Premier League 2018/19 club-by-club verdict: Biggest stars and let-downs, season grades and summer headaches

Premier League 2018/19 club-by-club verdict: Biggest stars and let-downs, season grades and summer headaches

So long, then, the 2018-19 Premier League season - one that will be remembered most for a record-breaking title chase that led to Manchester City claiming back-to-back victories.

But there were stories all over the league: Liverpool's near-miss, a top four race that saw Arsenal and Manchester United miss out. 

Wolves impressed to finish seventh, while bottom-side Huddersfield could only muster three wins all season.

What does each club need to do this summer? Which players impressed most?

Here is our club-by-club verdict on another epic campaign.

ARSENAL

Star of the show

Alexandre Lacazette has been less prolific than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but he has consistently been Arsenal’s most important attacker. Holds the ball up magnificently, particularly in big games.

Biggest let-down

Denis Suarez. Signed on loan from Barcelona, Suarez was supposed to provide a high-class option on both wings. He completely failed to settle, though, and did not even start a game.

Most improved player

Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who came through the youth system as a midfielder, has been increasingly impressive at right wing-back since the long-term injury suffered by Hector Bellerin.

Game to remember

The 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur in December was a snapshot of everything Unai Emery wants from his side. Intense and aggressive in defence, fast and precise in attack. 

Game to forget 

Defeat at home to Crystal Palace at Easter was the result that sapped Arsenal’s momentum when a top four place looked within their grasp. Defensive mistakes proved so costly.

Alexandre Lacazette has been Arsenal's best attacker
Alexandre Lacazette has been Arsenal's best attacker Credit: AFP

Biggest headache this summer

Finding a way to replace Aaron Ramsey, who has left for free, without splurging the entire transfer budget. Ramsey’s importance was obvious in recent months and he will surely be missed.

Fans' mood

Everything hinges on the Europa League final against Chelsea. Win that, and the season will be deemed a success.

Overall grade (A-E): B

By Sam Dean

BOURNEMOUTH

Star of the show

Ryan Fraser is up with Eden Hazard as the most creative Premier League winger this season but, with only one year remaining on his contract, will be difficult to keep this summer.

Biggest let-down 

Diego Rico came in as a potential replacement to Charlie Daniels but, like many defenders before, has found it hard to dislodge some of those who helped inspire Bournemouth’s rise through the divisions.

Most improved player 

David Brooks arrived last summer from Sheffield United and has transitioned superbly in what is only his second full season in senior professional football. Already belongs in the Premier League.

David Brooks has been Bournemouth's most improved player
David Brooks has been Bournemouth's most improved player Credit: Getty Images

Game to remember

Bournemouth’s 4-0 demolition of Chelsea was up with any result in the club’s history result and founded as much on defensive diligence as the attacking flair for which they are better known

Game to forget 

A 3-1 defeat against Burnley was part of a nine game streak in which Bournemouth only managed one win. Manager Eddie Howe was left wanting to review everything that the club do.

Biggest headache this summer

It has been a superb achievement to become established in the Premier League but, with new stadium plans now stalled, the big danger is of losing momentum and hope of further tangible progress.

Fans' mood

Surprising pockets of unrest this season following four years in the Premier League, even if Howe remains largely idolised in the area.

Overall grade B

By Jeremy Wilson

BRIGHTON

Star of the show

Shane Duffy has been one half of a centre-back pairing with Lewis Dunk that has been largely impressive. The Irishman has also contributed five goals this season.

Biggest let-down

The signing of Alireza Jahanbakhsh, for a club-record £17m, has not paid off. The Iranian winger has struggled badly and has not found the net all season.

Most improved player

Goalkeeper Mat Ryan is one of few Brighton players who will end the campaign with an enhanced reputation. There may well be interest from elsewhere this summer.

Game to remember

A 3-2 victory over Manchester United in the second game of the campaign was thrilling, and it was impressive enough to think Brighton could really push on this season.

Brighton manager Chris Hughton
Brighton slid down the table at a troubling rate late on Credit: PA

Game to forget

The 2-0 home defeat by Cardiff City, following a 5-0 home defeat by Bournemouth, was particularly alarming as Brighton slid down the table at a troubling rate.

