Premier League Season Preview 2016/17

To some degree, it would be easy for this season to have a feeling of the hangover after the year before.

The 2015-16 season was an insane whirlwind, ending in the popular champions of 5000/1 underdogs Leicester City picking up the trophy. It also featured reigning champions Chelsea implode, Aston Villa and Newcastle endure spectacular demotions, bad seasons for other big names, new sides emerge comfortably in the league, and the rest.

Logic dictates this may not be as fun. Its hardly without precedent - the dramatic 2011/12 season was then followed by the Ferguson goodbye procession in 2012/13, while the equally impressive 2013/14 was followed by a disappointing 2014/15.

But while the realist are anticipated more expected champions and relegation candidates, this year still comes loaded with intrigue. With a world record transfer, managerial changes, some major dynamic changes, big managerial names competing, and in turn with some set to miss out on success, and even more tales to go, it still promises to be a wild ride.

So, before it begins, lets take a look at how the 20 competitors stand...

Arsenal
Last Season In Four Words: Spurned title hopes again
What Do They Want?: Not to lose their top 4 place. After spurned Premier League title challenges came to a head last year, the likely vast improvement from both Manchester sides, plus expected ones at Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs, puts Arsenal's top four place under greater threat. The Gunners usually find a way to take the top 4 spot and maintain their share of the Champions League booty, but this year presents a likely myriad of big challenges for Arsenal.
Transfers: The big signing at the Emirates is that of Swiss international midfielder Granit Xhaka, who joins for £30million from Borussia Monchengladbach. Highly rated defender Rob Holding signs from Bolton and young Japanese striker Takuma Asano also sign, but despite rumours, no further signings have been incoming yet. A couple of senior players have made their exits, with Mikel Arteta retiring, and Mathieu Flamini, and Tomas Rosicky departing. Wojciech Szczseny has gone to Roma on loan once more, while youngsters Isaac Hayden and Wellington Silva have made their exits.
Ones To Watch: The focal point issue remains, with Olivier Giroud's Arsenal career summed up by booing of his efforts even as he scored 3 against an already relegated Aston Villa on last season's final day. Giroud is still capable, while Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and the rest remains a very capable armoury. Xhaka's adjustment to England will be interesting viewing, while injuries means it'll be a tricky one to see Holding thrown in at the deep end.
The Gaffer: Speculation has mounted this could be the end of the Arsene Wenger era, with the manager reaching 20 years as Arsenal manager in October. Regardless of whether it is or not, you sense he would still like to show that despite recent critics, he still has a challenge for honours in him.
Prediction: The likely close-knit nature of the top 6 this season means that Arsenal's top 4 habitual place is in real threat, and at present, they look to - once again - have ignored their obvious deficiencies. Which is not to say they aren't out of it, but they aren't in the most obvious condition at present.

Bournemouth
Last Season In Four Words: Survival and impressive adjustment
What Do They Want?: An avoidance of second season syndrome. Bournemouth were one of last season's notable success stories as they adjusted to the Premier League stylishly. But the Premier League days are full of teams who achieved so much in year one, then gone over the cliff in year two. While Bournemouth have the capacity for improvement, Eddie Howe's side's base ambition is surely to retain the top flight status first and improve as the campaign goes on.
Transfers: If you told the fans who rattled collection tins in 2008 for the club's future that Bournemouth would be spending £15million on one player in 2016, they might've deemed you crazy. But such are the economic changes in fortune, with the club spending such fees to sign Jordan Ibe from Liverpool. Full-back Brad Smith also moves from Merseyside to Dorset, while the other major signing is highly-rated Leeds midfielder Lewis Cook. Chelsea full-back Nathan Ake signs on loan, while French striker Lys Mousset, and Fulham's Emerson Hyndman are the other main signings. Leading the exits are Matt Ritchie, who joins Newcastle, and former skipper Tommy Elphick, who also drops down a league to join Aston Villa. Lee Tomlin makes his loan to Bristol City permanent, Glenn Murray joins Brighton loan, and Sylvain Distin & Stephane Zubar are released.
Ones To Watch: There is expectation on Ibe, as he seeks to demonstrate why the Cherries spent a club record fee to bring him to Dean Court. Cook also has to demonstrate his worthiness, as he seeks to make the jump up from Championship to top flight. Of the existing crop, Benik Afobe will look for better after following a positive start with a barren run, Callum Wilson will be seeking to make up for lost time after his injury trouble last season, and after some questionable goalkeeping and defending last year, Artur Boruc and his backline have to tighten up a bit.
The Gaffer: Eddie Howe already enjoyed legendary status among Bournemouth fans for taking the Cherries from the brink of armageddon to the top of the pyramid. His reputation outside Dorset was certainly assisted by his first Premier League campaign, which even got him mentioned in the reckoning for the England job, but he already looks like a man determined for more.
Prediction: After a great first impression on the top flight, the goal for Bournemouth is becoming more regular top flight players. They have the squad and management to ultimately steer clear from danger, but the porous nature of their backline means they have to keep firm in order to avoid falling into the trap below.

Burnley
Last Season In Four Words: Reaped squad alteration reward
What Do They Want?: It has to be scraping survival. Both of the Clarets' previous Premier League sojourns ended in immediate returns to the second tier from whence they came, and while they recovered sufficiently quickly from their demotion 2 years ago, they have to gain a better foothold or else they'll end up with the likes of Norwich in this decade's yo-yo club group.
Transfers: Strangely, the presence of 2 clubs - both in and out - has been the dominant thread. For incomings, Burnley have raided Charlton Athletic, signing Icelandic international winger Johann Berg Gudmundson and goalkeeper Nick Pope. Meanwhile, Rangers have picked up midfielder Joey Barton and goalkeeper Matt Gilks on freebies. Burnley's other main signing so far is Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan on loan, while Matty Taylor, Lloyd Dyer and the retiring Michael Duff are also exiting Turf Moor.
Ones To Watch: The quickfire rise of Andre Gray has been notable, going from non-league via Brentford to scoring over 20 goals in Burnley's Championship winning campaign last season. A quick adjustment to the top flight will be key. The squad still resembles the one 2 years ago in a number of key areas, so the likes of Tom Heaton, Michael Keane, George Boyd, David Jones, Sam Vokes and Ashley Barnes will be looking to channel the more positive aspects of that campaign into helping the Clarets endure a longer stint.
The Gaffer: Burnley kept Sean Dyche on after their 2015 relegation and were rewarded with a 2016 Championship title - their second promotion with the "Ginger Mourinho" running the show. Now comes the even tricky bit of keeping the Clarets heads above water.
Prediction: Burnley may well have a plucky bite to them and will most probably stun a big team or two, as they did 2 years ago. But there are a sense of both Premier League talents lacking, and also of a lack of midfielders. They'll be in for a bit of a long one.

Chelsea
Last Season In Four Words: Impersonation of reigning champions
What Do They Want?: Something better. While its unclear what brief new boss Antonio Conte has received from Roman and those at the top, its probably clear a repeat of last season, where Chelsea wound up in 15th place at one point and could only crawl over the line 10th, will not be tolerated. In all truth, Chelsea are likely to be back fighting for a Champions League. A title tilt has also been suggested by some more optimistic quarters.
Transfers: The Blues have so far been fairly quiet, but have still spent big, with their 2 arrivals costing in excess of £60million. The headline grabbing signing is that of Leicester lynchpin N'Golo Kante, who signs from the reigning champions in a blockbuster deal. The other signing is Belgian international Michy Batshuayi, who joins from Marseille. Romelu Lukaku has been linked with a return, but has so far stayed put at Everton. Despite saying in January he would leave, John Terry remains, The big exits are defender Papy Djilodboji, who joins Sunderland for £8million, and Mohammed Salah, whose loan to Roma is made permanent. Falcao and Alexandre Pato leave after underwhelming loan spells, while Nathan Ake, Lewis Baker, Tomas Kalas and Tammy Abraham head the usual cavalcade of loans out.
Ones To Watch: After their respective 2015-16 disasters, there are plenty in blue who need to do better. Leading the list is Eden Hazard, who has at least shown promise in pre-season. After being blamed for Mourinho's sacking, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have work to do to get fans back on side, while it'll be interesting to see if another season can be coaxed out of John Terry, who turns 36 in December. It'll also be key to Chelsea's hopes if Kante can avoid second season syndrome.
The Gaffer: Antonio Conte has made it to England, after guiding Italy to a quarter final penalty shootout loss to Germany with a team many called Italy's worst in generations. The manager seems to have a fair few plans for the Premier League endeavours ahead, with suggestions of a back 3 and trials of other tactics used in pre-season, Plus he'll provide a dramatic presence, not least given one of his most notable Euro moments saw him screaming "I will kill you all" at his defence for letting Lukaku shoot during the Belgium v Italy game.
Prediction: Curiously, Chelsea are one of the bookies favourites for the Premier League title. But after last year's backward step and a sense not everything has been addressed, it may well be easier for Chelsea to aim for a top 4. A tight top 6 means they can sneak in, but a further title tilt still feels a bit off yet.

Crystal Palace
Last Season In Four Words: Fell apart after Christmas
What Do They Want?: A smoother ride, again. After 2 seasons that needed mid-season appointments to quell relegation worries, Palace almost invented one, with the side that was 5th on Christmas Day and looking a dark horse for the Champions League duly winning no matches until April, and only one other match after that. The FA Cup run that saw them reach the final and score first may well have kept Alan Pardew in post, but they can't afford their 2016 hangover getting worse.
Transfers: At the start of the window, Crystal Palace flew out of the traps, with 3 quality-looking buys and a flurry of bids for top class strikers. A club record fee bought England international Andros Townsend to the club from Newcastle, and another £10million+ fee was spent on West Ham centre-back James Tomkins. An eye catching acquisition is also that of French number 2 goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, who arrives from Marseille. But after a flurry of early bids for the likes of Christian Benteke and Michy Batshuayi, nothing else has happened, and indeed, Palace have been busier shedding strikers. Dwight Gayle has joined Newcastle, while Emmanuel Adebayor and Marouane Chamakh have been released. Also leaving are Southampton-bound goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, and the likes of Brede Hangeland, Arian Mariappa and Patrick McCarthy, who leave on frees. Yannick Bolasie remains for now, but has been linked to join Everton before the transfer deadline.
Ones To Watch: In the absence of a new striker, the midfield has to step up, with Wilfried Zaha, Jason Puncheon, new boy Townsend and Yohan Cabaye all looking to chip-in. If no new boy comes in, then Connor Wickham will be the man picking up the slack. At the back, the tussle between Mandanda and Wayne Hennessey will provide intrigue for the #1, while Scott Dann will look to continue to be Palace's most consistent defender and may well be a top scorer candidate. Again.
The Gaffer: Until December, Alan Pardew looked to be on to a winner in South London, but then Palace hit a major bump. Its now the manager's job to get into the boom part of his cycle rather than that long bust, and brush aside the handful of doubters that had begun to surface.
Prediction: It may not hurt Palace to have a fairly dull midtable campaign, given they have flirted with relegation at some point in all 3 of their campaigns in the Premier League since their 2013 promotion. Even with striker shortcomings, the squad is good enough to survive and challenge in the cups, but more work needs to be done to break into the top 10, and maybe even further above.

