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Premier League club-by-club verdict: Surprise packages, summer priorities and each team graded

Premier League club-by-club verdict: Surprise packages, summer priorities and each team graded

After one of the most gruelling Premier League seasons in history came to an end, our writers have run the rule over the performances of all 20 clubs.

We look at how managers marshalled their squads, which players impressed – and who should be a bit sheepish – as well as grading each club’s performance.

Arsenal

How has the manager done?

Mikel Arteta can justifiably claim the instability around the club has not helped his cause, but he will also know this campaign has been a major disappointment. He needs a fast start next season.

Player who should be proud

Bukayo Saka has been arguably Arsenal’s most impressive performer this term, despite his lack of experience. Versatile, creative and a great decision-maker, he represents the future of the club.

Player who should be sheepish

Willian was supposed to be a high-class addition who knew the league and could instantly improve the side. His signing, on considerable wages, has been nothing short of disastrous.

Who was the surprise package?

Emile Smith Rowe. After overcoming injury issues at the start of the season, the Englishman has offered all the dynamism and creativity that Arsenal were expecting from Willian.

Biggest priority this summer?

Strengthening the midfield. Can they keep Martin Odegaard? Who will replace the departing Dani Ceballos? Will Granit Xhaka stay? These questions need answering.

Overall grade: D

Aston Villa

How has the manager done?

Villa started the season with real intent and intensity before dropping off over the second half, but Dean Smith has unquestionably delivered further progress. A mid-table finish after avoiding relegation last season on the final day may not be sensational, but is an achievement which cannot be overlooked.

Player who should be proud

Jack Grealish was Villa’s player of the season before his shin injury, but perhaps the real star has been Ollie Watkins. Signed from Brentford, he has adapted brilliantly to the demands of the Premier League.

Player who should be sheepish

Ross Barkley. This was supposed to be the platform for Barkley to win his England place back and prove Chelsea wrong, but he has proven a huge disappointment and is now little more than a highly-paid substitute.

Who was the surprise package?

Watkins has been a revelation, but it would be ridiculous to ignore the impact of Emiliano Martinez. The former Arsenal goalkeeper has been outstanding, the best Villa No 1 since Brad Friedel.

Biggest priority this summer?

Villa will face a fight to keep Grealish, with Manchester City interested despite the huge price tag. Keeping him, or replacing him if sold, will be a massive job for the club.

Overall grade: C

Brighton

How has the manager done?

In terms of the team’s style, very well. Graham Potter’s side play some of the best football in the league. The problem is that their points tally does not reflect these performances.

Player who should be proud

The impressive Yves Bissouma has added consistency to his game. A powerful presence in midfield with excellent technical ability, he is destined for one of the biggest clubs.

Player who should be sheepish

Brighton’s biggest issue has been their inability to convert their chances. The finger of blame points primarily at the wasteful Neal Maupay, who should have more goals to his name.

Who was the surprise package?

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was not expected to be a key player but he overtook Mat Ryan in the pecking order and has been a dependable figure ever since.

Biggest priority this summer?

Finding someone who can finish the goalscoring opportunities that are created by Potter’s array of attacking midfielders. A clinical striker would catapult Brighton up the table.

Overall grade: B-

Yves Bissouma is destined for one of the biggest clubs - PAYves Bissouma is destined for one of the biggest clubs - PA

Yves Bissouma is destined for one of the biggest clubs – PA

Burnley

How has the manager done?

There is no bigger perennial overachiever in top-flight football than Sean Dyche. Despite starting with seven winless games, relegation has not been a serious concern since. There is no bigger praise than that.

Player who should be proud

Chris Wood. Burnley have 33 league goals and the New Zealand striker has 12 of them, including eight in his last 10 games to help secure safety.

Player who should be sheepish

Robbie Brady has had a disappointing, injury-ravaged season in which he had nearly as many Ireland caps (10) as league starts (12). Unfortunately for him, out of contract this summer.

Who was the surprise package?

