Following the longest season in football history, lasting almost a year, it is now finally over. The season started on 9th August 2019 and concluded on 26th July 2020. It is perhaps the most surreal football season to be completed. The defining moment of the season was the Premier League trophy being presented to the Liverpool players on the Kop to an empty stadium. A large crowd of scousers were joining in the celebrations from outside the ground. They didn’t want to miss out on the action.
Liverpool had the season wrapped up with 7 games to play and eventually won the league by 19 points. The final two relegation places were confirmed on the final day with Watford and Bournemouth joining Norwich City in the Championship. Chelsea and Manchester United joined Liverpool and Manchester City in the Champions League having won their final games of the season. Leicester City and Spurs grabbed the Europa League spots.
Here we will review each team and give them a grade for their performance this season.
Liverpool
Final Position: Champions
Grade: A+
Liverpool came so close to winning the league last season. They produced what many consider to the best Premier League campaign ever. They were undefeated for a large part of the season and produced some scintillating football. By far the best team in the country and were deserved champions. It was their first league title in 30 years, and their first Premier League title.
Manchester City
Final Position: Runners Up
Grade: B+
They had high expectations at the start of the season. Anything less than retaining their league title was always going to be a fall from grace. They were up against the best ever Liverpool team so finishing second was not to be sniffed at. They still managed to score over 100 goals but registering nine defeats was a big disappointment. They will come back stronger next season.
Manchester United
Final Position: 3rd
Grade: B
Nobody would have predicted United to finish 3rd before lockdown. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did well to turn the team’s fortunes around after a poor first half to the season. The reason for a B is the high standards United set themselves. They won’t be happy falling behind their two bitter rivals.
Chelsea
Final Position: 4th
Grade: B
Bearing in mind this was Frank Lampard’s first season and they had a transfer embargo placed against them, this wasn’t a bad season. The fact they beat a very strong Leicester side to the final Champions League place represents a good season. They are also in the FA Cup Final against Arsenal. They will invest heavily prior to next season.
Leicester City
Final Position: 5th
Grade: B
Leicester were odds on to be in the Champions League places after a fantastic first half to the season. They won eight matches in a row, including hammering Southampton 9-0. They had a disastrous end to the season getting 19 points from their last 22 matches. They just needed to beat Manchester United on the final day of the season to get a top 4 spot! They will be in the Europa League next season.
Tottenham Hotspur
Final Position: 6th
Grade: C
A poor season after finishing in the top 4 the previous campaign, plus getting to the final of the Champions League. They had a disastrous start and sacked Mauricio Pochettino midway through the season. Jose Mourinho will claim he’s had a successful start to his Spurs career taking them from mid-table to a Europa League place. All said and done, Spurs fans will be unhappy how this season transpired.
Wolves
Final Position: 7th
Grade: B+
An excellent season for Wolves bearing in mind the strong competition they were up against. They played some excellent football at times and were unlucky not to get into one of the European places. With some more investment from their wealthy owners they will be competing for a top 6 spot next season.
Arsenal
Final Position: 8th
Grade: D
Although they reached the FA Cup Final this is another season to forget for the Gunners. A change of management mid-way through the season with the introduction of Mikel Arteta will help for next season. Other than that, nothing much to shout about it.
Sheffield United
Final Position: 9th
Grade: A
An excellent season back in the top flight for the Blades. They played some entertaining and attacking football, beating a number of the big teams along the way. At one stage they looked on course for a top 4 finish. Definitely punched above their weight and perhaps should have finished higher than 9th.
Burnley
Final Position: 10th
Grade: B+
A big improvement on last year where they nearly got relegated into the Championship. A top-half finish and Premier League survival represents a successful season for the Clarets. One of their highlights was the 2-0 victory against North-West rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Southampton
Final Position: 11th
Grade: B-
A much improved second half to the season after a very poor start. They looked certain for relegation until they put their foot on the gas. Danny Ings contributed some very important goals following his permanent move from Liverpool.
Everton
Final Position: 12th
Grade: D
Another disappointing season for The Toffees. They have invested heavily in the squad in recent years and acquired a top-class manager in Carlo Ancelotti. Much more is expected of them. No doubt the Italian will invest further this summer in an attempt to improve upon this disappointing season.
Newcastle United
Final Position: 13th
Grade: C+
The Geordies seem to be a club in permanent crisis and this season was no different. The fans were unhappy with the introduction of Steve Bruce as manager. However to give him credit, he’s done well with a disjointed team at his disposal. The fans will be hoping for Mike Ashley to be ousted this summer. There are rumours of a potential takeover from rich Middle East investors.
Crystal Palace
Final Position: 14th
Grade: C
A fairly non-descript season and in all reality Palace should be in the top half. A poor finish to the season losing seven in a row but safety was guaranteed before lockdown.
Brighton
Final Position: 15th
Grade: B-
A decent first season for Graham Potter and a good base to build on for next season. The club’s aim at the start of the campaign would have been Premier League survival, which they have achieved.
West Ham United
Final Position: 16th
Grade: D
The Hammers would have hoped to improve on 10th last season so this season will be considered a failure. They will be happy to avoided relegation but they should be generating more than 39 points. Is David Moyes the right man to take them forward?
Aston Villa
Final Position: 17th
Grade: C-
It only seemed right it was local lad Jack Grealish who scored in the last 10 minutes of the season to guarantee Villa’s survival. Although relieved to be in the Premier League next season, they would have expected a higher finish with the money they spent last summer.
Bournemouth
Final Position: 18th
Grade: E
Bournemouth and Eddie Howe have been synonymous with playing attractive, flowing football. Although they were arguably the smallest club in the Premier League they will be disappointed to be relegated to the Championship. With an average attendance of around 10,000, some would argue they are better suited to the Championship.
Watford
Final Position: 19th
Grade: F
A disastrous season for the Hornets. Perhaps an unwise decision to sack Nigel Pearson with just two games to go. The highlight of the season was the 3-0 victory over Liverpool to end their unbeaten record.
Norwich City
Final Position: 20th
Grade: F
Having won the Championship the previous season a lot was expected of Norwich. They started the season well with some attractive attacking football. Pukki was one of the favourites to win the golden boot at one stage. They fell apart however during the second half of the season. If they can keep their squad together they will be one of the favourites for promotion back to the Premier League.
So that’s it for another season. Some will be relieved we were able to finish the season, in particular the red half of Merseyside. Watford, Bournemouth and Norwich fans however will wish it had been cancelled. You can buy Football Memorabilia to celebrate your team’s successes or woes.
The Premier League season 2020-2021 is due to start again on Saturday 12th September. Let’s hope it’s memorable for the right reasons.