Everton
Last Season In Four Words: Undermined by invisible defence
What Do They Want?: Better. After two mediocre midtable campaigns, the Toffees have a new manager and new multi-million pound investors. A full picture of the Toffees campaign is yet to be done, with a late start in the window giving way to a busy week, and more ins and outs are expected, as Everton look to mould a squad capable of challenging higher up.
Transfers: For a while, the only new coming is Dutch goalkeeper and Ronald Koeman favourite Maarten Stekelenburg, who joined from Fulham. Two more have come in since, with Swansea defender and captain Ashley Williams making a big money arrival, and Villa's holding midfielder Idrissa Gueye joining. Yannick Bolasie is a target for a move from Crystal Palace, although Palace claim no contact, while the club are also pursuing a striker. The big exit is John Stones, who joins Man City for an initial £47.5million a year after Everton reportedly turned down £50m from Chelsea. Tim Howard moves to the MLS, while the veterans Tony Hibbert, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar are let go.
Ones To Watch: Ross Barkley remains a key creative cog, while Gerard Deulofeu will presumably be operating in tandem. Williams is intended to be a key cog in a new look backline, while more stalwart-like players such as Gareth Barry, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka will also presumably be called upon to add steel. Romelu Lukaku will also be indisputably key, depending on whether or not he sticks around. Replacing him and his goalscoring exploits will be beyond crucial if they can't.
The Gaffer: Ronald Koeman was installed at Goodison a few weeks after the sacking of Roberto Martinez. He certainly has demonstrated Premier League pedigree, bringing Southampton 7th and 6th place finishes respectively despite a multitude of player sales. His main aim now is fulfilling the Toffees' greater ambitions.
Prediction: While Everton should be able to re-establish themselves back in the Premier League's top 10, the real desire for Toffees fans is greater things than that. But after two years of going nowhere, the question is whether or not Everton have been falling behind, and for now, top 6 may be beyond them. Saying that, equally or maybe even bettering their semi-finals last year shouldn't be.

Hull City
Last Season In Four Words: Promoted but not happily
What Do They Want?: Not a humiliation. But the odds on that are tricky and even Hull die-hards already sound worried. With Steve Bruce resigning, only one new signing, several players already sustaining long-term injuries, unpopular owners sticking around, the club's baffling insistence to not use its real name, the abolition of season tickets, child and OAP discounts, and all the rest, the outlook is bleak.
Transfers: The only new arrival into the KCOM Stadium is goalkeeper Will Mannion, who signed for the club's development squad from League 2 side AFC Wimbledon. Beyond that, the squad has had nothing. While the outgoings haven't exactly been busy, there have still been notable exits. Play-off final winner Mohammed Diame has joined Newcastle after the relegated side activated a release clause, while Sone Aluko and Ryan Taylor have been let go.
Ones To Watch: Abel Hernandez had a good season down a division and may well have adjusted better to the pace of English football. There are also still capable players in the middle in Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore, while Curtis Davies is still a Premier League capable defender. Other than that, what would've been reserves and youth teamers last season are in line for a number of call ups. This is certainly likely at the back with Allan McGregor, Michael Dawson and Alex Bruce all suffering long-term injuries already.
The Gaffer: For the moment, former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan is the placeholder for the gig. Talk of Roberto Martinez (before the Belgium team came calling), Chris Coleman, Steve McClaren and others has been dominant, but the team remains without a permanent manager at present, and Phelan will be in charge for the season opener against Leicester at least.
Prediction: Had Hull made a few signings and left Bruce too it, they may well have challenged for safety, like they did 3 seasons ago. As it is, the only way Hull look like going is down. Some Derby fans are hopeful they might end up on less than their record-setting lowest points number, but whether they do or not, its going to be a long season for the side from East Yorkshire.

Leicester City
Last Season In Four Words: You probably already know
What Do They Want?: Who knows. Leicester last season were an indisputable success, taking the championship trophy for the very first time - a memory nobody can ever take. What's next, however, is anyone's guess. Some Leicester fans would love to push on and win another title, while some would be happy simply keeping their place in the top flight. Mid-table seems to be a more general consensus.
Transfers: Leicester's big signing is Nigerian attacker Ahmed Musa, who joins from CSKA Moscow for a club transfer record of £17million. Similar big cash was forked out for Nampalys Mendy from France, and for German keeper Ron-Robert Zieler. Also signing up are Polish winger Bartosz Kaputska, and Spanish duo Raul Eche and Luis Hernandez. Speculation saw many linked with the exits, but so far only one regular has left. It is a big one, however, with N'Golo Kante jumping ship to Chelsea. Jamie Vardy turned down an approach from Arsenal, while Riyad Mahrez is now looking likely to stay put. Andrej Kramaric, Mark Schwarzer and Paul Konchesky are among those making their exits.
Ones To Watch: The obvious stars of last year will be fascinating to watch to see how they follow up last year's success. Be it Jamie Vardy's goalscoring, Riyad Mahrez's crafty attacking nature, Danny Drinkwater's midfield action, the firmness of a defence that only conceded 11 league goals in the New Year, and all the rest. It'll also be interesting to watch the new guys' integration, of which Musa looks set to take an active role alongside Vardy at the top, and Mendy is to be thrown in as the Kante replacement.
The Gaffer: Claudio Ranieri was the surprise choice as Leicester manager after Nigel Pearson's sacking, but proved to be a very popular Premier League champion. He has already suggested it is likelier for aliens to land in Central London than Leicester to reprise their title win, but he will nevertheless be eager to see how far this can go.
Prediction: If last season proved anything, its that predicting the events of the following ten months can frequently be a fallacy - not least here, who predicted bottom end of the table. Nevertheless, such is the boldness, it looks likely Leicester's best should be top half and decent runs in both Europe and the cups. If the same effort shown last year is done again, then this should be a fairly reasonable aim.

Liverpool
Last Season In Four Words: Made cup runs priority
What Do They Want?: As is usually the case, Liverpool have spent big on a Southampton man, with the latest mover from Hampshire to Merseyside being Sadio Mane, who signs for £34million. Similarly following a recently trodden path is Gini Wijnaldum, who joins from Newcastle for £25million. Moving from Germany are goalkeeper Loris Karius and defensive duo Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan, while the more retro name Alex Manninger signs as goalkeeping back-up. The Reds have been busy with outgoings too. Welsh midfielder Joe Allen joins Stoke City, young duo Jordan Ibe and Brad Smith move to Bournemouth, Kolo Toure rejoins Brendan Rodgers with a move to Celtic, Martin Skrtel joins Fenerbache, young striker Jerome Sinclair joins Watford, and Norwich pick-up similarly highly rated youngster Sergi Canos. There are also exits for the likes of Jose Enrique and Samed Yesil, while Danny Ward, Jon Flanagan and Ryan Kent head up the list of loan exits.
Ones To Watch: The new arrivals in attacking midfielder certainly provide increased competition for the likes of Roberto Firmino, Phillipe Coutinho and Adam Lallana, all of whom shone at times last season and all of whom will be seeking to establish themselves as the main picks. Daniel Sturridge will be seeking to finally get game time, while at the other end, Simon Mignolet seeks a battle to assert his position as number 1 after a gaffe-filled erratic year.
The Gaffer: Jurgen Klopp was appointed to the job in October after the owners of Liverpool tired of Brendan Rodgers' David Brent impersonation. The German is certainly an entertaining presence of the touchline, and has the reputation of his good work at Dortmund in his favour, but had an erratic first year in England. It may well be the lack of European football might help his cause, but he'll certainly be looking for better than last season's 8th place.
Prediction: Liverpool's ambition has to be getting a Champions League place and a trophy once again. The trophy is probably an easier ambition to fulfill, but Klopp may need to address his recent record of failing in major finals. As for the league, Liverpool do find themselves in the cluster of clubs likely for top 6, but have to make it count. Top four is the ambition, rather than title dreams, and they can achieve it, provided their core remains fit.

Manchester City
Last Season In Four Words: Worse as season progressed
What Do They Want?: Better at home. The Champions League semi-final run and League Cup win were high-points, but in the league, a great start was wasted as the Citizens essentially fell face-first over the line. A stilted pre-season probably didn't help, but the ambition remain the same for the blue half of Manchester. For new boss Pep Guardiola, it also is of a successful welcome to England, after his successes in Spain and Germany.
Transfers: This being Manchester City, its been one of big investment. The biggest arrival is Everton defender John Stones for a fee of £47.5million, followed by German winger Leroy Sane, who signs for Schalke for £37million. Also signing are Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, Spanish winger Nolito, Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus, Colombian international forward Marlos Moreno, and younger duo Olexsandr Zinchenko and Aaron Mooy, for a total outlay of nearly £150million. So far, the Spain-bound Martin Demichelis, retiring Richard Wright, and loaned back duo Jesus and Moreno are the only major exits, although the likes of Samir Nasri and Wilfried Bony are expected to be making their own departures soon enough.
Ones To Watch: Last year's top scorer Sergio Aguero is still the man Man City will rely on for momentum and goalscoring, and certainly has the high quality attributes. Defensively, questions remain over Joe Hart's form, Vincent Kompany's injury record, and Nicolas Otamendi's capabilities, while it'll be interesting to watch the likes of Stones, Gundogan, Nolito and Sane adjust to the heightened expectation in Manchester.
The Gaffer: After many years courting him, Pep Guardiola is now in post at the Etihad Stadium. Much of Manchester City's ambition rests on his quick adjustment, but he comes to town with one of the greatest managerial CV's in history, and hopeful of adding England to his success in Europe.
Prediction: In an ordinary year, Manchester City would be the runaway favourites. The expense, the management, the talents, and all the rest means they'll certainly be up there, and will no doubt fight to the end, but they face a challenge from the other side of their city at least, and its questionable if they'll come out on top.

Manchester United
Last Season In Four Words: FA Cup not enough
What Do They Want?: A title challenge is the ultimate goal. After three years where the thought of challenging for the top spot was rarely if ever likely, it is now the turn of Jose Mourinho to give it a crack. While the more pessimistic brigade would be content with a top 4 spot, the managerial expertise and huge spending means the Red Devils have to tackle for honours.
Transfers: The big signing at Old Trafford is the world record breaker, as Paul Pogba joins 4 years after leaving for a world record fee of between £89million and £100million, depending on who you believe. The other big marquee arrival is Swedish maverick Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a free transfer, while the other new arrivals at Old Trafford are Dortmund attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Ivorian defender Eric Bailly, both of whom arrive for fees in the £30million region. Victor Valdes joins Middlesbrough, Adnan Januzaj, Paddy McNair and Donald Love make moves to Sunderland, Ashley Fletcher signs for West Ham, Tyler Reid moves to Swansea, and Nick Powell leads the free exits.
Ones To Watch: The obvious place to start is Pogba. The expectation will undoubtedly be huge following his big money move from Juventus, and it is not an exaggeration to say the Red Devils have to get the best out of him to succeed. There is also the embarrassment of attacking riches, be it the fellow new stars Ibrahimovic and Mkhitaryan, the older heads of Rooney and Mata, or the newer, younger stars of Martial, Rashford and FA Cup winner Lingard. But there's a lot of pressure on David De Gea to keep up his goal-denying heroics, in order to keep the Red Devils defensively firm.
The Gaffer: A few years on from the times he's been linked with the gig, Jose Mourinho is in post in the red half of Manchester. Much will depend on whether or not he's over his farce at Chelsea, but he has the desire to win, and the handsome backing.
Prediction: As is the case for their neighbours, the Red Devils would be the favourites in a normal year. But this isn't, and the long-running battle between the two Manchester sides will go a long way to working out whose title this is. The big summer signings hint that it should be the Devils, but it will require a holding of nerve and melding them into a cohesive whole.

