Derby County’s 11-point total from the 2007-08 season is in danger, given that all three newly promoted teams have yet to secure a victory in their opening fixtures.
However, this situation highlights a more profound issue within the sport—financial inequality has severely impacted the game.
For Burnley and Luton, they are on the verge of crossing a critical threshold, while Sheffield United is already struggling. All three newly promoted teams have started their campaigns in a dismal fashion, inviting inevitable comparisons to Derby County’s worst-performing team in the 2007-08 season.
Currently, all three clubs have only managed to accumulate a single point, with Burnley and Luton playing five games and Sheffield United six. It’s worth noting that Derby County secured their first two wins in their sixth match, reaching a total of four points.
The statistics paint a grim picture: 16 matches played, 0 wins, 3 draws, 13 losses, 12 goals scored, and 41 goals conceded. The likelihood of these newly promoted teams performing worse than Derby’s 11-point tally seems high.
However, it’s essential to consider the mitigating circumstances, which are rooted in the financial realities of a system skewed by billionaire owners and a reward structure that favors a select few.
Unlike Derby, Luton and Sheffield United face unique challenges. Luton, unexpectedly promoted through the playoffs, and Sheffield United, plagued by ownership problems limiting their ability in the transfer market, have encountered difficulties. Burnley, despite substantial spending and a tough early fixture list, also finds itself in a challenging position.
While all three newly promoted teams survived in the Premier League last season, they heavily invested in their squads. The struggles these teams are currently facing should not be a cause for ridicule among rival fans; instead, it reflects the increasing distortion in the sport.
Sheffield United’s manager, Paul Heckingbottom, rightfully feels that immediate relegation predictions are disrespectful.
Still, it would be a remarkable achievement for them or Luton to avoid finishing in the bottom three, especially considering the competitive nature of the Premier League.
Luton’s upcoming clash with Everton is a crucial moment, as they need to secure points against established sides to maintain their Premier League status. Another consequence of these struggling teams is that it might relieve the pressure on other clubs experiencing poor seasons. When Gary O’Neil mentions that his Wolves team doesn’t resemble his coaching, it should raise alarms.
However, this season offers a sort of safety net, as even if things go terribly wrong for some teams, the financial disparity between clubs remains substantial.
Since the inception of the Premier League, 40 promoted teams have faced immediate relegation, but only once, in 1997-98, did all of them fail to survive.
If this scenario were to repeat, and if Derby County’s record were to be surpassed, it would be a cause for concern rather than amusement. It could signify the Premier League’s gradual transformation into a de facto closed league.
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