Is the Premier League the Most Competitive It Has Ever Been?

Since 1992, the Premier League has taken the world by storm. Billions tune in from around the globe, and millions travel to England to catch a glimpse of football’s pinnacle domestic competition.

Thirty-four years on from the introduction of arguably the world’s finest league, seven clubs have lifted the title and more than 30,000 goals have been scored, earning the “Prem” its reputation as the greatest league on earth.

However, over the last five years or so, criticism has grown. Some fans argue that the league has become predictable a so-called “farmers league” where the same teams dominate year after year. Social media has amplified this critique, with many claiming the competition they once loved now lacks jeopardy.

The question is: do these critics have a point, or is nostalgia blinding too many?

It is no secret that English football has changed drastically over the past decade. Intricate tactics now control games, and player fitness is prioritised like never before. If anything, the overall quality of players and teams is arguably higher than ever, largely because it is harder to succeed in the Premier League now than it has ever been.

Just two seasons ago, in 2023/24, we witnessed one of the highest-scoring campaigns in Premier League history, with the ball hitting the net 1,072 times.

In an entertainment-driven, goal-oriented industry, that is strong evidence of immense attacking quality. How anyone can label this a low point for the league is difficult to understand surely goals are what fans crave?

Maybe not always.

For some, tricks, flicks and audacious moments are what truly capture the imagination. Modern football, heavily influenced by Pep Guardiola and his data-driven success, has become increasingly tactical and system-based. Flair can sometimes appear secondary to efficiency.

Players like Jack Grealish, within Guardiola’s structure, often operate more as “system players” focused on maximising goal probability rather than individual expression.

But a handful of examples cannot define an entire league. Excitement is still everywhere sometimes you just have to look for it.

Jeremy Doku, even within Guardiola’s system, remains one of Europe’s most explosive dribblers, frequently beating defenders and electrifying crowds.

Across the league, players such as Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Estêvão, Matheus Cunha, Antoine Semenyo and Iliman Ndiaye bring flair, unpredictability and pure joy. Their movement, dribbling and creativity remind fans why they fell in love with the “Beautiful Game” in the first place.

Despite this, some still argue English teams are regressing compared to their European counterparts. Yet that claim does not stand up to scrutiny. English clubs continue to compete strongly in Europe.

During this current season’s Champions League phase, all six participating English teams finished inside the top 12 of the 36-club table, with only Newcastle missing automatic qualification.

Since 2019, three English clubs Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea have lifted the Champions League trophy. It is difficult to argue that the league is declining when its representatives consistently go toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite.

Even last season’s Europa League final featured Tottenham and Manchester United, who finished 17th and 15th in the Premier League respectively.

If mid-table English sides can reach European finals, perhaps the question should not be whether the Premier League is getting worse but whether it is raising the overall standard.

While the gap at the top can sometimes appear significant, that should not be used to criticise the elite. Instead, it should excite fans that mid-table and lower-half teams are improving rapidly.

Progressive managers are taking charge at clubs like Aston Villa and Bournemouth, and ambitious signings are being made across the division even in relegation battles.

The pull of the Premier League remains unmatched for players and supporters alike. With the standard continuing to rise across the board, fans should feel optimistic about the future rather than anxious about decline.

The Premier League is the best league in the world. It always has been and, in my view, it always will be.