Middlesbrough
Last Season In Four Words: Triumphant in final shootout
What Do They Want?: Survival. Seven years after they were last in the Premier League, Middlesbrough arrive seeking to show they can adjust back to life as a top flight club. While some big name acquisitions and prestige could encourage notions of greater things, the Teesiders' core aim has to be to keep their heads above water.
Transfers: The big names see former Man City striker Alvaro Negredo join on loan from Valencia and one time Barcelona custodian Victor Valdes move following the end of his troubled Manchester United spell. By fee, the biggest arrival is highly rated midfielder Marten de Roon, who signs from Italian side Atalanta, while Viktor Fisher's arrival from Ajax is held up as something of a major coup. Gaston Ramirez makes his loan from Southampton permanent, defenders Antonio Barragan and Bernardo Espinosa move from Spain, and US keeper Brad Guzan moves from Aston Villa. The other arrival sees Scottish defender Jordan McGhee join on loan from Hearts. Jonathan Woodgate and Rhys Williams head up the exit list.
Ones To Watch: Of the incomers, Negredo, de Roon and Fisher hint at definite promise to build a strong core, while Valdes should be a solid enough keeping presence. As for those who made the jump up, big things are expected of youngster Ben Gibson, and equally of Jordan Rhodes, as the lower league hot-shot makes it to the big league. It is also anticipated the like of Stewart Downing, David Nugent and skipper Grant Leadbitter will be relied upon to impart their top flight experience.
The Gaffer: Aitor Karanka arrived with the prestige of working coaching in Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid set-up. After a somewhat tumultuous campaign that saw him seemingly out the door, he has taken Boro into the top flight and remains hopeful of giving a local neighbourhood in the midst of economic upheaval following the collapse of the steel industry something to cheer on.
Prediction: Middlesbrough are perhaps the side in the strongest position to come up into the division, and while there's a sense of arrival back to them, they have been investing in a decent manner. The goal is surely survival, and there's a sense that, by hook or by crook, they should scrape their way over the line.

Southampton
Last Season In Four Words: Late run into Europe
What Do They Want?: In all truth, its a bit of a strange one. Since the start of the 2010/11 campaign, which ended in promotion from League One, Southampton have constantly defied expectations and last season got into 6th place - their highest league finish since 1985. But with Ronald Koeman leading the seemingly annual exit parade, the Saints find themselves in a quandary and progression to the top 4 - the next step - might be too far.
Transfers: First into Southampton was Nathan Redmond, who the Saints beat a number of clubs to capture from relegated Norwich. Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hobjerg arrives from Bayern Munich, while Crystal Palace goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and Nice defender Jeremy Pied also arrive into the club. As well as manager Koeman, making their leave from St. Mary's are Graziano Pelle, who makes a big money Chinese move, Spurs-bound midfielder Victor Wanyama, and Sadio Mane, who is the latest to move from St. Mary's to Anfield. Gaston Ramirez leaves for Middlebrough on a free, Kelvin Davis moves to a backroom role, Juanmi moves to Real Sociedad, and the likes of Paulo Gazzaniga and Sam Gallagher make loan exits.
Ones To Watch: Southampton's fine form in the second half of the campaign was based on a strong foundation with the likes of Fraser Forster, Virgil van Dijk, Jose Fonte and Ryan Bertrand keeping firm. A further firmness from them will be required. Further forward, and the likes of Charlie Austin and Jay Rodriguez will be hoping to overcome their injury issues to be consistent striking options, while Shane Long will also be a relied upon attacking presence.
The Gaffer: Following Koeman's move to Everton, Claude Puel was chosen to take the gig. Puel is yet to manage outside France, with 16 years across the nation. He has had success, winning Ligue 1 with Monaco in 2000, taking Lyon to the Champions League semis, and taking the relatively unheralded Nice to within a breath of the Champions League spots, and there will be an expectation.
Prediction: Southampton have been in a position before of summer exodus-induced doom and gloom, and its too easy to predict a demotion battle. It won't be that bad, but its hard to see a replication or even surpass of last season's 6th place finish. Midtable.

Stoke City
Last Season In Four Words: Almost signs of stagnation
What Do They Want?: To close the gap. There is nothing wrong with 3 consecutive 9th place finishes, as the Potters have done, but with their increase of attacking talents, Stoke fans could think that its time to break through this seemingly upper limit and go on.
Transfers: The big signing is Welsh midfielder Joe Allen, who joins from Liverpool after the Potters beat his former employers Swansea to his signature. Also incoming at the now-christened Bet365 Stadium are young Egyptian Ramadan Sobhi, while young AFC Wimbledon defender Ryan Sweeney arrives. Heading the outs are the released Peter Odemwingie and Steve Sidwell.
Ones To Watch: Jack Butland won last year's number one battle, and both he & Ryan Shawcross underlined their worth when Stoke defensively fell apart in their injury-enforced absences. Further forward, and the attacking talent of Shaqiri, Arnautovic, Bojan, Diouf and the rest need to contribute more than last year's 41 goals.
The Gaffer: We're a world away from the protests that greeted Mark Hughes' arrival in 2013. Hughes has been the architect of consecutive top 9 finishes for the Potters, and will love to continue his increasingly impressive streak with a further rise.
Prediction: Despite the recent finishes and the playing squad available, Stoke will be tricky to predict. They have got some good looking new acquisitions into the club and have kept most of their key individuals, but concern remains both about their defensive options - Mame Biriam Diouf at right back in one match was notable - and Ryan Shawcross' fitness. The team should nevertheless be good enough for midtable, and will no doubt fight to retain their top 10 spot.

Sunderland
Last Season In Four Words: Allardyce's England job audition
What Do They Want?: To finally avoid a season of struggle, even with the pre-season upheaval. The last few seasons have all seen Sunderland maintain survival with a late accumulation of points, and a high success rate in clashes with Newcastle. But Sunderland fans would undoubtedly prefer it if they just had a boring drift in midtable rather than needing a late bailout, as well as more consistency in their fixture streaks.
Transfers: With the chase of Sam Allardyce by the England team dominating pre-season, it was late in the day that the Black Cats have begun making signings. Some have been made, with Chelsea defender Papy Djilodboji and the young Manchester United trio of Adnan Januzaj, Paddy McNair and Donald Love making late arrivals. More are expected. So far, the onus has been on exits, with Steven Fletcher, Emmanuel Giaccherini, Danny Graham, Adam Matthews, Wes Brom and Will Buckley among those shown the door. So far, Lamine Kone is still at the club, but the impressive January arrival is courting Everton and Chelsea's attentions, and could move before the deadline.
Ones To Watch: Much of what Sunderland hope to accomplish still rests on the shoulders of striker Jermain Defoe, who turns 34 in October but enjoyed a highly profitable campaign last season, with 15 Premier League goals. If the Black Cats hope to avoid the bottom skirmish then much will be needed of their defensive regiment. It'll also be interesting to see if the likes of Jordan Pickford and Duncan Watmore can break through to hold down regular starts.
The Gaffer: David Moyes has picked up the gig, to be the latest in Ellis Short's long stream of Sunderland managers. The Scot had an excellent long-term run at Everton, before having a failure at Manchester United and an inconsistent turn at Spanish side Real Sociedad. Nevertheless, Moyes does represent possible stability, and will presumably be given the leeway and budget to keep the Black Cats out of danger.
Prediction: With the window yet to close, Sunderland still lack the bodies in some areas and quality in others. But they have the management and some key options to keep them out of trouble come the end, although presumably the hope is that this time it won't take a panic button press to keep them in it.

Swansea City
Last Season In Four Words: Nearly managed self-inflicted collapse
What Do They Want?: Better. After a couple of consistent years, Swansea came close to collapse last year. The club's new American investors will certainly be wary of the pitfalls, and will be hopeful Francesco Guidolin's rescue job last year can be taken heed from to avoid a similar skirmish with the drop battle.
Transfers: The biggest arrival is Spanish striker Borja Baston, who joins from Atletico Madrid for a club record fee of £15.5million. Also arriving from Spain for the striking department is World Cup winner and former Juventus line leader Fernando Llorente, who signs up from Sevilla. Midfielder Leroy Fer makes his loan permanent, while defender Mike van der Hoorn arrives from Ajax, young defender Tyler Reid arrives from Manchester United, and Australian goalkeeper Mark Birighitti moves on a freebie from the A-League. As for outs, Andre Ayew leads the outs with a £20million move to West Ham, and Ashley Williams moves to Everton, Portugal's Euro 2016 winner Eder signs for Lille, Bafetimbi Gomis signs on loan for Marseille, Alberto Paloschi joins Atalanta, and former Swans gaffer Garry Monk signs Kyle Bartley and Matt Grimes on loan for his new club Leeds.
Ones To Watch: With a lot of changes taking place, the onus is on Gylfi Sigurdsson to continue the goals he contributed to keep the Swans out of danger last year. Jefferson Montero and Wayne Routledge will also contribute, while Borja and Llorente will need to adjust quickly. At the other end, Lukasz Fabianski is likely in for a busy campaign.
The Gaffer: Many tipped Swansea to go down when Francesco Guidolin was given the gig in January, but he pulled off the necessary results to keep the Swans in the top flights. Now comes the trickier part of managing this over a whole season.
Prediction: Swansea were close to trouble last year, but this year, with so much change on the field at once, the field looks a lot tougher for the side from the Liberty Stadium. Much work is to be done to keep their heads above water.

