Jun. 13, 2025

2024/25 Premier League: Grading Every Team’s Season

The 2024/25 Premier League season delivered far more than expected — from underdogs doing what they do best, to title contenders slipping on the big stage, and of course, the usual VAR chaos keeping us on our toes.

With surprises at both ends of the table, it's time to go back to school and hand out some end-of-term report cards. How did your team fare? Let’s break down and grade the performances of all 20 Premier League sides — from A+ excellence to full-blown Fs!

Top of the class!

Liverpool (winners) – Grade A

Pre-season expectations:

With Arne Slot replacing Jürgen Klopp, most had Liverpool finishing 3rd or 4th. A rebuilt midfield and a new manager meant few tipped them for the title.

What actually happened:

Liverpool stormed to their 20th league title, losing just four games all season. Slot’s high-intensity approach clicked instantly, with Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai leading a revitalised midfield. They led the table for over 200 days and put together the league’s longest unbeaten run (26 games).

Key moments:

Clinched the title with a 5-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah topped the league for both goals (28) and assists (18), setting a new personal record for combined goal involvements in a 38-game season.

Why an A:

A near-flawless league campaign under new leadership, capped by individual brilliance and collective control. Europe fell short, but domestically, they delivered in style.

The Overachievers:

Newcastle United (5th) – Grade A

Pre-season expectations:

After finishing 7th last season and missing out on Champions League football, qualifying for Europe’s elite was a clear priority for Eddie Howe. With Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimarães attracting attention, getting back into the top four felt vital to keeping their stars.

What actually happened:

Despite a final-day loss to Everton, results elsewhere went Newcastle’s way — and they secured a return to the Champions League. It wasn’t just about the league, though. Howe’s side also ended a 70+ year trophy drought, lifting the Carabao Cup after a thrilling run that involved beating league winners Liverpool. Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali were standouts across all competitions.

Key moments:

A memorable Carabao Cup win over Liverpool secured their first silverware since 1969.
Big wins over Man United, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace fuelled their top-five push.
Costly defeats to Brentford, City, and Villa showed where improvements are still needed.

Why an A:

Champions League football secured and a trophy to go with it? Eddie Howe and his side can be extremely proud and satisfied with the way their 2024/25 campaign turned out – and look ahead to even bigger stage next season.

Chelsea (4th) – Grade A

Pre-season expectations:

After consecutive seasons outside the top four, Chelsea appointed Enzo Maresca to rebuild the identity of a young, inexperienced squad and return to Champions League football.

What actually happened:

Maresca's influence was clear from the off. Despite an opening-day loss to Manchester City, Chelsea bounced back and, while “definitely not in a title race,” steadily climbed the table. They finished 4th, securing a long-awaited return to Europe’s elite. Cole Palmer was the heartbeat of the side, contributing 15 goals and countless moments of creativity. Chelsea’s campaign wasn’t flawless — but the growth and maturity on display was hard to ignore.

Key moments:

A stunning 3–1 win over Liverpool showcased their potential on the big stage.
A 1–0 win at Nottingham Forest on the final day sealed a top-four finish.

Why an A:

They hit their main target, navigated inconsistency, and look to be building something special. Despite exiting the domestic cup, their UEFA Conference League final win over Real Betis was the cherry on the cake — a big step forward for the club.

Nottingham Forest (7th) – Grade B

Pre-season expectations:

After narrowly avoiding relegation the previous season, Forest aimed for mid-table stability under Nuno Espírito Santo, with hopes of building a cohesive squad and avoiding another relegation battle.

What actually happened:

Forest exceeded expectations, finishing 7th with 65 points — their best Premier League finish since 1994-95. A six-match winning streak, their longest since 1967, propelled them into European contention. Striker Chris Wood led the line impressively, netting 20 league goals. Despite a final-day 1–0 loss to Chelsea, Forest secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League, marking their return to European competition after 29 years.

Key moments:

A commanding 7–0 victory over Brighton in February showcased their attacking prowess.
A narrow 1–0 win against Manchester United highlighted their defensive solidity.
The final-day defeat to Chelsea denied them a Champions League spot but didn't overshadow their remarkable season.

