Another Premier League season has come to a close and it's time to rate and slate every team. Who exceeded expectations and finished top of the class, and who blotted their copybook and ended bottom of the pack?
Sportsmail's team of experts, and fans from around the Premier League, have put their heads together to come up with a comprehensive end-of-year report on each side.
ARSENAL C+
By Sami MokbelMust do better. Their brilliant end to the season should not mask the fact they have, by and large, endured a difficult season. A top-four finish should be the absolute minimum for a club the size of Arsenal.
Pointing in the right direction? Arsene Wenger salvaged a poor season by claiming Champions League football Fan verdict - Andrew BarberBig signings are a must this summer. We’ve underachieved, but our squad does not have enough quality to compete for anything more than a Champions League finish.
I’m excited by the names we’ve been linked with: Jovetic, Rooney and Begovic. Hopefully, this time, the manager means it and we’ll spend big because we certainly need to.
ASTON VILLA C By Neil MoxleyIt is very difficult to give Paul Lambert’s side an overall score, such has been the marked difference between their form up until their FA Cup defeat at Millwall and then after it.
Simply, Villa struggled to find any rhythm. The tactics were muddled, the players confused.
Were it not for keeper Brad Guzan’s outstanding contribution, they could have been in a lot more trouble ahead of a Christian Benteke-inspired transformation from Februrary onwards.
Saving grace: Goals from summer singing Christian Benteke (right) fired Aston Villa to safety Fan verdict - Dave WoodhallIt’s an awkward one. We have had the biggest humiliation ever in the Premier League against Chelsea and the biggest embarrassment in the Captial One Cup over two legs against Bradford City, but there are signs the manager has a vision and a goal and nothing is going to move him away from it.
The bottom line is that it looks more exciting than it has done for a few years and potentially there is a team that could carry us onwards and upwards next season.
CHELSEA B
By Matt Barlow
High standards slipped. Excuses aplenty - thin squad, 69 games, managerial instability, anti-Rafa protest, etc. But ultimately, no title challenge and poor Champions League defence.
Fan verdict - David JohnstoneAfter ignominiously being the first holders of the Champions League to be knocked out at the group stage of the competition, Chelsea redeemed themselves by winning the Europa League and becoming the first British team to have won all three European trophies. A fitting ending to another season of glorious unpredictability
Silverware: Chelsea ended a turbulent and controversial season by lifting the Europa League trophyEVERTON B
By Dominic KingDavid Moyes squeezed every last drop of ability and commitment from his squad and was rewarded with a campaign of great consistency in the league that should have secured a European place. Cups were a disappointment.
Fan verdict - Mark Jackson
The strongest side of Moyes’ reign with the unsung Darron Gibson at the heart of a passing game that made Goodison a fortress.
We were solid at the back, had flair and power provided by Kevin Mirallas and Marouane Fellaini and the brilliance of ever-reliable Leighton Baines made us a joy to watch at times. The failure to add in the window and a poor second season from Nikica Jelavic left us short of goals.
Final instructions: David Moyes excelled in his last season in an 11-year spell in charge of Everton FULHAM C-By Riath Al-SamarraiThank heavens for Dimitar Berbatov. They lost a lot of good players last season and Martin Jol largely failed to replace them. Uninspiring on and off the pitch.
Fan verdict – Chris SmithA season that started brightly with 5-0 win against Norwich has tailed off alarmingly. An ageing squad that lacks pace has been badly exposed as the season has gone on. A defining summer for the increasingly unpopular Jol. He must bring down the age and improve the quality of a stale-looking squad.
Goals galore: Dimitar Berbatov's superb play and goals glossed over a drab year at Craven CottageLIVERPOOL C
By Dominic King
A difficult start ultimately compromised and without Luis Suarez they could have been cut adrift. Some excellent signings in January, however, triggered a revival and have hinted at promise for next season.
Fan verdict - Michael Fitzharris
'Consistently inconsistent' best describes Liverpool’s season. Hamstrung by the first transfer window, redeemed by the second with Coutinho and Sturridge proving great value.
'Bite gate' has put some doubt over Suarez future as he continues to mix the sublime with the ridiculous. Changes elsewhere offer hope to all ..... Finally 'Cheers Carra!'
