Premier League Report Card: A Mixed Bag of Expectations and Disappointment
The 2025-26 Premier League season has just wrapped up, leaving behind a trail of shattered dreams and lofty possibilities. Our fan writers and experts have given their verdict on the league's performance, with some clubs flying high while others struggled to stay afloat.
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, was expected to make a strong push for the title but ultimately fell short, finishing third in the table. The Gunners' inconsistent performances and inability to convert chances into goals left many fans feeling frustrated.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa's relegation battle was less dramatic than anticipated, with the claret-and-blue outfit avoiding the drop by a single point. Villa's manager, Dean Smith, deserves credit for guiding his team to safety despite being surrounded by adversity.
Bournemouth's relegation to the Championship has sparked widespread disappointment among fans, who had grown accustomed to the Cherries' mid-table mediocrity. The lack of investment and poor squad management contributed to the club's downfall.
In contrast, Brentford's surprise promotion was a testament to Thomas Frank's masterful managerial skills. The Bees flew high in their first season back in the top flight, accumulating an impressive 52 points from 38 matches. Their attacking flair and cohesion were key factors in their success.
Brighton & Hove Albion's survival was secured by the sheer consistency of Chris Hughton's team. While they never soared above the mid-table pack, the Seagulls' steady performances and smart signings kept them afloat until the very end.
Burnley's relegation to the Championship may not have come as a shock to some, but it still marked an end to 14 consecutive seasons in the top flight. The Clarets' inability to adapt to the changing Premier League landscape left many wondering what could have been.
Chelsea and Manchester City both enjoyed strong campaigns, with the Blues finishing second and the Citizens claiming their seventh Premier League title. Both clubs demonstrated remarkable depth and resilience throughout the season.
Crystal Palace's 13th-place finish was a decent result for Roy Hodgson's side, considering the squad they had to work with. The Eagles' ability to avoid relegation was largely down to their smart recruitment strategy and solid defensive performances.
Everton's struggles under Sam Allardyce were expected but not necessarily welcome news among fans. The Toffees' inability to spark any real life in front of goal left many questioning the appointment of a former top-flight manager with limited Premier League experience.
Fulham, despite some notable victories, ultimately succumbed to relegation, marking an ignominious end to Scott Parker's tenure as manager. The Cottagers' poor transfer business and lack of investment hindered their chances of staying up.
Leeds United's promotion was a triumphant moment for Marcelo Bielsa, who defied the odds with his high-intensity pressing and counter-attacking tactics. The Whites' 2-1 win over Derby County in the Championship play-off final capped off an incredible story of transformation under the Argentine gaffer.
Liverpool's title win was, as expected, a masterclass performance by Jurgen Klopp's side. The Reds' pace, skill, and cohesion were on full display throughout the season, with Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino leading the charge.
Manchester United's struggles under Erik ten Hag were less dramatic than anticipated, but still raised questions about the Red Devils' future prospects. The team's inability to score goals against top-flight opponents left many fans feeling frustrated.
Newcastle United's survival was a testament to Eddie Howe's pragmatic approach and smart recruitment strategy. The Magpies avoided relegation despite a patchy season, with some notable victories and some crushing defeats.
Nottingham Forest's remarkable turnaround under Steve Cooper was nothing short of astonishing. The Reds' transformation from mid-table Championship side to Premier League strugglers marked an incredible journey of growth and adaptation.
Sunderland's relegation to the Championship may have been avoided by a single point, but it's clear that the Black Cats still have work to do if they want to return to the top flight. The lack of investment and poor squad management contributed to their downfall.
Tottenham Hotspur's season was marked by inconsistency and disappointment, with the Spurs finishing sixth in the table. Antonio Conte's team never quite lived up to expectations, leaving fans feeling frustrated and underwhelmed.
West Ham United's survival was secured by the sheer determination of David Moyes' team. The Hammers' ability to avoid relegation despite being surrounded by adversity was a testament to the manager's tactical acumen and squad management skills.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' relegation to the Championship marked an end to Nuno Espirito Santo's tenure as manager, who will be remembered for his innovative tactics and impressive recruitment strategy. The Wolves' inability to adapt to the changing Premier League landscape left many wondering what could have been.
The 2025-26 Premier League season has just wrapped up, leaving behind a trail of shattered dreams and lofty possibilities. Our fan writers and experts have given their verdict on the league's performance, with some clubs flying high while others struggled to stay afloat.
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, was expected to make a strong push for the title but ultimately fell short, finishing third in the table. The Gunners' inconsistent performances and inability to convert chances into goals left many fans feeling frustrated.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa's relegation battle was less dramatic than anticipated, with the claret-and-blue outfit avoiding the drop by a single point. Villa's manager, Dean Smith, deserves credit for guiding his team to safety despite being surrounded by adversity.
Bournemouth's relegation to the Championship has sparked widespread disappointment among fans, who had grown accustomed to the Cherries' mid-table mediocrity. The lack of investment and poor squad management contributed to the club's downfall.
In contrast, Brentford's surprise promotion was a testament to Thomas Frank's masterful managerial skills. The Bees flew high in their first season back in the top flight, accumulating an impressive 52 points from 38 matches. Their attacking flair and cohesion were key factors in their success.
Brighton & Hove Albion's survival was secured by the sheer consistency of Chris Hughton's team. While they never soared above the mid-table pack, the Seagulls' steady performances and smart signings kept them afloat until the very end.
