August 15th, 1992 was a glorious day, a radical change that would define the next three decades of international soccer. The Premier League kicked off. A breakaway league formed that was independent of the Football Association. The league broke away in an attempt to catch up with other European leagues which had started to separate themselves in quality, revenue, and fan appeal. It worked, English clubs make up 11 of the top 20 highest revenue-generating teams according to the most recent data from Deloitte.
The Premier League has grown significantly in the US. Young people are driving the growth of the sport in this country. You may have seen people gathered at a local bar drinking at 7 am, that’s the Premier League’s doing. The games are broadcast from across the pond in the morning. This has fan groups gathering in communal places to share a drink and watch the game. Here is your guide to be able to walk into one of those bars and know what you’re talking about.
The Clubs
State-Owned
Imagine the state of California owned the Dodgers. Or imagine the Knicks being owned by the state of New York. This is the case for two clubs in the Premier League, Newcastle United and Manchester City. Abu Dhabi essentially owns Manchester City. Newcastle is owned by the “Public Investment Fund” of Saudi Arabia. In City’s case, the investment they’ve received has led them to win five of the last six titles. Newcastle is still in the early days of their investment, but have already had a top-four finish to their name last season. These clubs (along with Paris Saint-Germain in France) are essentially infinite money glitches. They can buy whatever players they want in the transfer market. Think of it like the Yankees or Dodgers in MLB free agency.
Traditional Clubs
The Traditional clubs can spend some money too, after all, they’re in the Premier League. These teams aren’t owned by wealthy nation-states, but rather by wealthy American businessmen. The Glazer family, which owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, owns Manchester United. Stan Kroenke, who owns the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Rams, and Colorado Avalanche, owns the majority shares in Arsenal Football Club. While Todd Boehly is the newish owner of Chelsea Football Club, he also part-owns the Dodgers. These owners have bought in and invested large sums of money into big brand clubs.
Players to Watch
Son Heung-Min
Son Heung-Min (Son) is a forward for Spurs. He has long been number two in the superstar rankings for his team. British striker Harry Kane left this summer, and Son moved up. Son’s incredible pace and glide on the pitch make for wonderful goals. His overall joyful attitude has made him an instant fan favorite. The South Korean will look to continue Spurs’ strong start to the season and aim for a finish in one of the Champions League places.
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is my favorite player to watch in the Premier League. However, he is on my least favorite team(Man City). Nevertheless, De Bruyne is magic waiting to happen. He can operate centrally or on the wing. Soccer comprises brilliant moments (cross or shot) that lead to a goal. No one creates more of those moments than De Bruyne. Whether it be a whipped cross into the box or a long-ranged shot from outside the box, De Bruyne is a spectacle that demands your attention.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
After listing an attacker and a midfielder, I had to put down a defender. Trent Alexander-Arnold is not a typical defender. Alexander-Arnold may be the best crosser of the ball in the world. Liverpool relies on the defender to get down the right side and help out the attack. Alexander-Arnold isn’t the best defender, but Liverpool don’t need him to be. Liverpool and England national team head coaches’ have experienced putting him in midfield as well. Like De Bruyne, Alexander-Arnold is a threat whenever he touches the ball.
Clubs to Support
The Big Six
Arsenal Football Club
Arsenal has exciting players such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Declan Rice. An attractive style of play along with historical players, you could do a lot worse than picking Arsenal as your team. They finished second in the league last year so you won’t feel like a bandwagon fan. Arsenal is a great team to choose because you won’t have to suffer through any down years and the owners will always be looking to improve the squad. Arsenal has a vibrant fanbase in the US, so finding a place to watch games with fellow fans shouldn’t be too hard.
Chelsea Football Club
Since they were bought by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in 2003, Chelsea has been all about winning titles. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Abramovich was forced to sell the club to a consortium led by Todd Boehly. Since Boehly got there in May 2022, Chelsea has spent over one billion euros on players. They currently sit in 10th place. Despite this, they have some exciting players and a proven manager in Mauricio Pochettino. Odds are they will eventually figure it out and turn it around. They are too big of a club to continue this slump they’ve found themselves in.
Liverpool Football Club
If you like great vibes (who doesn’t) you should pick Liverpool. They have the most charismatic manager in Jurgen Klopp. They have one of, if not the most exciting players in the Premier League Mo Salah. Liverpool plays an exciting style that is fast and fun to watch. Liverpool also has a huge fanbase in America. They come from a historic city. Every Liverpool game seems to have some drama in it too. Whether it be an amazing goal, pass, or a Jurgen Klopp moment on the sidelines.
Liverpool, United Kingdom-Jordan Henderson lifts Liverpool FC’s first Premier League title on July 22, 2020 (Credit- Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Manchester United
Are you a Los Angeles Lakers fan? New York Yankees fan? Dallas Cowboys fan? Manchester United is the biggest global brand in the Premier League. However, they haven’t won a Premier League title since 2013. Think USC football, huge brand, a huge draw to players, they just need the right coach to get them there. Becoming a Manchester United fan now is idle, they are having a down season, so no one can accuse you of being a bandwagon. Similar to Arsenal, they have a massive fanbase in the US.
Manchester City
If you want to watch a team that flat-out destroys competition and just wins, Manchester City is your team. City has two of the best players in the world Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. City also boasts the best manager in the world, Pep Guardiola. If you don’t have a problem with others’ opinions, then City is your choice. They don’t have the biggest fanbase in the US, but it is growing.
Tottenham Hotspur
There is a book written about Spurs’ jokes. A North London club that has a shiny new stadium, but lacks the trophies to go with it. Spurs lost their best player of all time this summer (Harry Kane). Despite this, new manager Ange Postecoglu has been a breath of fresh air with his possession-based style. This is a great time to become a Spurs fan. They play a fun brand of soccer, they have low expectations, and nobody will call you a bandwagon.
The Underdogs
Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton might be the best club at talent acquisition in the world, not just the Premier League. They’ve replaced world-class players with more world-class players. Brighton lost their coach in the middle of the season to Chelsea. They then replaced him with an even better coach in Roberto De Zerbi. They play an ultra-attractive style that values possession and attacking. As your unofficial Premier League advisor, I’d tell you to pick Brighton. The games will be fun, the stress will be low, but you might not win that many things. Also please don’t get attached to any players.
Everton Football Club
Do you like pain? Do you like to be disappointed? Then by all means please choose Everton. This is the club I chose back in 2014 after watching Tim Howard play for the USA in the World Cup. Recent seasons haven’t treated Everton well, finishing 16th and 17th for two straight seasons. Everton have suffered a 10-point deduction this season due to financial mismanagement. However, they’ve had a pretty decent season and should avoid being relegated to the second division.
Fulham Football Club
Fulham has been up and down between the second and first divisions this past decade. Despite this, they seem like they’re here to stay. Fulham has American left-back Antonee Robinson who bombs up and down the left side of the pitch. Another American Tim Ream starts at center-back as well. They have a history with other American players such as Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride, and Kasey Keller. Fulham completes the North American vibe with star Mexican striker Raul Jimenez.
Thank you for reading “Premier League for New Fans“. Please visit Belly Up Sports every week.
Featured image: Michael Regan/ Getty Images
