Premier League Season Review: From Title Triumphs to Terrible Campaigns
The Premier League season has drawn to a close, leaving us with a tapestry of performances ranging from the sublime to the utterly dismal. While some clubs have cemented their status as giants, others have tumbled down the ladder, leaving fans in despair. Let’s dissect the campaigns of all 20 top-flight teams, from those who soared to the heavens to those who plummeted to the depths.
The Champions: Arsenal’s Resurgence
Arsenal
* Position: 1st
* Points: 85
* Grade: A+
Mikel Arteta has achieved what many thought impossible, delivering Arsenal’s first Premier League title in over two decades. Not only did they clinch domestic glory, but the Gunners also reached the Champions League final, a remarkable feat despite their eventual penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain. This season wasn’t without its challenges; a Carabao Cup final defeat, a baffling draw against Wolves, and a humbling loss to Bournemouth tested their resolve. However, Arteta’s leadership saw them shake off these setbacks, proving their mettle as champions. The question on everyone’s lips is whether they can build a dynasty.
European Dreamers: Aston Villa and Bournemouth’s Stellar Seasons
Aston Villa
* Position: 4th
* Points: 65
* Grade: A
Aston Villa’s season began in a fashion Ollie Watkins himself admitted was poor. Yet, a spectacular recovery saw them not only secure Champions League qualification but also mount an unexpected, albeit fleeting, title challenge. Their progression in the Europa League, which they ultimately won, capped off a phenomenal campaign. Under Unai Emery, the Midlands club has rediscovered a winning mentality, making next season’s prospects incredibly exciting.
Bournemouth
* Position: 6th
* Points: 57
* Grade: A
Andoni Iraola has guided Bournemouth to their most successful Premier League season ever, earning them a spot in European competition for the first time. Despite losing significant talent, including star player Antoine Semenyo in January, Iraola orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, culminating in an astonishing 18-game unbeaten run to end the season. Their journey from the brink of Football League relegation in 2009 to European football in 2026 is nothing short of sensational.
Inconsistent but European-Bound: Brentford, Brighton, and Sunderland
Brentford
* Position: 9th
* Points: 53
* Grade: A-
Many predicted a struggle for Brentford this season following the departures of manager Thomas Frank and key strikers Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo. However, Keith Andrews and Igor Thiago defied expectations. At one point, Champions League qualification seemed within reach. Andrews seamlessly transitioned into the managerial role, while Thiago’s prolific form, netting 22 Premier League goals to finish second in the Golden Boot race, was instrumental. A final-day draw at Liverpool meant they narrowly missed out on European football, a bitter pill to swallow.
Brighton
* Position: 8th
* Points: 53
* Grade: B-
Brighton’s season was a familiar tale of pushing for European places but hampered by inconsistency. Dropped points against rivals like Tottenham, West Ham, and Wolves led to frustration, with some fans even booing the team off the pitch. While they secured a spot in the Europa Conference League, it felt like a missed opportunity, especially with losses in three of their final four games. Qualifying for Europe is still an achievement, but the Seagulls will feel they could have aimed higher.
Sunderland
* Position: 7th
* Points: 54
* Grade: A
Against all predictions, Sunderland enjoyed a fantastic season, flying out of the blocks and relying heavily on their formidable home record. They capitalised on the struggles of other teams to secure a Europa League spot, a testament to Regis Le Bris’s exceptional management. Granit Xhaka’s arrival was a masterstroke, proving to be one of the signings of the season. Sunderland is now on an exciting trajectory, poised to attract a higher calibre of talent.
Mid-Table Mediocrity and Missed Opportunities: Everton, Fulham, Leeds, and Crystal Palace
Everton
* Position: 13th
* Points: 49
* Grade: C
David Moyes’s work has elevated Everton to a mid-table position, a commendable achievement given their prior struggles. Securing Premier League safety for a team that was once battling relegation deserves significant praise. However, the feeling persists that Everton squandered a golden opportunity for European football, faltering in the crucial final weeks. With a few key signings and continued backing for Moyes, they can aim higher next term.
Fulham
* Position: 11th
* Points: 52
* Grade: C
Fulham has settled into a familiar mid-table pattern, finishing between 10th and 13th for the fourth consecutive season. They will be disappointed not to have broken into the European places, especially after showing promise mid-campaign. The likely departure of star player Harry Wilson and potential interest in manager Marco Silva cast a shadow of uncertainty over their future.
