Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have faced significant issues with their defense in the 2024-2025 season, particularly when it comes to defending against counter-attacks. In a match against Brighton, City was fortunate to escape with a 2-2 draw after Carlos Baleba had a late chance to win the game for Brighton, but his shot went over the bar. However, this breakaway exposed a deeper problem that has haunted City all season long—their inability to defend on transitions. This was the 19th time in the Premier League that City had conceded an opportunity from a counter-attack, which is the most of any team in the competition.
This growing issue has severely impacted City’s title defense. Even with nine games left in the season, City has already allowed a shot on transition in more games than any other team. The problem appears to be structural, with the defense leaving too much space for opponents to exploit, as seen with Baleba’s opportunity. Furthermore, individual defensive errors have compounded the issue, with players like Danny Welbeck shrugging off Omar Marmoush and Rico Lewis failing to close down Kaoru Mitoma. The lack of urgency and precision in one-on-one situations has been a stark contrast to the City of the past, where they won back possession in such situations more effectively than any other team.
The absence of Rodri has been cited as one of the reasons behind this defensive slump, but there seems to be more to the issue. The structural problem and the mental lapse in defending transitions have left Guardiola’s side vulnerable. The shift from being the best at winning the ball back in individual duels to now being one of the worst in this department has been a major factor in City’s struggles. The defensive woes are not only affecting the team in terms of goals conceded but also in terms of overall defensive cohesion. As Guardiola looks to rebuild the squad, he faces the challenge of addressing these defensive frailties. Unless significant improvements are made, the inability to manage transitions will likely continue to be a major issue for the team.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest, under Nuno Espirito Santo, have become one of the best teams in the Premier League when it comes to being front-runners in matches. In their recent 4-2 victory over Ipswich, Forest once again demonstrated their tactical approach to games. Despite the scoreline suggesting a dominant performance, the win was built on a familiar strategy—keeping things tight early on before capitalizing on opportunities when they arose. Forest’s ability to stay compact in the first half has been a hallmark of Nuno’s tactics, and it was no different in this match.
In fact, Forest reached the 20th first-half clean sheet of the season, more than any other team in the Premier League. They have been incredibly difficult to break down early in games, which has allowed them to remain competitive in high-pressure situations. Nuno’s preference is to not be the team that dictates the tempo early on; instead, he prefers to allow the opposition to come forward, looking for opportunities to exploit gaps when they appear. This cautious yet opportunistic approach has served Forest well, especially in away matches where they are often expected to play on the counter.
Forest has conceded only one goal in the opening 45 minutes of a match all season, and they are the only team in the league never to be behind at halftime. This statistic is particularly notable given that even top teams like Manchester City have conceded 12 goals in the first half. Forest’s ability to score early has also been a key part of their success. They have scored the opening goal more times than any other team, with 22 instances of opening the scoring this season. While this has not always led to victory—Forest lost both games to Newcastle despite taking the lead—it has provided a strong foundation for their performances.
The team’s success in the early stages of matches is complemented by their ability to finish games strongly. They are one of the most effective teams in the final 30 minutes of matches, further underlining their tactical approach. Their resilience and ability to control games from the outset, particularly in the first and last 30 minutes, have made them a formidable side in the Premier League. With a strong chance of qualifying for the Champions League, Forest’s strategic play under Nuno has proven to be a successful blueprint for their rise up the table.
On the other hand, Wolverhampton Wanderers have undergone a dramatic improvement since Vitor Pereira’s appointment as manager in December. When Pereira took over, Wolves were in danger of relegation, sitting just five points above the drop zone. However, the team has turned their fortunes around, largely due to their improved defensive displays. While Matheus Cunha has been a standout performer in attack, it has been the signing of Emmanuel Agbadou that has had the biggest impact on their defensive solidity.
Agbadou, who joined Wolves in January, has brought a new level of aggression and physicality to the team’s defense. His influence was particularly evident in Wolves’ 2-1 win at Southampton, where he won a key header in the buildup to the winning goal. This may seem like a simple defensive action, but it marked a significant change in Wolves’ defensive approach. In previous matches, such moments might have been mishandled, but Agbadou’s presence has made a noticeable difference.
Without Agbadou in the team, Wolves have struggled, as evidenced in their recent defeat to Fulham, where his absence allowed Rodrigo Muniz to terrorize his replacement, Santi Bueno. Pereira had emphasized the need for more aggressive defending, asking his players to get closer to their opponents rather than dropping off and covering for the lack of pace. Agbadou’s arrival has addressed this issue, as he has brought both speed and strength to the backline, as well as an aggressive mindset to win the ball back. In fact, Agbadou leads the Premier League in terms of winning possession in the defensive third, averaging 4.64 recoveries per 90 minutes, more than any other player in the league.
Alongside Toti Gomes, Agbadou has formed a solid partnership in defense, with only Liverpool managing to defeat Wolves when the two have started together. Their defensive improvement has been crucial in lifting Wolves clear of the relegation zone, and the team now looks much more secure at the back. Agbadou’s influence has been transformative for Wolves, helping them climb the table and providing hope for their survival. His arrival has also helped turn around a defense that was once leaky, and now Wolves look far stronger in the Premier League.
The early part of Wolves’ season had been difficult, and they left the door open for the three promoted teams to catch up with them. However, Agbadou’s addition to the squad has provided the defensive stability they so desperately needed. Wolves’ improved form since his arrival has been remarkable, and they are now in a much stronger position to avoid relegation. With the team’s defense significantly strengthened, Wolves are looking like a much more competitive outfit in the Premier League.
In summary, the 2024-2025 Premier League season has seen some interesting developments. Manchester City’s defensive issues in transitions have cost them dearly, with Guardiola’s team struggling to regain possession and manage counter-attacks. Nottingham Forest, under Nuno Espirito Santo, have become one of the most effective teams in the league at capitalizing on early opportunities, while Wolves have turned their season around thanks to the arrival of Emmanuel Agbadou, whose aggression and defensive qualities have significantly strengthened their backline. As the season progresses, these teams will continue to make an impact on the Premier League, with City needing to resolve their defensive issues, Forest looking to secure Champions League football, and Wolves working to consolidate their Premier League status.
