The conclusion of the 2021-22 Premier League season has seen Manchester City emerge victorious once again, with the three promoted teams heading back to the Championship. Despite the expected outcomes, there were several surprises and unexpected developments throughout the season.
At the onset of the season, Mirror Football made predictions for the finishing positions of all 20 teams. While some predictions were accurate, there were also instances where they missed the mark. Let us evaluate the final standings of the teams, as well as the preseason predictions by Mirror Football, to gauge the extent of change.
Manchester City successfully claimed the title, as was forecasted, marking their fourth consecutive league triumph. Arsenal, the closest contenders to Manchester City, also performed commendably and deserve recognition for their strong challenge. Liverpool easily secured a spot in the Champions League, in line with the initial prediction, finishing in third place. Aston Villa exceeded expectations by attaining a fourth-place finish, while Tottenham Hotspur failed to live up to their forecasted eighth-place position.
Chelsea endured a tumultuous season but ultimately managed to secure a respectable finish, contradicting the anticipated fifth-place position. Both Newcastle and Manchester United underperformed based on preseason prognostications, with the latter enduring a dismal Champions League and league campaign. West Ham overachieved compared to the predicted 16th-place finish, while Crystal Palace and other teams experienced varying degrees of success throughout the season.
The season also witnessed unforeseen circumstances, such as Brentford’s struggles and off-pitch issues facing Nottingham Forest.
It is always captivating to witness how the season unfolds and observe the variations between predictions and the actual outcomes on the pitch. The Premier League is renowned for its unpredictability, and the 2021-22 season has once again proven to be no exception.
Looking ahead, football enthusiasts can anticipate further excitement, drama, and surprises in the forthcoming season. As we reflect on the past season, it becomes evident that anything can happen in the Premier League, rendering it one of the most thrilling and unpredictable leagues globally.
The allure of the FA Cup endures, and fans are encouraged to support a petition to uphold the tradition of FA Cup replays. Furthermore, Mirror Football extends an invitation to fans to join their new WhatsApp community to receive daily updates and exclusive offers from the team and their partners.
As the curtain falls on yet another enthralling season, football fans can eagerly anticipate what the next season will unveil. Given the unpredictable nature of the Premier League, it is safe to assert that excitement and surprises will be in abundance in the future.