Different fortunes: It was a season full of ups and downs for both Luis Suarez and his Liverpool side MANCHESTER CITY CBy Ian Ladyman
Failed to strengthen last season and therefore gave their advantage straight back to their rivals. Not enough mental toughness and not enough support for the manager. A season of hard lessons.
Fan verdict - Tom Henry
A slightly disappointing and regressive season. With the players at our disposal the style of football was too ponderous and predictable. It was certainly too easy to defend against.
Departing: Manchester City's indifferent season ended in Roberto Manicini's sacking MANCHESTER UNITED ABy Ian Ladyman
Started as second favourites but recovered from opening-weekend defeat to reclaim their crown. The football was not always imperious but their resolve and unity certainly was. Expertly managed.
Fan verdict - Tony RyanA perfect way for Sir Alex to hand over the reins. At times we had to win ugly but the team showed they are very much United in name and United in spirit.
Bowing out: Sir Alex Ferguson masterminded Manchester United's 13th Premier League title winNEWCASTLE UNITED C
By Colin Young
It could have been a lot better, but it certainly could have been a lot worse. Injuries hit the spine of the fifth-place side badly and they have been unable to build on that and cope with the `reward’ of Europa League football. Can only improve with more signings in the summer.
Fan verdict - Jacob HornerAfter last season, it was disappointing but we retained our Premier League status and had a good run in Europe. We have to learn the lessons especially with last summer’s transfer dealing, and possible panic buying in January. I don’t want to mention the derby defeat but we do have to let them win now and again.
Skipper: Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini was a highlight of an indifferent season at St James Park NORWICH CITY BBy Laurie WhitwellFollowing Paul Lambert was a tough ask for Chris Hughton but he has replicated his predecessor’s Premier League standing. Defence was prioritised over attack but expect summer signings to alter this balance.
Fan verdict - Tom PerrettHughton’s had too much respect for opponents. Some great wins (Man United, Arsenal at home), but not enough goals. Having Ricky Van Wolfswinkel signed in March while relegation worries crept up has been like seeing a BMX wrapped under the tree three months before Christmas but knowing that Dad might lose his job and have to return it. Big signings needed in midfield.
Wide open: Grant Holt and Norwich finished an inconsistent season on a high QUEENS PARK RANGERS FBy Sami MokbelWhat a disastrous season for the club. Relegation and off-the-field problems galore. They should never have gone down with their squad. But they have and Rangers players only have themselves to blame.
Fan verdict - Tom Watson
There’s not much positive you can say about our dismal season. I wish I could erase it from my memory banks, but of course you can’t.
I think Harry Redknapp staying is a massive boost for us as we look to secure an instant return. I’m confident he will sort the squad out this summer and get rid of those who obviously don’t want to be here.
Shocking: The big-money flop signing of Christopher Samba was just one of the things that went wrong at QPR READING FBy Sam CunninghamFailed to back Brian McDermott with funds, then sacked him and brought in a very similar manager when it was already too late to keep them up. They are going to find it tough to come straight back up.
Fan verdict – Dave IrmeeAfter the excitement of promotion, this was a season that never got going; Pavel Pogrebnyak and Danny Guthrie suffered from a lack of service and a falling out with the manager respectively, whilst the first win took far too long to arrive.
Poor results against the teams around us meant relegation always looked on the cards. Hopefully Nigel Adkins will now rebuild quickly, with a more attractive style of football and a speedy return to the top flight.
Gone: The sacking of Brian McDermott did little to arrest Reading's slide back into the second tier SOUTHAMPTON BBy Sam CunninghamThey stayed up, which completed their main aim. The season was marred by the sacking of Nigel Adkins, a fan favourite, but his successor Mauricio Pochettino has got fans excited about the prospect of pushing on next year.
Fan verdict – James SimmonsAfter a shaky start, we found form in January just before the unfair sacking of Adkins. Despite the obvious discontent at that decision, the team stuck together and fought for their place in the League.
Pochettino has installed high tempo, attacking football and having secured our place, that gamble has paid off.
It’s been a really entertaining campaign and although we’ll never know if Nigel would have kept us up, our future seems bright under Pochettino.
Bright spark: The goals of Rickie Lambert have been one of many high points in the Saints' top flight return STOKE CITY CBy John Edwards
Adding the likes of Charlie Adam and Steven Nzonzi to a revamped midfield was supposed to signal a step forward, but Stoke have gone backwards. After Europe the season before, it was very nearly relegation this time. Cause for concern.