Why a B:

Forest's transformation from relegation candidates to European qualifiers was remarkable. While they fell just short of a top-five finish despite being in 3rd for the majority of the season, the progress under Espírito Santo was evident, laying a strong foundation for the future.

Brighton (8th) – Grade B

Pre-season expectations:

With the appointment of 31-year-old Fabian Hürzeler, Brighton embarked on a new era with the youngest manager in the league, aiming to stabilize after Roberto De Zerbi's departure and maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League.

What actually happened:

Brighton concluded the season in 8th place with 61 points, narrowly missing out on European qualification due to Crystal Palace winning the FA Cup and consequently qualifying for the Europa League. The team showcased resilience, especially after a humbling 7–0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in February. Hürzeler's decision to symbolically burn his tactics book post-defeat marked a turning point, leading to significant victories, including a 3–2 comeback against champions Liverpool and a commanding 4–1 win over Tottenham on the final day.

Key moments:

A 3–2 victory over Liverpool, highlighting their attacking prowess.
A 4–1 triumph against Tottenham, ending the season on a high note.
A 7–0 loss to Nottingham Forest, served as a catalyst for their resurgence.

Why a B:

Brighton's campaign was marked by growth and adaptability. While they fell just short of European spots, the team's response to adversity and Hürzeler's leadership set a solid foundation for future success and maybe a European campaign on the horizon.

AFC Bournemouth (9th) – Grade B

Pre-season expectations:

With Andoni Iraola at the helm, Bournemouth aimed to build on their 15th-place finish by pushing for mid-table safety and steering clear of another relegation fight.

What actually happened:

They did more than just stay up — Bournemouth matched their best-ever Premier League finish, ending 9th with 55 points. Despite a late-season dip, a 2–0 win over Leicester on the final day wrapped up a landmark campaign. Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert both scored 13 goals across all competitions, with Semenyo emerging as one of the league’s most entertaining forwards.

Key moments:

A 2–1 away win at Arsenal demonstrated their potential.
A 5–0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest highlighted their attacking prowess and just how effective Iraola’s playbook can be.
Semenyo's brace against Leicester capped off a strong season.

Why a B:

Bournemouth showed ambition, style, and serious attacking intent. While they just missed out on Europe, they’ve laid the foundations for something even bigger.

Crystal Palace (12th) – Grade B

Pre-season expectations:

After a mid-table finish in 2023/24, Palace entered the season aiming for stability under new manager Oliver Glasner. The focus was on avoiding relegation while making progress — perhaps with a decent domestic cup run.

What actually happened:

What followed was historic. Palace won their first major trophy in 120 years, lifting the FA Cup after a stunning 1–0 win over Manchester City at Wembley. They finished 12th in the league — not spectacular, but enough to secure Europa League qualification. Key signings like Daichi Kamada and Ismaïla Sarr added depth and energy, while Jean-Philippe Mateta bagged 14 league goals in a career-best season.

Key moments:

A 4–2 comeback win over Wolves showcased their resilience.
A 1–1 draw at Anfield on the final day highlighted their competitiveness.
The FA Cup triumph at Wembley marked a historic achievement.

Why a B:

Despite league inconsistency, Palace made history and qualified for Europe — exceeding every expectation in the most unforgettable way.

As expected:

Aston Villa (6th) – Grade B

Pre-season expectations:

Celebrating their 150th anniversary, Aston Villa aimed to build upon their previous season's success of making the Champions League and make a significant impact in both domestic and European competitions under Unai Emery.

What actually happened:

Villa finished 6th with 66 points, narrowly missing out on Champions League football — edged out by Newcastle on goal difference after a dramatic 2–0 final-day defeat to Manchester United, where a controversial disallowed goal proved costly. In Europe, Villa impressed, reaching the Champions League quarterfinals, marking a significant return to the elite stage. Domestically, though, inconsistency and a lack of squad depth were exposed at times.