Biggest headache this summer

Adding goals to the team. Jurgen Locadia, Florin Andone and Jahanbakhsh have never looked the part, while Glenn Murray will be 36 in September.

Fan’s mood

Pleased to have survived but the collapse in spring was troubling and ultimately cost Chris Hughton his job. 

Overall grade: C

By Sam Dean

BURNLEY

Star of the show

Dwight McNeil. Still only 19, the left winger brought an added dimension to Burnley’s attack. Ashley Westwood also impressed in central midfield.

Biggest let down

Not a let down as such but goalkeeper Joe Hart never regained his place after shipping five against Everton on Boxing Day. Matej Vydra has added little upfront when used.

Most improved player

Charlie Taylor. Only Jack Cork and fellow defender James Tarkowski have started more league matches this season. Consistent and dependable.

Game to remember

Burnley’s first European home game for 51 years, against Aberdeen in the Europa League in early August, yielded a 3-1 extra time win. 

Joe Hart looks on
Joe Hart didn't win his place back in the Burnley side Credit: Getty Images

Game to forget

Easy. The 5-1 collapse against Everton at Turf Moor. Three nil down after just 22 minutes, they were comprehensively outplayed from start to finish.

Biggest headache for this summer

Burnley have a technical director, Mike Rigg, in place now but the challenge remains the same - adding more creativity and attacking threat on a tight budget.

Fans’ mood

Third bottom, three points adrift of safety at Christmas, Burnley fans will be delighted their side managed to beat the drop with something to spare.

Overall grade: B-

By James Ducker

CARDIFF

Star of the show

Neil Warnock was good value given the assets available to him.  Settled on a line-up assembled for little over £11 million, and he squeezed every pip of effort out of them. His press conferences never left journalists short-changed either.

Biggest let-down

The tawdry row between Cardiff executives and Nantes over whether the Welsh club should still shell out a £15million transfer fee following the Emiliano Sala tragedy. The Sala's family and fans of both clubs deserved better.

Most improved player

Neil Etheridge. It is not long since the the Filipino keeper was forced to sell his house and his car after being released by Fulham. Not brilliant with his feet, but his shot-stopping is up there with the best this season.

Neil Warnock was good value as always this season
Neil Warnock was good value as always this season Credit: Reuters

Game to remember

Cardiff 2 Wolves 1, November 30

A dream 70th birthday present for the manager as second-half goals from Aron Gunnarsson and a pearler by Junior Hoilett pulled the rug on Wolves. Up to 15th and for a few weeks fans started to believe that they might stay up.

Game to forget

Cardiff 1 Chelsea 2, March 31

A cruel defeat left Cardiff five points adrift of safety and nursing a simmering sense of injustice. Cesar Azpilicueta was a yard offside when he headed an equaliser six minutes from time, prompting Warnock to blow his top.

Biggest headache this summer

Much depends on a meeting between Warnock and the board on Monday. The manager says he is happy to stay on, but he will walk if they can't promise him "two or three signings as quickly as possible".

Fans' mood

Cardiff City Stadium was full all season and they still chant Emiliano Sala's name. Obvious disappointment at relegation, but recognition that their ragtag bunch left everything out there.

Overall grade: C

By Tom Morgan

CHELSEA

Star of the show

Unquestionably - and worryingly - Eden Hazard. If it is to be goodbye this summer, he'll leave having produced his best Premier League season - 16 goals and 15 assists - and ensured Chelsea will have Champions league football next season.

Biggest let-down

Mateo Kovacic. Season-long loans are rarely sources of inspiration, but the Real Madrid midfielder - despite some obvious skill - has produced very little of note and it would be very surprising if he isn't quietly returned to the Bernabeu.

Most improved player

Having both taken their time to earn Maurizio Sarri's trust and maintain their fitness, the midfield pair of Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek enjoyed a strong second half to the season. With a transfer ban looming, both will be needed to step up again in 2019-20.

