Three surprise packages from the 2024/25 Premier League season

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The 2024/25 Premier League campaign has come to a thrilling close, with Liverpool lifting the title after a dominant season under Arne Slot. At the other end, all three newly promoted clubs – Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton – were relegated, underlining just how brutal life in the top flight can be.

With the financial gap widening and competition intensifying, the odds are often stacked against clubs without the luxury of Champions League budgets. And yet, a few teams defied expectations and delivered performances that stunned both fans and free bets today. Here are three sides that emerged as the biggest surprise packages this season.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest entered the season with low expectations. Having narrowly avoided relegation last year, many tipped them for another nervy campaign. But under Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest transformed into a cohesive and combative unit, securing an unexpected top-half finish.

Much of their success was rooted in defence. The emergence of Murillo as one of the Premier League’s standout young centre-backs was a revelation. His composure on the ball and anticipation off it provided Forest with a defensive anchor, while the experienced Nikola Milenkovic – a shrewd acquisition – added muscle and leadership at the back. Between the sticks, Mat Sels proved to be a critical upgrade after trialling several keepers throughout the post-Brice Samba era, making several match-defining saves during key fixtures.

Forest were the only team to beat Liverpool at Anfield all season – a performance that underlined their tactical discipline and counter-attacking edge. With Morgan Gibbs-White pulling the strings in midfield and the team finding a balance between energy and experience, the City Ground became one of the toughest away days for the league’s elite. Forest weren’t just survivors – they were serious competitors.

Brentford

Brentford’s season was a story of recovery and reawakening. The Bees spent much of the early campaign languishing near the drop zone, hampered by injuries and inconsistency. But once they regained their rhythm – even after losing Ivan Toney – Thomas Frank’s side went on an inspired run that lifted them to the comfort of mid-table.

What caught the eye most was the revival of the classic strike partnership, but with a modern 4-2-3-1. While many top sides have moved towards single-striker systems or false nines, Brentford embraced a more traditional model, and it paid off handsomely. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa blossomed into one of the most exciting attacking duos in the league as they had less responsibility tracking back, contributing 38 league goals.

Their chemistry, movement, and clinical finishing brought echoes of iconic pairings like Cole and Yorke or Suarez and Sturridge.

Everton

If any club entered the 2024/25 season under a cloud of uncertainty, it was Everton. A turbulent pre-season marred by boardroom drama, financial limitations, and a looming points deduction led many to believe the Toffees were headed for another relegation scrap.

Instead, David Moyes returned to the dugout and brought with him something that had long been missing at Everton – stability.

Under Moyes, Everton became disciplined, hard-working, and difficult to break down. His steady hand ensured the team navigated off-pitch distractions without spiralling. There was a quiet confidence about Everton's play – they didn’t dazzle, but they didn’t panic either.

Crucially, safety was secured with games to spare, allowing fans to enjoy the final few weeks at Goodison Park without the looming threat of relegation.

The historic ground was given the emotional send-off it deserved, and Moyes’ steady leadership offered hope that Everton can make the transition to their new stadium without baggage.

After years of chaos, the Toffees finally had a season that felt grounded, and that in itself was a major achievement.