The Premier League season has concluded, allowing teams from England’s top division to reflect on their performance over the past year, while others may need to rebuild.
In this report, we evaluate each Premier League club’s performance during the 2025/26 season, grading them from A to F. Who are the standout performers?
Arsenal – A
Leading the pack, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta earned widespread acclaim for their title-winning effort. With a Champions League final on the horizon, the Gunners receive an A for this season.
Arteta has transformed Arsenal into a formidable contender. Despite some criticism for a perceived lack of excitement, fans are unlikely to be concerned.
Aston Villa – A
Aston Villa narrowly secured an A grade. A potential B was considered, but their top-four finish and Europa League triumph tipped the scales in their favor.
While they faced 11 defeats in the Premier League, their high points outweighed the low moments.
Bournemouth – A
Andoni Iraola guided Bournemouth through an extraordinary season. Once a struggling League One team, the Cherries will compete in the Europa League next season after finishing sixth in the Premier League, surpassing teams like Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Even after losing their star player, Antoine Semenyo, in January, Bournemouth excelled, remaining unbeaten in the Premier League since January 3rd.
Brentford – B
Following Thomas Frank’s departure, Brentford was expected to battle against relegation. However, Keith Andrews defied expectations, leading the Bees to a solid top-half finish.
Missing out on a Europa Conference League spot by a narrow goal difference, Brentford earns a B grade.
Brighton – B
Concern surrounded Brighton after losing key players in the summer. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler navigated the season adequately, securing European football for the next campaign.
The resurgence of Danny Welbeck has been a highlight; he may be disappointed to miss out on a spot in the England World Cup squad.
Burnley – D
Burnley barely avoided an F grade, as expectations for survival were low. Nonetheless, the Clarets displayed a lack of competitive spirit at various points in the season.
Ending with just 22 points and four wins, Burnley struggled to maintain their Premier League status.
Chelsea – D
Chelsea could have easily received an F. Given the club’s stature and financial resources, failing to qualify for the Europa Conference League is disappointing.
After collapsing in the season’s final stages, their FA Cup final appearance offers a slight consolation but not enough to redeem their overall performance.
Crystal Palace – C
Crystal Palace experienced a tumultuous season. They reached the Europa Conference League final and secured the Community Shield but were also stunned by a loss to non-league Macclesfield Town in the FA Cup.
Finishing 14th, below Brentford, Fulham, and Leeds United, the Eagles’ inconsistent performance casts a shadow over notable highlights.
Everton – C
David Moyes’ Everton had a steady, middle-of-the-road season. After years of turmoil, Toffees fans will likely be satisfied with how the 2025/26 campaign unfolded.
Moyes arrived to restore calm at Everton, achieving that but little else of note.
Fulham – C
Fulham had a standard season, particularly with an impressive home record of 11 wins out of 19 at Craven Cottage.
Yet, with their financial backing, there are expectations to achieve more than mere average performances.
Leeds United – B
Leeds United earned a higher grade, particularly for comfortably avoiding relegation after being considered contenders at the season’s start.
Despite modest summer spending, the board’s confidence in Daniel Farke paid off, as they finished eight points clear of the drop zone.
Liverpool – D
Should Liverpool have been given an F? Their Champions League qualification came only through UEFA’s coefficient table, making their season disappointing.
The sharp decline following last year’s Premier League title, despite substantial summer investments, raises concerns about Arne Slot’s continued tenure.
Manchester City – C
Are we being too critical? Manchester City remained in the title race until the end and won both domestic cups. However, for a team with their pedigree, more was expected.
While their summer signings were decent, they were overshadowed by impressive January acquisitions, resulting in a distant second-place finish, seven points behind Arsenal.
Manchester United – B
Initially, Manchester United seemed destined for an F, but results improved significantly after Michael Carrick’s appointment.
A third-place finish this season, following a 15th-place finish last year, suggests United may be regaining their former strengths.
Newcastle United – D
Newcastle United only avoided an F because of a chaotic summer transfer window. Despite the Alexander Isak saga limiting their season before it began, finishing 12th is unacceptable for a club in their position.
They endured losses to rivals Sunderland, but a solid Champions League campaign provided some salvation, even though they were ultimately overwhelmed by Barcelona.
Nottingham Forest – D
Nottingham Forest’s struggles can largely be attributed to owner Evangelos Marinakis’s unpredictable management style, resulting in four coaching changes this season.
From European contenders to finishing 16th, Forest narrowly avoided relegation. Their semi-final Europa League exit to Aston Villa barely blunts the disappointment.
Sunderland – A
Sunderland enjoyed a remarkable return to the Premier League, surprising many by finishing seventh.
With a promising summer transfer window ahead, Sunderland will participate in the Europa League next season, with a double over Newcastle adding to their achievements.
Tottenham Hotspur – F
Tottenham’s season was unacceptable, escaping relegation on the final day. Their attempt to remain in the Premier League serves as a reminder of deep-rooted issues within the club.
Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor’s management proved ineffective, though Roberto De Zerbi showed some promise in averting near relegation.
West Ham United – F
While Spurs managed to survive, West Ham faced relegation to the Championship next season, disappointing fans who expected much more.
Despite having a chance to secure safety, three consecutive losses at a critical juncture sealed their fate.
Wolves – F
Early speculation about Wolves potentially breaking Derby County’s record-low points total became reality as they finished with just 20 points and a goal difference of -41.
Their performance raises questions about how long it will take for Wolves to make a return to the Premier League.