Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title, while Liverpool produced one of the worst title defences in recent memory, according to a season review.
Mikel Arteta delivered on his promise of a transformative summer, with signings including Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi helping Arsenal claim their first championship since the Invincibles era of 2004.
Manchester City pushed Arsenal close but fell short in the final week of the season. Pep Guardiola’s side did secure both the League Cup and FA Cup in what proved to be his final campaign at the club.
Liverpool, who were predicted to challenge for a record 21st title, never entered the race. By season’s end, many supporters had grown frustrated with Arne Slot’s approach and the team’s lack of intensity.
Manchester United’s turnaround was one of the most dramatic storylines of the campaign. Ruben Amorim was sacked in January after failing to implement his ideas, and Michael Carrick guided the club to 29 more points than the previous season.
Aston Villa won the Europa League, defeating Freiburg in the final thanks to goals from Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendía and Morgan Rogers. It was the club’s first trophy since winning the League Cup in 1996.
Sunderland, tipped by many for an immediate return to the Championship, finished seventh and secured Europa League football. Their final-day victory over world champions Chelsea underlined how far the club had come under Régis Le Bris.
Chelsea’s campaign was a significant disappointment. The Club World Cup winners finished 10th in the Premier League, with their performances described as embarrassing at times both on and off the pitch. Incoming manager Xabi Alonso faces a substantial task.
Bournemouth finished sixth after going unbeaten in the second half of the season, a run of 18 matches without defeat. Manager Andoni Iraola’s side contributed directly to Arsenal’s title win through that sustained form.
Brentford defied expectations after losing Thomas Frank to Tottenham, along with their captain, goalkeeper and two top scorers. Keith Andrews guided the club to within touching distance of European qualification.
Crystal Palace secured a Conference League final appearance against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig despite losing Marc Guéhi to Manchester City and Eberechi Eze to Arsenal during the summer.
Nottingham Forest endured significant managerial instability, cycling through Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche before Vitor Pereira steadied the ship. Forest reached the Europa League semi-finals and finished 16th.
Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation on the final day after picking up just three more points than their dismal previous campaign. Roberto de Zerbi has taken charge ahead of next season.
West Ham sacked Graham Potter in September before also moving on from Nuno, and were eventually relegated. A disallowed goal against Arsenal was among the few moments that gave fans something to discuss during a bleak campaign.
Burnley and Wolves both went down. Burnley won just four games all season, continuing a cycle of promotion and relegation, while Wolves did not record a single victory until January.
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