Leeds
* Position: 14th
* Points: 47
* Grade: B-
Daniel Farke faced early pressure at Leeds, but his tactical switch to a back three midway through the season revitalised their campaign. A passionate Elland Road atmosphere played a crucial role in their eventual safety. Dominic Calvert-Lewin proved an inspired signing, contributing 14 top-flight goals. This solid first season back in the Premier League sets a good foundation for future growth.
Crystal Palace
* Position: 15th
* Points: 45
* Grade: C-
Crystal Palace experienced a peculiar season, with their Premier League status secured early, allowing focus to shift towards European aspirations. A strong start saw them climb to fourth in December, but squad depth limitations were exposed when balancing domestic and continental duties. Despite a dip in league form, memorable victories against Brighton and Tottenham were highlights. Finishing as the third-lowest scoring side and winning only four home games were concerns, but their European success ultimately overshadowed these domestic struggles.
The Fallen Giants and Relegation Woes: Burnley, Chelsea, Man City, Man United, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, West Ham, and Wolves
Burnley
* Position: 19th
* Points: 22
* Grade: F
Burnley’s campaign was a disaster from the outset. The squad lacked the quality to compete at the Premier League level, a stark contrast to their promotion-winning side. Scott Parker appeared to accept their fate early, and relegation was confirmed with four matches remaining. A swift return to the top flight is far from guaranteed.
Chelsea
* Position: 10th
* Points: 52
* Grade: E
Chelsea’s season was a disheartening rerun of previous years. Under new ownership, the club is still searching for stability, cycling through multiple managers. Their failure to qualify for Europe once again highlights the need for significant investment and a clear strategy. The managerial appointments of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior proved questionable, and the hope now rests on Xabi Alonso to turn things around. A crucial summer awaits at Stamford Bridge.
Man City
* Position: 2nd
* Points: 78
* Grade: B+
Manchester City pushed Arsenal to the wire and secured two domestic cup competitions, but Pep Guardiola’s final season will likely be tinged with a sense of “what if.” The team is in a period of transition, with a crucial player turnover laying the groundwork for future success. Coming up just short in the league suggests a team evolving, and their current standing accurately reflects their position.
Man United
* Position: 3rd
* Points: 71
* Grade: B-
Manchester United’s season was a tale of two halves, starting dismally before a much-improved end. Under Ruben Amorim, the team struggled, but Michael Carrick’s arrival saw them surge back into Champions League contention. Bruno Fernandes was a standout performer, breaking the Premier League assists record. Despite these positives, a significant summer of rebuilding is essential at Old Trafford.
Newcastle
* Position: 12th
* Points: 49
* Grade: D-
Five years after their lucrative takeover, Newcastle United finds itself in a position far from expectations. Eddie Howe frequently cites financial restrictions, but the club has spent heavily on players who have failed to deliver. Fan patience is wearing thin, and a dip in home form towards the season’s end signals underlying issues. Finishing below newly promoted Sunderland, who qualified for Europe, is a major concern.
Nottingham Forest
* Position: 16th
* Points: 44
* Grade: D
Nottingham Forest’s season was a frustrating series of missed opportunities. After a strong seventh-place finish the previous year and securing European football, they were expected to build on that success. However, internal disputes led to managerial changes, with Vitor Pereira eventually steering them clear of relegation. Despite reaching the Europa League semi-finals, their lack of European football next season and the potential loss of Elliot Anderson mark a step backwards.
Tottenham
* Position: 17th
* Points: 41
* Grade: F
Tottenham endured an embarrassing season on all fronts, with their Premier League status only confirmed in the dying moments of the final day. Just three home wins were a pathetic return for their state-of-the-art stadium. A torturous 15-match winless streak, three managerial changes, complacency from the boardroom, and a lack of leadership from the players contributed to a disastrous campaign. Injuries cannot be used as an excuse; significant work is needed over the summer.
West Ham
* Position: 18th
* Points: 39
* Grade: F
West Ham’s return to the Championship marks a disastrous end to their three-year stay in the top flight, particularly after their Conference League triumph. The season under Graham Potter was a catastrophe, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s tenure proving inconsistent. Ultimately, the team lacked the quality to survive. The prospect of losing key talent and the immense pressure of promotion next season fall on Nuno’s shoulders. Based on last season’s performance alone, they deserve the lowest possible grade.
Wolves
* Position: 20th
* Points: 20
* Grade: F
This season’s struggles for Wolves had been brewing, and fans were quick to direct their frustration at the board. While Rob Edwards brought a brief resurgence after taking over in November, that momentum faded. At one point, they flirted with Southampton’s all-time lowest points record. Significant personnel changes are needed in the summer, though securing midfielder Andre to a new deal is a positive start.
