Premier League Season Review

Champions: Arsenal

Arsenal emerged as the rightful champions, securing their first title since the 2003-04 season. This year was pivotal for manager Mikel Arteta and his squad, marking a shift away from being perennial contenders to finally claiming the league.

Despite critiques regarding their playing style and reliance on set-pieces, their success is undeniable, as Arteta discovered the optimal strategy, with a Champions League final against Paris St-Germain on the horizon.

The foundation of Arsenal’s title came from a robust defense, with goalkeeper David Raya notably excelling behind center-backs Gabriel and William Saliba. Declan Rice, a key player throughout the season, was honored as player of the year.

Having clinched this title, Arsenal is well-positioned for sustained success in the forthcoming years.

2nd: Manchester City

Pep Guardiola concluded his tenure at Manchester City with victories in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, although the Premier League title eluded them, falling short against Arsenal.

While City may be recognized as one of the most aesthetically pleasing footballing teams in the country, historical records will reflect Arsenal as the champions—a justification for their achievement.

City's campaign was marred by an excess of draws that prevented them from securing crucial victories, ultimately impacting their chance at the title.

Guardiola departs, leaving behind a rejuvenated squad poised for future success, although he will not be at the helm next season.

3rd: Manchester United

Michael Carrick accomplished a considerable feat by navigating Manchester United back to the Champions League after the difficulties of Ruben Amorim's management.

Bruno Fernandes proved indispensable, while new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo enriched the attacking options available to the team. The acquisition of Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens has been astute, and Carrick's efforts in revitalizing Kobbie Mainoo deserve recognition.

4th: Aston Villa

Unai Emery's exemplary management at Aston Villa merits praise, leading the club back into the Champions League and securing their first trophy since 1996 with a fifth Europa League title.

Emery’s meticulous style of leadership has fostered a disciplined and talented squad. Morgan Rogers stands out as a key player, yet the true essence lies in Emery’s vision, potentially cementing his legacy at Villa.

5th: Liverpool

This season marked a significant downturn for Liverpool, contrasting sharply with their title-winning campaign under Arne Slot last year.

The loss of the cherished forward Diogo Jota in July added a layer of tragedy that undoubtedly affected the squad's morale. Disappointingly, the season ended with escalating frustration among fans directed towards Slot.

Despite investing £450 million last summer, the team underperformed, and Mohamed Salah’s decline in form compounded issues, leading to a tense atmosphere between him and Slot.

The prospects for Slot's future with Liverpool remain uncertain, as discontent brews among supporters, although ownership remains committed to him for now.

6th: Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola masterminded a historic achievement for Bournemouth, guiding them to European qualification for the first time in their 127-year history.

This milestone is especially noteworthy considering they experienced significant losses in their defensive ranks last summer and had to contend with the transfer of standout forward Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City in January. Their thrilling performances included an 18-match unbeaten streak, with standout contributions from Alex Scott and promising talent Junior Kroupi.

7th: Sunderland

Sunderland's remarkable rise from relegation candidates to European qualifiers is commendable.

Under the astute management of Regis le Bris, they enjoyed a stellar return to the Premier League. His strategic decisions should certainly place him among the top contenders for manager of the season. This success reflects the club’s bold transfer strategy from last summer, signifying a commitment to maintaining Premier League status.

8th: Brighton

Fabian Hurzeler faced a challenging mid-season at Brighton but successfully navigated turmoil to secure European qualification, signing a new contract through 2029.

After overcoming fan unrest, Brighton’s well-managed structure is once again stable, positioning them favorably for future domestic and European pursuits.

9th: Brentford

Brentford may lament missing out on European competition, yet they can take pride in their campaign's achievements.

Keith Andrews, successfully promoted from within to succeed beloved Thomas Frank, demonstrated remarkable adaptability, despite the loss of key forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. Igor Thiago’s performances have highlighted his status as one of the season's standout players, while Jordan Henderson’s experience in midfield and Caoimhin Kelleher’s goalkeeping skills have proven equally valuable.