Burnley's relegation to the Championship may not have come as a shock to some, but it still marked an end to 14 consecutive seasons in the top flight. The Clarets' inability to adapt to the changing Premier League landscape left many wondering what could have been.
Chelsea and Manchester City both enjoyed strong campaigns, with the Blues finishing second and the Citizens claiming their seventh Premier League title. Both clubs demonstrated remarkable depth and resilience throughout the season.
Crystal Palace's 13th-place finish was a decent result for Roy Hodgson's side, considering the squad they had to work with. The Eagles' ability to avoid relegation was largely down to their smart recruitment strategy and solid defensive performances.
Everton's struggles under Sam Allardyce were expected but not necessarily welcome news among fans. The Toffees' inability to spark any real life in front of goal left many questioning the appointment of a former top-flight manager with limited Premier League experience.
Fulham, despite some notable victories, ultimately succumbed to relegation, marking an ignominious end to Scott Parker's tenure as manager. The Cottagers' poor transfer business and lack of investment hindered their chances of staying up.
Leeds United's promotion was a triumphant moment for Marcelo Bielsa, who defied the odds with his high-intensity pressing and counter-attacking tactics. The Whites' 2-1 win over Derby County in the Championship play-off final capped off an incredible story of transformation under the Argentine gaffer.
Liverpool's title win was, as expected, a masterclass performance by Jurgen Klopp's side. The Reds' pace, skill, and cohesion were on full display throughout the season, with Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino leading the charge.
Manchester United's struggles under Erik ten Hag were less dramatic than anticipated, but still raised questions about the Red Devils' future prospects. The team's inability to score goals against top-flight opponents left many fans feeling frustrated.
Newcastle United's survival was a testament to Eddie Howe's pragmatic approach and smart recruitment strategy. The Magpies avoided relegation despite a patchy season, with some notable victories and some crushing defeats.
Nottingham Forest's remarkable turnaround under Steve Cooper was nothing short of astonishing. The Reds' transformation from mid-table Championship side to Premier League strugglers marked an incredible journey of growth and adaptation.
Sunderland's relegation to the Championship may have been avoided by a single point, but it's clear that the Black Cats still have work to do if they want to return to the top flight. The lack of investment and poor squad management contributed to their downfall.
Tottenham Hotspur's season was marked by inconsistency and disappointment, with the Spurs finishing sixth in the table. Antonio Conte's team never quite lived up to expectations, leaving fans feeling frustrated and underwhelmed.
West Ham United's survival was secured by the sheer determination of David Moyes' team. The Hammers' ability to avoid relegation despite being surrounded by adversity was a testament to the manager's tactical acumen and squad management skills.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' relegation to the Championship marked an end to Nuno Espirito Santo's tenure as manager, who will be remembered for his innovative tactics and impressive recruitment strategy. The Wolves' inability to adapt to the changing Premier League landscape left many wondering what could have been.
Arsenal should've done better with Arteta at the helm 
! Aston Villa's relegation battle was a close call, but they managed to avoid the drop by a single point 
Dean Smith deserves major credit for that 
I'm still trying to wrap my head around Arsenal's third-place finish. I mean, they had some great moments, but that inconsistency is just not okay. They need to sort out their defense and create more chances in front of goal. 
and I think he's the real deal. The Bees' attacking flair was on full display, and it was amazing to watch them dominate games.
. Chris Hughton's team may not have won anything, but they never got relegated either. That's some solid football right there!
. The Clarets were such an entertaining team to watch, and I was hoping they'd make it back up to the Premier League.
. Both teams showed incredible depth and resilience throughout the season.
. I know they didn't win anything, but at least they gave us some decent games. Antonio Conte needs to get his tactics right, though!
. Nuno Espirito Santo may have left, but I think he's going to be remembered as one of the best managers in recent history.
. Bring on the transfer rumors and summer rebuilds! 
and i gotta say, it's a mixed bag of feels 
️. but at the same time, we got to see some heartbreak from clubs like bournemouth and fulham who just couldn't quite get it together 
. teams like leeds united and nottingham forest showed us that with the right tactics and squad management, even a struggling club can turn things around 
. meanwhile, clubs like manchester united struggled to find their footing despite having loads of talent on paper 
. what did u think of this season's premier league? were there any teams or moments that stood out to u? 
. Like, Bournemouth going down was never a huge surprise, but it's always tough to see a team you love struggle that much 
. And then there's Villa, who got away with relegation on the skin of their teeth 
. It's a reminder that football can be unpredictable, and anything can happen with the right mix of talent, strategy, and luck.
anyway congrats 2 all the teams that made it through and especially brentford who did a sick season 
i mean what can u expect when ur stuck between relegation battles and title fights? 
- how is our beloved forum doing?! still got that same old outdated design we've been complaining about for ages 
meanwhile our humble little forum gets stuck in the 90s 
Arsenal should've done better, mate. They were so hyped up at the start of the season but just couldn't get it together. Arteta's a good gaffer and all, but they need to sort out their defence and get some consistency in front of goal. Still, third place is not bad, right? 
However, I was pleasantly surprised by the emergence of Brentford as a top-flight force 
As for Bournemouth, it's sad to see a team like theirs struggling so mightily 
. They had the talent, but poor squad management and lack of investment left them vulnerable to relegation. It's a real shame, as Cherries fans were always hoping for more from their beloved team.
On the other hand, Brighton & Hove Albion's consistency was truly admirable 
. And can we talk about how amazing Brighton's consistency was? 
is kinda cool i guess