Has Eden Hazard played his last game for Chelsea?
Has Eden Hazard played his last game for Chelsea? Credit: Reuters

Game to remember

The 2-0 defeat of Tottenham at Stamford Bridge in February - sealed by a comical own goal from Kieran Trippier - gave some light relief to Chelsea fans a season in which it felt like Spurs were establishing a long-term superiority.

Game to forget

The almost effortless 6-0 dismantling at Manchester City was a humiliation which almost cost Sarri his job, but did at least jolt him out of his tactical intransigence.

Biggest headache this summer

Fifa's transfer ban, combined with the seemingly inevitable departure of Hazard, means Chelsea are at serious risk of losing further ground on Premier League rivals who will surely freshen their squads up again.

Fans' mood

Placated for now by Champions League qualification, but envious of the progress of the top two and ready to stick the knife into the rather detached Sarri if next season starts slowly. 

Overall grade - C

By Adam Hurrey

CRYSTAL PALACE

Star of the show

Aaron Wan-Bissaka came of age as a top right-back, while Wilfried Zaha - though not as consistently brilliant as last season - remains the force which makes Palace tick up front.

Biggest let-down

The club's strikers did not break double figures between them and the erratic Patrick van Aanholt suffered from not having serious competition at left-back.

Most improved player

None of Palace's squad - apart from Wan-Bissaka - made huge strides, but Jeffrey Schlupp was probably the most under-rated, scoring some vital goals.

Game to remember

Palace were the only team to take points off Manchester City at home all season, and featured a goal for the ages from Andros Townsend.

Jeffrey Schlupp scored some important goals for Palace this season
Jeffrey Schlupp scored some important goals for Palace this season Credit: Getty Images

Game to forget

Too many to mention at Selhurst Park, which remains an easy place to visit. But two defeats to rivals Brighton were the biggest stains on the season.

Biggest headache this summer

Keeping Zaha and Wan-Bissaka will prove a serious challenge - both would improve any squad in the top flight. 

Fans' mood

Depends where they watched. Away regulars had a ball, with nine wins and 32 goals to celebrate. At home the atmosphere was more sour - only Huddersfield accumulated fewer points. 

Overall grade: B-

​By Andrew Fifield

EVERTON

Star of the show 

Lucas Digne - The signing from Barcelona faced a formidable task replacing Leighton Baines. That he has done so with little debate about his residency in the starting line-up is testimony to his excellence.

Biggest let-down 

Defeat to Millwall in the FA Cup. With the Premier League season on the wobble, the club’s board declared the cup a priority. They fell in the next round, their Millwall trip coming just before Marco Silva’s reversed the dip in form. Depressing day.

Most improved player 

Michael Keane looked like he needed counselling to get through 90 minutes in his debut season, anxious and awkward to the point one wondered if his Everton career would last. He has transformed his demeanour this season.

Michael Keane has grown into his role at Everton
Michael Keane has grown into his role at Everton Credit: Reuters

Game to remember 

Battering Manchester United at Goodison. It’s worth remembering Everton’s pitiful record against the top six over the past three years. Consecutive wins over Arsenal, Chelsea and United ended doubts about Silva.

Game to forget 

Aside from Millwall away, home defeat to Leicester City on New Year’s Day was the most insipid. It sparked genuine concerns as to the direction under Silva. Credit him for turning it around. 

Biggest headache this summer

Andre Gomes and Kurt Zouma have been central to the improvement over the second half of this season, but were on loan. They represent £70 million worth of talent. If Everton can’t sign them, how can they replace them and still add more class?

Fans' mood 

Slightly more optimistic but prepared for another summer of trepidation. The trust is not 100 per cent there yet. Recruitment, as ever, is the key.

Overall grade - C

By Chris Bascombe

FULHAM

Star of the show

Aleksandar Mitrovic always carried a threat in attack, even when the defence was shipping goals at an alarming rate. The Serbian striker deserved more help from his attacking team-mates.

Biggest let-down

Jean Michael Seri arrived with a reputation for being one of Europe’s most exciting midfielders. He showed glimpses of his talent but went missing far, far too often.

Most improved player

Calum Chambers. The Arsenal loanee struggled horribly in the first few weeks but appeared reborn when he was moved into a midfield position. Impressed the fans with his fighting spirit.

