Premier League season grades, A* Arsenal, E Chelsea, and the verdict on Man Utd | OneFootball

The Premier League campaign is complete and the end-of-season grades are in, charting champions, European qualifiers and those who fell away.

According to NY Times, Arsenal earned an A*, finally claiming the title after three successive second-place finishes, built on defensive steel, set-piece nous and smart squad planning despite injuries.

Aston Villa also received an A*, erratic at times yet ending with Champions League qualification and the Europa League trophy. Bournemouth’s A reflected a first-ever European qualification and sixth place despite major turnover and Andoni Iraola’s impending exit.

Brentford’s B+ rewarded a surprise push under rookie Keith Andrews, while Brighton’s B recognised a winter slump, recruitment misses and a late recovery into the Conference League.

At the other end, Burnley’s E followed one win after October and Scott Parker’s sacking, finishing on 22 points after failing to beat already-relegated Wolves. Chelsea’s E summed up a chaotic year, Enzo Maresca’s New Year departure, Liam Rosenior’s ill-fated stint, over £100million on underwhelming signings, six straight league defeats halted only by a late Joao Pedro strike, dissent from senior players and a 10th-place finish capped by FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

Everton’s C marked stabilisation then drift, Fulham’s B- highlighted inconsistency and looming calls on Marco Silva and Harry Wilson, and Leeds’ A lauded a promoted side reaching Europe while backing Daniel Farke. Liverpool’s D reflected fifth place on 60 points, 24 worse than last season. Manchester City’s A covered a domestic cup double and a credible title tilt during a rebuild.

Manchester United’s B+ followed a mid-season handover to Michael Carrick, third place, Bruno Fernandes’ best club campaign and Kobbie Mainoo’s revival. Elsewhere, Newcastle’s C- balanced cup progress with a poor league return and defeat to Sunderland home and away, Nottingham Forest’s C- was lifted by a Europa League semi-final, Sunderland’s A* celebrated a remarkable return to Europe, Tottenham’s E charted a slide from Super Cup promise to a survival scrap, West Ham’s E confirmed relegation, and Wolves’ E- closed a calamitous year.

Source: NY Times