Matej Vydra has had a breakthrough year in his third season. The Czech has only scored three league goals but formed a useful strike partnership with Wood.

Biggest priority this summer?

To sign players in every position. New owners have talked a good game but there has been no serious investment in this squad since summer 2018.

Overall grade: B

Chelsea

How has the manager done?

Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard at the end of January and has done a brilliant job reigniting Chelsea’s season which could still end in Champions League success. Given Chelsea were safely qualified for knockout stages when the German arrived, Lampard also deserves some credit.

Player who should be proud

Mason Mount became the youngest winner of the Chelsea Player of the Year award since John Terry and the 22-year-old has gone from strength to strength under Tuchel. A Chelsea captain in the making.

Player who should be sheepish

Ross Barkley has spent the season on loan at Aston Villa and failed to take his chance to try to impress. He will return to Chelsea this summer uncertain of what the future holds.

Who was the surprise package?

Edouard Mendy has proved to be a stunning bargain, given he cost Chelsea just £20million. The goalkeeper has kept eight clean sheets in his debut Champions League season and has also been superb in the Premier League.

Biggest priority this summer?

A striker. Timo Werner has contributed significantly in terms of creating chances and providing assists, but he has not scored enough and Chelsea need someone who is clinical at putting the ball in the back of the net.

Overall grade: B

Crystal Palace

How has the manager done?

Mission accomplished for the departing Roy Hodgson. The football was often not pretty but the results are undeniable – Palace will miss him.

Player who should be proud

Eberechi Eze blossomed in the last few weeks of the season, adding toil to his guile and looking every inch an elite-level player, which makes his serious Achilles injury last week all the more cruel – and devastating for Palace.

Player who should be sheepish

Michy Batshuayi failed to make the most of the opportunities he was given – admittedly, there were not many – and will return to Chelsea facing an uncertain future.

Who was the surprise package?

Christian Benteke had been written off as a Premier League striker, so his end-of-season goal burst was a shock.

Biggest priority this summer?

Finding a new manager, negotiating over 10 new playing contracts and making key signings in central defence, central midfield and in attack. Not much, then.

Overall grade: B-

Everton

How has the manager done?

Carlo Ancelotti has either performed a miracle to make an average squad more competitive, or under-performed with a team capable of qualifying for Europe. It’s more the former.

Player who should be proud

Dominic Calvert-Lewin built on last year to prove he is no one-season wonder. Everton need more players of his level. On too many occasions he has been starved of quality service.

Player who should be sheepish

Fabian Delph. Yes, he is still at Everton, making a grand total of eight Premier League appearances. Call it bad luck with injuries, but whatever the circumstances he’s the kind of signing that keeps causing Everton to haemorrhage cash.

Who was the surprise package?

Everton sneaked through the deal for Ben Godfrey from Norwich having missed out on other defensive targets. What a blessing that proved. He is one of the club’s best signings in years and would not look out of place if he makes England’s Euros squad.

Biggest priority this summer?

A defender, a creative midfielder and winger. Everton lack technical quality in midfield and eve at their best remain one-dimensional. Ancelotti needs more class in his squad.

Overall grade: D

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was Everton's star man - SHUTTERSTOCKDominic Calvert-Lewin was Everton's star man - SHUTTERSTOCK

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was Everton’s star man – SHUTTERSTOCK

Fulham

How has the manager done?

Scott Parker was able to improve his players and his team over the season, especially in defence, but questions must be asked about Fulham’s lack of attacking incision.

Player who should be proud

Joachim Andersen, on loan from Lyon, took the captain’s armband after just a few games and is now a target for some of the league’s biggest sides.

Player who should be sheepish

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has the potential to be one of the most exciting midfield players in the league, as he has shown before, but he never found his form at Craven Cottage.

Who was the surprise package?

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa had a dreadful first season in English football two years ago but showed flashes of brilliance this time around. He looks capable of staying in the top flight.

Biggest priority this summer?

