PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM GRADINGS- END OF SEASON (Part 1)

By Dougal Tsakalos – Sports Writer

The 2021-22 premier league season has officially come to an end after a frantic 38 rounds of Football. Some sides exceeded or met expectations that were expected of them while others did not.

ARSENAL-5TH PLACE

For a squad that was predicted to finish no higher than 6th by most, the Gunners have done an astounding job this season with the young squad they have. Young players such as Nketiah, Saka, Martinelli and many more have filled roles that have improved their side so much this year. Although they unfortunately missed out on a Champions League spot narrowly to North London Rivals, Tottenham, this disappointment will surely only strengthen their mentality in seasons to come.

BEST PLAYER- BUKAYO SAKA
WORST PLAYER- CEDRIC SOARES
BEST SIGNING- BEN WHITE
BEST RESULT- ARSENAL 4-2 CHELSEA
WORST PERFORMANCE- NEWCASTLE 2-0 ARSENAL
GRADE: B

ASTON VILLA-14TH PLACE

It has been a very unstable season for the Villians whose aspirations were in the top half after marquee signings both in the summer and January transfer windows. Players like Coutinho, Leon Bailey, Danny Ings all arrived at the Birmingham club this year but unfortunately could not have the impact that their manager hoped for. Young manager Steven Gerrard joined the club early in the season after Dean Smith’s sacking and aimed for a finish in the top half. Unfortunately, due to many lacklustre performances and defensive frailties, the Villians were not able to secure a spot in line with their club’s aspirations which would have been in the top 10.

BEST PLAYER: OLLIE WATKINS
WORST PLAYER: TYRONE MINGS
BEST SIGNING: PHILLIPE COUTINHO
BEST RESULT: ASTON VILLA 4-0 SOUTHAMPTON
WORST RESULT: WEST HAM 4-1 ASTON VILLA
GRADE: C

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION- 9TH PLACE

This season for the Seagulls has definitely been one to remember for fans and the club. Graham Potter has elevated this South Coast side to play an even better possessive style of play. Squad players such as Trossard and Wellbeck have been crucial for Potter’s side, scoring and creating chances in games that were key to their top half finish. New signings Cucurella and Caicedo have adapted to the Premier league in an amazingly short amount of time and had stellar performances against top sides such as Arsenal, Tottenham and Man United. The overall improvement of the squad mainly due to Potter’s man-management skills have landed this side in a surprising but well-deserved top half finish.

BEST PLAYER: MARC CUCURELLA
WORST PLAYER: SOLLY MARCH
BEST SIGNING: MARC CUCURELLA
BEST RESULT: BRIGHTON 4-0 MAN UNITED
WORST RESULT: BURNLEY 3-0 BRIGHTON
GRADE: A

BRENTFORD-13TH

What an incredible season it has been for the Bees! After securing promotion via the playoff final last season over Bournemouth, Brentford have exceeded all expectation by not only staying up but also securing a comfortable 13th spot that has delighted the fans, players and manager of the club. Brentford’s fast and aggressive style of play paired well with key players such as Mbeumo, Toney, Canos and Eriksen. This style of play allowed them to secure memorable wins over the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal. The Bees have done an incredible job in their first season back in the Premier League for 73 years.

BEST PLAYER: IVAN TONEY
WORST PLAYER: FRANK ONYEKA
BEST SIGNING: CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN
BEST RESULT: BRENTFORD 4-1 CHELSEA
WORST RESULT: SOUTHAMPTON 4-1 BRENTFORD
GRADE: A+

Are these ratings on the mark? Let us know in the comments!

Dougal Tsakalos is a Sports Writer for The Pioneer Australia.