A Rollercoaster Premier League Season: Mirror Football’s End-of-Season Awards
The Premier League season has concluded, leaving fans with much to dissect. From the nail-biting title race to the dramatic relegation battles, Mirror Football’s writers weigh in on the highs and lows of the 2023-24 campaign.
The Unfolding Drama
The race for the Premier League title went down to the wire, with Manchester City narrowly edging out Arsenal. Aston Villa’s stunning qualification for the Champions League and Manchester United’s underwhelming season provided plenty of talking points. Meanwhile, Luton, Burnley, and Sheffield United faced immediate relegation, making way for Leicester and Ipswich, with Leeds and Southampton fighting for the final spot in the play-offs.
Now, as the dust settles, Mirror Football’s team presents their verdicts on the season’s best and worst, covering categories from Best Manager to Biggest Disappointment.
Scott Trotter
Best Manager: Unai Emery
Unai Emery’s transformation of Aston Villa into a Champions League contender was nothing short of remarkable. Honorable mentions include Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, and Gary O’Neil for their commendable achievements.
Best Player: Phil Foden
Phil Foden stood out in Manchester City’s impressive squad, delivering when it mattered most. Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri also had strong seasons, but Foden truly shined.
Best Breakthrough Season: Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer’s rise was meteoric, going from three Premier League starts to being one of the most prolific players.
Biggest Disappointment: Christopher Nkunku’s Limited Playtime
Christopher Nkunku’s injury-marred season was a letdown, especially after his promising pre-season.
Best Transfer: Cole Palmer
Chelsea’s acquisition of Palmer was a masterstroke, offering significant value in a tumultuous spending spree.
Worst Transfer: Kalvin Phillips
Kalvin Phillips’ ill-fated loan to West Ham was marked by errors and injuries, making it a regrettable move.
Biggest Moment: Luis Diaz’s Disallowed Goal Against Tottenham
The controversial VAR decision against Tottenham was a defining moment, encapsulating the ongoing frustrations with the system.
Tom Victor
Best Manager: Unai Emery
Emery’s feat of taking Aston Villa from relegation threats to Champions League qualifiers is unparalleled.
Best Player: Declan Rice
Declan Rice’s seamless integration into Arsenal’s lineup following Granit Xhaka’s departure was crucial to their success.
Best Breakthrough Season: Cole Palmer
Palmer exceeded expectations, becoming an essential player for Chelsea.
Biggest Disappointment: Jurgen Klopp’s Departure
Klopp’s exit from Liverpool leaves a significant void in the Premier League.
Best Transfer: Oliver Glasner
Glasner’s impact at Crystal Palace revitalized the team, culminating in a strong finish above Brighton.
Worst Transfer: Kalvin Phillips
Phillips’ brief and troubled stint at West Ham was disappointing from start to finish.
Biggest Moment: Points Deductions for Everton and Nottingham Forest
These unprecedented penalties marked a turning point in the Premier League’s financial regulations.
Alex Richards
Best Manager: Pep Guardiola
Leading Manchester City to a fourth consecutive title cements Guardiola’s status as the world’s best manager.
Best Player: Phil Foden
Foden’s brilliance was undeniable, stepping up in critical moments for City.
Best Breakthrough Season: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s exceptional season at Chelsea highlighted his immense potential.
Biggest Disappointment: Burnley’s Struggles
Burnley’s failure to adapt to the Premier League after a promising promotion campaign was disheartening.
Best Transfer: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s impact at Chelsea was invaluable, making his transfer a standout.
Worst Transfer: Matheus Nunes
Nunes’ lack of impact at Manchester City made his transfer a questionable decision.
Biggest Moment: Arsenal’s Missed Opportunity at the Etihad
Failing to capitalize against Manchester City was a turning point in the title race.
Mark Jones
Best Manager: Unai Emery
Emery’s leadership propelled Aston Villa into the Champions League, a monumental achievement.
Best Player: Phil Foden
Foden’s emergence as a key player for City showcased his talent and potential.
Best Breakthrough Season: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s rise at Chelsea was a bright spot in their challenging season.
Biggest Disappointment: VAR’s Continued Issues
The ongoing controversies surrounding VAR marred the season, highlighting the need for reform.
Best Transfer: Declan Rice
Rice’s transformative effect on Arsenal made his transfer a pivotal move.
Worst Transfer: Mason Mount
Mount’s struggles at Manchester United made his transfer a disappointment.