Rebuilding the squad, which was packed full of loan players. Fulham need stability after three years of turbulence, and they need to build a core group of first-teamers.

Overall grade: C

Leeds United

How has the manager done?

Marcelo Bielsa remains the single biggest factor in Leeds United’s transformation, his reputation soaring not just because they have secured so many points on their return to the Premier League, but also the style they have done it in.

Player who should be proud

Captain Liam Cooper is not one of the star players and he is not one of the best either, but he has led the team superbly and has made the step up to Premier League defender look a simple one despite having never played at that level before.

Player who should be sheepish

He has got away with it because Leeds have found a supply of goals from elsewhere, but when you spend £26m on a striker you expect more than the seven goals Rodrigo has scored this season. Four of those have come this month too.

Who was the surprise package?

Given that Patrick Bamford was not prolific for Leeds in the Championship and was often a scapegoat when things went badly, the striker has had a fantastic season and is now on the fringes of the England squad.

Biggest priority of the summer?

Make sure Bielsa gets every assurance he needs to sign a new contract. If he leaves, the heart will be ripped out of Leeds United’s revival.

Overall grade: A-

Leicester City

How has the manager done?

Brendan Rodgers has delivered the first FA Cup in Leicester’s history and once again secured European football. Inevitably, there will be some criticism over their mini-wobble at the end but Rodgers is the best British manager in the country.

Player who should be proud

Youri Tielemans has been a model of consistency, a ruthlessly efficient midfielder who has written his name into Leicester history with the FA Cup-winning goal.

Player who should be sheepish

James Maddison is still only 24 and has a bright future ahead of him but this feels like a lost season. He will not be selected for Euro 2020 and has suffered injury problems and embarrassment when he was disciplined for breaching Covid regulations.

Who was the surprise package?

It never seemed as if Kelechi Iheanacho would prove a success with Leicester, but he has been outstanding over the second half of the season and played a major role in the FA Cup run.

Biggest priority this summer?

The mantra is always to keep building and progressing, and under Rodgers Leicester will do that. With an amazing new £100m training ground and a developing squad, they can look ahead to next season with optimism.

Overall grade: B+

Liverpool

How has the manager done?

Extraordinarily well to navigate the club through treacherous waters on and off the pitch. The triumphs of 2019 and 2020 have been elusive, but in other respects Jurgen Klopp has demonstrated his rare qualities to reverse a debilitating mid-season slump.

Player who should be proud

In an alternative world with no pandemic, a full Anfield and a fully fit squad, Fabinho would have been a contender for Player of the Year. Liverpool were the Premier League’s form team when he was in midfield, but he was forced into defence for a chunk of the season.

Player who should be sheepish

We still await a ‘breakthrough’ season from Naby Keita. He made 10 league appearances this season, continuing a theme of playing, getting injured, and then disappearing for another couple months. Maybe next year…

Who was the surprise package?

When Liverpool named their Champions League squad last September, Nat Phillips was absent, not even the sixth choice centre-back. He ended the season as a cult hero. It may be a brief Anfield career, but it will be celebrated.

Biggest priority this summer?

A top-class centre-back to ensure the next defensive injury crisis does not end title hopes. Liverpool went into this season with only three senior centre-backs and paid a heavy price.

Overall grade: B

Manchester United

How has the manager done?

An undulating season, when United have been good they have been very good; when bad, terrible. Overall though, second place and a Europa League final is progress by any metric.

Player who should be proud

Bruno Fernandes started with an impact last season and got even better this year. A genuine European star.

Player who should be sheepish

Injuries were a constant problem but, even when fit, Anthony Martial struggled for form and goals. Half of his league tally of four came in the 9-0 thrashing of Southampton.

Who was the surprise package?

Luke Shaw may have been United’s second most important player this season after finding consistency after years of mediocre form and injuries.

Biggest priority this summer?

Despite Edinson Cavani staying around, a striker remains a priority. Add United to the Erling Haaland/Harry Kane sweepstakes. So, too, is sorting out the centre of a defence that looked terrible at times.

