The 2025/26 Premier League season has concluded with Arsenal clinching the title, while West Ham, Burnley, and Wolves were relegated. Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Liverpool secured Champions League spots, with Bournemouth and Sunderland heading to the Europa League, and Brighton entering the Conference League. The Independent's Sport team delivers their end-of-season awards.
Player of the Season
Miguel Delaney: Declan Rice - Despite tough competition from David Raya and Bruno Fernandes, Rice pushed through under immense pressure to secure the title for Arsenal.
Richard Jolly: Rice - Initially voted for Bernardo Silva, but Rice's outstanding performances for Arsenal swayed the decision.
Lawrence Ostlere: Bruno Fernandes - His chance creation was unmatched, and his defensive contributions matched Rice's tackle count.
Kieran Jackson: Rice - He was talismanic in building Arsenal's first-half lead, though he faded later; he returned to form in the final weeks.
Will Castle: Fernandes - A constant light for Manchester United through difficult times, integral to their resurgence under Michael Carrick, and became the all-time assist king.
Manager of the Season
MD: Mikel Arteta - Overlooked for Arsenal's long-term overperformance; he dispelled doubts at key moments.
RJ: Unai Emery - Transformed Aston Villa from potential decline to Champions League qualification and a first trophy in 30 years.
LO: Regis Le Bris - Sunderland's newly assembled team gelled with defensive solidity, finishing in the top half and qualifying for the Europa League.
KJ: Keith Andrews - Brentford's set-piece coach defied expectations, steering the team close to Europe despite being tipped for the sack.
WC: Arteta - Arsenal's first title in 22 years justifies his philosophy; he managed the team through Manchester City's fightback.
Moment of the Season
MD: The VAR review of Callum Wilson's goal - The tension and symbolism summed up the season.
RJ: Mohamed Salah's interview at Leeds - Off-field drama defined the campaign.
LO: Declan Rice's "It's not over" after Arsenal's defeat to Manchester City - A glimpse of defiant mentality.
KJ: Max Dowman's goal against Everton - The 16-year-old became the Premier League's youngest-ever goalscorer.
WC: The VAR review of Wilson's goal - Its magnitude in the title and relegation races was undeniable.
Game of the Season
MD: Newcastle United 2-3 Liverpool - A match that touched football levels rarely reached.
RJ: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool - Drama with a 100th-minute winner from 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha.
LO: Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City - Michael Carrick's first game in charge was a masterclass.
KJ: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City - A stunning free-kick and fightback extended the title race.
WC: Fulham 4-5 Manchester City - A 5-1 lead reduced to 5-4, nearly an incredible comeback.
Signing of the Season
MD: Senne Lammens - Symbolised Manchester United's newfound stability.
RJ: Dominic Calvert-Lewin - A free transfer who kept Leeds up with 15 goals.
LO: Calvert-Lewin - Scored the goals that kept Leeds in the Premier League.
KJ: Granit Xhaka - Signed for £13m, named captain, and key for Sunderland's European push.
WC: Antoine Semenyo - Moved from Bournemouth to Manchester City in January and caught fire.
Surprise of the Season
MD: Brentford - Expected to struggle but thrived under Keith Andrews.
RJ: Promoted teams Sunderland and Leeds excelled, while Wolves, West Ham, and Tottenham struggled.
LO: VAR got worse despite hopes for improvement.
KJ: Tottenham's relegation battle after Thomas Frank's appointment.
WC: Brentford defied predictions after losing manager, captain, and key attackers.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
MD: Hoping for more open football from rule changes.
RJ: Managerial changes including Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, Marco Rose at Bournemouth, and likely Enzo Maresca at Manchester City.
LO: Alonso at Chelsea is a great storyline.
KJ: Manchester City post-Guardiola; how will Maresca fare?
WC: Alonso to Chelsea is intriguing; his Bayer Leverkusen success suggests a coup.
Team of the Season
MD: Raya; Timber, Senesi, Gabriel, O'Reilly; Rice, Scott; Semenyo, Fernandes, Rogers, Thiago
RJ: Raya; Timber, Lacroix, Gabriel, O'Reilly; Silva, Rice; Szoboszlai, Fernandes, Doku; Thiago
LO: Lammens; Timber, Senesi, Gabriel, Kadioglu; Rice, Garner; Wilson, Fernandes, Semenyo; Haaland
KJ: Raya; Timber, Guehi, Gabriel, O'Reilly; Rice, Xhaka, Fernandes; Semenyo, Rogers, Thiago
WC: Raya; Timber, Guehi, Gabriel, O'Reilly; Rice, Fernandes, Rogers; Semenyo, Thiago, Kroupi