Game to remember

An emphatic 4-2 over Burnley in August felt, at the time, like the moment Fulham announced themselves as a genuine Premier League force. The falsest of false dawns.

The mood has picked up at Fulham since Scott Parker's arrival
The mood has picked up at Fulham since Scott Parker's arrival Credit: Getty Images

Game to forget 

A 4-2 defeat at Cardiff City in October was the moment things became really troubling. There was no organisation at the back and no cohesion in the midfield. 

Biggest headache this summer 

Keeping hold of the players who could help them back into the top division. The likes of Ryan Sessegnon and Alfie Mawson could be dominant in the Championship.

Fans' mood 

Everything has picked up since Scott Parker replaced Claudio Ranieri. There is a connection with Parker which breeds hope for next season.

Overall grade: D

By Sam Dean 

HUDDERSFIELD

Star of the show

Christopher Schindler was named player of the year for the second successive season and the Huddersfield captain has maintained his own high standards despite a dreadful season for the team.

Biggest let-down

Adama Diakhaby arrived from Monaco in the summer and was perhaps the most exciting of the new arrivals but the 22-year-old winger has struggled in England, making only 12 appearances.

Most improved player

Phillip Billing has been another to shine in a poor side and the young Denmark international has come on in leaps and bounds. Will be of interest to a number of clubs in the next transfer window.

Adama Diakhaby has made just 12 appearances for Huddersfield
Adama Diakhaby has made just 12 appearances for Huddersfield Credit: Getty Images

Game to remember

There were not many to choose from but the 2-0 win at high-flying Wolverhampton back in November was comfortably the best performance of the campaign and briefly sparked hope of a recovery.

Game to forget

30. A number agonise over, but losing 3-1 at home to struggling Southampton just before Christmas indicated relegation was coming even though there was still half the season left to play.

Biggest headache this summer

Relegation will inevitably lead to some trauma with a major squad overhaul, but relegated teams do not tend to come straight back up from the Championship unless the core of existing squad is maintained

Fans' mood

There will be optimism, there always is, that relegation could be a blessing in disguise. A promotion push is anticipated next season, but it is far from certain.

Overall grade: E

By Luke Edwards

LEICESTER

Star of the show

Jonny Evans. Honourable mentions for Ben Chilwell, Jamie Vardy and Ricardo Pereira, but Evans has been admirably consistent. Signed for just £3.5m from West Brom last summer, he is a Rolls Royce of a defender.

Biggest let-down

Claude Puel. He acted with dignity during a dark period in the club's history, after the tragic death of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, but his reign was frankly bewildering. You only have to look at Jamie Vardy's goalscoring record since Puel's departure for proof.

Most improved player

Harvey Barnes. The winger was excellent on loan at West Bromwich Albion and did not look out of place in the Premier League after his recall in January. His future is bright under Brendan Rodgers.

Game to remember

The win at Cardiff was perhaps more of a tribute than a game to remember, but a hugely emotional afternoon for a club devastated after the death of the beloved owner.

Game to forget

So many snoozeathons under Puel, especially at home, but the FA Cup defeat at League Two club Newport County will take some beating. Bournemouth away wasn't great, either.

Harvey Barnes' future is bright under Brendan Rodgers 
Harvey Barnes' future is bright under Brendan Rodgers  Credit: PA

Biggest headache this summer

Losing a star or two. Harry Maguire, Chilwell, James Maddison and Kasper Schmeichel are all likely to be targets for rival clubs and Leicester will have to stay strong.

Fans' moods

Never before has a fanbase been so divided than it was during Puel's reign but Rodgers has restored an identity and next season promises progress.

Overall grade: B-

By John Percy

LIVERPOOL

Star of the show 

Virgil Van Dijk - Correctly named PFA Player of the Year, the Dutch master has been a portrait of excellence. His extraordinary consistency has provided the foundation for Liverpool to evolve into one of Europe’s best sides.

Biggest let-down 

Manchester City continuing to peck the heads of everyone at Anfield. Liverpool could have done no more, but City simply would not blink. In any other era Klopp’s team would have been champions by Easter.

