It’s safe to say that this has been a year to remember for football fans. Some teams have had surprising struggles (sorry, Manchester, we’re looking at both United and City here), and others have outplayed expectations. There have been moments of individual brilliance, moments where squads came together in impressive harmony, and moments where the tables have turned dramatically.
All the drama on and off the field (sorry again, United) has made this an exciting season to watch. It’s all made it even more exciting to bet on, too. Football is the UK’s favourite betting sport, and seasons like this are proof of why so many people are hooked on the fun of sports betting. Luckily, finding the best betting sites in the UK is easy. This is helped by the fact that the UK had a healthy in-person betting industry before the appearance of online sportsbooks. Consulting a sportsbook guide can help bettors limit their options and find the right sportsbook for their betting style and needs.
Whether you’re betting on an intense game or simply enjoying the wild emotions that these games inspire, football is an engrossing sport full of surprises. Keep reading for our picks for the key moments from the year’s most intense games.
Liverpool v Manchester United
The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United, though not as contentious as the one between Liverpool and Everton, is usually intense. This match was expected to be close, with both teams fighting for dominance early in the season.
Instead, it was a masterclass in maintaining control of a game. Liverpool dominated in the first half, with Luis Díaz scoring twice in the first half. Mo Salah scored the final goal of the match in the 56th minute. From there, Liverpool maintained casual control of the game. It was a change from the club under Klopp. Instead of cracking or losing focus, Liverpool remained relaxed and could deny Manchester United any chances.
Everton v Bournemouth
The Everton v Bournemouth match was one that no one had high expectations for. Neither team has seen a lot of success in recent seasons. Everton took an early 2-goal lead. Until the 87th minute, it seemed like it would be a routine early-season game.
That’s when Bournemouth brought the intensity. Antoine Semenyo scored in the 87th minute thanks to a cross from Dango Ouattara. Lewis Cook (‘90+2) and Luis Sinisterra (‘90+6) scored during extra time. Those 9 minutes changed everything, and the game ended 2-3 for Bournemouth.
This game cemented the fact that Bournemouth had promise. That promise shone through again later in the season when they beat Manchester City only 3 days later. It also showed that Everton would continue struggling for at least another season.
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspurs
Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are fun to watch, even for viewers who aren’t fans of either club. Both clubs know how to put on a great show and have some players who are always exciting to watch on the pitch when they’re playing their best. Spurs had beaten City only a month earlier in the EFL Cup round of 16 matches, so this felt like a chance for redemption for the Manchester side.
Instead, Tottenham won 4-0. City’s confidence was shaken early on with James Madison’s two goals, the first at the 13-minute mark and then another just 7 minutes later. Pedro Porro’s goal early in the second half sealed the defeat, but City continued to fight on.
The game’s most intense moment was the match’s final goal. In the 3rd minute of added time, Brennan Johnson scored thanks to a gorgeous run and a low cross from Timo Werner. The goal was a flash of energy and brilliance and showed the strength of the Tottenham side.
Liverpool v Manchester City
Clashes between Liverpool and Manchester City have been fierce in the last several years. This year, it came at a pivotal time in the season — Liverpool was riding high on a series of wins, and Manchester City was on their longest losing streak since Pep Guardiola took over.
Instead, the match highlighted the weaknesses of the squads. Liverpool scored 2 goals, one from Cody Gakpo early in the match and a Mo Salah penalty late in the second half. Considering Liverpool had 18 shots on goal with 7 on target, this was a disturbingly low total. It showed how much Liverpool struggles with converting attempts into goals. For Manchester City, it showed how Guardiola’s stubbornness and inability to change his style hurt his club.
After a frustrating game, it was a moment after the final whistle that fully captured the intensity of the game and the pressures that the season has been putting on the Manchester City managing staff. Pep Guardiola has developed a reputation over the years for being a calm and collected manager who isn’t unnerved by any losses or upsets.
Guardiola walked onto the pitch as the game finished and held up 6 fingers to represent City’s 6 title wins. It felt like a moment where a crack was beginning to show in the façade — that, for once, one of the best managers in history was questioning his position.
Final Thoughts
The 2024/25 Premier League season has been dramatic so far. Teams have been plagued by injuries, contract disputes, and concerns over how many games players play without adequate rest periods.
Despite all this, clubs at the top and the bottom of the table have provided intense games. As this list shows, this high-scoring season is full of drama and excitement. We’re intrigued to see how any January transfer impacts the second half of the season and whether or not Liverpool will continue to dominate.
