"English football has always mirrored the passions, conflicts, identities and inequalities of the age. After the golden 1960s, the decay of the 1970s and ensuing disasters of the 1980s came the cap-sleeved, rebounding self-confidence of the 1990s. The 21st century so far has taken in globalisation and wanton commercialism. After that rabid, often reckless push for continued growth, society and the game alight on the uncertainties that encapsulated 2025."
"To catch the 20 Premier League clubs in live action this season, and this writer completed the full set on Tuesday witnessing Arsenal's second-half demolition of Aston Villa, has been a study in that uncertainty. From the grumbling of fans, to the ever-fragile egos of managers, to players slugging through the gristle of 90 minutes of hard-pressing slog, a leading question comes to mind: is anyone actually still enjoying this?"
"Aesthetics cast to the margins in the drive for efficiency leads to misgivings. Following developments in the wider world, using the same tools found in business and tech, off-the-cuff improvisational football has been consumed by the playbook. Some artistry remains, from the timeless grace of Adam Wharton to the explosive speed and dribbling of Jeremy Doku, but creativity has undoubtedly been a victim of analytics."
English football evolved from the golden 1960s through the decay of the 1970s and the disasters of the 1980s to a rebounding 1990s, then into 21st-century globalisation and wanton commercialism. The aggressive pursuit of growth produced widespread uncertainty by 2025. Fans grumble, managers show fragile egos and players endure relentless pressing. Some promoted clubs like Sunderland and Leeds defy expectations, while well-run teams such as Brighton and Bournemouth face glass ceilings. High-profile projects at Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Wolves struggle. Cultural schisms in support bases reflect broader societal tensions, while aesthetics and improvisation yield to analytics-driven playbooks.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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