The Alternative Premier League Table: No 38 – Revisiting the pre-season predictions | OneFootball

The final Alternative Premier League Table of 2025-26 contrasts Opta’s pre-season projections with how the campaign actually unfolded. According to NY Times, Arsenal’s title, Liverpool’s slide and big swings for Manchester United, Tottenham, Brentford and Sunderland define the season.

After three straight runners-up finishes, Arsenal ended a 22-year title wait. They recovered from a 2-1 loss at Manchester City with 1-0 wins over Newcastle, West Ham and Burnley, built on 19 clean sheets and key roles for Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres.

Liverpool, favourites after heavy summer spending, fell short. Hugo Ekitike struck 11 before an Achilles injury, Florian Wirtz has five in 32 and Alexander Isak three in 703 minutes, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez had mixed campaigns. They have just clung to the extra Champions League berth.

United were tipped for the bottom half by Opta and eighth by staff, yet sit third. Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo hit double figures, combining for 31 of 66 league goals. Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim on 5 January and sparked 11 wins in 16 as Bruno Fernandes chased the assist record.

Tottenham were projected anywhere from sixth to 14th, then collapsed. Thomas Frank departed after 26 league games and an eight-match winless start to 2026, Igor Tudor struggled, and Roberto De Zerbi now needs a final-day point to avoid relegation.

Brentford shattered gloomy forecasts. Keith Andrews’s side, shorn of key men, recruited smartly as Igor Thiago hit 22, Caoimhin Kelleher delivered big moments and Dango Ouattara won five penalties and scored seven. They took points off Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa twice and Liverpool.

Sunderland confounded talk of an instant return to the Championship. Omar Alderete, Nordi Mukiele, Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fee impressed, with Brian Brobbey and Chemsdine Talbi contributing vital goals. A top-half finish remains in play, while Bournemouth and Brighton have pushed hard for Europe late on.

Source: NY Times