Alternative Premier League Awards for 2025-26

The Premier League season concluded with Arsenal lifting the trophy for the first time in 22 years, narrowly beating Manchester City. This marked the first time Pep Guardiola missed out on a league championship for two consecutive seasons since beginning his senior managerial career in 2008.

Individually, Brentford’s Igor Thiago challenged City’s Erling Haaland, but the Norway international secured the Golden Boot award for 2025-26 with 27 goals, marking the third time he has claimed the honor in four years in England. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes led the Playmaker award with a record-breaking 21 assists for a single campaign. Arsenal’s David Raya won the Golden Glove for the third consecutive year, recording 19 clean sheets.

Most Improved Team: Manchester United

Manchester United improved significantly from their previous 15th-place finish in 2024-25, gaining 29 more points under Michael Carrick compared to a poor campaign under Ruben Amorim. The team was the only one to improve by more than 12 points this season.

In contrast, five teams dropped more than 15 points: Newcastle, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and Liverpool — the latter posing one of the worst title defenses, finishing fifth with 60 points, 24 less than the previous year.

Most Points Dropped from Winning Positions: Newcastle United

Newcastle United dropped a league-high 27 points from winning positions, struggling to sustain consistency across multiple competitions. In contrast, Nottingham Forest did not lose any games from winning positions, drawing five from their 16 leads.

Aston Villa earned a league-high 23 points from losing positions, showcasing resilience by overcoming Manchester City to win a spot in the Champions League.

Stoppage-Time Entertainers: Liverpool

Liverpool scored the most stoppage-time goals, 10, while conceding seven. Their season was marked by dramatic moments, such as teenager Rio Ngumoha scoring a 100th-minute goal against Newcastle.

While late drama was common for Liverpool, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest only saw 12 stoppage-time goals between them throughout the season.

Set-Piece Dynamos: Arsenal

Set pieces played a crucial role in 2025-26, with Arsenal excelling in both attacking and defensive phases, marking the most efficient team. They used an increase in inswinger corners, which accounted for 70% of plays.

Despite Manchester United’s strong attacking numbers with 8.2 goals per 100 set pieces, Arsenal’s superior defense ensured their overall set-piece dominance.

Box-Throw Bandits: Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace capitalized on long throw-ins, frequently sending the ball into the penalty area. They recorded a high percentage of offensive-third throws reaching the box. However, Brentford led in producing shots from throw-ins with a total of 47.

Leeds and Sunderland also embraced this strategy, scoring multiple goals through launched throws.

Skewed Crossers: Spurs and Bournemouth

Tottenham preferred crossing from the right, with Pedro Porro leading open-play crosses. Meanwhile, Bournemouth focused on the left through Adrien Truffert.

Aston Villa alone maintained a 50-50 crossing strategy across both flanks.

Most Stable Squad: Everton

Everton possessed the most stable squad, with manager David Moyes consistently maintaining his starting lineup. In contrast, Chelsea faced instability with an average of 3.2 lineup changes per game.

Pep Guardiola stuck with an unchanged lineup seven times in his final Manchester City season.

Most Time in a Low Block: Sunderland

Sunderland embraced defensive compactness, spending 28% of their time in a low block. Their strong defensive setup contributed to finishing seventh.

This style allowed them to remain undefeated at home until February.

Most Entertainment Value: Bournemouth

Bournemouth, along with Brighton and Brentford, provided entertainment with an attacking style despite frenetic gameplay. Their success secured European spots.

Bournemouth’s high possession changes and penetration into the opposition’s penalty area made them a fan favorite.

Individual Awards

Possession Retained Under Pressure: Ezri Konsa

Ezri Konsa led with a 94% pass completion rate under pressure, essential in a season defined by man-for-man pressing.

Most Two-Footed Player: Rayan Cherki

Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki topped as the most two-footed player, balancing between his left and right feet, creating a strong offensive season for him and his teammate, Antoine Semenyo.

Most Active Line-Breaker: Adam Wharton

Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace excelled at breaking defensive lines, surpassing top players like Bruno Fernandes and Rodri. His forward passing was key in Palace’s playmaking.

With these awards, the Premier League season provided an array of performances and moments to remember. The anticipation builds as fans look forward to what the next season will bring.