Tottenham Hotspur
Last Season In Four Words: Third in two-horse race
What Do They Want?: An improvement. In their last season before a temporary stint at Wembley and the replacement of White Hart Lane with a new enormodome, Spurs have the foundations of a good team laid down after their excellent 2015-16 season, and they also find themselves with the Champions League football they crave. Now, Mauricio Pochettino is looking for greater honours.
Transfers: Funds are tighter with the stadium rebuild. Spurs main signatures so far are holding midfielder Victor Wanyama from Southampton, and AZ Alkmaar's Dutch striker Vincent Janssen. Making exits from North London on a permanent basis are Anglia-bound Alex Pritchard and Grant Ward, while Federico Fazio moves on loan to Roma.
Ones To Watch: Harry Kane had an excellent season to prove he was not a one-off, but now he has to keep going. Certainly, you'd like to think at least that Spurs will help him a bit my not copying Roy Hodgson's baffling call to put him on corners and free-kicks. After their respective emergences as key men last year, Dele Alli and Eric Dier will look to underline their progress, while a backline that was the league's tightest last year will be seeking to show similar sturdiness.
The Gaffer: After a curious first campaign, Mauricio Pochettino had an excellent season as his young players meshed together. However, he felt like something needed to improve after an inexplicable final day thrashing by Newcastle ended a face-first fall over the line, so he will feel more needs to be done,
Prediction: Spurs are definitely in the race for top 4, maybe even top spot, and will feel last year underlined the growing trend of progression of recent years. But there is a hunch of weakness around their back-up options, as proved by a drop-off in points when the likes of Ryan Mason or Tom Carroll start games, and more might be needed.

Watford
Last Season In Four Words: Comfortably safe by Christmas
What Do They Want?: The basic goal is getting another top flight campaign. The Hornets had an excellent first season, but slumped over the line - a loss of form that saw Quique Sanchez Flores the latest to be sent packing on the Hertfordshire head coach cavalcade. But at the very least, Watford's core aim should be survival, with anything else a bonus.
Transfers: The incomings has been relatively quiet this year, with 5 new signings. The excellently named Isaac Success is the latest arrival from the Pozzo's fellow club Granada, while Liverpool youngster Jerome Sinclair also joins to bolster the attack. In defence, the arrivals are made of Genk defender Christian Kabasele, Ivorian Brice Dja Djedje from Marseille, and Napoli loanee Juan Camillo Zuniga. More are desired. Among those on the conveyor belt out are Jose Manuel Jurado, Joel Ekstrand, Almen Abdi, Daniel Pudil, Gabrielle Angela, and on loan deals, Steven Berghuis, and Obbi Oulare.
Ones To Watch: While many things change at Vicarage Road, Troy Deeney remains a constant. The skipper is a high quality talismanic presence for the Hornets, and it'll be up to him to once again help inspire the team. He will likely partner Odion Ighalo, who had a sensation 2015 but tailed off in 2016. At the back, Gomes proved to be a good keeper in his return to the top flight, while the defensive regiment will be a curious view.
The Gaffer: In keeping with the rotational wheel that saw Watford change manager three times before Christmas when they got promoted, and then binned Quique Flores despite being safe by Christmas and reaching the FA Cup semis, there is a new man in post at Vicarage Road. The latest man on the block in Hertfordshire is Walter Mazzarri who comes to England for the first time. The Italian manager had win ratios above 50% with Napoli and Inter Milan, but much depends on how he adjusts to life in England.
Prediction: Watford will be looking to survive at least, and in truth, much of that revolves around how quickly they adjust to having new management and a new system and players being on board. Again. But while some have been eager to proclaim doom, the Hornets should scrape over the line and make it to season three.

West Bromwich Albion
Last Season In Four Words: Functional and little else
What Do They Want?: Excitement. Last year was pretty dour, with only the dismal Aston Villa scoring less, and only the top 6 conceding less - no mean feat, given problems meant the Baggies often fielded centre-halves in midfield and at full-back. While the club has new Chinese owners, Pulis is not yet under pressure, but could use more excitement to partner his usual solidity.
Transfers: With boardroom uncertainty, just one signing has arrived so far this summer into the Hawhtorns, with winger Matty Phillips arriving from QPR. Pulis has said more will be desired before the window shuts. A deal to sign Diafra Sakho to West Ham fell through after the striker suffered a back injury. A year after an £8million move from Hull, Welsh centre-back James Chester moves to Aston Villa, while Stephane Sessegnon, Victor Anichebe, and Anders Lindegaard have been allowed out the door. For now, Saido Berahino and Jonny Evans remain at the club, despite links away.
Ones To Watch: Much rests on the defensive steel of the club, as it usually does in a Pulis team. In this instance, Ben Foster provides a firm goalkeeping barrier, protected by the effective likes of Jonas Olsson, Gareth McAuley, and Craig Dawson. As far as the goalscoring goals, Berhaino's travails puts a lot of pressure on Salomon Rondon, who was the Albion's top scorer last season. The expectation will also be made for the likes of James McClean, Craig Gardner and new recruit Phillips to create chances.
The Gaffer: Tony Pulis remains without a relegation in his management career, and admitted that the job to keep Albion up in his first sseason was one of the toughest he has so far done. The veteran coach moved to favourite for first sacking after the club's takeover, but looks safe for now, and will be keen to plot greater things.
Prediction: West Brom seem likely to make a grab for more secure ground once more. It won't necessarily be smooth or enitrely free from fears of the drop, and in all truth there will be patches without excitement, but they should make it into another Premier League season. Whether they can progress depends on what they can bring in before the window shuts.

West Ham United
Last Season In Four Words: Enterprising but inconsistent away
What Do They Want?: Progression on last year's 7th place and an easy adjustment. The taxpayer gift that is the London 2012 Olympic Stadium is West Ham's home for the next 99 years, Undoubtedly, this will require a big adjustment, as will the Europa League group stage - victory in the qualifying round assuming. But the building blocks are there.
Transfers: The big arrival is Swansea winger Andre Ayew, who signs for a club record £20.5million. Also signing for the wings is free signing Sofiane Feghouli and Turkish loanee Gokhan Tore, while Manuel Lanzini has made his loan permanent. Former Arsenal player Havard Nordtveit arrives from Germany, French full-back Artur Masuaku, loanee Jonathan Calleri, and youngsters Ashley Fletcher, Toni Martinez, and Domingos Quina also arrive. More are expected in attack, particularly if someone else signs Diafra Sakho after his move to West Brom collapsed. James Tomkins is the biggest out, joining former Hammers boss James Tomkins at Crystal Palace, while Elliot Lee moves to Barnsley in the other primary out.
Ones To Watch: All eyes are on Dimitri Payet, who seeks to continue to justify his big fee and big reputation after an excellent first season. Andy Carroll will also be seeking to show what he can do over a long stretch, provided he can put to bed his continuing fitness troubles. Mark Noble will also look to continue to knock on the door of England, while Michail Antonio will seek to build on a good first campaign for the claret and blues.
The Gaffer: Former Hammers centre-back Slaven Billic was the name chosen to replace Sam Allardyce in 2015, and had an excellent opening season in England. So far, he has played down expectations of an instant adjustment to the new home stadium, but he does have the credit in the bank from year one, and will be eager to show the Hammers can build on things.
Prediction: There is plenty to suggest the Hammers have the squad and fanbase to build on last year's finish, and make a success of their relocation across East London. Whether they will is another matter - a great run means yes, but in all likelihood, they may well come up just short in the battle to pinch a top 6 spot once more.

Newcastle United 2016/17 Season Preview

It feels curious to see Newcastle approaching the new season with something approaching confidence.

Relegation in May was an enormous disappointment, yet the club is approaching its return to the Championship after 7 years with something approaching anticipation. Season ticket sales are up on last year, while the club enjoys a favourites for promotion tag it did not enjoy last time.

Certainly, the decision by Rafa Benitez to stay at St. James' Park has proved to be a galvanising factor. Had Newcastle lost out on the highly-decorated Spaniard and settled for someone less glamorous - even if they could have easily been a Championship-winning manager - it would have lead to a negative streak.

But Benitez has chosen to gamble and keep the post he accepted in March. On top of that, he has also been given free reign to rebuild the squad the way he wants, not in hall to the Ashley-imposed buying strategy that hasn't been hep in the last few seasons.

The Championship will certainly not be an easy test. Great clubs and managers have struggled with it before, after all. But there's a certain aspiration that, for once, Newcastle are onto something good aren't about to mess it up.

Anyway, to business...

What Would Be A Great Season?: Winning the league, and with it the place back in the Premier League. Something that would be memorable would be something akin to the 100+ point tally of 2009/10, although the league is certainly now a tougher proposition.
What Would Be A Horrible Season?: A failure to win promotion. This is an all or nothing season, and it has to be taken into account promotion is not the surefire thing.
What's The Likelier Outcome?: With a big budget, a squad that is essentially Premier League, a highly regarded manager and all the rest, Newcastle have to be considered as real contenders for promotion.
Key Player: Matt Ritchie. A number of players could fit here, be it new captain Jamaal Lascelles, Jonjo Shelvey, Alexsandr Mitrovic, Mohammed Diame, Ayoze Perez, or new number 9 Dwight Gayle. But Ritchie is a player whose experience is key, having earned 2 promotions while at Bournemouth, and provided a strong wing presence.
Needs To Improve: Defensively, problems remain. The Magpies' 65 concessions last year was not enough to even make the Premier League's 3 leakiest defences, but a promotion-winning defence needs to be substantially tighter if its going to achieve its goals. The final pre-season friendly against Vitesse Arnhem opened questions after some ludicrious concessions, and work is still be to be done.
Will Be Missed: Andros Townsend. While he may have left under a cloud, the winger's cameo for the Magpies was impressive and showed a real desire to work from the flanks. Townsend had initially promised to stay, and it may well be his call-up to the Euro 2016 preliminary squad encouraged him to seek a Premier League return, but the campaign is harder with him out.
Good That He's Still Here: Ayoze Perez had been linked with moves away, including one with La Liga giants Barcelona, but for now remains and looks likely to be a key player. The Championship may well be a tough division, but Perez is a highly creative presence, and he will certainly be a good help to get Newcastle forward.
Why Is He Still Here: Plenty of reminders of the club's previous transfer failings remain. The hopeless Emmanuel Riviere may not have featured in pre-season, but is still drawing a wage. So too are Henri Saivet and Yoan Gouffran, although the latter may have a reprieve. Meanwhile, there should really be questions over Lee Charnley, but his presence has kept Benitez on board, which is a rare plus in his column.
Incoming: The biggest signing so far is Matt Ritchie, who signs from Bournemouth for £12million. The signing has the air of a shrewd one, given the Scot has won 2 promotions with the Cherries and was a mainstay of the side who stayed up last season. Championship fans have also praised the arrival of Dwight Gayle, who signs from Crystal Palace for £10million to take the famed number 9 shirt. The striker enjoyed a good record at this level with Peterborough, and has chipped in for Palace, so has potential. Newcastle's first signing was Belgian international goalkeeper Matz Sels, who joins from Gent for £5million - making him the club's most expensive goalkeeper. Further promotion experience joins in the form of Mohammed Diame, who signs from Hull 3 months after scoring a play-off final winner for the Tigers. The other signings are Arsenal youngster Isaac Hayden, who spent last season on loan with Hull City, Aston Villa's Irish international defender Ciaran Clark, and Scottish international Grant Hanley, who joins from Blackburn for £5.5million. More are expected.
Outgoing: The priciest outgoing is Gini Wijnaldum, one year and about as many decent away performances after signing. Liverpool make him theirs for a reported £25million. Another big money attacker leaving is Andros Townsend, who moves to Crystal Palace after the Londoners triggered a reported £13million release fee clause. Papiss Cisse leaves for China, while another mainstay of years past leaves in the form of Fabricio Coloccini, who cancelled his contract a year early and returns to Argentina. No new deals were offered to Steven Taylor, Gabriel Obertan or Sylvain Marveaux. Florian Thauvin has joined Marseille on loan, where he rejoins Remy Cabella after the latter's loan was made permanent. At the time of writing, Moussa Sissoko, Cheikh Tiote, Tim Krul, Siem de Jong, Henri Saivet, and Emmanuel Riviere are still at Newcastle, although at least one of them is most likely going to leave.
The Manager: To the surprise of many, Rafa Benitez chose to remain at St. James' Park after relegation to the second tier. Nevertheless, his presence has offered a high quality aura to Newcastle United, and it is now up to him to ensure delivery can be made.
Something To Keep From Last Year: The resilience around the club in the attempt to survive last season.
Something To Improve: The dispirited attitude after falling behind, or generally playing away from home.
Pre-Season:
Bohemian (A) 6-0 win
Doncaster Rovers (A) 2-2 draw
Sporting Lokeren (A) 4-0 win
Southend United (A) 2-0 win
Vitesse Arnhem (H) 3-2 win
A Word On The New Kits: The new home strip is a simple effort than last year's fussy blue-heavy design. Although it features broader stripes, it is arranged nicely, and has a neatly trimmed gold collar, and is comfortably one of the better Puma efforts since the company took over the club's kit making contract in 2010. The navy and orange away kit is also an improvement on last year's odd white diamond and broken pink/white sash kits. The white and purple away kit is also nicely simple, if a bit unnecessary given the amount of white on the home kit and no teams wearing all-black being in the Championship this season.