Biggest Moment: Klopp’s Departure Announcement
Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool was a seismic event in the football world.
Nathan Ridley
Best Manager: Unai Emery
Emery’s extraordinary work at Aston Villa deservedly earns him top accolades.
Best Player: Phil Foden
Foden’s standout performances for City underscored his significance.
Best Breakthrough Season: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s stellar season at Chelsea solidified his reputation.
Biggest Disappointment: Marcus Rashford
Rashford’s inability to build on previous successes was a significant letdown.
Best Transfer: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s signing proved to be a masterstroke for Chelsea.
Worst Transfer: Mason Mount
Mount’s lackluster performance at Manchester United highlighted a poor investment.
Biggest Moment: Klopp’s Departure
Klopp’s exit from Liverpool marked the end of an era and had a profound impact on the Premier League.
Daniel Orme
Best Manager: Pep Guardiola
Guardiola’s consistent excellence led City to another historic title.
Best Player: Ollie Watkins
Watkins’ remarkable season was pivotal for Aston Villa’s success.
Best Breakthrough Season: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s breakthrough at Chelsea was a revelation.
Biggest Disappointment: Promoted Teams’ Struggles
The relegation of all three promoted teams highlighted the gap between the Championship and Premier League.
Best Transfer: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s transfer to Chelsea proved to be incredibly valuable.
Worst Transfer: Matheus Nunes
Nunes’ minimal impact at City made his transfer disappointing.
Biggest Moment: Stefan Ortega’s Save Against Son Heung-min
Ortega’s crucial save was a decisive moment in the title race.
Ben Husband
Best Manager: Ange Postecoglou
Despite a mid-season slump, Postecoglou’s work at Tottenham showed promise and optimism.
Best Player: Phil Foden
Foden’s exceptional performances solidified his status as one of the best.
Best Breakthrough Season: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s emergence at Chelsea was a highlight of the season.
Biggest Disappointment: VAR’s Failures
VAR’s continued controversies were a major disappointment.
Best Transfer: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s impact at Chelsea was a rare win in their transfer dealings.
Worst Transfer: Matheus Nunes
Nunes’ transfer to City was underwhelming and ineffective.
Biggest Moment: Klopp’s Departure Announcement
Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool was a monumental moment.
Kieran King
Best Manager: Unai Emery
Emery’s transformation of Aston Villa into a top-four team was outstanding.
Best Player: Phil Foden
Foden’s influence at City was unmatched.
Best Breakthrough Season: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s exceptional season at Chelsea was remarkable.
Biggest Disappointment: Antony
Antony’s poor performance at Manchester United was a significant letdown.
Best Transfer: Declan Rice
Rice’s impact at Arsenal was transformative.
Worst Transfer: Romeo Lavia
Lavia’s minimal contribution at Chelsea made his transfer disappointing.
Biggest Moment: Everton’s Points Deduction
Everton’s unprecedented points deduction was a landmark moment in Premier League history.
Daniel Marsh
Best Manager: Unai Emery
Emery’s work at Aston Villa was exceptional, leading them to the Champions League.
Best Player: Phil Foden
Foden’s stellar performances for City were a highlight of the season.
Best Breakthrough Season: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s rise at Chelsea was a bright spot in their season.
Biggest Disappointment: Burnley’s Relegation
Burnley’s inability to stay in the Premier League was disappointing.
Best Transfer: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s impact at Chelsea was significant.
Worst Transfer: Mason Mount
Mount’s struggles at Manchester United made his transfer a disappointment.
Biggest Moment: Klopp’s Departure Announcement
Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool was a seismic event.
Darren Wells
Best Manager: Unai Emery
Emery’s leadership at Aston Villa earned him top accolades.
Best Player: Phil Foden
Foden’s brilliance was undeniable.
Best Breakthrough Season: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s exceptional season at Chelsea was noteworthy.
Biggest Disappointment: Tottenham’s Fading Title Challenge
Tottenham’s early promise fading away was disappointing.
Best Transfer: Cole Palmer
Palmer’s signing was a rare transfer win for Chelsea.
Worst Transfer: Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia
Henderson’s move was largely forgotten.
Biggest Moment: Arsenal’s Win Over Manchester City
Arsenal’s victory over City was a significant step in their journey.
The 2023-24 Premier League season was a whirlwind of emotions, triumphs, and disappointments, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the next season will bring.