Overall grade: B+ (win the Europa League and A-)

Luke Shaw has blossomed under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - AFPLuke Shaw has blossomed under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - AFP

Luke Shaw has blossomed under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – AFP

Manchester City

How has the manager done?

A Premier League and League Cup double, FA Cup semi-final, City’s first – and his first in a decade – Champions League final. The manager has done just fine.

Player who should be proud

This was the season 20-year-old Phil Foden morphed from highly promising Premier League star to European tour de force. Next stop? The world.

Player who should be sheepish

Aymeric Laporte. The brilliance of Ruben Dias and renaissance of John Stones saw the Frenchman slip out of City’s first-choice line-up.

Who was the surprise package?

Everyone knew Ilkay Gundogan was an excellent player but there was a spell of a few months around the turn of the year when the German international may have been the best in Europe. Comfortably ended the season as the champions’ leading scorer.

Biggest priority this summer?

A striker. The departure of Sergio Aguero and lack of development of Gabriel Jesus puts Harry Kane and Erling Haaland in City’s sights.

Overall grade: A+ (win the Champions League and A++)

Newcastle United

How has the manager done?

Far better than most Newcastle supporters are willing to admit. Despite a terrible winter period, in which his team won just two out of 22 games, Steve Bruce has once again kept them out of relegation danger with a squad that belongs in the bottom half of the table.

Player who should be proud

Injuries have limited him to just 23 starts in the Premier League but Callum Wilson still scored 12 goals with five assists and Newcastle are a far better side when he is in it.

Player who should be sheepish

Ryan Fraser ducked out of Bournemouth’s relegation battle at the end of last season to protect himself but he has rarely been fit for Newcastle and has done very little when he has played.

Who was the surprise package?

Jacob Murphy was out on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season but has blossomed under Bruce and has grown in confidence and stature. Could turn into a very fine wing-back.

Biggest priority this summer?

If Newcastle have a modicum of ambition or desire to improve they simply must pay Arsenal whatever they want for Joe Willock. He was superb on loan and is the ideal signing but you fear owner Mike Ashley will hide behind takeover uncertainty and refuse to pay the £20m plus fee.

Overall grade: C+

Sheffield United

How has the manager done?

Chris Wilder’s reputation is intact despite leaving mid-season and his team finishing bottom of the table. Everything worked against him but he will still be in the frame for jobs this summer.

Player who should be proud

Aaron Ramsdale has shown signs of progress during the season. Like most young goalkeepers he has made mistakes but has also put in some excellent displays in the second half of the campaign.

Player who should be sheepish

Rhian Brewster has struggled to fulfil his promise after the club broke through the £20 million barrier to get him from Liverpool to provide the goals for them to stay up. Still time for him to mature.

Who was the surprise package?

Daniel Jebbison, 17, has been given his chance in the final month of the season and has shone, scoring the winner at Everton and offering a glimpse of being a star for the future.

Biggest priority this summer?

Appointing the right manager to mount a promotion campaign and keeping together a squad with experience of getting out of the Championship. The club could bounce back straight away with the right decisions.

Overall grade: E

Southampton

How has the manager done?

Mixed bag for Ralph Hasenhuttl, who at times looks like he could follow the path of Jurgen Klopp but his teams are never far away from falling apart and finding themselves on the end of a 9-0.

Player who should be proud

James Ward-Prowse has been a consistent performer in midfielder, putting him in contention for an England place at the European Championship. His set-piece delivery is the team’s main threat.

Player who should be sheepish

Ryan Bertrand has played regularly at left-back but did not agree a new contract and will leave St Mary’s at the end of the season, with Leicester City interested in him as a free agent.

Who was the surprise package?

Nathan Tella, 21, has been given a run of games in the starting line-up in the second half of the season and has scored his first Premier League goal in the victory over Fulham.

Biggest priority this summer

Trying to get Danny Ings to sign a new contract and getting value from the transfer market to strengthen all areas of the team. Keeping Ings and other key players is vital.