Personal Starting XI:
Darlow - Janmaat, Mbemba, Lascelles, Gamez - Perez, Diame, Anita, Ritchie - Gayle, Mitrovic
Likely Starting XI:
Sels - Janmaat, Mbemba, Lascelles, Dummett - Colback, Hayden - Perez, Diame, Ritchie - Gayle

So, the all important final question...
Where Will We Finish?
It has to be in a top 6 finish at the barest minimum, and top 2 at a reasonable one. The club has the squad, management and capability to manage it, and in all reality it should make good on its status as favourites. Now the team has to go out there and make it happen.

Premier League 2015-16 Season Review

It is perhaps histrionic to call each Premier League season "the best one ever", but its hard not to draw the conclusion that more than most, this has been a special year.

With surprise champions, title challenges from other unlikely sources, collapsing giants, expensive teams going backwards and out of the league, unexpected survivors, and a wealth of new superstars, this was one for the vast majority of neutrals and fans alike to enjoy. Certainly, when one looks back, there will be plenty of stories, and while it may well be a stretch to call it the best ever, there was certainly exciting stories from one and all, and reinforced the competition's strength.

While we wait to see which one of Hull and Sheffield Wednesday will follow Burnley and Middlesbrough into the top 20 ahead of the Euro 2016 championships and the long re-set, its time for a looksie back. And in all reality, as there will be with all re-caps of this season to come, there is only one place to start...

Leicester City
Final Position: 1st (Champions)
Can they be happy with their season?: Just a tad. There is very little to add other than that in a season full of surprises, the phrase "Leicester City: Premier League Champions" and the story of how the 5,000/1 outsiders lifted the Premier League trophy will pass into football folklore. This is a side nobody gave any hope of such prizes reaping the magnificent rewards, in what will undoubtedly be a high point in the club's history, and perhaps in English football history too.
Star Players: Everyone. The headline stars are obvious - Jamie Vardy breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy's PL-era record for consecutive games scored and capping his rise from non-league to top star, Riyad Mahrez emerging as a superstar, N'Golo Kante having a great debut season after his move from France, Kasper Schemiechel, Wes Morgan and Robert Huth overcoming an initial laissez-faire defensive approach to providing a strong and imposing barrier - but everyone in the team did well to get themselves a deserved title.
Need To Improve: Its only real minor quibbles in back-up players - Gokhan Inler, Marcin Wasilewski, Mark Schwarzer - but the truth is everyone played their part in this memorable season. A few harsher critics would've liked more goals from Leonardo Ulloa and Shiniji Okazaki, although both have contributed important strikes. Saying that, the challenges of trophy defence and Champions League entrances will make next year very interesting.
Best Moments: The ultimate moment of delight is that one after the victory over Everton in the second-to-last match of the season when Wes Morgan lifted the Premier League trophy. Throughout the season, there's been plenty of high quality moments, ranging from early sublime matches like the dominant display against Sunderland on the opening day and a superb comeback win over Villa, to important victories like the quickfire away win double at Spurs and Man City in January and February. The streak of successive 1-0 wins was also a true sign of champions, with game performances by the likes of Norwich, Newcastle, Palace and Southampton seen off by the new champions.
What's Next?: Its tricky to tell. Few Leicester fans are convinced next season will bring identical rewards and the European question looms with the Foxes competing on the Champions League as well. But there is no reason for Leicester to fear the challenge - after all, to think of how far they've come since their relegation to League One in 2008 is another of the many variables to make your head spin - and they'll be determined to not just be remembered as a flash in the pan.

Arsenal
Final Position: 2nd
Can they be happy with their season?: Its a difficult one, but on the whole, probably not. Arsenal may have finished in their highest league position since 2005, and for the most part were in the title race. But it was yet more relative disappointment, as the title challenge fizzled out in an appalling February/March, and the club also suffered disappointing Champions League and FA Cup exits. The potential for great things are there, and the window was surely open with their rivals' collective brain fart, but as usual, Arsenal fell short in the hunt for the big prize.
Star Players: Petr Cech won the Golden Glove for most clean sheets, and although its not been plain sailing, he has certainly made Arsenal's defence more water-tight. Laurent Koscielny was also his usual self, while Mesut Ozil will have considered himself harshly done by to miss out on the PFA Team of the Year after a very high quality season. Hector Bellerin and Naxto Monreal have established themselves as full-backs, while the late-season emergence of Elneny and Iwobi bears promise.
Need To Improve: The curious case of Olivier Giroud fits here. With 24 goals in all competitions, he set a personal record since moving to London in 2012, yet a run of 15 games without a goal at the end of the season raises doubts. It is also not been a great season for Theo Walcott or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, while the injury record for Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere has plumbed new depths of misery for the both of them.
Best Moments: The Gunners were the only team to beat Leicester home and away, with a 5-2 win in a lunatic game at the King Power coupled to an engagingly tense comeback win at home. A 3-0 win over Manchester United that seemed to launch the title platform was also impressive, while the Gunners also showed belated Champions League potential with an excellent victory over Bayern Munich, even if they then duly got stuffed in the reverse fixture.
What's Next?: As is seemingly always the case, the title, and no doubt in something of a more complex field next year with at least one of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool unlikely to be as middling. This summer is one where the seemingly overlord Wenger will have to break the habit of a decade to make the team viable challengers again. But will he? The jury's out.

Tottenham Hotspur
Final Position: 3rd
Can they be happy with their season?: On the whole, yes, but there's a tinge of disappointment. At the start of the season, Spurs were not seen as favourites for the Champions League and the much needed top 4 finish was ultimately meeting the club's long-heralded CL ambitions, as well as representing progress. But by the turn of the year, Spurs wound up in the title race thanks to some swashbuckling football. However, they blinked first in the duel with Leicester, and the aftermath of the absurdly violent clash with Chelsea saw damaging defeats by Southampton and Newcastle, allowing Arsenal to lap them on the final day and finish above them again.
Star Players: Some thought Harry Kane would be a one-season wonder - even moreso after a quiet start - but his growth as a highly talented Premier League marksman has continued with his first Golden Boot. He also formed a great partnership with Dele Alli, who in a year has gone from League One football to being a consistently excellent Premier League professional and England regular. With the exception of the final weeks, Toby Alderweireld has provided a strong presence, while Erik Lamela's continued improvement has seen him become indispensable to Pochettino's strategy.
Need To Improve: While Alli has emerged and Josh Onomah has had promising moments, the other bright young things - Ryan Mason, Nabil Bentaleb, Tom Carroll - have had a season of arrested development. Nacer Chadli has also shown a lack of consistency, while a harsher critic might've expected more from Clinton N'Jie.
Best Moments: There have been plenty of results where Spurs have shown finesse and steel to sustain the pace. A particularly eye-catching result saw them win at Manchester City in February, while they also registered an outstanding triumph in the reverse fixture and against Manchester United. A fine display came in a comeback win at Palace - during which Alli scored the goal of the season - while the 4-0 thrashing of Stoke came from a side that, on another day, would've been the big winners.
What's Next?: A consensus among some fans has Spurs as a dark horse for next season's Premier League, even accounting for a righting of the elite clubs. Whether or not they can depends on bulking up a squad that lacks depth - particularly to Kane up-top - as well as balancing the Champions League demands. But getting the recruitment right and doubling down on the impressively demonstrated philosophy means anything is possible.

Manchester City
Final Position: 4th
Can they be happy with their season?: Not really, as a season which promised much fizzled out. A Capital One Cup victory and Champions League semi-final do represent the upturn in form finally being made by this multi-billion dollar exercise masquerading as a football team, but in the league, an excellent start gave way to a middling remainder, with only one win against the rest of the top 8 a particularly damning statistic. It seems like the coinciding of the announcement to replace Manuel Pellegrini with Pep Guardiola derailed their campaign, with no win in their last five as the Citizens held onto a top 4 spot but seemingly fell over the line spent.
Star Players: Sergio Aguero remains the main light with his usual impressive goalscoring theatrics, even despite the added perils of injury this year. The emergence of Kelechi Iheanacho also bears promise as a goalscorer both for now and the future. Fernandinho has been something of an understated workhouse, as has Bacary Sagna, while Kevin de Bruyne has been excellent and City fans will be wondering what might have been had he not been injured.
Need To Improve: The attitude of Yaya Toure has been regularly questioned and it does look as though he is finally going to get his move away. City fans will also be disappointed by most of their defenders, between Vincent Kompany's injury, Nicolas Otamendi's inconsistency, and Martin Demichelis reverting to type. Wilfried Bony has also been a massive disappointment, while Raheem Sterling has had his moments but must do better.
Best Moments: Things had looked promising for City with 5 wins from 5 to kick-off, including impressive demolition jobs on West Brom and Chelsea, and a hard-thought victory at Crystal Palace. Most of City's joy came out of the league, with the unlikely heroics of Willy Caballero at Wembley against Liverpool and a consummate performance against PSG landing a Champions League semi-final acting as a pleasant enough full-stop.
What's Next?: The arrival of Guardiola undoubtedly raises expectation. With a man who has won six league titles, two Champions Leagues, and 3 cup competitions, and given a bloat runaway oil state budget, City are already the overwhelming favourites. If they can revamp a fading squad with the calibre needed, and awake the club out of its curious holding pattern, then you would expect big things. Least that's the theory.

