The Premier League season has concluded, but Guardian football writers have reflected on the highs, lows, and standout moments over the past nine months. From the best player to the biggest flop, here are their selections.
Best Player
Goalkeepers rarely feature in this category, but David Raya played a pivotal role in Arsenal finally securing the title, winning the Golden Glove for a third consecutive season with 19 clean sheets. Declan Rice and Bruno Fernandes were the standout outfield players. Ed Aarons noted that Fernandes earned his vote despite the Arsenal contingent splitting the ballot, while John Brewin praised Rice for his relentless energy and set-piece delivery that drove Arsenal throughout the campaign. Yara El-Shaboury highlighted Antoine Semenyo's phenomenal season for Bournemouth and Manchester City, scoring 21 goals including the FA Cup winner. Ben Fisher and Barry Glendenning both backed Raya, citing his decisive saves and playmaking ability. Taha Hashim lauded Fernandes for his swagger and consistency, while Andy Hunter emphasized Rice's importance to Arsenal's defensive organisation. David Hytner admired Fernandes's ability to create buzz, and Jamie Jackson singled out Jérémy Doku for his improved output and relentless threat. Jonathan Liew argued that Fernandes excelled in a flawed Manchester United side, and Paul MacInnes chose Rice for his determination. Billy Munday praised Raya's crucial saves, and Sachin Nakrani selected Gabriel Magalhães as the spirit animal of Arsenal's title win. Barney Ronay and Jacob Steinberg both favoured Raya, with Steinberg calling his save against West Ham the defining moment of the season. Louise Taylor championed Enzo Le Fée of Sunderland for his vision and tenacity, while Will Unwin reiterated Raya's impact on tight margins.
Best Manager
Andoni Iraola guided Bournemouth to sixth place and European qualification, but Mikel Arteta's title triumph over Pep Guardiola earned him widespread acclaim. Ed Aarons noted Arteta's transformation of Arsenal, while John Brewin split between Keith Andrews and Iraola, ultimately favouring the latter. Yara El-Shaboury praised Arteta for shedding the nearly-man label, with special mentions to Iraola and Unai Emery. Ben Fisher highlighted Iraola's achievements despite player sales, and Barry Glendenning backed Régis Le Bris for taking Sunderland into Europe. Taha Hashim and Andy Hunter both chose Arteta, with Hunter acknowledging Le Bris's remarkable achievement. David Hytner voted for Arteta due to the pressure he overcame, while Jamie Jackson selected Michael Carrick for reviving Manchester United. Jonathan Liew and Paul MacInnes both favoured Arteta, with MacInnes noting the underestimated nature of his success. Billy Munday chose Le Bris, and Sachin Nakrani picked Daniel Farke for his tactical shift and FA Cup run. Barney Ronay and Jacob Steinberg both praised Le Bris, with Steinberg citing his Europa League qualification. Louise Taylor highlighted Le Bris's tactical adaptability and derby wins, while Will Unwin selected Andrews for Brentford's resilience.
Best Goal
Dominik Szoboszlai's long-range free-kick against Arsenal at Anfield was a standout for Ed Aarons. John Brewin admired Kaoru Mitoma's Marco van Basten-style volley for Brighton against Spurs. Yara El-Shaboury chose Harrison Reed's late equaliser for Fulham against Liverpool. Ben Fisher picked Emi Buendía's winner at Tottenham, while Barry Glendenning selected Mitoma's volley. Taha Hashim opted for João Palhinha's overhead kick for Spurs against Bournemouth, and Andy Hunter chose Harry Wilson's outside-of-the-boot finish for Fulham. David Hytner highlighted Max Dowman's euphoric goal for Arsenal against Everton, and Jamie Jackson praised Rayan Cherki's dribble for Manchester City against Arsenal. Jonathan Liew backed Dominic Calvert-Lewin's team goal for Leeds against Sunderland, and Paul MacInnes chose Antoine Semenyo's solo run for Bournemouth against Liverpool. Billy Munday selected Reed's goal for its aesthetic quality, and Sachin Nakrani praised Cherki's skill. Barney Ronay chose Buendía's goal, Jacob Steinberg picked Mitoma's volley, and Louise Taylor selected William Osula's winner for Newcastle against Manchester United. Will Unwin favoured Cherki's dribble.
Best Match
Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City was a thriller for Ed Aarons and Billy Munday. John Brewin recalled Tottenham's 4-1 defeat to Arsenal under Igor Tudor. Yara El-Shaboury chose Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth for its chaos. Ben Fisher enjoyed Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace for Unai Emery's interview, while Barry Glendenning picked Fulham 4-5 Manchester City. Taha Hashim selected Everton 3-3 Manchester City, and Andy Hunter chose Fulham 4-5 Manchester City. David Hytner highlighted Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United, and Jamie Jackson picked Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal. Jonathan Liew chose Crystal Palace 3-3 Bournemouth, and Paul MacInnes favoured Fulham 4-5 Manchester City. Sachin Nakrani selected Leeds 3-3 Liverpool, and Barney Ronay chose Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal. Jacob Steinberg picked West Ham 0-1 Arsenal for tension, and Louise Taylor chose Newcastle 4-3 Leeds. Will Unwin selected Manchester United 3-2 Burnley.
Best Signing
Granit Xhaka was the overwhelming favourite for his leadership at Sunderland. Ed Aarons, John Brewin, Barry Glendenning, Taha Hashim, Andy Hunter, David Hytner, Billy Munday, Sachin Nakrani, Barney Ronay, Jacob Steinberg, and Louise Taylor all selected Xhaka. Yara El-Shaboury chose Dominic Calvert-Lewin for his free transfer impact at Leeds. Ben Fisher picked Adrien Truffert for Bournemouth. Jamie Jackson selected Viktor Gyökeres for Arsenal. Jonathan Liew chose João Pedro for Chelsea. Paul MacInnes picked Eli Junior Kroupi for Bournemouth. Will Unwin selected Calvert-Lewin.
Biggest Flop
Liam Delap at Chelsea was a common choice for Ed Aarons and Ben Fisher. John Brewin criticised Liam Rosenior's Chelsea tenure. Yara El-Shaboury highlighted Newcastle's poor striker signings. Barry Glendenning selected Yoane Wissa. Taha Hashim chose Chelsea as a whole. Andy Hunter nominated Liverpool's collective failure. David Hytner picked Tottenham. Jamie Jackson selected Ruben Amorim for Manchester United. Jonathan Liew chose the entire Liverpool squad. Paul MacInnes picked Spurs. Billy Munday chose Chelsea. Sachin Nakrani selected the Manchester City fan with the Arsenal water bottle. Barney Ronay chose Chelsea, Tottenham, and West Ham. Jacob Steinberg picked David Sullivan. Louise Taylor selected Alexander Isak for Liverpool. Will Unwin chose Ange Postecoglou at Nottingham Forest.
Biggest Gripe
VAR and refereeing decisions were major grievances for Ben Fisher, Barry Glendenning, Paul MacInnes, Billy Munday, Barney Ronay, Jacob Steinberg, and Will Unwin. Ed Aarons criticised the never-ending schedule. John Brewin worried about player fatigue. Yara El-Shaboury condemned rich owners and their rhetoric. Taha Hashim lamented the title not being decided on the final day. Andy Hunter criticised IFAB's law changes. David Hytner bemoaned set-piece reliance. Jamie Jackson called for more honesty from managers. Jonathan Liew railed against billionaires and their impunity. Sachin Nakrani criticised co-commentators. Louise Taylor highlighted inconvenient kick-off times.