Most improved player 

The transformation of Fabinho between August and January can best be described as Salif Diao turning into Patrick Viera. Whisper it, but the Brazilian might be the best central midfielder at Anfield since Steven Gerrard. He can take Liverpool to another level.

Game to remember 

So many, but none can eclipse Liverpool’s second leg, semi-final versus Barcelona. We have come to expect the improbable at Anfield, but it was no less unbelievable to win 4-0.

Liverpool celebrate
Liverpool's game of season? How could it be anything else? Credit: Getty Images

Game to forget 

A 2-0 defeat in Belgrade was strange at the time, and looks weirder given Liverpool’s consistency. One can only presume a combination of complacency and the hostile atmosphere took its toll against Red Star. Rare blemish.

Biggest headache this summer 

Would it be a waste of cash to save Philippe Coutinho from his Barca nightmare? This debate is unlikely to prompt Jurgen Klopp to reach for aspirin. Liverpool are at ease. No-one can afford his star players and where is better than Anfield? 

Fans' mood 

Buoyant. Ecstatic. Optimistic. Impassioned. Also skint as they invest in the latest European excursion to Madrid. Liverpool have spent the season desperate to shed their ‘nearly’ man tag. The club deserves a trophy.

Overall grade: A

By Chris Bascombe

MANCHESTER CITY

Star of the show

Pep Guardiola. The first manager to retain the Premier League title for a decade, he is rewriting the rule book. To follow last season’s tally of a century of points with 98 this term is incredible. A master at work.

Biggest let down

Benjamin Mendy. Promised so much when he arrived from Monaco for £52 million but, for the second season running, the left back has succumbed to serious injury. 

Most improved player

Bernardo Silva. Struggled at times with the physicality of the Premier League last season but not any more. Filled the void left by Kevin De Bruyne’s injury woes to drive City on. Outstanding.

Game to remember

The 6-0 trouncing of Chelsea takes some beating but, for its sheer importance and as a test of City’s resolve, January’s critical 2-1 win over Liverpool stands out above the rest.

City were a cut above the rest
City were a cut above the rest Credit: Getty Images

Game to forget

The 1-0 defeat at Newcastle in February sparked a furious dressing room inquest from Guardiola. Fair to say he got the desired reaction, though.

Biggest headache for this summer

City are being investigated by Fifa and Uefa over alleged irregularities and face the potential threat of a transfer window ban and/or expulsion from the Champions League for a season.

Fans’ mood

Euphoric, to say the least, and now with their sights firmly set on becoming the first English club in history to win a domestic treble. 

Overall grade: A+

By James Ducker

MANCHESTER UNITED

Star of the show

Are you serious? Paul Pogba was the top scorer in the league with 13 goals but his fall-outs with former manager Jose Mourinho and desire to now leave tell you much about the state of things. Even the ever dependable David De Gea hit the skids in the final months.

Biggest let down

Where do you start? Off the pitch, Mourinho and executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, on it Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial and Nemanja Matic to name just three.

Most improved player

Victor Lindelof, followed by Scott McTominay. The Sweden centre-half endured a torrid debut season but he has come on leaps and bounds, despite all the turbulence.

Game to remember

The dramatic Champions League comeback against Paris St-Germain eclipsed all but, in league terms, the 3-2 fightback against Southampton and 1-0 victory at Spurs resonated.

Game to forget

Take your pick from any number of horror shows: the 4-0 capitulation at Everton, the 3-1 surrender at West Ham, the 1-1 draw at Huddersfield and the final day 2-0 humbling by Cardiff.

Biggest headache for this summer

Can they finally recruit well, will Ole Gunnar Solskjaer be able to successfully weed out the misfits, Alexis Sanchez included, Paul Pogba’s future and potential Europa League qualifying ties wreaking havoc. That enough for you?

What does the future hold for Alexis Sanchez?
What does the future hold for Alexis Sanchez? Credit: Reuters

Fans’ mood

Worried, to say the least. Most recognise there is a long-term rebuilding job to do but are not sure the club have the right people in place to successfully oversee it.