Key moments:

The final-day loss to United crushed their UCL hopes.
Back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and Spurs showed where they still fall short.
Strong wins against Newcastle and Brighton showed their ambition to break into the elite.

Why a B:

A strong European run and another top-six finish show clear progress — but missing out on the top four and patchy league form keeps them justshy of top marks.

Brentford (10th) – Grade B

Pre-season expectations:

Following a 9th-place finish in 2023/24, Brentford aimed to solidify their status as a top-half Premier League team under Thomas Frank.

What actually happened:

They delivered. Brentford secured their second top 10 finish in a row, ending 10th with a club-record 16 Premier League wins. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa were electric up top, each netting 20 goals in all competitions. Behind them, the likes of Mikkel Damsgaard and Kevin Schade stepped up with important contributions throughout the campaign.

Key moments:

A 5–0 away victory against Southampton highlighted their offensive capabilities.
A 1–1 draw at Wolves on the final day confirmed their top-half finish.

Why a B:

Brentford continue to improve with every season in the top flight. While they just missed out on Europe, their identity, development, and recruitment remain among the league’s best. With the right additions, next year could be even more exciting for Thomas Frank and the Bees...

Everton (13th) – Grade C

Pre-season expectations:

After back-to-back seasons flirting with relegation, Everton entered 2024/25 looking for stability under Sean Dyche and a mid-table finish.

What actually happened:

The Toffees achieved safety with a 13th-place finish, but at the cost of Sean Dyche’s job. A strong home record and a newly inspired dressing room was key to their survival as Everton favourite David Moyes rejoined Everton as head coach in January 2025 ahead of Sean Dyche’s dismissal.

Key moments:

A 3–1 win over Fulham in May secured their Premier League status.
A 2–0 victory against Southampton provided breathing room.

Why a C:

Everton did what they needed to do — stay up — but remain a long way from returning to their former heights. Stability is back, but real progress will depend on better recruitment and a clearer long-term vision under Moyes.

Fulham (11th) – Grade C

Pre-season expectations:

Under Marco Silva, Fulham’s aim was to maintain Premier League stability and push slightly higher after a solid 2023/24 season.

What actually happened:

They did just that — nothing more, nothing less. Fulham finished 11th, exactly mid-table. Raúl Jiménez led the line with 12 league goals, while Antonee Robinson added 7 assists, often proving more of a threat going forward than some of Fulham’s attackers. Summer signing Emile Smith Rowe offered flashes of quality but never found consistent form, much like the team.

Key moments:

A 3-2 victory over Liverpool meant they were one of 4 teams to beat the league winners this season
A 4–1 defeat at home to Wolves exposed the soft underbelly that kept them from kicking on.

Why a C:

A stable, unspectacular season. Fulham didn’t set the world alight, but they didn’t slip backward either. It’s now up to Silva and the board to build toward Europe if they want to make the next leap.

Wolverhampton Wanderers (16th) – Grade C

Pre-season expectations:

Wolves aimed for stability under Gary O’Neil, targeting a mid-table finish and avoiding slipping into another relegation near-miss.

What actually happened:

After a poor start that flirted with danger, O’Neil was dismissed, and Vítor Pereira took over in the second half of the season. The impact was immediate — Wolves climbed away from trouble and secured a 14th-place finish, with Matheus Cunha playing a pivotal role as the main talisman. Pereira’s turnaround even earned him a Manager of the Season nomination.

Key moments:

A dominant 3–0 win over Leicester City in April helped secure safety.
Their campaign ended with a chaotic 4–2 defeat to Crystal Palace, highlighting lingering defensive issues.

Why a C:

Wolves achieved their minimum goal of survival and mid-table status but never looked like pushing for more. Still, the progress under Pereira gives hope that a more ambitious 2025/26 could be on the horizon, even if they lose Matheus Cunha in the summer.

The Underachievers:

Arsenal (2nd) – Grade C

Pre-season expectations:

After consecutive 2nd-place finishes, Mikel Arteta’s side were under real pressure to take the final step and deliver a Premier League title. With almost five years since their last major trophy — and 20 since their last league title — expectations were high.

