The Athletic FC Podcast: "Has this Season Been Boring or Brilliant?"

Release Date: April 15, 2025
Host: Ayo Akamalera
Guests: Duncan Alexander, Jack Pitt-Brooke

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akamalera engages in a comprehensive discussion with football analysts Duncan Alexander and Jack Pitt-Brooke to evaluate whether the current Premier League season has been boring or brilliant. The conversation delves into the evolving dynamics of English football, tactical innovations, player creativity, and the comparative excitement between the Premier League and the Champions League.

1. Elevation of Premier League Standards

Duncan Alexander opens the discussion by highlighting the unprecedented rise in the Premier League's standard over the past decade. He states:

“[04:10] I think we are definitely at a point where the standard throughout the league is higher than ever. Players are sort of more dedicated, fitter, healthier than ever and I think the enjoyment's still there for me.”

Alexander attributes this improvement to tactical advancements, enhanced fitness regimes, and greater dedication among players. He posits that even traditionally lower-tier teams like Fulham would dominate past leagues if transported to the present day, underscoring the overall upliftment in quality.

2. Tactical Evolution and Player Creativity

The conversation shifts to the impact of Pep Guardiola's managerial strategies on English football. Alexander recalls:

“[05:29] If you don't understand tackling, you can't understand English. And eight years on, the question is not, does he understand English football? It's has he killed English football?”

This sentiment reflects concerns that Guardiola's emphasis on complex systems may stifle individual creativity. However, Alexander and Akamalera discuss how Guardiola has adapted by incorporating English football's heritage, balancing tactical rigidity with moments of creativity.

Jack Pitt-Brooke adds nuance by examining the adaptation of players like Jack Grealish within structured systems:

“[06:24] Grealish was a throwback to that. But I think he's found the from individuality to kind of coordinated synchronized team play to be such a big leap. I feel like it just doesn't look the same play.”

This highlights the tension between maintaining individual flair and adhering to modern, synchronized team tactics.

3. Comparison with Past Eras

The episode delves into nostalgic comparisons between the current season and previous football eras. Akamalera and Alexander reflect on the cyclical nature of football trends, noting:

“[08:25] I think that the standard throughout the league is higher than ever... it's just everything is cyclical. It happens every decade, every generation of fans will suddenly at some point go I remember so and so from 15 years ago.”

Alexander references Herbert Chapman and Jose Mourinho to illustrate that debates over the essence of football are longstanding and often reflective of generational biases rather than objective assessments.

4. Competitiveness and the Big Six Underachievement

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the traditional "Big Six" teams' struggles this season. Akamalera questions:

“[22:07] Do you see the natural order sort of forming back again to some degree?”

Alexander responds by analyzing the financial disparities enforced by the PSR (Profit Sharing and Revenue) model, suggesting that despite mid-table teams' financial robustness relative to European counterparts, the top spenders still hold a competitive edge:

“[23:50] Ultimately money will always tell, like, will always make the difference and that even the most intelligent, efficient team from the like mid section of the Premier League will not be able to bridge the gap to the teams that can just blow them out of the water on salaries.”

This underscores the persistent challenge of achieving parity despite structural changes aimed at fostering competitiveness.

5. Champions League vs. Premier League Excitement

The panel contrasts the excitement levels between this season's Premier League and the Champions League. Alexander observes:

“[38:13] I think it's due to the predictability. Having Man City and Real Madrid as the two best teams consistently for a lot of the last 10 years was really bad for the Champions League.”

However, he notes a resurgence in the Champions League's appeal this season, with a more varied and dynamic competition, attributing it to the participation of teams like PSG showcasing coordinated team play rather than reliance on superstars.

6. Impact of VAR on Football Dynamics

The introduction and evolution of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) have been contentious topics. Duncan Alexander expresses strong opinions:

“[42:28] I hate it. I think it has made football much worse and should be fully removed as soon as possible.”

Conversely, Akamalera acknowledges the technological inevitability of VAR but critiques its current implementation for disrupting game flow and reducing on-field drama. Alexander counters by asserting that historical media pressures were even harsher, suggesting that the sporting community's adaptability could improve VAR's integration.

7. Future Outlook and Natural Order in Premier League

Looking ahead, the discussion anticipates potential shifts in the Premier League's hierarchy. Alexander speculates that while mid-table teams like Nottingham Forest and Brentford may continue to challenge the traditional Big Six, financial constraints will likely prevent sustained top-tier dominance:

“[23:50] ... I suspect that ultimately money will always tell, like, will always make the difference.”

This suggests a lingering disparity that could maintain the Big Six's prominence despite emerging competitive teams.

8. Conclusion: Boring or Brilliant?

The episode concludes with a nuanced perspective. While statistical indicators like high goal averages suggest brilliance, subjective factors such as narrative excitement and traditional power dynamics influence perceptions of the season's entertainment value. The panel acknowledges the season's unique blend of improving standards and structural challenges, leaving the verdict open-ended for fans to interpret based on their viewing experiences.

Notable Quotes

• Duncan Alexander at [04:10]:
  "I think we are definitely at a point where the standard throughout the league is higher than ever."

• Duncan Alexander at [05:29]:
  "If you don't understand tackling, you can't understand English... has he killed English football?"

• Jack Pitt-Brooke at [06:24]:
  "Grealish was a throwback to that... he's found the from individuality to kind of coordinated synchronized team play."

• Duncan Alexander at [42:28]:
  "I hate it. I think VAR has made football much worse and should be fully removed as soon as possible."

• Duncan Alexander at [23:50]:
  "Ultimately money will always tell, like, will always make the difference."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Athletic FC Podcast provides an in-depth analysis of the current Premier League season's dynamics, balancing statistical insights with qualitative assessments. While the season exhibits signs of brilliance through elevated standards and competitive matches, challenges such as financial disparities and VAR's controversial impact temper the overall excitement. The conversation invites fans to reflect on their perspectives, recognizing that the season's characterization as boring or brilliant may vary based on individual experiences and allegiances.