Manchester United
Final Position: 5th
Can they be happy with their season?: Despite winning the FA Cup, you mostly have to say no. Louis van Gaal did finally get Manchester United back to top spot in the Premier League, but that peak came in September, before an injury crisis and woeful goalscoring form over midwinter eroded any hope of the Premier League title. It also left Manchester United with a lot of work to do to make the Champions League, but despite the emergence of numerous talented young players, inconsistent form means they fell short of the top 4, and van Gaal's 3 years are set to end one early.
Star Players: The big star has to be David de Gea, who is Manchester United's sole world class super-talent, and for whom the Red Devils would've finished substantially lower than had it not been for his goal-denying antics. The rise of young talents like Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and the FA Cup winner Jesse Lingard has at the least been a success out of this campaign, while Chris Smalling has been a stronger defender than in previous campaigns.
Need To Improve: Most would say the tactics of van Gaal have held back Manchester United, with ponderous a possession-focused style and badly paced attacks, which was at its worst when team failed to win a game in the month of December. Wayne Rooney, despite good moments, had a difficult season, but the biggest disappointments were the incomers. Matteo Darmian was a reasonable if inconsistent buy, but Memphis Depay proved to be a massive disappointment, while Bastian Schweinstiger was not as good as he perhaps would've been had he moved to England 5 years ago.
Best Moments: The undisputed high point will be van Gaal's last stand at Wembley, where a Man United team reduced to ten men came from behind to win the FA Cup for the first time since 2004. As far as the league goes, a run of 3 straight wins in September that included good wins over Liverpool and Southampton send them top was the best it got by league position, while an away win at Anfield and victory over Arsenal that saw Rashford score twice on his league debut would have been very satisfying.
What's Next?: Like their city neighbours, a new face will be incoming, with it being seemingly been telegraphed from ages ago that van Gaal's one-time protege Jose Mourinho is going to be getting the gig, and that was even before the news was leaked within minutes of the FA Cup trophy being presented to Rooney. Like Manchester City, the Red Devils are hopeful this new presence can give a flagging team the necessary boost to challenge for honours. If Jose in, it will also be interesting to watch if he has exorcised the demons of Stamford Bridge.

Southampton
Final Position: 6th
Can they be happy with their season?: It was a slow-burn success, but ultimately yes. At Christmas, Southampton were in danger of being sucked into the relegation battle, with a run of one win in 10 and an FA Cup third round exit putting the Saints at risk trouble. Yet the return of Fraser Forster and a stabilising of the defensive unit lead to a strong upturn, as 12 wins in 17, including four consecutive to end the season, swept Southampton into European football and a record high Premier League points total.
Star Players: Virgil van Dijk was crowned the club's Player of the Year and after a brief period, proved an excellent acquisition. His centre-back partner Jose Fonte and left-back Ryan Bertrand were also high quality, while Forster's return in early January proved to be decisive. Up top, Sadio Mane and Shane Long had good campaigns, while Steven Davis, Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle all provided their moments of menace.
Need To Improve: While Forster was injured, Saints turned to loanee Maarten Stekelenburg but he proved nothing like as effective a barrier. Juanmi has failed to live up to the hype, while Steven Caulker was a non-event on loan. Victor Wanyama's discipline is a sticking point - the Saints' best CM was shown three red cards and six yellows - while Charlie Austin and Jay Rodriguez had flashes but had injury trouble.
Best Moments: Southampton's biggest win of the campaign was perhaps their most unexpected, as a team with no win in five thrashed an Arsenal side that would've gone top. A second consecutive win at Old Trafford and handsome victories over Norwich, West Brom, Manchester City and Aston Villa were further highlights, but the most thrilling saw the Saints come from 2-0 down and missing a penalty to beat Liverpool.
What's Next?: A must is holding down to Ronald Koeman, who has been linked with Everton and a couple of other gigs. It will also be a case of retaining key individuals to the playing squad for further. Southampton have had 6 years of near-constant progression from League One to the Premier League top six, and they now have to find a way to push on further.

West Ham United
Final Position: 7th
Can they be happy with their season?: Mostly, despite it nearly being better. The Hammers' last ever campaign at Upton Park saw them pick up a record points total in the Premier League era, and a team combining an almost ludicrously strong mix of attacking talents very quickly became one of the league's most enterprising units. But a mix of bad refereeing decisions, a proneness at accumulating reds - several rescinds or not - and a late throwing away of points hamstrung the dream of the Champions League, and worse followed in a final day defeat by Stoke.
Star Players: Dimitri Payet is the headline star. Even with injuries in mid-season, he has proven himself to be an adept Premier League presence with plenty of goals and assists. The relatively unheralded arrivals of Manuel Lanzini and Michael Antonio have also proven to be excellent signings, while the existing likes of Adrian, Aaron Cresswell, Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate have also had great seasons. There are also signs Andy Carroll is finding the fitness and form.
Need To Improve: After an excellent first half-year, Diafra Sakho has gone backwards, while Enner Valencia and Emmanuel Emineke have proven to be not the high quality forward options billed. A big concern is dropping points from winning positions - with 21 dropped in such circumstances, West Ham lost more than anyone else, and one feels that retaining several of them would've kept them in the Champions League places they almost crept into.
Best Moments: It initially looked like the final Upton Park year yielded better away form, as the Hammers began the campaign with away victories at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. West Ham also beat Liverpool at home, as well as getting 3 points over Spurs, and a special award goes to a scintiliating final few minutes at Everton to come from 2-0 down to win 3-2. But the biggest and most emotional game has to be the Upton Park finale, with two late goals seeing Manchester United beaten in the final game at the Hammers home of 112 years.
What's Next?: Its the dawning of a new era for West Ham as they moved to the 2012 Olympic Stadium - at the taxpayer's expense - and hope to establish themselves in the Premier League elite squad. There will be undoubted increased competition, as well as both the adjustment period and the need for both a new striker and a firmer defence, but the building blocks are there for great things.

Liverpool
Final Position: 8th
Can they be happy with their season?: A mixed bag. Jurgen Klopp's appointment in October was designed to rejuvenate a team flagging under Brendan Rodgers' imploding leadership, and got them into the Europa League and Capital One Cup Finals. But Klopp's recent poor form in cup finals continued with defeats in both, while in the Prem, some great results have been interwoven with some shockers and some underwheming returns - particularly when Simon Mignolet has his usual leave of senses. In truth, the biggest heroes of the year for Liverpool were the fans who forced the club to abandon insane pricing structures with an effective protest, and the campaigners for the truth surrounding Hillsborough getting the victims the justice they were withheld for far too long.
Star Players: Roberto Firmino has had an mostly good first campaign in England, and his Brazilian compatriot Phillipe Coutinho has shone too. Emre Can looks much more proficient and competent than in his first year, while until his UEFA-imposed ban, Mamadou Sakho had looked promising. Divorck Origi has also looked good in his first English season, while Lucas has had more good than bad. The emergence of numerous talented kids also bears promise.
Need To Improve: Most Liverpool fan's favourite complaint subject is Simon Mignolet, who has produced a cavalcade of bizarre errors that have cost Liverpool precious points. Back-up goalkeeper Adam Bogdan has been, if anything, worse. There is also major disappointment in Sakho, after his strongest patch since joining ended in news he'd failed a UEFA drug test. As for the rest, Martin Skrtel has been erratic, Christian Benteke has failed to work out after his big-big budget move from Aston Villa, and Jordan Henderson has had an awkward first year as Liverpool's post-Gerrard captain.
Best Moments: The strongest successes came in Europe, with a satisfying pair of wins over Manchester United, tremendous comeback over Borussia Dortmund, and handsome home win over Villarreal to get them to the Europa League Final providing plenty of high points. From a domestic scale, the craziest win was a 5-4 injury time win at Norwich City which saw Klopp break his glasses in the celebrations. Promise has also been borne by comfortable home and away wins over Manchester City, as well as thrashing neighbours Everton and a comfortable win at Stamford Bridge, while the team also had a good victory over Leicester - one of only 3 defeats the champions would sustain all season.
What's Next?: A few fancy Klopp's men as outside tips for the title, a la 2013/14, but a busy summer is needed for that with a new keeper, defenders and strikers required, or failing that, sorting out Mignolet and keeping Daniel Sturridge fit. A more concrete goal has to be a return to the Champions League. Since their days in the "big four" lead them to 2nd in 2009, Liverpool have only finished in the top four once since - that being the 2nd place in 2013/14. They at the very least should aim for that.

Stoke City
Final Position: 9th
Can they be happy with their season?: Mostly, but Stoke will feel they could've got more. On the surface, its been a good season for a club on the up - a third straight top 10 finish, a cup semi-final, and some lovely football played by some high quality players. But the team took a month and a half to win its first league match. Then, March saw things go awry before the ensuing quickfire loss of first choice goalkeeper Jack Butland to a severe injury and a collapse in Stoke's defensive unit meant the walls caved in. 2 wins in the final 10 derailed Stoke's hope of Europe, and left the side wondering if they should've got more than they did.
Star Players: The emergence of Butland as a regular for both Stoke and England has been one of the major stories of the season. He has regularly been impeccable between the posts, and it was no coincidence Stoke's season fell off the end of the cliff when he picked up a season-ending injury during a friendly in Germany. Ryan Shawcross' presence elevates Stoke's defence, while up top, Marko Arnautovic has been the undisputed key star in a season where many of his fellow attackers shone in fits and starts.
Need To Improve: There's been a fair few disappointments for the Potters this season. Xherdan Shaqiri was signed amid huge fanfare but has been inconsistent, while Bojan hasn't hit the heights hit in his first campaign. A few are critical of Gianelli Imbua, who started well after his club record transfer from Porto but faded badly. Quality back-up options have to be sought to Butland and Shawcross, as Stoke's defence fell off the cliff with both out.
Best Moments: Handsome home victories over Chelsea and both Manchester clubs were the undisputed high points of the season. The one over Manchester City will have been particularly pleasing, with the "Stokealona" football deserving of even more than the registered 2-0 scoreline on a day when they tore Man City apart. The most thrilling victory was a topsy-turvy 4-3 win over Everton at Goodison Park, during which Shaqiri scored a splendid volley, while a more unexpected win came at Bournemouth in a game that saw Mame Biriam Diouf play at right-back.
What's Next?: This is a great time period for Stoke City, but a few are pondering if they've hit the glass ceiling, in a similar way to the boredom of consistent survival that ended Pulis' tenure in 2013, Desired to help are a new out-and-out striker, a long-term defender with Shawcross' injury record deteriorating, a new deal for Arnautovic, and getting consistent top quality performances from their myriad talents.

