Brentford's journey in the 2025 Premier League season has been a mix of mediocrity and potential, positioning them 11th overall and ninth since January. Despite notable performances, a problematic defense impedes their pursuit of European qualification. In 27 matches, Brentford has secured only nine points, signaling their likely relegation as the first club to face this fate.
The club's defensive shortcomings have been a significant issue, stifling attempts to climb the league standings. Meanwhile, the top-performing teams in the league remain unchanged from previous years, maintaining their dominance at the summit. LaLiga presents a clearer picture with fewer surprises.
In Serie A, Napoli displays a curious statistical profile. Despite attempting shots worth 10.8 xG in nine league matches, placing them ninth, they have impressively netted 16 goals, ranking third. Conversely, they have conceded shots worth only 5.9 xG, yet allowed ten goals, a discrepancy that places them seventh defensively.
Crystal Palace has demonstrated defensive prowess in 2025, conceding just six league goals—the fewest—against shots valued at 7.2 xG, the second lowest. Their attacking efforts reflect similar efficiency, with 20 attempts valued at least 0.2 xG, ranking fourth, while permitting just five such attempts, the league's fewest.
In contrast, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United find themselves languishing in 13th and 14th positions in the Premier League table. However, Oliver Glasner's squad has shown resilience, losing only three of their last 16 league matches since falling to Fulham on November 9.
Remarkably, players like Mbeumo and Wissa outperform prominent figures such as Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland in certain metrics. Brentford's proximity to a Champions League berth, just three points away, underscores their latent potential to make an impactful comeback.
Despite a midtable xG differential that belies relegation fears, Brentford's schedule presents opportunities for improvement. As the season progresses, the team must address defensive vulnerabilities to capitalize on favorable upcoming fixtures.
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