Our pre-season predictions for the 2025-26 Premier League season turned out to be wildly off the mark. We tipped Liverpool to reclaim the title and Chelsea to challenge, while backing Brentford and Sunderland for relegation. Instead, Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the league crown, Liverpool produced the worst title defence in years, and Bournemouth stormed into the Europa League.
Arsenal's transformation was remarkable. After three successive runner-up finishes, manager Mikel Arteta promised a 'big summer' and new sporting director Andrea Berta delivered several signings. The additions of Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and others helped the Gunners secure their first league title since the Invincibles in 2004, as well as a first Champions League final since 2006.
Liverpool, who we predicted would win a record-equalling 20th title comfortably, were nowhere near the race. Manager Arne Slot's 'boring football' drew fan criticism, and the club's form collapsed. Manchester City pushed Arsenal hard but fell short in the final week, though Pep Guardiola's final campaign yielded the League Cup and FA Cup. Manchester United sacked Ruben Amorim in January, with Michael Carrick leading a revival that produced 29 more points than the previous season.
Aston Villa exceeded expectations, qualifying for the Champions League with ease and winning the Europa League – their first trophy since 1996 – with goals from Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendía and Morgan Rogers. Bournemouth, tipped for struggle after key departures, finished sixth under Andoni Iraola after an 18-match unbeaten run. The promoted Sunderland, despite shrewd investment, fell short, while our predicted relegation candidates Brentford also struggled.
