The end of the 2021/22 Premier League season is cause for celebration for some club and their supporters, while also being little more than a relief for others.
Regardless of how it panned out across the nine months between mid-August and late May, at different points every club has had hope and cause for optimism, for this year or beyond.
Here’s a look back at the biggest highlight of the campaign for each of the 20 teams in the top flight this term.
Arsenal
Just for a few days, Arsenal fans were able to believe they were not just going to make it into the top four, but were actually, properly, verifiably back. The streakiest team in the league, across a three-day period in April they emerged from three straight defeats to beat Chelsea and Man United in back-to-back encounters. The Champions League spot was there for the taking and the Gunners had form, morale, optimism. It only lasted another fortnight, but could at least still offer hope for the future.
Aston Villa
There were some great results for Villa along the way this season, but for excitement and giving real optimism for the future, the signing of Philippe Coutinho in January is hard to beat. The Brazilian arrived on loan from Barcelona and had an immediate impact: a debut goal off the bench against Man United and two assists and another goal against Leeds a couple of weeks later. Now he’s in permanently and there’s surely more to come.
Brentford
Pick a day! Into the top flight for the first time in the Premier League era, a new stadium which was bouncing every other week and some incredible results, including the season’s opener with a 2-0 win over Arsenal. Add in the signing and impact of Christian Eriksen and the fact they didn’t just survive, they thrived – this was a year-long party for the Bees.
Brighton
Their end-of-season run of form gives a hint as to what the Seagulls are capable of and the last eight games included wins over Arsenal, Spurs, Wolves and West Ham. Oh, and the absolute pinnacle of the campaign for Brighton: A 4-0 drubbing of Manchester United. It could have been more – they were as sensational as the Red Devils were awful.
Burnley
After the sudden and surprising sacking of Sean Dyche, plenty were quick to suggest the Clarets had erred. As it turns out they may well have been right, given their final-day relegation, but initially Burnley fans had reason to hope as Mike Jackson led the team to a draw and three wins in his first four.
Chelsea
A succession of late winners seems to have been a theme of sorts for the Blues’ season in domestic terms – none more dramatic, perhaps, than the 1-0 over West Ham: a red card for the visitors, Jorginho missing a late penalty to spurn the chance of the three points… then Christian Pulisic won them anyway, deep into stoppage time. Outside of the Premier League it’s an easier choice: Club World Cup champions in February courtesy of Kai Havertz.
Conte’s Spurs managed to claim the last Champions League spot over their north London rivals Arsenal
Crystal Palace
A campaign of splendid progress for the south London side, giving real cause for future hope. They lost fewer matches than five of the 11 clubs which finished above them, too. The biggest moment of pride might have been to see no fewer than three of their stars on the pitch for England: Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi and the on-loan Conor Gallagher against Switzerland.
Everton
This was by and large an awful season and one Everton have to learn lessons from fast, but there’s a lot to be said for the way the supporters rallied at the end of the season and created the atmosphere which definitely helped the team earn crucial wins in the end. Top of the pile has to be the second-half comeback from two down to beat Crystal Palace on home soil and secure their survival for another year in the penultimate game.
City claimed a fourth title in five seasons despite more European disappointment
