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In the world of football, the outcome of a game can hinge on pivotal moments. A last-minute save, a crucial foul, or an errant decision from officials can dramatically affect the trajectory of matches, seasons, and even careers.
This Premier League season has been influenced by several key incidents that could have led to drastically different outcomes. Here, we explore 20 crucial moments that have altered the fortunes of players and clubs alike, highlighting how alternative scenarios might have changed the landscape of football this year.
What if Rodri had not been injured?
The most significant turning point of the season likely revolves around Rodri’s injury. Ahead of a busy fixture schedule, the player expressed concerns about the toll of the upcoming games. His knee injury, however, was unexpected and had a profound impact on Manchester City. The team’s struggle without the Euro-winning midfielder raised questions about their resilience and depth. Had Rodri remained fit, the title race—and perhaps the entire season—could have unfolded very differently for Pep Guardiola’s squad.
What if Saliba’s yellow card had not turned red at Bournemouth?
Arsenal’s campaign has been fraught with tensions surrounding officiating decisions, with one in particular standing out: the upgrade of William Saliba’s yellow card to red during a match against Bournemouth. This decision forced the team to play without their premier defender and subsequently contributed to a setback against Liverpool in their following match. Although Mikel Arteta refrained from criticizing the officiating that day, the potential for a more favorable title challenge loomed large if VAR had not intervened.
What if VAR had made the right call at West Ham, allowing Ten Hag to keep his job?
During a closely contested game against West Ham, a last-minute VAR decision gifted West Ham a penalty after a questionable foul by Matthijs de Ligt. The penalty converted by Jarrod Bowen not only cost Manchester United vital points but also led to Erik Ten Hag’s dismissal shortly thereafter. This moment has sparked numerous debates about the implications of such critical adjudications on managerial tenures and club trajectories.
What if West Ham had signed Duran instead of Fullkrug?
West Ham’s summer transfer strategy fell short when they opted not to sign Jhon Duran, who instead caught the eye at Aston Villa. While the club faced struggles with injuries to their attacking lineup, Duran thrived and even scored a notable Champions League goal against Bayern Munich, later transferring to a Saudi club. Contrastingly, West Ham brought in Niclas Fullkrug, whose performance has not lived up to expectations, leaving the club near the bottom in terms of goals scored.
What if Nottingham Forest had secured Marmoush?
Nottingham Forest’s failure to sign Omar Marmoush turned out to be a silver lining, as Chris Wood emerged as a prolific goal scorer in the Premier League with 18 goals. His contributions have been crucial in keeping Forest in contention for European spots. This alternate outcome showcases how missed opportunities in the transfer market can lead to unexpected successes.
What if England had appointed Howe instead of Tuchel?
The decision to appoint Thomas Tuchel as England’s national team manager came under scrutiny. Eddie Howe, viewed as a more suitable candidate due to his impressive track record at Newcastle, had committed to his club instead. While Tuchel’s long-term success remains uncertain, Howe has solidified his legacy at Newcastle by clinching silverware and delivering consistent league performances. The question remains: How would England’s fortunes differ had Howe taken the helm?
What if Manchester United had pursued Frank?
During October, Brentford’s Thomas Frank was a popular name in discussions about potential candidates for the Manchester United managerial position. His success with Brentford has raised questions about what a different approach under his leadership could have meant for the club and for Brentford, which has crafted a stable identity under his management.
What if Van Dijk had received a red card against Tottenham?
In a demolition of Tottenham by Liverpool during the Carabao Cup semi-finals, a potentially game-altering incident occurred within minutes when Virgil van Dijk struck Richarlison. Had the referee issued a red card, Liverpool might have faced a much tougher path forward in the competition, altering the outcome significantly.
What if Tarkowski hadn’t scored so dramatically against Liverpool?
James Tarkowski’s late equalizer for Everton against Liverpool in a pivotal derby changed the course of the rivalry at Goodison Park. Had his strike missed the target, Everton might have continued to endure a prolonged stretch of derby defeats, altering the confidence and mood of the team. Instead, his heroics sparked a moment of celebration and vindication for the fans and players alike.
What if Southampton had stayed patient with Martin?
Southampton’s decision to part ways with Russell Martin raised eyebrows as the club struggled with form post-sacking. His replacement, Ivan Juric, has faced significant challenges, leading to speculation about the merits of continuity versus change in management, particularly in the context of relegation battles.
Did Jackson’s missed chance against Everton derail Chelsea’s ambitions?
Nicolas Jackson faced heavy criticism following a missed header that could have given Chelsea the lead against Everton. The impact of this miss was significant, as Chelsea’s scoring drought and subsequent performance dips derailed their title ambitions. Had he converted that chance, it might have ignited a resurgence in confidence for the struggling side.
What if Leicester had retained Cooper?
Leicester’s appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy has so far not yielded desired results, leading fans to ponder whether the dismissal of Steve Cooper was premature. Cooper’s expertise in managing relegation battles raises questions about the long-term outlook for Leicester, who have faltered since his exit, leading to a potential relegation despite Cooper’s proven capabilities.
What if Sa had been penalized for an early foul against Leicester?
Wolves’ Jose Sa avoided a penalty decision early in their match against Leicester, allowing Wolves to cruise to a convincing victory. Had he been penalized, the narrative of Wolves’ resurgence under new management may have been significantly different, potentially shifting the dynamics of their relegation fight.
What if Villa had forwent signing Asensio?
Aston Villa’s acquisition of Marco Asensio has largely exceeded expectations, contributing substantially to the team’s rise towards European contention. Reflecting on past failed signings, such as Philippe Coutinho, the successful integration of Asensio might indicate a turning point in Villa’s transfer strategy moving forward.
What if Brighton had accepted a lucrative offer for Mitoma?
Brighton turned down a significant bid for Kaoru Mitoma, which proved to be a wise decision as he emerged as a key player in the subsequent matches. His contributions helped steer the Seagulls towards a push for a European spot, further showcasing the importance of holding onto key talents in the face of tempting offers.
What if Bournemouth struggled without Evanilson?
Following Evanilson’s injury, Bournemouth showcased remarkable resilience, securing numerous victories in his absence. This performance not only highlighted the depth of their squad but also illustrated the club’s ability to adapt to adverse situations, effectively maintaining their competitive edge.
What if Ipswich had managed to hold onto their lead against Fulham?
As Ipswich’s momentum came to a halt with a last-minute equalizer from Fulham, the psychological impact on the team became evident as they struggled in subsequent matches. The loss of points could have placed them in a far more favorable league position were it not for that late misfortune.
What if Slot had not lost early in Liverpool’s campaign?
Arne Slot’s initial setback against Nottingham Forest proved to be a learning opportunity, resulting in significant developments within the squad dynamics. His subsequent approach reshaped Liverpool’s season, reflecting the necessity for adaptation in the highly competitive Premier League environment.
Fulham’s memorable Boxing Day triumph against Chelsea
Fulham’s dramatic last-minute victory against Chelsea marked a historic moment for the club, igniting excitement among fans and propelling the team forward in the league. Since that win, their performance has seen a marked improvement, keeping them in contention for European places, while Chelsea has faltered.
Crystal Palace’s resurgence in 2025
Crystal Palace’s rise in the latter part of the season stands in stark contrast to their precarious beginnings. Their improvement raises the question of what foundational decisions initiated this transformation and whether the club’s leadership can maintain this newfound momentum moving into future campaigns.
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