After ten months of footballing action, the Premier League has concluded. In what was a thrilling season, the Premier League has shown why it is the best league in the world. In a year that saw plenty of ups and downs, VAR controversies and point deductions, it has truly been an exceptional season and one that will go down in Premier League history.
Let’s take a look back at the season and how each team performed.
Arsenal – 9/10
In what was another disappointing end to the season again for the Gunners, they were marvellous for the majority. Arteta’s men went toe-to-toe with Man City all season and fought until the very end. With a record 28 wins this season, their most ever in the Premier League, Arsenal were flawless in parts of the season. The 2-1 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage in December is a game that fans look back at with regret. Leading after five minutes, Arsenal went on to lose the game and it interrupted their title charge.
With a tally of 89 points, Arsenal will look back at this season as a positive, seeing as 89 points would have been enough to win the title in 15 previous seasons. Finishing second to this monstrous Man City team is no mean feat and they can take some light from it. They may look at their Champions League run as a negative, losing to Bayern Munich in the Quarter Final, but overall it has been a successful season for Arsenal.
Aston Villa – 9/10
What a remarkable season it was for the Villans. A top four finish and Champions League football for next season, Unai Emery has turned fortunes around for this club. Under Steven Gerrard, Villa were struggling and facing a battle for survival. Who would have thought that they would be securing Champions League football just a season later.
Although they began to tire towards the end of the season, they just about fell over the line and finished in the top four ahead of Spurs. Their Europa Conference League loss to eventual winners Olympiacos in the semi-final is the only negative in an almost perfect campaign. The form of Watkins was pivotal for their successful season, finishing with 32 Premier League goal contributions.
Bournemouth – 7/10
Not a lot of people expected too much from Bournemouth this season when Andoni Iraola arrived last summer. After struggling to find a win in their opening nine games, it seemed that Bournemouth would be facing a relegation scrap. However, once that first win came, it all changed for the Cherries. Bournemouth shot up the league, earning 45 points from 28 October to 28 April.
Iraola brought a freshness to the side and with impressive wins, most notably a 3-0 win at Old Trafford, Bournemouth look to have found their man. Bournemouth ended in 12th place and with a club-record Premier League points tally of 48. Overall, a positive first season for the Cherries.
Brentford – 3/10
Brentford really struggled this season. Losing Ivan Toney to a suspension for half the season impacted the side greatly and it saw them finish seven places lower than last season. It has been a season to forget for Brentford, who went from ninth place and 59 points in 2022/23 to 16th and 39 points – an enormous decline.
Injuries cost them for a large part of the season, while their defending let them down hugely compared to the previous season. Brentford conceded only 46 goals last season but conceded 65 this season. A 19 goal difference, which could be down to letting David Raya leave for Arsenal.
Yoane Wissa performed brilliantly this season for the Bee’s and he was one of few that stood out this season. Neil Maupay’s antics were a comedic highlight for the side but could’nt hide the fact that they were missing their most clinical player in Toney. With Thomas Frank’s position unclear, it will be an important summer for Brentford to get their house in order and back to competing for the top half of the league for next season.
Brighton – 5/10
A disappointing season in the end for Brighton. After what seemed like a promising start, the Seagulls never seemed to reach the heights of last season. With only one win in their final ten games, it left Brighton sitting in 11th place. After Roberto De Zerbi announced that he would be leaving the club, it now forces the question of what next for Brighton?
With the losses of Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo last summer, Brighton were in a difficult position to reach the same performances of last season. With their first ever European involvement, it led to more injuries with the Thursday night football schedule. Their Europa League run was a positive for the club and finishing with 48 points and 11th place, it was the clubs third ever highest finish.
Burnley – 2/10
There was a lot more expected of Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, after impressing in the EFL Championship last season. Although it is a huge step up in the Premier League, it was hoped that Kompany’s attacking style of play might result in a better result for the Clarets. Finishing in 19th position, Burnley return to the Championship next season, without their manager as he has been confirmed as Bayern Munich head coach.
Burnley left it too late to battle their way out of the relegation zone as they were only beaten once in eight games between 10th March and 27th April. However, their poor start to the season and winning just three of their first 28 League matches saw them finish eight points off 17th place Nottingham Forest. Burnley now have to find a boss who will plan their return to the Premier League.
Chelsea – 6/10
A rollercoaster of a season for Chelsea and one that we could discuss for weeks. Mauricio Pochettino’s side were one of the most entertaining sides this season, especially with the games against the league’s top sides. A 4-4 draw with City, a 4-3 win against Man United, 4-1 against Spurs were possibly the best games of the year. Finishing in 6th place is a positive for the Blues, seeing as they spent most of the season in mid-table.
Chelsea have the league’s youngest side and add the long list of players in the team, it will be a difficult one to navigate for new head coach, Enzo Maresca. Pochettino’s departure was a shock to the fans, and former Leicester City manager, Maresca is tasked with returning the club to the top end of the league.