What actually happened:

Injuries derailed Arsenal’s momentum. Key players like Ødegaard, Saka, Gabriel Magalhães, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus all spent time sidelined. Despite reinforcements like Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori, the lack of depth showed. Arsenal finished 2nd again — solid, but short of their ultimate goal.

Key moments:

A stunning 5–1 win over Manchester City at the Emirates was a season highlight.
Costly home defeats to West Ham and Bournemouth dented their title hopes.
A league-high 14 draws, including against Everton, Palace, and Liverpool, saw them lose momentum.

Why a C:

This wasn’t failure, but it wasn’t fulfilment either. Injuries played a part, but Arsenal once again fell just short. Progress remains — but patience is wearing thin.

Manchester City (3rd) – Grade C

Pre-season expectations:

Fresh off winning four consecutive Premier League titles, Pep Guardiola’s side were aiming for an unprecedented fifth — a feat never before achieved in English top-flight history.

What actually happened:

It didn’t go to plan. A season-ending injury to Ballon d’Or winner Rodri destabilised City’s rhythm, and their usual control gave way to inconsistent performances. Key players like Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Bernardo Silva never fully hit top gear, while Pep struggled to find balance in midfield. January signing Omar Marmoush brought energy and late-season impact, helping City secure a 3rd-place finish and Champions League qualification on the final day.

Key moments:

Shock thrashings against Arsenal and Tottenham further highlighted their slip in performances
A vital 4–0 win over Newcastle helped spark their final push for Champions League football.
Kevin De Bruyne announced his departure after a decade at the club, marking the end of an era.

Why a C:

No league title. No Champions League. By City's elite standards, this was an underwhelming campaign — one that may signal the start of a transition.

West Ham United (14th) – Grade D

Pre-season expectations:

Under Julen Lopetegui, West Ham were expected to push for a top-half finish and make a serious cup run — with key figures like Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paquetá central to that ambition. The pedigree of Lopetegui, a former Real Madrid and Spain boss, raised hopes of a more structured, progressive season.

What actually happened:

Despite moments of promise, West Ham struggled with consistency all year. A mid-season managerial change, swapping Julen Lopetegui for Graham Potter, only added to the uncertainty. Injuries, limited depth, and a lack of clear identity ultimately saw them limp to a 15th-place finish — well below expectations.

Key moments:

Shock wins over Manchester United and Arsenal showed they can compete with some of the best on their day.
A 1–2 home loss to Nottingham Forest highlighted their inconsistency.

Why a D:

While avoiding relegation, West Ham fell short of their objectives of a strong enough run to cement a top-half finish and compete for European qualification. A season of underachievement that requires serious reflection, and serious investment if they do look to build upon their recent success in Europe.

The Failures

Ipswich Town (relegated) – Grade E

Pre-season expectations:

After more than two decades away from the top-flight, Ipswich’s goal was simple: survive and establish themselves in the Premier League.

What actually happened:

As many expected, survival proved a step too far. Despite standout performances from Liam Delap, Leif Davis, and Omari Hutchinson, the quality gap was clear. Ipswich showed real spirit throughout the season but ultimately lacked the consistency and experience needed to stay afloat. Their relegation was confirmed in late April following a 3–0 defeat to Newcastle.

Key moments:

A 2-0 victory over Chelsea rocked the Premier League as Kieran McKenna’s side showed their quality.
A 6–0 thrashing by Manchester City exposed the defensive gulf between them and the league’s elite.

Why an E:

Ipswich weren’t embarrassing — in fact, they had plenty of fight — but their squad depth and discipline couldn’t keep pace with the demands of the division. They’ve laid some groundwork, but they’ll need more if they hope to bounce back.

Tottenham Hotspur (17th) – Grade E

Pre-season expectations:

With Ange Postecoglou entering his second season, Spurs aimed to return to the top four after missing out on Champions League football in 2023/24. A more cohesive, attacking identity was expected.

