signings over the summer, and when integrated with the likes of Mohamed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta, things should turn around. That said, if they don’t pick up the pace soon there’s every chance they tread the same water Moyes found himself in before leaving.

Crystal Palace

One of the entertainers of last season, Crystal Palace went on a wonderful winning run under Oliver Glanser which culminated in the Austrian linked with the Bayern Munich job. But things haven’t clicked into gear for the Eagles so far.

Winless in their first seven games, Palace find themselves in the drop zone alongside Wolves and Southampton — the losses of Michael Olise and Joachim Andersen having a massive influence on results.

Jean-Philippe Mateta will need to find his scoring boots after enjoying a purple patch last spring, while the defence may need some reinforcements in the January transfer window, having shipped far too many avoidable goals.