The Cup final loss to Liverpool was a low point for the club, seeing as Liverpool’s side was largely made up of Academy graduates. A return to Europe is a positive for the club and the Conference League may help the development of Chelsea’s many young stars.
Crystal Palace – 7/10
Crystal Palace certainly endured two different sides to this season. Roy Hodgson’s stepped down in February with Palace sitting in 15th place. They were four points above the drop and it wasn’t looking pretty for the Eagles. Then Oliver Glasner arrived and things changed drastically. It was almost as if a new lease of life was instilled into the club.
Glasner’s arrival saw Palace earn 24 points from 13 Premier League games and saw the side claim their joint-best points tally of 49 in 10th place. The dynamic duo of Olise and Eze were unleashed along with the clinical Jean-Phillipe Mateta and brilliant signing of Adam Wharton. The big question will remain whether or not they can keep these key players at the club. If so, it will be an exciting season to look forward to for Palace fans.
Everton – 6/10
A turbulent season for the Toffee’s as they managed to fight through point deductions and a relegation battle to maintain their Premier League status. With point deduction for Profit and Sustainability issues, Everton supporters feared for the worst. However, Sean Dyche guided them through the turmoil and earned them 15th place position in the league.
Everton began the season in all sorts but Dyche moulded his team into a side that were difficult to beat. Only the top three teams conceded fewer goals to Everton due to their resilient defence and emergence of Jarrad Branthwaite. They did suffer at the other end of the pitch as they scored the second fewest goals in the League with 40. There are issues still to address in this side but Sean Dyche will be happy to begin next season with the PSR issues behind them.
Fulham – 6.5/10
Fulham’s second season back in the Premier League under Marco Silva was a positive one. Finishing in 13th place, comfortably, and amassing 47 points. After losing Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al Hilal, it seemed that Fulham were facing a tricky season. It was made worse when Joao Palhinha was set to sign for Bayern Munich on deadline day before the deal eventually collapsed.
Fulham sailed along this season and Silva kept the Cottagers mid table throughout. The performances of Palhinha, Muniz and Robinson were particularly impressive and they may find it hard to keep hold of these players come transfer season. Another year back in the top tier, a solid season for Fulham.
Liverpool – 8/10
Before the season commenced, it seemed as though it would be more of a transitional period under Jurgen Klopp. Losing Henderson, Fabinho and Firmino, and adding Szoboszlai, Endo and Mac Allister, one would only predict that it may take time for Liverpool to challenge again.
Liverpool began brilliantly and it looked like they would be a part of the title challengers again. They were well in the race until April when things began to go pear shaped. Klopp’s announcement that he would be leaving didn’t help matters and it almost had a reverse effect to what people thought.
Whispers of a quadruple intensified after the youngsters beat the Blues at Wembley but it soon came crashing down when Man United surprisingly beat them 4-3 in the FA Cup before Atalanta humbled them in the Europa League Quarter Final. A relatively good season for Liverpool and a 3rd place finish for Klopp’s final season ended it on good note. Arne Slot will have his work cut out for him if they are to challenge City and Arsenal again next season.
Luton Town – 3/10
Luton Town deserve a lot of credit for this season. Rob Edwards’ men endured a tough season in the top flite and fought until the final day until their relegation to the Championship was confirmed. Losing their captain, Tom Lockyer in December after he suffered a cardiac arrest against Bournemouth, was a challenging aspect to overcome but his recovery was inspirational for the team.
It was expected that Luton would be one of the teams to be relegated but they almost defied the odds. Kenilworth Road became a fortress and any team that travelled there found it difficult to get points. However, their results against their relegation rivals was the difference as they struggled to get any results from the bottom five. This ultimately led to their relegation and return to the Championship. Credit must go to Rob Edwards and his side for almost surviving the drop and for an entertaining ten months of football.
Man City – 10/10
The champions. What more can be said about this terrific squad of players. Another League title and the fourth in a row sees history made yet again for Pep’s side. Before leaving for the Club World Cup, City were in fourth place and five points off the top. It seemed that the Citizens were struggling to find that form of the Treble winning season previous but, yet again, they found it.
Winning 18 and drawing 3 of their final 21 Premier League matches just shows the class of this team. They impressively won nine games on the bounce and kept Arsenal at arm’s length. Knowing that any slip up would have let Arsenal overtake them, it was pressure for the champions but they closed out the season just how they usually do.
Phil Foden was immense for City this season and the Player of the Year stepped up in big moments for Guardiola’s team. It can only bode well for Southgate’s England ahead of the Euros this June. This team now have won four in a row and solidified their status as the greatest ever side in English football.