Chelsea
Final Position: 10th
Can they be happy with their season?: Absolutely not. The statistics that this is the worst title defence by the reigning Premier League champions, that the Blues only beat the bottom four & Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, and that its also the Blues' worst league finish since 1996 speak for themselves. This was an unprecedented display of a big Premier League name going backwards, and at one point before the December dismissal of Jose Mourinho, it looked like they were getting dragged into the relegation battle. Guus Hiddink temporarily steered the ship, but could only get midtable mediocrity, and Antonio Conte faces a big challenge to rebuild.
Star Players: Willian has been a rare performer whose performances have been of similar standards to the contemporaries that got the title last year. Asmir Begovic has at the very least been a reasonably proficient performer in his first year since moving to London, while Rueben Loftus-Cheek and Bertrand Traore have had good first team moments.
Need To Improve: There are a lot of Chelsea players who went backwards at best and full-on waste of space at worst. Eden Hazard is perhaps the headline figure of this malaise, with the PFA Player of the Year of last season taking until April to score a Premier League goal, and one super-strike that ended Spurs' hopes of the title doesn't excuse the rest. Diego Costa was stuck on his snarling worst, Oscar was regularly anonymous, Cesc Fabregas' second-half of the season slump has carried over, Nemanja Matic went backward, Thibault Courtois has seemingly taken himself out of the equation, and that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Best Moments: Home and away wins over Arsenal have provided some degree of satisfaction, while there was a sign of promise in a run of 15 straight league games unbeaten. But in a season that mostly provided a never-ending strain of disappointment for Blues fans, it was a draw that yielded the biggest satisfaction, with a 2-2 draw against Spurs at Stamford Bridge ending the London rival's hopes of the league title.
What's Next?: Conte will take office after Italy's European Championship campaign and faces a big in-tray. The John Terry question may've been resolved with a new deal, but new players are required more or less everywhere. This is a team where the almost too easy title win of last season covered up a multitude of cracks and problems, and the new team faces a work to make something from this work. Big work is required, and its probably going to be a while before a title campaign appears again.

Everton
Final Position: 11th
Can they be happy with their season?: No, as it is fairly clear Everton should have given their fans so much more. A fantastically talented side with England and Belgium internationals, high-rated veterans and a highly rated young manager looked at first like a side who would be closer to the top 5 finishing team of 2014, and the team made the semis of both cup competitions. But after a positive start, a defensive problem that would never go away soon consumed the Toffees hopes of something better. A worst home record in the 3-points-per-win era was pretty foul, and soon enough, Martinez was gone amid a near-constant squawk of protest, with Everton stuck in midtable.
Star Players: Despite failing to score in the final 2 months, Romelu Lukaku has come on leaps and bounds as a world class striker. Ross Barkley has had his moments, Gerard Deulofeu still looks promising, while despite some criticism, Aaron Lennon has been perfectly reasonable enough. There's also been a good season for Gareth Barry, who despite being something of a veteran is still a consummate performer, while Brendan Galloway showed promise early in the season.
Need To Improve: For a squad billed as Everton's best since the team who regularly won titles in the 70s and 80s, there were a lot of duffers. Tim Howard and Joel Robles took turns to be unconvincing in goal, Tom Cleverley hasn't really shown why Everton felt the need to beat Villa to signing him, while Arouna Kone has been - for the most part - been poor, and January signing Oumar Niasse hasn't done anything. But as well as the duffers were poor performers. The headliner is John Stones, who was the subject of £50million summer bids but has largely failed to be as good as his valuation, while even stalwarts like Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines have gone backwards.
Best Moments: Everton had a very front-heavy campaign for highlights. They were excellent in an early season 3-0 triumph at Southampton, and also delivered good early season triumphs against Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion. Promise was also shown by putting six past Sunderland. But things went downhill after Christmas, with only 5 wins. One of them was a deceptively excellent 3-0 win at Stoke, but 3 of the others came against the relegated trio of Newcastle, Aston Villa and Norwich.
What's Next?: Martinez was dismissed before the season ending victory over Norwich, which was presided over by David Unsworth and Joe Royle. A new gaffer has to be sourced, and his arrival consequently requires following by someone to mould together a high quality team out of a squad that clearly isn't as good as it thought it was. The rumour exodus of certain better names will clearly not help.

Swansea City
Final Position: 12th
Can they be happy with their season?: No, but it could've been worse. Garry Monk's side that achieved Swansea's second-highest ever top-flight finish last year started with 3 wins in 4, and then collapsed, to the point where they were in a relegation battle and floundering by Christmas. Things hardly improved when Alan Curtis replaced Monk, with the true nadir being a defeat in the FA Cup to League Two Oxford, and then conceding four in a home defeat by Sunderland. Italian manager Francesco Guidolin was parachuted in, and despite illness compromising his availability, he was able to steer the Swans comfortably over the line with six wins in the final ten matches to keep Swansea afloat.
Star Players: Glyfi Sigurdsson has been the Swans' star-man once more, with several key goals in the latter stages of the campaign that kept Swansea in the top division. Despite some periods of fitting in and out, Andre Ayew has proven similarly key, and while he can be erratic, Lukas Fabianski has been a good quality barrier against opposing strikeforces.
Need To Improve: Bafetimbi Gomis started with 4 in 4 and then followed up by scoring 3 in the remainder of the entire season, and regularly putting in performances like he couldn't be bothered. Jefferson Montero similarly faded badly after a good start, while Eder proved a waste of cash, and there were cheers when Swansea managed to kick Jonjo Shelvey following a series of poor performances for the unexpectedly high cash Newcastle threw at him.
Best Moments: Swansea started well enough with a good point at Chelsea and excellent home wins over Newcastle and Manchester United. These turned out to be Monk's last hurrahs, and it took a while for Swansea to look like themselves again. But the latter period proved fruitful, with high quality performances in away triumphs at Everton, Arsenal and in particular in a 4-1 success at West Ham accompanied by a requisite smattering of home wins to stave of the demotion fears.
What's Next?: Guidolin has been handed a two year contract with Swansea City, and the cash investment from a US investment group will certainly help. This war-chest is going to be needed, with the departures of Gomis and Eder leaving Swansea short-staffed up-front, while extra bodies elsewhere are also required.

Watford
Final Position: 13th
Can they be happy with their season?: Very much so. The Hornets were a lot of people's tips for demotion, but comfortable suvival and an FA Cup semi-final were achieved, and the team very much looked like a comfortable mid-table Premier League side. Nevertheless, this was not enough to keep Quique Sanchez Flores in his job, with a second half of the campaign that never got above mediocre seeing him shown the door - seen as harsh by outsiders, and less so by supporters who have faith in their owners' philosophies. 
Star Players: Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney scored a load of goals in the lower tier and they were consistently good scorers in the Premier League too. Or least they were in the first half of the season, with Ighalo massively losing his way in the second half. Ettiene Capoue and Ben Watson have provided a nicely stable midfield, while in goal, Gomes has been consistently good.
Need To Improve: As was perhaps to be expected from a club that conducted such a high volume of transfer business, not all of it worked out. Valon Behrami, Allesandro Diamanti, Victor Ibarbo, Steven Berghuis and Obbi Oulare have been particular disappointments, while the jury is out on Mario Suarez, Jose Manuel Jurado and Nordin Amrabat. The entire team also disappointed after Christmas, with only 4 league wins as well as the familiar disappointment of being beaten by Crystal Palace at Wembley, albeit this time in the FA Cup semis.
Best Moments: The biggest and no doubt most memorable triumph came in a 3-0 trouncing of Liverpool at Vicarage Road, which was the 4th in a win streak and saw Ighalo tear Skrtel and Sakho to shreds. The Hornets also picked up memorable away wins at Newcastle, Stoke and Sunderland, while there was also Gomes saving two penalties at West Brom, and 2 exciting contests against Aston Villa that both ended in 3-2 triumphs. A further moment of satisfaction came with the excellent performance in the victory at Arsenal in the FA Cup.
What's Next?: For the first time since the 1980s, Watford are having consecutive top flight seasons. As has been the frequent case of late, they will also have a new gaffer at the helm, with former Inter Milan head coach Walter Mazzarri holding the reigns. Full-back is seen as a priority position with both right-backs hit-and-miss and Nathan Ake returning to Chelsea after a loan, while more attacking options are necessary. In truth, after a great campaign, avoiding second season syndrome and slipping back to the 2nd tier is the most important goal, with anything up from that a bonus.

West Bromwich Albion
Final Position: 14th
Can they be happy with their season?: Its difficult to know, really. A Tony Pulis season usually ends in survival, long streaks of pragmatic defence-ready football and an almost grim determination to reach 40 points as soon as possible. The expectations were that a full season of the baseball-capped one at West Bromwich Albion would end like this and sure enough, it did. It even reached a nadir with a failure to register a single shot on target at home to Aston Villa, and further in both trips to the struggling North East duo, but it yielded survival. Again.
Star Players: Salomon Rondon has been a big match-winner for the Baggies in his first season in England, albeit at times rather isolated. The defensive-ready pragmatism that defines West Bromwich Albion was proven by a rotation between two good goalkeepers in Boaz Myhill and Ben Foster, while Craig Dawson and Jonny Evans are good quality Premier League defenders. Captain Darren Fletcher has also been a firm and useful presence.
Need To Improve: Disappointments are relative things. An unsavoury incident when a fan threw a coin at the face of Chris Brunt following an FA Cup upset by Reading made wrong headlines for the club. In a sporting context, more could've been expected from new signings Rickie Lambert, James Chester, Callum McManaman and James McClean. But by the far the biggest disappointment is Saido Berahino, from his pantomime refusal to play for the club after a failure to accept a deadline day bid from Spurs, to months on the bench amidst talk of behind the scenes conflict, and ultimately leading to the nadir of missing two penalties against Watford. Now is the time for him to move on.
Best Moments: All of West Bromwich Albion's 10 Premier League victories were by a single goal. The best attacking display was in the first 45 minutes, with 3 goals against Crystal Palace, while a proficient comeback victory was also picked up at home to Arsenal. There was also an effective home triumph against Manchester United, while peak Pulis may well have been reached with a 1-0 win at an Everton side that had enough chances to win 3 matches.
What's Next?: With Pulis confirmed as maintaining his spot in the Baggies' dugout, the base expectation for West Bromwich Albion supporters is more of the same next year. What is needed is a quick end to the Berahino mess, while more creative talents and some extra strikers to ally to the Baggies' steel are a definitive must.

