Southampton
I’m not going to lie, I didn’t think Southampton would be good at the beginning of the season. I didn’t think they would be relegated like some people had predicted but I was definitely expecting lower half of the table. The run Southampton made this season was remarkable and proved everyone wrong. Now if they make it to the Europa League next season, they’ll undergo a much bigger test than this year.
Final Grade: A-
Stoke City
Stoke City has had a history of “parking the bus” and being very uninteresting on the field. This year, they tried to be a bit more balanced in terms of attacking and defending and it seemed to have worked. Mark Hughes got Stoke to 9th place this year, their second straight season in 9th which is their highest position since the 1980’s. Stoke is now a solid mid table team.
Final Grade: B+
Sunderland
Sunderland has had a history of leaving it late to avoid relegation. After languishing in the table, Sunderland hired specialist Dick Advocaat to come on as a short term manager to get them out of relegation. They just clinched EPL play for next season in their 37th game so by that logic, mission accomplished.
Final Grade: C-
Swansea City
Swansea is sitting in a perfect spot. Their fans are probably glad they’re in 8th and could be the first team in the table who doesn’t have European competition. This season was a set up for next season for Swansea and while they may be 8th now, they could be even better next season.
Final Grade: B-
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham, like Everton, suffered due to the Europa League. The difference is that Tottenham thankfully received the emergence of Harry Kane and along with being a team that has more depth than Everton, they fared a bit better. What has kept Tottenham back was that they’re in that sense of “purgatory” of the Europa League. They’re good enough for the Europa League but can’t get in the Champions League due to the added competition of Europa. All in all, it looks like Mauricio Pochettino has something.
Final Grade: B-
West Bromwich Albion
West Brom is the new Stoke thanks to Tony Pulis. They don’t necessarily explode on the field and don’t take risks but they get the points and they’re safe from relegation. That’s the Tony Pulis way. It’s not going to be glamorous but you’re going to be safe from relegation.
Final Grade: C+
West Ham United
West Ham had a very strong beginning of the season. For the first few months, people were almost putting West Ham in a Champions League spot. Then the injuries started and they fell back down to earth. It all may not be that bad, West Ham is in line to potentially get a Europa League spot due to the Fair Play table. Sam Allardyce may not be there to experience the European competition but considering they must start in early July, he may be glad he isn’t going to be managing West Ham.
Final Grade: B-