Fan verdict - Dave ButlerWhen I think back to some of the places we used to visit when Tony Pulis took over, it seems almost unthinkable to suggest it might be time for a change.
We have come a long way, and we owe him a lot. But there were worrying signs last season that we may be losing our way. It wasn’t good to watch, and it wasn’t even effective. You just wonder whether he might have taken the team as far as he can.
Passion: But Stoke could have stagnated under Tony Pulis despite another season of safety SUNDERLAND DBy Colin Young
How on earth have Sunderland ended up so close to relegation again? And where would they be without Steven Fletcher’s goals?
An unacceptable season that would have resulted in the drop without the intervention of Ellis Short and Paolo di Canio who has much work to do to improve the team for next season.
Fan verdict - Aiden HerronVery very poor. Other than Fletcher, the big signings have not pulled their weight. It was flat under Martin O’Neill and they can’t seem to go forward in games and threaten teams.
Until Di Canio arrived, there was no heart and passion in the team but hopefully with his enthusiasm he can continue to ignite the club.
Heavens above; Sunderland would be in dire straits had it not been for the goals of Steven Fletcher SWANSEA ABy Riath Al-Samarrai
Michael Laudrup delivered a trophy, a top-10 finish and made arguably the signing of the season in Michu. Shame about the post-Wembley slump.
Fan verdict – Joseph AllenThis was arguably our greatest ever season. We’ve established a style that has survived management changes and the loss of ‘key’ players, and off the pitch the club has put stability first - as well as getting excellent value from the European market. Couldn’t be happier.
Cup hero: Swansea boss Michael Laudrup secured the club's first ever major trophy with the Capital One Cup TOTTENHAM B+By Laura WilliamsonGareth Bale has lit up the Premier League but inconsistent home form has prevented Spurs turning a good season into an outstanding one.
Fan verdict - Katrina LawVillas-Boas deserves full credit for ensuring Spurs will play European football again next season. We finally broke our Old Trafford hoodoo and achieved a club record 10 league away wins, although the Cup defeats by Norwich and Leeds were disappointing. Bale has been superb and the team spirit has improved tangibly.
Superstar: Gareth Bale deservedly wo the Player of the Year while in lightning form for Spurs WEST BROM A-By Neil Moxley
The season has fizzled out after a dazzling start. Third at the end of October, their sizzling form continued until the turn of the year.
The controversy over Peter Odemwingie’s exit during the transfer window has dogged Steve Clarke and their poor form since the end of January has cost them an A+ rating. Nevertheless, given their resources a very, very solid campaign.
Fan Verdict - Dave HollowayWe were winning games that we would only normally dream about at the start of the season - for example, the 3-0 victory over Liverpool. Sunderland away was the best performance and we played well at Southampton too. It could have been better.
I came out of Loftus Road on Boxing Day thinking a top-ten finish and 50 points was well within our grasp. In the end we have staggered towards that total.
Romelu Lukaku is not ready for Chelsea yet as his performances have not been consistent enough. He’d benefit from another season with us - but then I would say that.
On fire: Goals from on-loan star Romelu Lukaku have lit up the Hawthorns in an impressive season WEST HAM A-By Laurie WhitwellSam Allardyce deserves big credit for ensuring relegation was not once a likelihood in the club’s first season back.
Fan verdict - Andy MitchellExperiencing a smooth season has felt slightly strange given the past few years and we have to be thankful for that. Hopefully the club can now build.
Allardyce’s style gets attacked by some but good football has shone through at times. Five points taken from the top three at home is not bad. Away form must be improved though.
Steady ship: Sam Allardyce has led West Ham to a comfortable mid-table position WIGAN ATHLETIC CBy Chris Wheeler
IT’S difficult to put a gloss on relegation, but what a way to go out. Wigan exit the top flight with the FA Cup and an army of admirers.
Fan - Barry WorthingtonIt’s weird. We’re devastated to be out of the Premier League but elated because we’ve won the greatest prize in domestic football. This is the best team Wigan have had, but we suffered a lot through injuries. If we can keep the nucleus together, there’s no reason we can’t come straight back.
Wembley: Ben Watson (left) and Callum Mcmanaman hold the FA Cup after a dream final for Wigan
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