Proof that the gap between Premier League and Championship has never been greater | OneFootball

How big is the gap between the Championship and the Premier League?

I would argue that it is now wider than it has ever been.

As Newcastle United fans we have had experience not that long ago of making the transition.

Mike Ashley relegating United twice in his first 11 Premier League seasons in charge, then set to make it a hat-trick for sure in his 12th Premier League season as owner, only to see the takeover happen in the nick of time.

Chris Hughton overseeing a brilliant instant recovery back into the Premier League, when winning the Championship title in 2009/10.

Then Rafa Benitez doing the same, winning the Championship title in 2016/17.

Bringing this conversation more up to date.

This is how the final Championship table looked in 2022/23:

As you can see, Burnley a massive 21 points clear of third.

Then in the other automatic promotion slot, Sheffield United a very sizeable 11 points ahead of third.

These two clubs promoted full of momentum and confidence and yet this is how the 2023/24 Premier League table ended up looking:

Burnley and Sheffield United absolutely woeful, only winning eight of 76 Premier League matches between them.

Indeed, four of those eight wins were against other clubs who had been promoted in 2022/23. Both Burnley and Sheffield United won once each against Luton, whilst Burnley beat Sheffield United twice. The only other four wins saw both of them win a game against Brentford, whilst Burnley won a match against Fulham and Sheffield United one against Wolves.

Now fast forward to the present day, this is the top end of the Championship today (27 November 2024):

Despite having been so woeful last season in the Premier League, then both forced to sell/release many of their best players, Sheffield United and Burnley find themselves in the automatic promotion sports.

The pair of them have only conceded 15 goals between them in a combined 34 matches. Compare that to last season when it was 182 goals in 76 PL games. Sheffield United conceded a horrendous 104 PL goals in 38 matches, yet only nine in 17 so far this season.

If/when they go up this time, how do you reckon they would get on?

Indeed, the same with any of those who might get promoted.

Interesting as well to see Sunderland fans a ‘little’ quieter now, having won a few matches early on, it is now five draws in a row and failing to score in three of them.

Leeds play at home tonight and then at the weekend the Mackems are away at Sheffield United, there could quickly be daylight between Sunderland and the likes of Sheffield United and Burnley (and Leeds…).