Overall grade: E

By James Ducker

NEWCASTLE

Star of the show

Salomon Rondon has been integral to the way Newcastle play, his ability to hold the ball up allowing the team to flourish as a counter-attacking side. It would be foolish if Newcastle do not make his loan move from WBA permanent.

Biggest let-down

Yoshinori Muto has not had anything like the desired impact. The Japan international was Newcastle’s most expensive signing in the summer, but looks out of his depth in the Premier League.

Most improved player

Ayoze Perez has spent much of his time on Tyneside looking too lightweight and flaky to play as a number 10, but he has suddenly turned into the player defences fear most. Skilful, tricky and prolific in front of goal with eight goals in 11 games.

Game to remember

Manchester City have won every league game in 2019 except for a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle at the end of January and the biggest compliment you can say is the Magpies fully deserved the three points.

Ayoze Perez has had a good second half of the season
Ayoze Perez has had a good second half of the season Credit: Getty Images

Game to forget

Newcastle had a tough start to the season, playing all of the top seven early in the campaign, so a goalless draw at Cardiff City, missing a penalty in the last minute, was a disaster at the time.

Biggest headache this summer

Newcastle have made progress on and off the pitch under manager Rafa Benitez but there is still concern he will leave because owner Mike Ashley cannot satisfy him that his ambition for the club matches his own.

Fans' mood

If Benitez signs a new contract, this is an exciting time full of possibility. If he leaves, the club will be plunged back into civil war and relegation fears will rise.

Overall grade: C+

By Luke Edwards

SOUTHAMPTON

Star of the show

Nathan Redmond might have won both players and fans’ ‘player of the year’ award but it was new manager Ralph Hasenhüttl whose arrival transformed a season of two halves

Biggest let-down

Wesley Hoedt was a player in whom Mark Hughes showed an unfathomable patience but he was soon out of the team and then out on loan once Hasenhüttl took over

Most improved player

Yan Valery was only 19 when Hasenhüttl arrived but replaced Cedric Soares and has established himself as an impressive regular down Southampton’s right flank.

Hasenhüttl turned Southampton's second into one of two halves
Hasenhüttl turned Southampton's second into one of two halves Credit: Reuters

Game to remember

The most complete performance was arguably the win against Tottenham but beating Arsenal 3-2 at home shortly before Christmas transformed the mood around the club and was a huge moment for Hassenhuttl.

Game to forget

Southampton led and played well for significant periods against Fulham in November but still ended up losing 3-2 in a match that underlined alarming problems in confidence under Mark Hughes.

Biggest headache this summer

Hasenhüttl will expect backing after delivering without new signings in January but the biggest worry will be if a club with a better future shot at Champions League qualification comes after the Austrian.

Fans' mood

Supporters have finished the season buoyant but now want progress in the transfer market after a second successive relegation scrap.

Overall grade: C

By Jeremy Wilson

TOTTENHAM

Star of the show

Son Heung-min has manfully shouldered the burden in Harry Kane's absence, improving all the time and delivering when it matters. His speed and guile provide Tottenham with another attacking dimension.  

Biggest let-down

Kieran Tripper has endured a wretched season, in marked contrast to his storming World Cup with England. An own goal against Chelsea was the nadir of a campaign where he badly regressed. 

Most improved player

Moussa Sissoko could stake a claim for being the most improved player in the Premier League. Once a figure of ridicule, he has emerged as one of the division's best midfielders. 

Game to remember

Tottenham away wins at their Big Six rivals have been scarce, so the 3-0 victory at Old Trafford in August was extremely satisfying. Harry Kane and Lucas Moura were irresistible on the night. 

Game to forget

The 4-2 defeat at Arsenal in December was one of Tottenham's more miserable north London derbies of recent years. A late Jan Vertonghen red card capped a dismal afternoon. 

Moussa Sissoko has emerged as one of Tottenham's best midfielders
Moussa Sissoko has emerged as one of the division's best midfielders Credit: AP

Biggest headache this summer

Having not signed a player since January 2018, Tottenham must get their transfer business spot on if they are to kick on next season. 

Fans' mood

Buoyant. The stadium move coupled with outstanding results in Europe have more than made up for domestic inconsistency. 