Crystal Palace
Final Position: 15th 
Can they be happy with their season?: Broadly yes, but it comes with caveats. The positive will look at how the club has grown when compared to the dying Championship strugglers in 2010, while also pointing to the myriad talents as the club prepares for a 4th straight top flight season, and they also reached their second FA Cup Final. But the pessimists will point to a run of just 2 wins in 21 from a position of 5th at Christmas, which took Palace from European possibilities to an outside bet for the drop, while they also failed to take advantage of a Chris Smalling red card and lost the Wembley showpiece. In all, a mixed bag.
Star Players: Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie remain a pair of highly competent attackers and its not a coincidence that injuries to both severely damaged Palace's season. Scott Dann proved a solid presence at both the back and in attack, where he formed a good pairing with Damien Delaney, while James McArthur looks to have established himself as Palace's strongest midfield option.
Need To Improve: The biggest problem position is in goal, with Wayne Hennessey making several bizarre errors and Alex McCarthy looking unable to dislodge him. Attack is also a concern. Emmanuel Adebayor was a waste of money, Connor Wickham took until the late season to get going, and the likes of Fraizer Campbell, Marouane Chamakh and Patrick Bamford barely registered.
Best Moments: A very front-loaed season saw Palace's big successes come early. There were well-won early season victories away at Norwich, Chelsea and Liverpool, while the biggest victory saw them score five in a rout over Alan Pardew's old employers Newcastle. In the Cup, there were excellent wins over Southampton and Spurs en-route to the highly proficient victory against Watford in the FA Cup semis that took them to the final.
What's Next?: Avoiding the twin negative trends has to be done. As a well as the figure of 2 league wins in 5 months, Palace lost more games at Selhurst Park than they won. There are also reinforcements required to help a squad that at times looked like it had been found out. Top of the list are surely a concrete number one goalkeeper, a consistent striker, some back-up out wide, and possibly new full-backs.

Bournemouth
Final Position: 16th
Can they be happy with their season?: Absoutely. There are many for whom Bournemouth were picks for an immediate exodus in their debut Premier League season, so the fact Eddie Howe's team survived and looked comfortable in games even against those at the very top was a remarkable achievement. The Cherries deserved to stay up, and it was impressive to see them manage to succeed so well.
Star Players: Many unheralded players and newcomers to regular Premier League football have been stars. Full-backs Simon Francis and Charlie Daniels have had outstanding seasons, while big surprises were to be found as the likes of Andrew Surman and Dan Gosling adapted nicely. A surprise star was also Josh King, who was the top scorer for Bournemouth and has provided an enterprising attacking option. Harry Arter and Matt Ritchie also made great starts to the top flight, with the former deserving of high praise for carrying on after his partner's miscarriage.
Need To Improve: Bournemouth have been busy with buying strikers but not all of them have worked out. The likes of Glenn Murray and Benik Afobe did contribute valuable winners, but also had plenty of moments where they did not convince, while Lewis Grabban and Juan Iturbe did not even have those valuable goals in their favour. The big disappointment is the injury room, as Callum Wilson, Max Gradel and Tyrone Mings sustained enormous injuries and numerous others recurred during the season.
Best Moments: The one moment where Bournemouth will feel the journey from near-extinction to the top had really solidified was their remarkable first win, which saw Callum Wilson knock up a hat-trick in a 4-3 triumph at West Ham. The single biggest sequence came in December, which saw outstanding victories picked up against Chelsea and Manchester United in consecutive matchdays before a consummate performance saw off West Bromwich Albion, while there were also great wins in their bouts with fellow strugglers Villa, Sunderland, Norwich and Newcastle.
What's Next?: Like Watford, its second season syndrome that Bournemouth must be wary of. The Cherries ended on something of a downer, with six defeats in the final eight, and there is work for Eddie Howe and his team to do to their squad to get it ready for round two. Nevertheless, they've proven to have the chops and the taste for the Premier League, and they will be keen to prove they are not a one season wonder.

Sunderland
Final Position: 17th
Can they be happy with their season?: Ultimately, yes, but it took a while. Sunderland made a worse-than-usual start that saw Dick Advocaat re-consider staying on. Sam Allardyce came in and began nicely enough by beating Newcastle, but then struggled through until a late dash for freedom. The Black Cats have timed these very well in recent years, and a run of only one defeat in 11 got them over the line this time.
Star Players: The obvious key star is Jermain Defoe, who grabbed 15 goals in a relegation-threatened side - several of which were match-winners or point grabbers. January signings Lamine Kone, Wahbi Khazri and Jan Kirchcoff proved inspired, while after a rocky start, Yann M'Villa was a worthy addition, while Patrick van Aanholt provided a fair shot of being one of the league's best left backs. The emergence of youngsters like Duncan Watmore and Jordan Pickford also bears promise.
Need To Improve: Much more was expected of Jermain Lens, who turned up with the occasional flash of brilliance but was mostly a disappointment and was dropped for ages after refusing to take part in a warm-down. Steven Fletcher was his usual anonymous self, as was Danny Graham, until both got shipped away on loan in January. This season also felt like the last hurrahs of John O'Shea and Wes Brown, neither of whom were first choice long before the end following a litany of errors and bad performances.
Best Moments: The obvious moment is the twin home wins that got Sunderland over the line, as they first saw off Chelsea despite trailing with 20 minutes to go, and then walloped Everton to confirm both their survival and closing the door on Newcastle. Another 4 points off their black-and-white shirted friends will have provided satisfaction, as did the vital 3-0 win at fellow strugglers Norwich. There was also satisfaction in well worked wins against Manchester United and Swansea.
What's Next?: At some point, Sunderland's luck may well run out. But with Allardyce on board and in charge of a playing squad that mostly trusts him, that may well not be next season. A season of midtable mediocrity is the aim, although this assumes a squad full of unfit for purpose players is given the renovation it requires, but with January having worked out wonders, there is plenty of expectation this can be done.

Newcastle United
Final Position: 18th
Can they be happy with their season?: No, and it is entirely their own fault. Newcastle were at a crossroads in the summer of 2015 after John Carver almost relegated them, but Steve McClaren transpired to be a woeful appointment, and the club spent £70m-worth of stockpiled monies in a consistently poor manner. Rafa Benitez nearly provided Newcastle with redemption, but despite ending the season with six games without defeat, it was too little too late and the Magpies suffer a second drop out of the top flight in seven years. 
Star Players: Goalkeepers Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow were given little hopes when injuries ruled out the one before them, but they were highly competent and kept Newcastle in several games they didn't deserve to. Jamaal Lacelles and Chancel Mbemba were pretty good in their debut Premier League campaigns and gave defence a faint air of solidity, while Andros Townsend was the pick of the January buys with a fine end of season run of form.
Need To Improve: There are several Newcastle players whose form and attitude was problematic Moussa Sissoko did not perform until it was too late, Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor being washed up but not replaced, Daryl Janmaat seemed to have one eye on the exit from October on, Florian Thauvin, Henri Saivet and Seydou Doumbia proved pointless signings, and many others failed to perform far too often. 
Best Moments: Newcastle's first win of the season came in a 6-2 success over Norwich was a barmy game decided by four goals from Gini Wijnaldum, There was also what turned out to be the false dawn of successive wins over Liverpool and Spurs before Christmas. Under Benitez, there were 2 competent and professional home wins over Swansea and Crystal Palace followed by an utterly insane triumph with ten men against Spurs on the final day.
What's Next?: The noises coming from the club's boardroom is that their desire is an immediate return to the top flight of English football. If Rafa Benitez and the stars who want to help Newcastle back up can be persuaded to stay - and the early onus on both is positive - and the right additions made, then Newcastle have to be considered favourites for an immediate return. If no on both, they could be in for a long second tier stay.

Norwich City
Final Position: 19th
Can they be happy with their season?: Its a familiar no. Since 2003, Norwich have had 8 promotions and relegations, and this latest one has largely been self-inflicted. There were several moments when the Canaries looked on for survival, with the team looking good for survival both after a Christmas flurry and after a seemingly significant late triumph in a six-pointer with Newcastle. That win however was one of only 3 in the Canaries' final 17 games, and a failure at both ends saw Norwich return to the second tier.
Star Players: Robbie Brady was a welcome presence in his first season after moving from Hull, while Timm Klose ultimately proved to be Norwich's best defender, despite joining in January and missing the final month of the season with a major injury. Jonny Howson proved to be his familiar lively nuisance self, while Nathan Redmond was a lively presence - when entrusted - and Dieumerci Mbokani had a reasonable debut season in England.
Need To Improve: Cameron Jerome was Norwich's main striker for most of the season, and a return of 3 goals seems to indicate the jump from 2nd to top tier may have been beyond him. Similar can be said of Patrick Bamford, who went to Carrow Road after a bad loan at Crystal Palace and proved to be similarly anonymous here too, and if one was to be harsh, one could've expected more of Matt Jarvis. Norwich had major problems at the back, too. John Ruddy was inconsistent and even dropped for several aberrations, Sebastian Bassong was poor at the back en-route to relegation yet again, and the Canaries were also prone to throwing leads away or giving opponents as many chances as possible to get back into games. 
Best Moments: The victory Norwich fans will most likely savour from this endeavour was a 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford a few days before Christmas. That came in a run of 3 wins from 4, with Aston Villa and Southampton beaten at Carrow Road either side of New Year's Day. The team's final home game was a spry 4-2 win over Watford, if an ultimately fruitless one, while there'd also been seemingly key wins over Sunderland, Swansea, Bournemouth, West Brom and Newcastle collected along the way.
What's Next?: Norwich's status as a yo-yo club means some may well expect them to try for going back up, but things aren't quite as harmonious as they seem. With a boardroom exit of their chief executive, questions over Alex Neil's future, and several key names linked with the door already, there's a fair bit of chaos already. A quick resolution and top quality additions should brush this under the carpet and get the Canaries near the front of the promotion queue. If it swallows them up, however, there's plenty of examples for where it could lead.

Aston Villa
Final Position: 20th
Can they be happy with their season?: Only in a blackly comic sense, or to revel in the fact this utterly miserable season is finally and at long last over. Aston Villa have had an appallingly bleak season that has seen one of the oldest and biggest names in English football reduced to a punchline. Fans were resigned to relegation by late November, and there is an uphill task to restore this club from this rotten place.
Star Players: Jordan Ayew scored a few goals and looked like he could be bothered. Rudy Gestede provided an occasional nusiance factor up-front, and Carles Gil scored some pretty goals. Aside from that, the stars were probably the fans who could brave the carnage every week that had replaced their club.
Need To Improve: From the top down, Villa was riddled with the rotten, the woeful and the disinterested. Randy Lerner continued to write the book on terrible ownership, while none of Tim Sherwood, Remi Garde and caretaker Eric Black could get results. The worst offenders in the playing squad were Gabby Agbonlahor and Jack Grealish, who seemed more interested in off-field parties than contributing useful football. Others also contributed to the malaise, be it Joleon Lescott making a public spectacle of himself, Leandro Bacuna seeming to think of himself as Champions League material while playing like an over-promoted Championship reserve, Brad Guzan proving why Sherwood chose 39-year-old Shay Given over him for the FA Cup Final, and the remaining cast of malcontents that Villa replaced their football team with.
Best Moments: The team started the season well enough with a 1-0 win at Bournemouth. There was also the satisfaction of beating local rivals Birmingham City in the Capital One Cup, and back-to-back home wins against Crystal Palace and Norwich in January were picked up. That aside, that's more or less it, aside from when the season was finally ended.
What's Next?: Its a job to know, but very few expect it to end in promotion. The club is now under new ownership courtesy of Chinese businessman Tony Lim, who is talking about making Villa a big club once more. First, he has to find the right manager, and in turn bring in a complete overhaul of a playing squad that, for all its wages and transfer fees, would struggle to get out of League One. Frankly, its a tall order.