Premier League Report Card: 2023-24 season

ARSENAL

Head into the final weekend with a chance of winning the title, which represents further progress under Mikel Arteta. There is depth to the Arsenal squad now, along with real quality, especially in the defence, which is the best in the Premier League.

Star man: Declan Rice

A-

ASTON VILLA

European qualification is a massive success for Villa, who have helped Unai Emery further embellish an already superb managerial CV. Villa’s attack has flourished under the Spaniard, although competing on so many fronts next season will be a challenge.

Star man: Ollie Watkins

A

BOURNEMOUTH

The Andoni Iraola era started slowly, but there have been signs of real promise in the second half of the season. Holding on to Dominic Solanke could be a challenge, but Bournemouth’s recruitment last summer has turned out to be a big success.

Star man: Dominic Solanke

B

BRENTFORD

The Ivan Toney situation didn’t help, but Brentford have regressed this season, to the point where they could finish just two places above the drop zone. Injuries haven’t helped, but the Bees cannot afford to keep losing their better players.

Star man: Bryan Mbuemo

C

BRIGHTON

Playing in Europe was a highlight for Brighton, but ultimately the demands of the fixture list took their toll. Historically, a mid-table finish should be cause for celebration, but sights have been raised and Roberto de Zerbi needs to deliver.

Star man: Pascal Gross

B-

BURNLEY

Having romped to the Championship title so impressively, Burnley’s attempt to survive in the top-flight was a massive disappointment. Vincent Kompany wasn’t for turning, but the Clarets’ defensive naivety was ultimately their undoing.

Star man: Jacob Bruun Larsen

D

CHELSEA

Mauricio Pochettino’s job has been on the line for much of the season, yet Chelsea could well end the campaign with a place in Europe. The last couple of months have been much more like it – and Cole Palmer has been one of the stars of the season.

Star man: Cole Palmer

B

CRYSTAL PALACE

Sacking Roy Hodgson seemed to take forever, but the decision to turn to Oliver Glasner as his replacement already looks inspired. Palace’s front three has been as good as anything in the league in the last couple of months.

Star man: Michael Olise

B

EVERTON

It’s been a traumatic season on the blue half of Merseyside, but Sean Dyche deserves considerable credit for successfully guiding Everton through the chaos. It hasn’t always been pretty to watch, but it has led to Premier League survival.

Star man: Jordan Pickford

C+

FULHAM

A largely disappointing campaign under Marco Silva in which Fulham never really seemed to be able to get over the departure of Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Cottagers were never in relegation trouble, but deservedly finish in the bottom half.

Star man: Joao Palhinha

C

LIVERPOOL

The quadruple was on at one stage, but Jurgen Klopp will bow out with just the Carabao Cup to show for his final-season efforts. Injuries were a major issue, but too many big players underperformed at the critical point of the campaign.

Star man: Alexis Mac Allister

B

LUTON

They fought valiantly, and had a purple patch around the turn of the year when survival looked possible. Ultimately, though, Luton were found wanting, with a dreadful run of one win from their last 16 league games sealing their fate.

Star man: Elijah Adebayo

C-

MAN CITY

Exiting the Champions League on penalties was a major disappointment, but Pep Guardiola’s side still look like ending the season with a double to go with last season’s treble. The ultimate big-game performers, who always seem to peak when it matters most.

Star man: Phil Foden

A

MAN UTD

Even if they scrape into Europe, this has been a disastrous season for Erik ten Hag and his players. Their defending has been laughable at times, and a major overhaul is clearly needed, both on and off the pitch.

Star man: Kobbie Mainoo

C-

NEWCASTLE

The Champions League was an enjoyable adventure, but things have regressed domestically. A crippling injury list is a major mitigating factor, but this feels like a big summer for Newcastle if they are to cling on to the teams currently above them.

Star man: Anthony Gordon

B

NOTTM FOREST

The points penalty didn’t help, but this has been a difficult season for Forest, who could survive by goal difference alone come Sunday night. Nuno hasn’t taken things forward, and the relentless VAR rants have proved embarrassing.

Star man: Morgan Gibbs-White

C-

SHEFF UTD

A horrendous season for the Blades, who never looked remotely competitive on their return to the top-flight. The 8-0 thrashing to Newcastle was the low point, but there were seven other occasions where they conceded five or more goals.

Star man: Gustavo Hamer

E

TOTTENHAM

A bright start under Ange Postecoglou, but a fractious and disappointing end to the campaign. Trying to replace Harry Kane was always going to be an extremely tough task, but while some of Spurs’ signings have impressed, the team remains a work in progress.

Star man: James Maddison

B-

WEST HAM

Another decent run in Europe, but the David Moyes era ends with something of a whimper. When West Ham are good, they can be excellent. But there were too many no-shows this season, especially away from home.

Star man: Jarrod Bowen

C

WOLVES

Given the question marks that were apparent at the start of the season, Gary O’Neil has done a decent job to guide Wolves to mid-table security. Taking things on could be difficult though if the club’s best players continue to leave.

Star man: Pedro Neto

C+