Man United – 4/10
A dismal season for Man United’s usual standards but the FA Cup final win may have saved it from being totally shambolic. Beating City in the final was impressive and it may save Erik ten Hag’s job for the time being. However, finishing in 8th place was their worst ever finish in the Premier League.
They did suffer a lot of injuries but it can’t be an excuse for some of the performances this season. A positive to take from the season was the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo, while Fernandes and Garnacho finished the season in great form.
The announcement of the INEOS part-takeover was music to fans’ ears and it is a start that the club so desperately needed. Finishing bottom of their Champions League group was a low point in the season and after luckily clinching a Europa League place for next season, there will be a lot more expected of ten Hag’s men.
Newcastle – 5.5/10
A headache of a season for Magpie fans. Coming off the highs of sealing a Champions League place, a lot was expected from Newcastle supporters. Things looked so promising when signings of Tonali, Livramento, Hall and Barnes were confirmed and Eddie Howe was assembling an elite squad for the season ahead. However, with Tonali receiving a suspension for breaking betting rules and many players picking up injuries, things began to unravel.
The high of the season came in October when Newcastle thrashed eventual Champions League semi finalists PSG 4-1 at Saint James’ Park. Although they failed to make it out of the group, it was an entertaining run in the competition. Performances of Isak and Gordon can be commended as they were magnificent all season.
Finishing in seventh and failing to qualify for Europe is a negative for the Toon but it will allow Howe to focus solely on the Premier League and possibly winning a domestic cup competition.
Nottingham Forest – 2.5/10
Premier League safety was the target and it was just about achieved by Nuno Espirito Santo. Forest were confirmed to be safe from the drop on the penultimate weekend of the season and a sigh of relief spread around Nottingham. Points deductions due to Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules impacted their season and it looked as if it would cost them their Premier League status. The poor results of the sides around them helped their fight for survival while the goal scoring Chris Wood aided their fight.
It wasn’t looking too promising when Steve Cooper was sacked in December, but it began to improve when Nuno took over. He won 22 points from 21 matches and guided the side to safety. Fans will be hoping the 2024/25 will be a season with less stress and more consistency.
Sheffield United – 1/10
A poor season from the Blades and that’s putting it nicely. Their relegation was all but confirmed early into the second half of the season. They amassed only 16 points, the second worst point total in Premier League history. Their -69 goal difference is the joint worst goal difference of all time.
When Paul Heckingbottom was sacked, it was clear that Sheffield United were going to struggle this season. Bringing back Chris Wilder to settle the club didn’t go to plan and it went from bad to worse in a matter of weeks. When the Blades lost 8-0 at home to Newcastle, it was clear that Sheffield United would be returning to the Championship.
Tottenham Hotspur – 7/10
Losing Harry Kane to Bayern Munich last summer was huge blow to newly appointed Ange Postecoglou. However, the Aussie had his side prepped and ready for life post Kane. Spurs began unbeaten in their first ten games and were top of the League. Whatever about winning the league, but a Champions League place looked certain for Tottenham. Then things turned ugly.
Earning just 40 points from the final 28 matches of the season and results worsened significantly through 2024. It left Spurs finishing in 5th place and just three points ahead of London rivals Chelsea.
It was the home game against Chelsea where things started to turn sour for Ange’s men. The nine men of Spurs lost 4-1 and picked up serious injuries to key summer signings James Maddison and Micky Van de Ven. They will be relatively satisfied with European football next season but they will have to invest in their squad if they are to challenge next season.
West Ham United – 5.5/10
In David Moyes final season, West Ham can be happy with their performance. A 9th place finish and a respectable Europa League run gave David Moyes a good send off and it leaves the Hammers in a good place when new boss, Julen Lopetegui, takes over.
When Declan Rice departed, West Ham knew it would be a challenging season. Conceding the fourth most amount of goals highlighted his importance to this side. The attacking flair of Bowen, Paqueta and Kudus was brilliant at times and it gives the new man something to work with. West Ham fans will be forever in debt to Moyes for his achievements last season. A farewell to a Premier League legend.
Wolves – 4.5/10
Possibly the most hard done by team this season. Wolves had their fair share of VAR problems this season and were denied important decisions by officials using this system. It highlighted the problems there are with this system and Wolves are the team who are most aggrieved by it.
One win from their final 10 matches of the season was a poor return, considering the great season they had under Gary O’Neil. Wolves lost many player during the summer which caused ex manager, Julen Lopetegui, to resign before the season commenced. O’Neil deserves an enormous amount of credit for keeping them in the division, let alone seeing them finish in 14th place.
Back Post End of Season Awards:
Player of the Season: Phil Foden
Young Player of the Season: Cole Palmer
Manager of the Season: Unai Emery
Goal of the Season: Alejandro Garnacho (vs. Everton)
Game of the Year: Chelsea 4-4 Man City
Villain of the Year: VAR
Team of the Season: Aston Villa