4-2-2: Premier League Is Back. How You’ll Know Who’s Built to Win

Hi, 

The Premier League is back.

But if you really want to know who’ll be on top by May, don’t just look at the scoreboard. Look at the signs beneath the surface.

Because in football, just like in business, high performance isn’t luck.

It’s built.

Est. Reading Time: 5 minutes

The new 2025/26 Premier League season officially kicked off last weekend. The first match was Liverpool hosting AFC Bournemouth on Friday 15 August at Anfield.

Spurs travelled to Burnley, United welcomed Arsenal, and a full slate of fixtures followed across the weekend.

As football returns, it is the perfect time to look closely at the early signs of performance dynamics across the league. Some teams explode out of the blocks, while others struggle to find their rhythm.

Here are three key traits I will be tracking in the early weeks, and why they matter in football and in business.

1. Early cohesion beats flashy signings

The clubs that gel fastest tend to be those who prioritise teamwork over headline-grabbing transfers.

Nottingham Forest surprised many last season by finishing seventh without breaking the bank. They succeeded because their players understood their roles, believed in the system, and worked for each other.

The same applies in business. Hiring a big name might make an impression, but unless they are integrated into a clear culture with a shared purpose, it can create more friction than forward momentum.

Pay attention to teams that move as one unit. That usually tells you they have done the work behind the scenes.

2. Mental resilience under pressure

The early part of the season is full of pressure. It is when cracks first begin to show.

A poor result in the first few games can create chaos in clubs that lack the right mindset. Panic buys, sack rumours, and a loss of confidence can quickly spiral.

The strongest teams will absorb setbacks, stay composed, and bounce back with belief instead of blame.

It is the same in business. A bad quarter or a missed pitch can trigger knee-jerk reactions. But the best teams regroup. They trust their plan. They communicate with calm rather than chaos.

Observe how teams respond to setbacks. It will tell you more than how they celebrate success.

3. Consistency over brilliance

Last season, Arsenal conceded just 34 goals. That was the best defensive record since 2007.

That kind of record is not built on brilliance. It is built on discipline, focus, and showing up with the same standards every single week.

We all love a wonder goal. But the teams that succeed over time are not chasing fireworks. They are building routines.

Business works the same way. Flashy campaigns or viral moments might turn heads, but consistency is what turns companies into category leaders.

Focus on the sides that get the basics right. Those are the ones who will be strong come May.

What to watch for in the opening month:

• Do they look like a team, or individuals thrown together?

  Early signs of cohesion always outperform scattered talent.

• How do they respond to an early defeat?

  Composure under pressure says everything about the culture inside the club.

• Are they already showing consistency?

  If the basics look sharp in week one, they are likely to stay strong all season.

When I was playing, the teams that achieved the most were not always the most gifted. They were the ones who were clear on how they played, stuck together when results went against them, and trusted their foundations.

That is how you build momentum.

That is how you build high performance.

And whether you are watching from the stands or leading a team in the boardroom, those are the signs of a group built for the long game.

All the best,

Paul