As the English Premier League reaches its midpoint, Liverpool have a hand on the title. The question is, can anyone stop Liverpool? The end of 2024 should be a relief for the two Manchester clubs. Because it was not pleasant for both City and United. It was even more forgettable. There were many ups and downs in the league.

The biggest unexpected performance was not from Nottingham Forest. Believe it or not, this team finished second at the end of last year. Equally unconvincing was the fact that not only United, but Tottenham remained near the bottom half of the table. At the midway point of the 2024-025 season, what are its characteristics? 5 features prepared by AFP are as follows:

Klopp is not there, there is no problem

Jurgen Klopp took an emotional farewell from Liverpool at the end of last season. His image was very bright at the Merseyside club. He spent 9 years at Liverpool during which the club won the Premier League and the European Champions League. When he suddenly left the team, it was feared that it would have a bad effect on the team. But he did one thing, he strengthened the team with fun. It was followed by Arne Slott. That too uniquely. 

Since coming to Liverpool from Feyenoord, the club has won 23 out of 27 matches played in all competitions. Even in the European Champions League, Liverpool's performance is 100 percent. Not only that, Liverpool has reached the semi-finals of the League Cup. Mohamed Salah is in high form for Liverpool, he has not only scored 17 goals, but also played a supporting role in 13 other goals. 

All this was possible in 18 matches in the Premier League. In Liverpool, not only these Egyptian magical players, but also captain Virgil van Dijk and English defender Trent Alexander-Arnold's future is uncertain. Their contracts will expire at the end of this season. However, even this fact has not affected the rhythm of Liverpool. Arsenal will be the biggest challenge for Liverpool. It seems almost certain that Liverpool will win the top division of English football for a record 20th time. That too equaling United. 

The dramatic fall of the city 

The biggest story so far in the league journey is that City have won just two of their last 14 games. That's why coach Pep Guardiola has also openly admitted that City will not win the league for the fifth time in a row. Defending champions City are 14 points adrift at the top. That too in sixth place. If we want to return to the old rhythm again, it seems certain that the City team will have to undergo extensive changes. 

After the 2-0 win against Leicester City in the first game, Guardiola said, "We need to make some big changes." City ended an eight-game winless run since beating Leicester. City have lost Ballon d'Or winner Rodry for the entire season due to a knee injury. Its clear effect has been seen in the performance of the team. In particular, City has suffered a lot due to player injuries. City is afraid of not being able to qualify for the Champions League. 

A surprise performance from the forest 

Last season Forest narrowly avoided relegation after the last day's games. However, under the leadership of coach Nuno Spirito Santo, the club has been playing surprisingly well this season. Forest, who have a proud history as two-time European champions, have already produced famous victories at Anfield and Old Trafford this season. Now the club dreams of playing in the Champions League next season, that too after a gap of 45 years. 

The only two teams in the league to score fewer goals than Forest are Arsenal and Liverpool. For Forest, New Zealand tour player Chris Wood has been playing brilliantly. Along with Salah, this player is aiming to win the 'Golden Boot Award' as the top scorer along with Erling Haaland, Cole Palmar and Alexander Isak. Not only Forest, but also Bournemouth in sixth and Fulham in eighth, the dream of playing in another Europe remains. Especially when the performance of the old big teams has fallen even more. 

The problem is the problem United

So much has changed at Old Trafford in the last 12 months that it is impossible to describe it. But the result is the same, only worse. Since taking part ownership of the club, Jim Ratfield has not only introduced a new style of play off the field, but has also sacked coach Erik ten Haag. And it has spent all it can in the market of buying and selling players. But United are in even more trouble. United finished eighth last season. It was the team's worst performance in 34 years. 

United are now 14th in 19 games, very close to the relegation zone. And far from the top four. United are only 7 points ahead of the bottom three teams. In all competitions, United have lost consecutively in their last four matches. They have lost 5 of their last 6 league matches. Also three games at home. Ruben Amorim has only won the league twice since his arrival as coach. The worst performance by any United manager in a hundred years.