Premier League 2023-24 Recap: Manchester City’s Dominance and Arsenal’s Rise

August 17, 2024 Albert Jordan

The 2023-24 Premier League Season: A Year of Surprising Twists and Turns

The 2023-24 Premier League season was nothing short of peculiar. Unlike most seasons, it offered a mix of predictability and surprise that kept fans on their toes. While the title race involved three teams for the majority of the season, the eventual outcome was as anticipated: Manchester City clinched the title, marking their fourth consecutive win and sixth in the last seven years.

The relegation battle was notably lackluster, with the three recently promoted teams managing to secure a mere 14 wins combined, suffering 76 losses, and ultimately plunging back to the second division. In UEFA competitions, the Premier League underperformed, failing to secure an additional spot in the newly expanded Champions League. Astonishingly, no English club reached the semifinals of either the Champions League or the Europa League, raising questions about the league’s competitiveness both domestically and abroad.

Off-field drama was abundant, with controversies surrounding point deductions, profit and sustainability rules, and Manchester City’s looming legal battle over 115 allegations of financial breaches. The contentious VAR system also remained a hot topic. However, as we look forward to the 2024-25 season, the landscape promises to be different. In this comprehensive preview, we’ll explore each team’s prospects, key players, and potential finishing positions.

Table of Contents

Manchester City: The Dominant Force

Last Season’s Performance and Key Changes

Last season’s finish: 1st (91 points, plus-62 goal differential)
Key ins: RW Sávio (Troyes, €25m)
Key outs: CF Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid, €75m)

Manchester City once again proved to be the gold standard in the Premier League. Leading in almost every statistical category—possession rate, total touches, passes, assists, and more—they showcased why they’re the team to beat. Despite evolving and adapting, City’s core identity under Pep Guardiola remains intact. They went unbeaten in their final 23 league matches, edging out Arsenal for the title.

Arsenal: The Young Contenders

Youthful Squad and Defensive Prowess

Last season’s finish: 2nd (89 points, plus-62 goal differential)
Key ins: CB Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna, €45m), GK David Raya (Brentford, €31.9m)
Key outs: AM Emile Smith Rowe (Fulham, €31.8m)

Arsenal was one of the youngest teams in the Premier League last season, with an average age of 25.0. Their transformation into one of the best teams in the world has been driven more by defense than offense. They allowed a league-low 29 goals, showcasing a defense that is both legitimate and formidable. However, their attack, while generating plenty of chances, often struggled with shot quality.

Liverpool: The Underachievers

Struggle with Efficiency and Key Departures

Last season’s finish: 3rd (82 points, plus-45 goal differential)
Key ins: None
Key outs: AM Fábio Carvalho (Brentford, €32m), CM Thiago Alcantara (retired), CB Joel Matip (contract expired)

Liverpool had a season plagued by inefficiency, particularly in front of goal. The team underperformed their expected goals (xG) by a significant margin, with key players like Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, and Darwin Núñez ranking low in finishing efficiency. The upcoming season under a new manager will be crucial for Liverpool as they aim to regain their form.

Chelsea: A Team in Transition

New Additions and Tactical Shifts

Last season’s finish: 6th (63 points, plus-14 goal differential)
Key ins: RW Pedro Neto (Wolves, €60m), CM Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City, €35.4m), GK Filip Jörgensen (Villarreal, €24.5m)
Key outs: LB Ian Maatsen (Aston Villa, €44.5m), LB Lewis Hall (Newcastle, €33m)

Chelsea underwent significant changes, parting ways with coach Mauricio Pochettino and bringing in several new players. The team has an abundance of young talent but also faces challenges in integrating these players into a cohesive unit. Manager Enzo Maresca will have to sift through the roster to find the right balance.

Newcastle United: A Season of Two Halves

Defensive Woes and Injury Concerns

Last season’s finish: 7th (60 points, plus-23 goal differential)
Key ins: LB Lewis Hall (Chelsea, €33m), GK Odysseas Vlachodimos (Nottingham Forest, €23.6m)
Key outs: CM Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest, €41.2m), RW Yankuba Minteh (Brighton, €35m)

Newcastle’s season was a tale of two halves. They started strong but faltered midway due to injuries and a lack of depth. The team conceded a staggering 62 goals, tying for the 10th fewest in the league. Manager Eddie Howe will need to address these issues if they are to improve their standings.

Tottenham Hotspur: High-Pressing and High Stakes

Tactical Identity and New Signings

Last season’s finish: 5th (66 points, plus-13 goal differential)
Key ins: CF Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth, €66.5m), CM Archie Gray (Leeds United, €41.3m)
Key outs: RB Emerson Royal (AC Milan, €15m), CB Joe Rodon (Leeds United, €11.8m)

Under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs adopted a high-pressing style, leading the league in passes per defensive action. While this approach led to some high-scoring games, it also exposed the team to counterattacks. With new signings adding depth, Spurs aim to be more balanced and less predictable this season.

Aston Villa: Champions League Aspirations

Key Performances and Depth Issues

Last season’s finish: 4th (68 points, plus-15 goal differential)
Key ins: DM Amadou Onana (Everton, €59.35m), LB Ian Maatsen (Chelsea, €44.5m)
Key outs: RW Moussa Diaby (Al Ittihad, €60m), CM Douglas Luiz (Juventus, €51.5m)

Aston Villa had an impressive season, finishing fourth and securing a Champions League spot. However, their underlying metrics suggest they were fortunate, and the added burden of Champions League matches could impact their league performance. Manager Unai Emery’s experience will be crucial in navigating these challenges.