What actually happened:

Instead, Spurs had a nightmare league campaign, limping to 17th place with just 38 points and a record 21 losses — the most in the club’s Premier League history. Defensive frailty and tactical stubbornness cost them dearly in domestic competition. However, there was a silver lining: Tottenham won the Europa League, beating Manchester United in Bilbao to salvage pride.

Key moments:

A 5–1 thrashing at Anfield exposed their lack of control against top opposition.
A 2–0 home loss to Palace summed up their inconsistency.
Completing the double over Manchester United was a rare league highlight.

Why an E:

Despite European success, Spurs' league form was disastrous by their standards. For a club with top-four ambitions, finishing one place above relegation is unacceptable.

Leicester City (relegated) – Grade F

Pre-season expectations:

As Championship winners, Leicester were expected to finish mid-table and comfortably avoid the drop. Their recent Premier League experience and a decent squad gave them a real shot at survival.

What actually happened:

Instead, it all fell apart quickly. Ruud van Nistelrooy was appointed in November but oversaw a dramatic collapse — managing just a handful of wins before being sacked. The team never recovered, and relegation was confirmed with five games to spare. Off-field issues, including dressing room tensions and reported disagreements over recruitment, only deepened the crisis.

Key moments:

A run of just two wins in 19 games after the new year sealed their fate.
Heavy defeats to fellow strugglers like Wolves and Everton underlined their fragility.

Why an F:

Poor leadership, underperformance, and internal disarray led to a rapid return to the Championship. For a club that lifted the Premier League just nine years ago, this was a painful fall from grace.

Manchester United (15th) – Grade F

Pre-season expectations:

Fresh off an FA Cup win over Man City, United entered 2024/25 expected to challenge for the top four and reassert themselves as one of England’s elites – Champions League qualification was considered the minimum.

What actually happened:

Instead, United slumped to their worst-ever Premier League finish, ending 16th in a season defined by chaos. Inconsistent performances, tactical confusion, and an alarming lack of cohesion saw Erik ten Hag sacked mid-season. His replacement, Rúben Amorim, managed just 17 points in the league from January onwards as the problems continued for the Red Devils.

Key moments:

A 1–0 loss to Wolves in April summed up their lack of bite.
Embarrassing defeats at Old Trafford to Liverpool, Tottenham, Palace, and Bournemouth — all by two or more goals — highlighted their alarming drop-off.
A 2–0 home defeat to West Ham was the final nail in a shocking campaign.

Why an F:

This wasn’t just failure — it was a collapse. The squad looked disjointed, the atmosphere toxic, and the identity lost. A major rebuild is now non-negotiable.

Southampton (relegated) – Grade F

Pre-season expectations:

After earning promotion via the Championship play-offs, Southampton’s goal was simple: re-establish themselves in the Premier League and avoid a relegation scrap.

What actually happened:

The Saints endured a historically poor season, finishing at the bottom of the table with just 12 points from 2 wins, 6 draws, and 30 losses. They conceded 84 goals, ending with a goal difference of -60. Their relegation was confirmed after a 3–1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on April 6, 2025, marking the earliest relegation in Premier League history after just 31 games. The season saw multiple managerial changes: Russell Martin was sacked in December, Ivan Jurić took over until April, and Simon Rusk served as caretaker for the final games.

Key moments:

Shipping 5 goals at home to Brentford, Chelsea and Tottenham underlined their defensive frailties.
A 2–1 loss to Arsenal on the final day, handed them their record 30th defeat of the season.

Why an F:

Southampton's campaign was marred by managerial instability, defensive frailties, and a lack of attacking prowess. Their record-setting early relegation underscores the need for a comprehensive rebuild.

In conclusion

Whether your club lifted trophies or flirted with the drop, this season had something for everyone. It reminded us that success isn’t always about silverware — it’s about progress, pride, and proving people wrong. Some clubs will be desperate to move on, while others will look to build on what they’ve started. These grades reflect more than just results — they reflect ambition, execution, and whether teams rose to the moment or shrank from it. With new eras underway and the summer transfer window looming, the table is already being reset for something even bigger.

The narratives live on.

Article Written by Midz MB (Midz_MB)