As we come to the end of a historic league season, it is worth taking a look back at each individual team to rate their season as a whole, complete with the ups and downs. These are my personal ratings, sorry if you disagree!
Leicester – 10 – The fairytale champions, and their success was not a fluke. A team built on defensive solidarity as much as counter-attacking threat, theirs is one of the best stories in sporting history. If they can keep their players they should be looking to secure a top-half finish next season.
Arsenal – 7 – As usual, Arsenal choked, and in a season where most teams slipped up, they should’ve done better. Some good results, but too defensively weak against smaller teams, and Chelsea. Poor show in cup games, and routine round of 16 Champions League exit. Need to spend in the summer.
As usual, Arsenal choked, and in a season where most teams slipped up, they should’ve done better.
Tottenham – 7 – They had arguably the best squad balance, with a world-class striker, a creative midfield and the best defence in the league. Didn’t stop them collapsing in the last few games though. Dropping from second and managing to get thrashed by Newcastle.
Man City – 6 – Disappointing league season with some big additions to their squad, but did well in Europe to reach a Champions League semi-final for the first time in their history. Crawled over the line to achieve fourth, and with some ageing players Guardiola has work to do in his debut season.
Southampton – 8 – Very good season and deserve Europe despite some awful results near the start of the campaign. A bit on-and-off but some amazing results against teams like Arsenal and Man City. Mane is fantastic, and they need to ensure they keep their best players.
Man Utd – 7 – Somehow managed to get Europe despite being a mere shadow of Ferguson’s United, sometimes boring, but exciting youth prospects, especially Martial and Rashford. Van Gaal is not going to restore them to glory and it may be worth chucking the cheque-book at Mourinho. Also won the FA cup, which is not too shabby.
West Ham – 7 – The addition of Payet has worked wonders for the Hammers. Billic has instilled an attractive style of football that deserves European football as they move into the Olympic Stadium. Put in some poor performances at the end of the season. Awful in Europe though, despite fielding a weak team.
Liverpool – 6 – Next year will be their year I’m sure. Klopp has given them a drive to come from behind that Rodgers couldn’t, and has taken them to the Europa League and League Cup final. Despite many temperamental players, he has them playing exciting, if not always effective, football.
Chelsea – 3 – League champions last season, but only got mid-table due to strong form in the second half of the season. Worst title defence in Premier League history, in fact. Hazard has been an incredible disappointment outside of the final few games. The Spurs game will live long in the memory!
Stoke – 6 – Some great moments with good wins, some poor ones against weaker teams. Promising squad with exciting players like Bojan, Arnautovic, and Shaqiri who give Stoke genuine attacking flair, and taken them out from the Uruk-Hai like style of years gone by.
Everton – 4 – With their squad they should be doing far, far better. Lukaku has almost justified his price tag with a dominant season, Barkley has been a machine, but Stones has had a disappointing end to a promising season. They should do far better next season.
Watford – 6 – Deeney and Ighalo have proven they are Premier League quality, good season for them, and well-deserved security in the League for next season. Could do with a top midfielder, someone like Cabaye with Palace or Sigurddson with Swansea. Walter Mazzarri is a major gamble.
Deeney and Ighalo have proven they are Premier League quality
Swansea – 4 – Some good moments, but did poorly as the season went on. On their day they have an superb midfield lead by Ki and Sigurddson, but Gomis simply isn’t good enough as a main striker. They need a striker on the level of Bony.
West Brom – 4 – Yet another season that has gone by without anyone noticing. Their high point was a victory against Manchester United, but other than that virtually nothing of significance. The most boring team in the league? Quite possibly.
Bournemouth – 5 – An exciting team that plays some lovely football, could do with more quality. Despite defensive weaknesses they have the ability to score quite a few goals. Their season started well but they dropped off in the second half.
Crystal Palace – 3 – Started incredibly, keeping pace with Spurs. Then they got Pardew’d and dropped like a stone with some of the worst form the league has seen. Tactics were pretty much to fill every spot with pacey, skilful wingers, and it worked for a while.
Sunderland – 3 – Like Newcastle, but with a better striker in Jermaine Defoe, and the Adam Johnson fiasco. Despite defensive strengths at times, they need investment in the summer.
Newcastle – 2 – Almost survived due to teams below them somehow being even worse. Deserve relegation despite an absolutely fantastic game against Tottenham. It’s a shame to see an established club run by a clueless owner and spineless players. Hopefully straight back up.
Norwich – 3 – Play the best football out of the bottom four with some flowing attacking football, and players like Redmond have moments of genuine quality. It’s a shame their defence is so weak, and their players having the clinical finishing of a wet sponge.
Aston Villa – 0 – Second worst team ever in the Premier League. Awful on the pitch and off. Can they swap with Exeter City in League Two? The Grecians couldn’t do any worse, and would at least be happy to be there.