Manchester United: Defensive Overhaul

Defensive Woes and Key Additions

Last season’s finish: 8th (60 points, minus-1 goal differential)
Key ins: CB Leny Yoro (Lille, €62m), CF Joshua Zirkzee (€42.5m)
Key outs: RW Mason Greenwood (Marseille, €26m), RB Aaron Wan Bissaka (West Ham, €17.6m)

Manchester United had a season riddled with defensive issues, allowing the second-most shots in the league. The team has made significant defensive additions, including Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, to address these problems. Manager Erik ten Hag will hope these changes translate into better performances.

Brighton & Hove Albion: Young Prospects and Potential

Key Player Contributions and Injuries

Last season’s finish: 11th (48 points, minus-7 goal differential)
Key ins: RW Yankuba Minteh (Newcastle, €35m), DM Mats Wieffer (Feyenoord, €30m)
Key outs: CF Deniz Undav (Stuttgart, €26.7m), CM Pascal Gross (Borussia Dortmund, €7m)

Brighton had a season of ups and downs, with injuries to key players like Julio Enciso affecting their performance. The team has a wealth of young talent, including Yankuba Minteh and Mats Wieffer, and will look to build on their potential under new manager Fabian Hurzeler.

Brentford: A Season of Near Misses

Shot Quality and Key Players

Last season’s finish: 16th (39 points, minus-9 goal differential)
Key ins: CF Igor Thiago (Club Brugge, €33m), AM Fábio Carvalho (Liverpool, €23.4m)
Key outs: GK David Raya (Arsenal, €31.9m), CF Neal Maupay (Everton, end of loan)

Brentford’s season was marked by a high percentage of shots in the box but a failure to convert these into goals. The team has retained most of its core players, including Ivan Toney, and will hope for better luck this season.

Crystal Palace: Post-Hodgson Revival

Managerial Changes and Key Departures

Last season’s finish: 10th (49 points, minus-1 goal differential)
Key ins: RW Ismaïla Sarr (Marseille, €15m), CB Chadi Riad (Real Betis, €15m)
Key outs: RW Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, €53m)

Crystal Palace had a strong finish to the season under new manager Oliver Glasner, ranking sixth in adjusted goal rating. The departure of Michael Olise is a significant loss, but new signing Ismaïla Sarr could help fill the void.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: A Team in Decline

Key Departures and Tactical Concerns

Last season’s finish: 14th (46 points, minus-15 goal differential)
Key ins: RM Rodrigo Gomes (Braga, €15m), RB Pedro Lima (Sport Recife, €10m)
Key outs: RW Pedro Neto (Chelsea, €60m), CB Max Kilman (West Ham, €47.5m)

Wolves had a challenging season, with key players like Pedro Neto and Max Kilman departing. The team struggled with both scoring and defending, and new signings will need to step up to improve their fortunes.

Ipswich Town: The Newcomers

Championship Success and Premier League Challenges

Last season’s finish: 2nd in the Championship (96 points, plus-35 goal differential)
Key ins: RW Omari Hutchinson (Chelsea, €23.5m), CB Jacob Greaves (Hull City, €21.5m)
Key outs: GK Vaclav Hladky (Burnley, free)

Ipswich had a stellar season in the Championship, securing promotion with an aggressive, attacking style. They have retained most of their key players and made strategic additions, but the jump to the Premier League will be a significant challenge.

Nottingham Forest: Defensive Issues and New Hope

Managerial Changes and Key Additions

Last season’s finish: 17th (36 points without deductions, minus-18 goal differential)
Key ins: CM Elliot Anderson (Newcastle, €41.2m), CB Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina, €14.3m)
Key outs: CB Moussa Niakhate (Lyon, €31.9m), GK Odisseas Vlachodimos (Newcastle, €23.6m)

Nottingham Forest had a tumultuous season, with defensive frailties and poor goalkeeping costing them dearly. New manager Nuno Espirito Santo has made key additions to bolster the squad, and there is hope for a better performance this season.

Fulham: Aging Squad and Key Departures

Youthful Influx and Uncertain Prospects

Last season’s finish: 13th (47 points, minus-6 goal differential)
Key ins: AM Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal, €31.8m), CB Jorge Cuenca (Villarreal, €6.7m)
Key outs: DM João Palhinha (Bayern Munich, €51m), CB Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea, free)

Fulham was the oldest team in the Premier League last season, and their performance reflected their aging squad. Significant departures and the influx of younger talent like Emile Smith Rowe bring both challenges and opportunities.

Everton: Perennial Underperformers

Goal Scoring Woes and Defensive Resilience

Last season’s finish: 15th (48 points without deductions, minus-11 goal differential)
Key ins: CB Jake O’Brien (Lyon, €19.5m), CF Iliman Ndiaye (Marseille, €18m)
Key outs: DM Amadou Onana (Aston Villa, €59.35), CB Ben Godfrey (Atalanta, €12m)

Everton has consistently underperformed their xG totals, leading to disappointing seasons. The team has made significant additions to address their goal-scoring woes, but whether they can turn things around remains to be seen.

Leicester City: The Point Deduction Cloud

Championship Success and Uncertain Future

Last season’s finish: 1st in the Championship (97 points, plus-48 goal differential)
Key ins: RW Fatawu Issahaku (Sporting CP, €17m), CB Caleb Okoli (Atalanta, €14m)
Key outs: CM Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Chelsea, €35.4m), CF Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla, free)

Leicester City faces the looming threat of a significant point deduction due to alleged breaches of profit and sustainability rules. This uncertainty casts a shadow over their otherwise successful Championship campaign.

Southampton: Defensive Struggles and New Strategy

Tactical Overhaul and Key Additions

Last season’s finish: 4th in the Championship (87 points, plus-24 goal differential)
Key ins: CB Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Manchester City, €23m), DM Flynn Downes (West Ham,