Premier League 2025-26 Fan Verdicts: Stars, Flops, and Memorable Moments
Premier League 2025-26 Fan Verdicts: Stars, Flops, and Memorable Moments

The Premier League 2025-26 season has delivered drama, joy, and despair across the board. With one game remaining, our fans' network reflects on the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments from each club's campaign.

Arsenal

In an era of managerial instability, Arsenal fans are immensely proud of their champions. 'Trusting the process' tested patience, but the agony of previous campaigns evaporated at the Vitality. Nineteen clean sheets underpinned a title-winning defence. Season rating: 10/10.

Stars/flops: Raya, Gabriel, Saliba, and Rice were consistent. Martinelli managed only one league goal, Madueke lacked composure, and Eze struggled to influence games despite his Spurs demolition.

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What we need in the summer: Shedding deadwood (Nørgaard, Vieira) and adding dynamism (Barcola, Gibbs-White, Anderson, Tonali).

Best/worst away fans: Atlético Madrid's staunch support impressed; Spurs fans were worst.

Moment that made me smile: Hincapié's exposed backside against Burnley, but the unbridled joy of Tuesday's celebrations near Highbury was unmatched.

Aston Villa

Not plain sailing, but brilliant highs culminated in a joyous party in Istanbul. Unai Emery's ability to deliver when it matters is legendary. Season rating: 9/10.

Stars/flops: McGinn's leadership and improving game are remarkable. Konsa became tattoo material for fans.

What we need in the summer: A player in each zone to match outgoings.

Best/worst away fans: Liverpool and absent Maccabi Tel Aviv matched noise. Young Boys were wild; Sunderland had good limbs.

Moment that made me smile: Buendía's last-kick winner against Arsenal and subsequent pitch-pounding.

Bournemouth

Astonishing, magnificent, historic. First European qualification after 17 unbeaten games, including wins at Arsenal and against City. Andoni Iraola's legacy is immense. Season rating: 10/10.

Stars/flops: Alex Scott superb; James Hill, a £1m signing from Fleetwood, became the best English centre-half. Senesi sensational.

What we need in the summer: Squad strengthening and better contracts for stars. Replace Senesi.

Best/worst away fans: Leeds never shut up. Worst fan: Noel Gallagher leaving 10 minutes early with the title on the line.

Moment that made me smile: Final whistle against Man City – tears of joy.

Brentford

Rookie Keith Andrews stepped up after Thomas Frank's departure, exceeding expectations. In European contention. Season rating: 8.5/10.

Stars/flops: Igor Thiago scored 22 league goals, becoming a cult hero. Michael Kayode impressed. Kevin Schade inconsistent despite raw attributes.

What we need in the summer: More finished-product players and depth. Replace Wissa.

Best/worst away fans: Wolves fans lively on a cold Tuesday. PSG fans sang for 90 minutes in a B-Team friendly. Spurs quiet in a 0-0 draw.

Moment that made me smile: Igor Thiago's family reacting to his Brazil call-up.

Brighton

A season of extremes: fifth in November, one win in 13 over winter, then a European charge. Fabian Hürzeler delivered on expectations via a roundabout route. Season rating: 8/10.

Stars/flops: Ferdi Kadioglu a revelation. Carlos Baleba disappointed after Manchester United interest.

What we need in the summer: Full-back cover, natural width, and a No 9 option beyond Welbeck.

Best/worst away fans: Sunderland arrived in numbers before Christmas. Chelsea abandoned ship early.

Moment that made me smile: David Raya's theatrical injury after Arsenal's win at the Amex.

Burnley

Relegation after few wins, despite only a handful of poor performances. Scott Parker should have been sacked in November. Season rating: 3/10.

Stars/flops: Zian Flemming scored 10 goals on scraps. Kyle Walker started well but faded.

What we need in the summer: A new manager with an identity, and recruitment overhaul.

