The Premier League 2025-26 season has concluded, and our preseason predictions were significantly off the mark. We anticipated Liverpool as champions, Chelsea as challengers, and Brentford and Sunderland to face relegation. Instead, Arsenal clinched their first title in 22 years, Liverpool finished fifth, and Sunderland secured a Europa League spot.
Arsenal: Predicted 2nd, Finished 1st
We predicted Mikel Arteta would strengthen the squad after three consecutive runner-up finishes. The signings of Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Cristhian Mosquera, and Kepa Arrizabalaga proved pivotal. Arteta guided the club to their first Premier League title since 2004 and their first Champions League final since 2006.
Manchester City: Predicted 3rd, Finished 2nd
City invested around £300 million to recover from a trophyless season. Despite pushing Arsenal to the final week, they missed the title but secured the League Cup and FA Cup in Pep Guardiola's final campaign.
Manchester United: Predicted 9th, Finished 3rd
After finishing 15th last season, United sacked Ruben Amorim in January. Michael Carrick revived the team, earning 29 more points than the previous season, securing third place and restoring fan hope.
Aston Villa: Predicted 5th, Finished 4th
Villa qualified for the Champions League with ease and won the Europa League, defeating Freiburg in the final. Goals from Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendía, and Morgan Rogers secured their first trophy since 1996.
Liverpool: Predicted 1st, Finished 5th
Despite predictions of a 20th title, Liverpool never challenged. Arne Slot's tactics drew criticism, and the title defense was described as the worst in years.
Bournemouth: Predicted 10th, Finished 6th
Andoni Iraola's team went unbeaten in the second half of the season, finishing sixth and securing Europa League football. Their 18-match unbeaten run aided Arsenal's title charge.
Sunderland: Predicted 19th, Finished 7th
Promoted Sunderland defied expectations, finishing seventh and earning a Europa League spot. Their final-day win against Chelsea showcased remarkable progress.
Brighton: Predicted 8th, Finished 8th
Brighton had an inconsistent season, starting well but struggling in winter. They secured a Conference League place, aiming to reach the final in Istanbul.
Brentford: Predicted 18th, Finished 9th
Despite losing Thomas Frank to Tottenham, rookie manager Keith Andrews led Brentford to challenge for Europe, narrowly missing out.
Chelsea: Predicted 4th, Finished 10th
World champions Chelsea finished 10th in the league, highlighting the Premier League's depth and the club's instability under current owners.
Fulham: Predicted 11th, Finished 11th
Fulham maintained mid-table stability, finishing one point behind Brighton. Their redeveloped stadium reflects their standing.
Newcastle: Predicted 7th, Finished 12th
Newcastle lost 17 games, finishing 12th after Alexander Isak's departure. Despite Champions League nights, fans expect better.
Everton: Predicted 13th, Finished 13th
David Moyes brought stability, but a winless final seven games saw them slip from European contention.
Leeds: Predicted 17th, Finished 14th
Leeds stayed up comfortably, reached the FA Cup semi-finals, and beat Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time since 1981.
Crystal Palace: Predicted 14th, Finished 15th
Palace lost key players but remained solid, reaching the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano.
Nottingham Forest: Predicted 12th, Finished 16th
After managerial changes, Vítor Pereira steered Forest to safety and a Europa League semi-final, despite turmoil.
Tottenham: Predicted 6th, Finished 17th
Tottenham escaped relegation on the final day, improving by three points. Fans hope Roberto de Zerbi can revive the club.
West Ham: Predicted 15th, Finished 18th
West Ham's dysfunction led to relegation after sacking Graham Potter in September. A disallowed goal against Arsenal summed up their season.
Burnley: Predicted 20th, Finished 19th
Burnley's yo-yo pattern continued, winning only four games and facing relegation.
Wolves: Predicted 16th, Finished 20th
Wolves failed to win until January and were relegated with five games to play.
