May 2 – Matchweek 34 saw Premier League attendances drop to a season-low average of 97.41%, according to Capacity Tracker data – a notable dip from the 97.85% season average with attendances continuing to fall as the season’s end draws near.
The sharp decline was largely due to bottom-placed Southampton, whose 89.38% turnout against Fulham marked the lowest attendance percentage recorded since the Insideworldfootball Capacity Tracker began in August 2023. The underwhelming showing at St Mary’s significantly skewed the overall data for the week, which was otherwise relatively strong across the eight games.
Nottingham Forest also contributed to the dip. Normally among the most consistent in the 99% club, Forest only managed 95% for their Thursday night defeat to Brentford. The lack of atmosphere mirrored a flat team performance in a 0-2 home loss that saw them drop to sixth with just four fixtures remaining, despite sitting in third place for much of the season.
In stark contrast, Liverpool capped off their return to the Premier League summit with another strong crowd at Anfield, as Mo Salah led a dominant 5-1 win over Spurs to secure the club’s 20th top-flight title. Though Anfield was bustling, the real party was outside the ground as thousands more gathered in the surrounding streets, underscoring the sense of occasion as Arne Slot’s debut season ended in triumph.
Elsewhere, Newcastle United and Wolves both posted near-capacity turnouts, each recording 99% attendance. For Wolves, it was their highest of the season, as their late charge continued with a convincing victory over a fading – and already relegated – Leicester side.
Despite the week’s lower average, the broader trend remains strong. Removing Southampton’s outlier figure would lift the matchweek average to a healthy 98.5%, reaffirming fan engagement as one of the league’s most consistent assets in 2024/25.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1746301668labto1746301668ofdlr1746301668owedi1746301668sni@g1746301668niwe.1746301668yrrah1746301668