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Best/worst away fans: Sunderland and Villa decent; West Ham loud with anti-board songs. Leeds quiet at Turf Moor.

Moment that made me smile: Sean Dyche's sudden love of social media.

Chelsea

Disastrous season with two managers lost, fan demonstrations, and a relegation-threatened run. Cup final loss to City. Season rating: 4/10.

Stars/flops: João Pedro consistent. Enzo and Reece James good. Defence collectively flopped; Delap and Gittens ineffective.

What we need in the summer: Experienced centre-back, top goalkeeper, and striker. Leadership desperately needed.

Best/worst away fans: Port Vale fans excellent in FA Cup. Arsenal fans smug and arrogant.

Moment that made me smile: Cole Palmer's arm around referee Paul Tierney during the pre-match huddle.

Crystal Palace

10/10 if they win the Conference League, 7/10 if not. Rollercoaster from top-five heights to FA Cup exit, now 90 minutes from European trophy.

Stars/flops: Ismaïla Sarr with 21 goals. Adam Wharton should start for England. Brennan Johnson struggled; Yeremy Pino inconsistent.

What we need in the summer: Squad depth for European campaign. New manager, central defender, midfielder, and striker if Mateta leaves.

Best/worst away fans: Leeds loud; Shakhtar great. Burnley quiet but scored three in eight minutes to win.

Moment that made me smile: Palace Women's promotion and under-18s' cup runs. European adventure created lifelong memories.

Everton

Frustration and groundhog day. David Moyes stabilised but failed to seize European opportunity. Football slow and passive. Season rating: 5/10.

Stars/flops: Ndiaye stood out with incredible goals. Dewsbury-Hall classy. Pickford retains England spot. Dibling and McNeil flopped.

What we need in the summer: Two full-backs, central defender, and quality up front. More progressive manager needed.

Best/worst away fans: Sunderland best; neighbours worst with unsavoury scenes.

Moment that made me smile: Gueye/Keane slap at Old Trafford – most surreal moment.

Fulham

Below par after record points haul last season. Consistently inconsistent. Marco Silva's future uncertain. Season rating: 6.5/10.

Stars/flops: Wilson had magic moments; Sessegnon blossomed. Bassey gave all; Andersen hot and cold. Robinson and Muniz failed post-injury.

What we need in the summer: Depends on Silva's contract. Disgruntlement with recruitment policies mirrors predecessors.

Best/worst away fans: Sunderland, Wolves, Palace, Newcastle loud. Brentford and Southampton quiet.

Moment that made me smile: Jean Tigana reunion evening with Chris Coleman and co.

Leeds

Nearer Europe than bottom three, FA Cup semi-final, first league win at Old Trafford since 1981. Swaggering survival. Season rating: 8/10.

Stars/flops: Calvert-Lewin fun. Gudmundsson, Justin, Stach, Ampadu, Darlow all reliable.

What we need in the summer: Alignment between manager and board; investment in better players.

Best/worst away fans: Tired of competitive mugging for cameras.

Moment that made me smile: Second goal at Old Trafford with Bruno Fernandes faking injury in foreground.

Liverpool

Not the best season; struggled for consistency despite five wins from five. Last-minute goals mostly for opponents. Win last game for Champions League. Season rating: 6/10.

Stars/flops: Rio Ngumoha game time; Szoboszlai wow moments. Supporters biggest stars for protesting price rises.

What we need in the summer: Reset, find consistency, re-establish defence and midfield.

Best/worst away fans: Crystal Palace focused on supporting team, joined yellow-card protest.

Moment that made me smile: Marseille tifo of Beatles; winner at Hill Dickinson.

Manchester City

Two domestic trophies, title race to final week. Pep Guardiola's departure looms. Season rating: 8.5/10.

Stars/flops: O'Reilly, Doku, Nunes reliable. Cherki excellent; Khusanov progressed. Haaland 52 goal contributions. Reijnders disappointing; Savinho regressed.

