Arsenal Wins Premier League and Alternative Awards Celebrate Unique Achievements
Arsenal has captured the Premier League trophy, securing their first title in 22 years by outcompeting Manchester City during the penultimate week of the season. This marks a notable point in manager Pep Guardiola’s career, where he has missed winning the league for two consecutive seasons since starting in 2008.
Brentford’s Igor Thiago was a strong contender but Manchester City’s Erling Haaland retained the Golden Boot as the Premier League’s top goalscorer with 27 goals during the 2025-26 season, marking his third win in four years.
Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United dominated by breaking the record with 21 assists in one campaign. Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, achieved the Golden Glove for his third successive year with 19 clean sheets for the champions.
The Alternative Premier League Awards showcased diverse and intriguing statistics:
Most Improved Team: Manchester United
Manchester United was recognized for their remarkable improvement, amassing 29 more points than last season under Michael Carrick. United stood out, especially compared to five teams that lost more than 15 points, with Liverpool showing the greatest drop.
Most Points Dropped From Winning Positions: Newcastle United
Newcastle United lost 27 points from winning positions, struggling with consistency across competitions. Eddie Howe highlighted their inability to maintain leads. Nottingham Forest showed resilience, drawing five and never losing when ahead.
Comeback Kings: Aston Villa
Villa reversed positions to win 23 points from losing positions, ending their season with a comeback against Manchester City, securing a spot in the Champions League next season alongside winning the Europa League.
Stoppage-Time Entertainers: Liverpool
Liverpool scored the most goals in stoppage time (10) but also conceded seven. Their teen sensation Rio Ngumoha scored a 100th-minute winner against Newcastle, but Liverpool faced multiple defeats in late-game drama.
Set Piece Dynamos: Arsenal
Arsenal excelled in set pieces, with 70% inswingers contributing to their robust attack and defense. They surpassed Manchester United, leading in goal difference per set piece opportunities.
Box-Throw Bandits: Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace led in goals scored after attacking throw-ins, doubling last year’s total league-wide to 43. Utilizing long throws effectively, Palace scored six times, edging Brentford, Leeds, and Sunderland.
Skewed Crossers: Spurs and Bournemouth
Spurs relied predominantly on the right flank for crossing, driven by Pedro Porro’s 155 open-play crosses. Bournemouth concentrated efforts on the left through Adrien Truffert.
Most Stable Squad: Everton
Everton’s consistent squad selection led by David Moyes, marked by few changes and late substitutions, contrasted Chelsea’s instability with frequent lineup changes.
Most Compact Defense: Sunderland
Sunderland excelled with a disciplined low block defense, spending 28% of their time in compact formation, earning Europa League qualification through defensive solidity.
Entertaining Play: Bournemouth
Bournemouth, along with Brighton and Brentford, entertained through a high-paced style that retained attacking effectiveness, earning European spots with frequent possession changes and penetrating opponent penalty areas.
Individual Awards
Ezri Konsa from Villa safeguarded possession under pressure with a 94% success rate. City’s Rayan Cherki proved to be the league’s most two-footed player, while Palace’s Adam Wharton excelled in breaking defensive lines with forward passes.
Bournemouth made European qualification history with an exciting playing style, reflected through their metrics of possessions and attacking opportunities.