While we’ll separately highlight this season’s disappointments, for now, indulge in celebrating the remarkable triumphs that defined this campaign.
Liverpool: The Unanticipated Champions
The story of Liverpool’s recent success begins with a sense of unpredictability. Heading into this season, expectations were uncertain, especially since their squad remained largely unchanged from the previous year. Yet, despite minimal transfer activity, Jurgen Klopp’s team defied the odds to clinch the Premier League title, marking a stunning achievement.
Last season, Liverpool narrowly missed defending their crown, finishing behind dominant rivals under Klopp’s leadership. A transitional phase was anticipated, but instead, the Reds emerged as the league’s most formidable force, even with a points tally-84-that is the lowest for a champion since Leicester’s 2016 triumph. Remarkably, they secured the title with a ten-point margin.
In the first half of the season, Liverpool showcased exceptional form, losing only once across all competitions before the New Year, establishing themselves as Europe’s top side during that period, as reflected in their Champions League standing. However, the latter half of the campaign saw a dip in consistency, with moments of panic and underwhelming performances. Nonetheless, they maintained their winning ways in the league, only easing off after securing the title with four matches remaining.
Looking ahead, Liverpool’s challenge is to bolster squad depth, enabling Arne Slot to rotate players without sacrificing quality. This season’s dominance, however, underscores their superiority in the Premier League, making them well-deserved champions.
Arne Slot: A First-Season Phenomenon
Arne Slot’s debut season in charge has been nothing short of extraordinary, warranting a dedicated analysis. His ability to steer a team to such heights in his inaugural year challenges old notions that succeeding “The Man” is an insurmountable task. Clearly, expectations for Slot’s future are now sky-high, and his impact has been profound.
Mohamed Salah: The Record-Breaking Maestro
Throughout the Premier League, Salah has been a constant threat, smashing records with his 29 goals and 18 assists-an unprecedented contribution that highlights his exceptional talent. His statistical achievements extend beyond scoring, encompassing a wide array of key metrics that underscore his importance to Liverpool’s success. His season’s performance cements his status as one of the league’s all-time greats, and his influence remains unmatched.
Chelsea’s Resurgence Under Enzo Maresca
Moving past Arsenal and Manchester City, Chelsea’s journey this season has been characterized by chaos and resilience. After years of upheaval, the Blues have managed to stabilize, largely thanks to Enzo Maresca’s tactical adjustments. Their form post-Christmas was initially bleak, with only four wins in 12 matches, and their style of play became increasingly dull-except for a few standout matches against lesser opponents.
Nevertheless, Maresca’s strategic recalibration saw Chelsea adopt a more pragmatic approach, focusing on narrow victories-five consecutive 1-0 wins against teams like Leicester, Tottenham, Everton, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest. This disciplined approach, coupled with a solid defensive record-conceding just seven goals in their final 12 fixtures-helped them climb the table and secure a Champions League spot, ending their European exile.
While finishing fourth might not have been the initial goal, it’s a significant achievement for a club that has faced considerable turmoil. With upcoming finals in the Conference League and Club World Cup, Chelsea’s season can be viewed as a foundation for future success.
Newcastle United: From Doubts to Champions League Contenders
Initially, skepticism surrounded Newcastle’s prospects, especially after a sluggish start to the season. However, under Eddie Howe’s leadership, the Magpies transformed into a formidable side, securing their second Champions League qualification in three seasons-a feat driven by their first major trophy in decades, the League Cup.
Their impressive run included scoring five goals in successive league matches and a six-game winning streak in winter, which propelled them into the top four. Despite some heavy defeats-such as 4-0 to Manchester City and 4-1 to Aston Villa-they demonstrated resilience and the ability to beat top-tier teams like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, showcasing their potential.
The squad’s depth remains a concern, but their performances against mid-table teams and their ability to secure wins across the board suggest a team on the rise. The prospect of Champions League football could catalyze further investment, potentially elevating Newcastle to new heights.
Alexander Isak: A Rising Star’s Promise
One of Newcastle’s standout performers has been Alexander Isak, who finished the season with 23 goals-second only to Salah in the league. His absence in four matches coincided with a stark drop in goal-scoring, highlighting his importance. At just 25, Isak’s goal-scoring prowess places him among Europe’s elite, comparable to Erling Haaland, making him a highly sought-after asset for top clubs.
Nottingham Forest: A Historic Finish
Forest’s season culminated in a 17th-place finish-an impressive improvement from their 16th and 17th positions in recent years. Their achievement marks their best league position since the mid-1990s, a testament to Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical organization and the contributions of key players like Chris Wood, Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, and goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Despite fatigue setting in by March, their strategic recruitment and cohesive team play have earned pride and optimism among supporters. Maintaining this momentum could see Forest challenge even higher in the seasons to come.
The Resilient Mid-Table Contenders
Teams like Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, Fulham, and Crystal Palace displayed inconsistency but also demonstrated admirable resilience. Their ability to punch above their weight, often with limited resources, highlights the talent of their managers and players. For instance, Bournemouth’s modern, attacking style under Andoni Iraola showcased what’s possible with strategic resourcefulness.
These clubs often develop promising players who attract interest from bigger teams, and their managers are increasingly seen as viable candidates for top-tier roles. The competitive landscape is shifting, offering hope that these clubs can sustain growth and challenge the traditional powerhouses.
Special Mentions: Cup Victories and Notable Players
Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph- their first major trophy-was a highlight of the season, bringing joy to their fans and adding a new chapter to their storied history. Meanwhile, standout players like Bryan Mbeumo, who has blossomed into a Premier League scoring force with 20 goals, exemplify the talent emerging from mid-sized clubs. His development underscores the importance of strategic player development and club stability.
Brighton’s Danny Welbeck, at 34, enjoyed his most prolific season, breaking into double figures for the first time, proving that experience and dedication remain vital. Similarly, former Manchester United players like Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Scott McTominay have thrived elsewhere, illustrating the fluidity and unpredictability of player careers.
Coaching Triumphs and Rebound Stories
David Moyes’ return to Everton was a masterclass in effective management, rescuing the club from relegation with a remarkable turnaround. Likewise, Vitor Pereira’s leadership at Wolves revitalized their season, transforming a struggling side into a resilient team capable of avoiding the drop through tactical adjustments and disciplined play.
Players like Matheus Cunha have also made significant impacts, with his goals helping Wolves escape danger and attracting interest from top clubs, including Manchester United, for whom he is reportedly set to sign this summer.
Unexpected Triumphs and the Changing Face of Football
This season’s cup competitions brought fresh excitement, with Newcastle’s League Cup victory, Palace’s historic FA Cup win, and Tottenham’s surprising Europa League triumph. These victories remind us that football’s unpredictability remains its greatest allure, with new names and stories emerging each year. Liverpool’s league title, their first in over three decades, further exemplifies the sport’s capacity for surprises and renewal.