Premier League season summary

It has been a truly remarkable season in the Barclays Premier League. A season where many of the big clubs have floundered and smaller teams have excelled. It has been compelling and has done wonders for the competitive nature of the division.

The story of the season has to centre on Leicester City. In ten months they have gone from 5000-1 shots to champions. Their final position could not have been foreseen. What is more surprising is the ten-point margin that has made their title win one of the easiest in Premier League history. Manager Claudio Raneiri has done an amazing job of galvanizing his players. One such example has been Jamie Vardy who has been vital to The Foxes' campaign. He has scored twenty-four goals and won seven penalties - more than any other player.

In contrast, Chelsea have capitulated since lifting the Premier League last season. Their title defence has been one of the worst ever. Their campaign has seen 'Special One' Jose Mourinho lose his job. Replacement Guus Hiddink managed to steady the ship, but their 10th position finish is unacceptable. Many of their key players have just not been performing and fans will hope that incoming boss Antonio Conte will prove an instant catalyst.

Tottenham are another side who have exceeded expectations. For a long time they seemed to be pushing Leicester for the title before a late slump saw London-rivals Arsenal steal their second spot. Nonetheless, Mauricio Pochettino has turned Spurs into a force to be reckoned with. His talented squad are full of youthful players that should ensure Tottenham's success for years to come. Leading the line, 22-year-old Harry Kane has epitomised the ability and drive within the club. His twenty-five goals have seen him secure the Golden Boot.

Arsenal secured second spot and an automatic Champions League place by finding some late form. Earlier in the season they looked favourites for the title themselves. Next season will be their nineteenth successive season competing amongst the elite of Europe. For many impatient supporters this will be seen as business as usual, but not enough. The fans want trophies and The Gunners have been unsuccessful challengers for too long.

Manchester City have underwhelmed this term. After shelling out $150 million on new players in the summer and winning their first five league games, much was expected. But their form has been inconsistent and they have really struggled against the teams at the top. When comparing results from fixtures between the top eight teams, The Sky Blues have the worst record. Results like their 4-1 defeat at home to Liverpool and a 4-1 loss away to Tottenham provide examples of how they have failed to match the teams around them. City will take comfort from the news that world-class manager Pep Guardiola will be taking charge ahead of the next season.

Liverpool have found new optimism from manager Jurgen Klopp who took charge when Brendan Rogers was sacked. Despite their poor league position of eighth, the club are looking revitalised. Youth players are being given a chance and fans are riding a wave of optimism ahead of the Europa League final, their second cup final of the season.

Of the remaining teams, Southampton and West Ham have impressed by being amongst the challengers for European qualification. Manchester United and Everton have been uninspiring and will be considering new management. Sunderland found form at just the right time to avoid the relegation fate of Newcastle, Norwich and the abysmal Aston Villa. The Lions mustered only three wins all season and are stepping out of the top flight for the first time.

This season has demonstrated the overall quality of the Premier League. Any team can beat any other. The English top division now has seven or eight teams who could feasibly challenge for the title. Next season will be very difficult to predict. With more money being spent on players and new managers taking charge, the Premier League is more compelling than ever.