Overall grade: B+

​By Charlie Eccleshare

WATFORD

Star of the show

Etienne Capoue receives less praise than Abdoulaye Doucoure, his partner in central midfield, but he has been a consistently powerful and commanding presence at the heart of the team.

Biggest let-down

This is perhaps harsh given his difficulty with injury but more was expected of Nathaniel Chalobah, who has made only three Premier League starts this season.

Most improved player

Jose Holebas shows no sign of slowing down despite turning 35 next month. A return of six assists and three goals is testament to his ability from crosses and set pieces.

Game to remember

Without doubt the dramatic 3-2 victory over Wolves in the FA Cup semi-final. In the league, a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in early September was a statement of their intent.

Game to forget

A 4-0 loss to Bournemouth at Vicarage Road in October was particularly embarrassing, even if a first-half red card to Christian Kabasele did not help Watford’s cause.

There is sure to be a lot of interest in Doucoure this summer
There is sure to be a lot of interest in Doucoure this summer Credit: Getty Images

Biggest headache this summer

Keeping hold of their best players. Doucoure will be targeted by some of Europe’s top clubs and there is sure to be interest in Gerard Deulofeu.

Fans’ mood

The supporters could not ask for much more than an FA Cup final and a mid-table finish. Momentum is building under Javi Gracia.

Overall grade: A

By Sam Dean

WEST HAM

Star of the show

Declan Rice has developed into one of the Premier League's most exciting prospects. His consistency in an inconsistent side has been hugely impressive for one so young. 

Biggest let-down

Jack Wilshere arrived on the back of a relatively injury-free last few months at Arsenal, but has been laid low for most of this season and made next to no impact. 

Most improved player

Michail Antonio can still blow maddeningly hot and cold, but when he's in the mood is almost impossible to stop. Produced superb performances towards the end of the season against Manchester United and Tottenham. 

Game to remember

Becoming the first visiting team to score and win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will live long in the memory. And it was much deserved after an outstanding team display. 

Jack Wilshere has been laid low for most of the season
Jack Wilshere has been laid low for most of the season Credit: Getty Images

Game to forget

There have been a few but the home 1-0 defeat to Wolves that it made it four losses from their first four games was pretty bad. Talk about killing pre -season optimism straight away. 

Biggest headache this summer

How do you solve a problem like Marko Arnautovic? The forward flirted with a move to China in January, only to stay but alienate many of the club's supporters in the process. West Ham might do well to cash in. 

Fans' mood

Pleased with the progress that's been made this season, but impatient for more tangible success next year. 

Overall grade B-

​By Charlie Eccleshare

WOLVES

Star of the show

Joao Moutinho. What a player. The little magician has been a joy to watch this season and, as the Wolves fans sing, is five foot seven of football heaven. Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota have provided the  goals but Moutinho has sprinkled the gold dust. 

Biggest let-down

There is still time for Adama Traore to produce, and there have been flashes of inspiration, but Wolves probably expected more from the £18m signing. Loads of pace and skill, but must work on his end product. 

Most improved player

Matt Doherty is one of the few mainstays from Wolves' drop into League One but continues to progress, comfortably emerging as a Premier League regular. His goals and assists record is outstanding. 

Game to remember

So many to choose from, with the wins over Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, but the FA Cup victory over Manchester United was a momentous night. It really was a stirring occasion, with Wolves later reporting the discovery of seven sets of keys found after the celebrations. 

Joao Moutinho has enjoyed a great season
Joao Moutinho has enjoyed a great season Credit: Getty Images

Game to forget

Huddersfield x2. The Premier League's bottom club only recorded three wins all season but completed the double against Wolves. Nuno's difficulties against some of the strugglers was one of the season's mysteries.

Biggest headache this summer

What happens next? Nuno has performed wonders this season but the question is how Wolves go to the next step. Recruitment will be key, while they must fight to keep their star players. 

Fans' mood

Wolves supporters are on a magic carpet ride under Nuno's revolution and the atmosphere at Molineux is always vibrant. Their only fear will be Nuno being snapped up by a European heavyweight. 

Overall grade: A   

By John Percy

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