Top Performers
Final Standings & European Qualification
Champions League (Top 5):
1. Liverpool – 82 pts (Champions)
2. Arsenal – 67 pts
3. Manchester City – 64 pts
4. Newcastle United – 63 pts
5. Chelsea – 63 pts
Note: Tottenham Hotspur also qualified for the Champions League by winning the UEFA Europa League, despite finishing 17th in the league.
Europa League:
6. Nottingham Forest – 61 pts
7. Aston Villa – 60 pts
Europa Conference League:
• Crystal Palace – Qualified by winning the FA Cup.
Top-Team Season Summaries:
Liverpool: Following a Klopp era that seemed a tough act to follow, Liverpool took a gamble on Arne Slot, spun the wheel, and hit the jackpot. The Scousers are back on top, and the city runs red for a record-tying 20th time. They ran the show from Gameweek 1 and never looked back. The Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah, conquered the realm with an iron fist, while Big Virg—Virgil van Dijk—secured the city like a one-man army, guiding them back to the promised land. "You’ll Never Walk Alone" has never rung so true. With the promise of big-money moves this summer, the red haze over the realm looks here to stay, and dethroning the champs won’t come easy for the rest.
Arsenal: A masterplan that didn’t quite come to fruition, as Mikel Arteta and his troops fell short of their lofty goals yet again—finishing 2nd and bowing out of the Champions League semifinals. A harsh reality hits this dominant London team, but those who critique Arteta’s artistry fail to recognize one of the finest outfits in football this season. Rising stars like Myles Lewis-Skelly, alongside world-class talents Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, have the Gunners on the right path. But Arteta must find the final pieces of the puzzle to make that leap to the very top.
Manchester City: The standout team of this era fell short of their usual standards this year. Losing Rodri—the best midfielder in the world—early in the season left them scrambling. Pep Guardiola’s plotting and scheming led to an immense late-season recovery. This season signifies the end of an era for the sky-blue half of Manchester as they bid farewell to club great Kevin De Bruyne. Pep, a master tactician and cerebral winner, can never be counted out. He and his troops will look to regain their dominance and restore that unbeatable aura next season.
Chelsea: An established London guard reasserted themselves, securing Champions League football. Enzo Maresca imposed his style, proving the Bridge still has ballers who can compete with the best. A season of highs, lows, and unpredictability ended in what many supporters would call success for one of Europe’s youngest squads. The Blues’ unconventional project is bearing fruit as potential-filled youngsters evolve into superstar talents. With more gems emerging from Cobham and beyond, Chelsea are on the rise. If they solidify their identity and raise their quality across the park, they’ll be ones to watch next season.
Newcastle United: The Toon Army is well and truly back. They brought a domestic trophy to the Geordie shore, secured European football, and are on the up under Eddie Howe. Swedish superman Alexander Isak proved he’s not just another baller but a Magpies icon, helping the faithful relive the glory days. This season, Newcastle showed they’re no longer punching above their weight—they’re true heavyweights. Defensively sound, with an unmatched engine room and goals galore, they’re the complete package. Europe’s elite will come calling with big-money offers, but there’s a new buzz at St. James’ Park—a renewed hope for even brighter days ahead.
Nottingham Forest: This season’s surprise package, Forest put the league on notice, nearly scripting the ultimate underdog story as they chased a Champions League spot before faltering late and settling for 7th—and a Conference League place. Many expected the City Ground to be a stomping ground for rivals, but Nottingham flipped the script, making the league seem like a walk in the forest. Nuno Espírito Santo molded them into a tough challenge for any opponent. Like a phoenix from the ashes, Chris Wood was reborn—even the staunchest critics had to say, "Sorry, I wasn’t familiar with your game." While falling short of top-tier European football stings, Forest’s rise deserves applause. The players and staff have earned their flowers.
Aston Villa: Villa Park was a fortress this season, and though a 6th-place finish marked a disappointing end, Unai Emery’s men gave the Villans a campaign to remember. The days of the traditional "Top 6" are gone—a Champions League quarterfinal run and an FA Cup semifinal prove Villa are among the Premier League’s elite. In past eras, 6th would’ve been monumental, but Emery has raised the bar, building a team that’s beaten Europe’s best. The additions of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio made fans believe they’re no longer mid-table but solidifying elite status. Ollie Watkins keeps rising, partnered with emerging star Morgan Rogers, while Emiliano Martinez remains the villain between the sticks. Villa may be down, but with their caliber of stars, they’re far from out.
Crystal Palace: For a team that seemed like the Titanic steering toward an iceberg at the start of the season, Oliver Glasner grabbed the wheel and set Palace back on course. Don’t be fooled by their 12th-place finish—the Eagles soared to new heights this season, posting a record points tally and lifting their first domestic cup in 119 years. They’d been to the dance at Wembley twice before but never passed the final test. As they say, third time’s the charm, and this time, the Eagles finally stuck the landing. Palace needed a hero, and Eberechi Eze said, "Hold my beer." The baller’s brilliance etched the club into the history books. Despite their mid-table status, one thing is crystal clear: Glasner’s men will be ready to climb the ladder next season.