Overall grade: C

Tottenham Hotspur

How has the manager done?

Jose Mourinho was sacked just a week before the Carabao Cup final, leaving Ryan Mason to take over as interim manager and the rookie has navigated what have not been easy circumstances with skill.

Player who should be proud

Harry Kane. Who else? It’s hard to know how the striker can keep improving and yet he does, this season adding assists to his phenomenal goal record that makes him one of the best in the world.

Player who should be sheepish

There are a few contenders for this, but Matt Doherty’s move from Wolverhampton Wanderers really has not worked out as planned thus far. There is no doubting his effort and character, but his performances have not been good enough.

Who was the surprise package?

The main surprise of the season has been why Mourinho froze out Dele Alli for so long. Under Mason, Dele has shown what a talented player he is and he will hope to have a big role under the next permanent manager.

Bigger priority this summer?

Harry Kane’s desire to leave is a huge problem for Tottenham. Do they hold on to him in the hope he will stay or try to do a quicker deal to give themselves the best opportunity to reinvest the cash? There is probably no guaranteed right answer.

Overall grade: C

West Ham

How has the manager done?

David Moyes is surely the manager of the year. He has taken a side that battled against relegation last year and transformed them into one of the most impressive teams in the league.

Player who should be proud

Vladimir Coufal was a little-known figure when he arrived at the start of the season. He is now perhaps the league’s standout right-back and is already loved by the fans.

Player who should be sheepish

Said Benrahma would have expected to contribute more following his big-money move from Brentford. The signs are positive for next season, though.

Who was the surprise package?

Craig Dawson has been superb in central defence following his unheralded move from Watford. His solidity has provided a platform that allowed the attacking players to thrive.

Biggest priority this summer?

Michail Antonio’s fitness issues mean a new striker must be signed. If they can buy Jesse Lingard on a permanent basis from Manchester United, it would be a huge boost.

Overall grade: A

West Brom

How has the manager done?

Slaven Bilic may have guided West Brom to promotion but left Sam Allardyce with a substantial job to do when he was sacked. Allardyce did oversee a marked improvement but results were ultimately not good enough.

Player who should be proud

Sam Johnstone has enhanced his reputation as a Premier League goalkeeper, making the most saves of any No 1 in the country. Matheus Pereira was also impressive, if not as effective later on as in the first half of the season.

Player who should be sheepish

Grady Diangana was signed for a club record £18 million, with his sale generating huge anger at West Ham, but it has been an underwhelming campaign. It is easy to forget he is still only 23, so there is hope he will play a huge role in the Championship next season.

Who was the surprise package?

Conor Townsend deserves a mention for an admirably consistent season, but the signing of Okay Yokuslu in January was a masterstroke. The defensive midfielder Albion were desperate for, he proved hugely influential.

Biggest priority this summer

A manager with a proven track record, such as Chris Wilder, is crucial to rebuilding the club and giving them a chance of bouncing straight back.

Overall grade: D

Wolves

How has the manager done?

This has been the most difficult season for Nuno Espirito Santo – who will leave at the end of the campaign – since his appointment in May 2017. The decision to alter the style of play has not really worked, while injuries to key players have been very damaging.

Player who should be proud

Pedro Neto swept the board at the player of the season awards and has been excellent, relishing the responsibility of leading Wolves’s attack in the absence of Raul Jimenez.

Player who should be sheepish

Willian Jose had a huge job on his hands as a temporary replacement for Jimenez, but has looked well short of Premier League level. He will return to Real Sociedad having failed to take his opportunity.

Who was the surprise package?

It has to be Neto, who has emerged as one of the most highly regarded young forwards from Portugal for some time and at one point in the season had better stats than players including Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka.

Biggest priority this summer?

Jimenez will finally return for next season after fracturing his skull and will be crucial, but Wolves urgently need to reshape their squad to “go again” after a disappointing campaign.

Overall grade: C-

Share your own reviews and grades for each Premier League club in the comments section below.

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