10th: Chelsea

Chelsea’s underwhelming season culminated in a demoralizing final-day defeat at Sunderland, resulting in no European football next season under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Initially crowned Club World Cup champions with Enzo Maresca at the helm, their trajectory declined following Maresca’s dismissal in January due to a strained relationship with club management. Following a poorly received tenure by Liam Rosenior, Calum McFarlane stepped in to lead Chelsea to the FA Cup final, where they were ultimately defeated by Manchester City.

This season was far from satisfactory for a club currently lacking direction.

11th: Fulham

Fulham has established themselves within a state of equilibrium in the Premier League under Marco Silva’s guidance.

While Silva's influence has been crucial, his contract situation looms large, as does the future of Harry Wilson, who has excelled at Craven Cottage.

12th: Newcastle United

Newcastle experienced a tumultuous season, with instability exacerbated by the eleventh-hour sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool.

Eddie Howe remains committed to leading the team through a transitional period, with significant player movements anticipated, including speculation regarding Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali. This season has been unsatisfactory, diverging from the triumph of their previous year, where they clinched the 2025 Carabao Cup.

13th: Everton

Everton’s season was an unpredictable affair, as they briefly contended for European qualification before faltering in the latter weeks.

Manager David Moyes faced discontent from fans after a late collapse, despite contributions from Jack Grealish prior to his injury and overreliance on players like Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Though free from relegation fears that plagued past campaigns, their home record left much to be desired in their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, and the mysterious fall from grace of Tyler Dibling following a high-profile £40 million move remains an unsolved puzzle.

14th: Leeds United

Leeds appeared to be in trouble early in the season, but manager Daniel Farke turned fortunes around, earning commendations for his leadership.

Key signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, acquired on a free transfer from Everton, made significant contributions, with fan support at Elland Road playing a crucial role. Disappointment arose from a lackluster showing in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.

The primary mission—securing Premier League survival—was accomplished, leaving room for optimism.

15th: Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace experienced a disjointed season under manager Oliver Glasner, navigating a range of challenges including player departures and unrest.

A mid-season slump led to a disappointing FA Cup exit, yet despite such setbacks and Glasner’s announcement of his exit at season's end, Palace remains equipped with talent and class. They now have the opportunity to secure further silverware in the upcoming Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano.

16th: Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest found themselves embroiled in a relegation battle until late in the season, a reality that seemed implausible given their roster's quality, featuring talents like Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White.

This turmoil stemmed from a succession of managerial changes throughout the season. The hiring of Ange Postecoglou transitioned the club to a new strategy, but his tenure ended prematurely after just 39 days. Sean Dyche's brief spell followed, culminating in Vitor Pereira restoring some stability and reflecting the caliber of the squad through improved performances.

17th: Tottenham

Tottenham's season was marred by chaos both on and off the pitch, culminating in a desperate struggle for survival that was only secured on the final day against Everton.

Thomas Frank struggled with the inconsistencies of the Tottenham environment, a stark contrast to his experiences at Brentford. The bizarre appointment of Igor Tudor, coupled with questionable decisions from CEO Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange, only heightens scrutiny.

After a short and turbulent tenure, Tudor was dismissed, making way for Roberto de Zerbi. Spurs barely avoided relegation, a narrow escape more reliant on fortune than strategic acumen.

18th: West Ham - Relegated

This season ended in disappointment for West Ham and its dedicated supporters as the team faced relegation. The London Stadium, often criticized as lacking atmosphere compared to Upton Park, will now host Championship matches.

Graham Potter's tenure ended prematurely in September, and while Nuno Espirito Santo occasionally hinted at a path to safety, the team ultimately fell short of the necessary standards.

A viable return to the Premier League may take time as the club seeks a fresh start.

19th: Burnley - Relegated

Burnley endured another challenging campaign, culminating in relegation under the recently dismissed Scott Parker.

Ambitious moves in the transfer market, including the addition of experienced players like Kyle Walker, could not mask the grim reality; the club failed to adequately address their struggles, exemplified by Armando Broja's risky signing given his injury history.

20th: Wolves - Relegated

Wolves faced a dismal season, with relegation appearing inevitable from the onset due to significant key player departures, notably Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Vitor Pereira was dismissed after a winless start, and though successor Rob Edwards provided fleeting signs of improvement, the season was ultimately characterized by disappointment. Emerging talent Mateus Mane has sparked some interest, although his future remains uncertain amidst the turmoil.