The Mid-Table Giants
I call them the mid-table giants of the English Premier League, who are not only capable of fiercely protecting their area of influence but also equally capable of taking the so-called big clubs to task.
The 3 Bs Were Up & Running on Match Day 1
As Match Day 1 of the EPL unfolded, Brighton, Bournemouth and Brentford were up and running like a perfectly oiled unit. Brentford hammered Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 at home. Brighton crushed Aston Villa 4-0.
Read on: Brentford Sting A Toothless Tottenham
City Got An Almighty Scare From Bournemouth
Bournemouth were up against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Cherries led till the 84th minute, but then Marc Guehi equalised with a fine header, and then Josko Gvardiol ensured a composed finish off a fine Rayan Cherki pass in stoppage time. Though Bournemouth lost the match, the Cherries gave an Almighty scare to Manchester City. Had this match been played at the Vitality Stadium, City might have struggled to escape.
The 3Bs Have Been Relatively Small…
These clubs are relatively smaller as compared to Arsenal, City, Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Tottenham in terms of anything comparable. But still, they have been incredible since they were promoted to the top tier of Club Football in England.
Read on: It is a ‘King Mo’ Double At Papara Park
… But Have Been A Force To Reckon With
Brighton played their first season in 2017-18. Bournemouth came back in the 2022-23 season, and Brentford made their debut in the 2021-22 season. Since then, the 3 Bs have carved out a niche for themselves and undoubtedly have become a force to reckon with.
The 3Bs Have Excelled in Player Development…
The 3 Bs do not boast of star-studded line-ups, but have built their teams on ‘under the radar’ talents that have grown into stars. Ivan Toney and Mbeumo became mighty big players playing for Brentford. Alexis Mac Allister was chiselled into a fine player at Brighton, and Antoine Semenyo, who was brilliant for Man City at the end of the last season, has been a Bournemouth product. There are several other players who may well find bigger clubs in a season or two.
… And Have Managed Well With Limited Resources
These clubs, no wonder, have been managed well with limited resources, with an unflinching focus on a resilient defence, capacity to attack on counters and indeed a midfield to fall back on. The approach has been fearless, backed with an attitude boasting of tremendous grit and determination.
This Season May Be A Breakout Year
This Season I have an inkling that at least one of these sides if not more, will be in the top 5 and qualify for a place in next season’s Champions League.