What we need in the summer: Replace Pep; sign two CMs, wide forward, right-back.

Best/worst away fans: Sunderland loud; Wolves quiet.

Moment that made me smile: Guardiola's send-off still to come.

Manchester United

Two halves: poor under Amorim, revived under Carrick to reach Champions League. Season rating: 7/10.

Stars/flops: Mainoo revival under Carrick. Lammens immense. Sesko and Cunha impressive. Mount disappeared with injuries.

What we need in the summer: Athleticism in midfield; Elliot Anderson and Gibbs-White targets. Ruthless decisions on underperformers.

Best/worst away fans: Wolves sang despite relegation; Liverpool subdued.

Moment that made me smile: Breaking news of Amorim's departure.

Newcastle

From intensity to incoherence. 27 points dropped from winning positions. Impressive Champions League campaign. Season rating: 6/10.

Stars/flops: Osula ignited; Hall cemented left-back spot. Thiaw best signing. Wissa and Elanga only six goals combined for £100m.

What we need in the summer: Major rebuild; world-class keeper, reshape forward line.

Best/worst away fans: Bradford City best; Manchester United stunned.

Moment that made me smile: Arne Slot saying Isak struggled because Liverpool lacked a player like Jacob Murphy.

Nottingham Forest

Disastrous appointments, £150m spent, four managers. European semi-final and safety secured. Season rating: 6/10.

Stars/flops: Elliot Anderson admired; Neco Williams consistent. Gibbs-White among best English No 10s. Dan Ndoye failed to adapt. Vítor Pereira delivered alchemy.

What we need in the summer: Likely lose Anderson; hope MGW stays. Squad needs shoring up.

Best/worst away fans: Fenerbahce co-ordinated but threw flares.

Moment that made me smile: Omari Hutchinson's face cream interview gaffe.

Sunderland

After promotion, survival became much more. Competed well at established grounds. Season rating: 8.5/10.

Stars/flops: Granit Xhaka standout with control and leadership. Chris Rigg fearless. Mayenda and Diarra struggled for rhythm.

What we need in the summer: Add quality without losing what works: goalscorer, width, experienced defender.

Best/worst away fans: Spurs loud despite relegation battle; Everton brilliant. Brentford weak.

Moment that made me smile: Beating Newcastle away; chaos and joy.

Tottenham

Facing relegation on final day. Board mismanagement over seasons. Loss of identity. Season rating: 0/10.

Stars/flops: Everything flopped. Lack of leadership on and off pitch.

What we need in the summer: Roberto De Zerbi given full control. Squad needs gutting. Enic must sell up long term.

Best/worst away fans: Every set equally best and worst.

Moment that made me smile: Not sacking Thomas Frank earlier; appointing Igor Tudor.

West Ham

Stress-inducing nightmare. Terrible start under Potter, improved after January, but imploded. Heading down unless results go their way. Season rating: 3/10.

Stars/flops: Jarrod Bowen gave everything. Summerville scoring run. Max Kilman not worth £40m; Pablo lacks control.

What we need in the summer: If relegated, rebuild with kids. If stay up, sign Disasi and striker. Need Kretinsky to show interest.

Best/worst away fans: Wolves with gallows humour. Chelsea chanted 'Three more years Graham Potter'.

Moment that made me smile: Arteta wanting to protect goalkeepers; David Squires' cartoon.

Wolves

Nearly surpassed Derby's 11-point low. Brief respite with home results against Arsenal, Villa, Liverpool. Season rating: 1.5/10.

Stars/flops: Everyone flopped. Jhon Arias and Fer López made zero impact. Mateus Mané a beacon of hope.

What we need in the summer: A captain. Invest in wide attacking areas. Retain nucleus of young Championship team.

Best/worst away fans: Bournemouth take smallest allocation, barely registered.

Moment that made me smile: A smile? What is that?