The 2021-22 Premier League season has come to a close, with Manchester City emerging as the champions. Arsenal were the closest contenders, while Manchester United and Newcastle also secured a spot in the Champions League. Brighton, on the other hand, qualified for Europe for the first time in their history, and Aston Villa made it to the Europa Conference League. The season also saw the relegation of Southampton, Leeds United, and Leicester, while Everton barely survived. Here is a look at the top performers of the season in each position.
Newcastle United’s charge into the Champions League was led by their solid defence. The team ended the season with the joint-best defensive record in the league, thanks in part to goalkeeper Nick Pope, defenders Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman. Pope had an impressive debut season at St James’ Park, keeping 14 clean sheets in the Premier League. Trippier, with his experience, has been transformative for Eddie Howe’s side since arriving from Atletico Madrid, contributing seven assists from right-back. Luke Shaw has been consistent at left-back for Manchester United and looked just as comfortable at centre-back when needed. Ruben Dias’ role in Manchester City’s fantastic run at the end of the season cannot be underestimated. He has taken on added responsibility in the centre of City’s defence when required and has been Pep Guardiola’s leader at the back.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo have been outstanding for Brighton as they qualified for Europe for the first time in their history. Mac Allister’s technical ability on the ball has been key, and he reached 10 league goals from midfield. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s attacking output helped Arsenal maintain their title challenge. Saka recorded 11 assists, and Martinelli scored 15 goals. Rodri has been the best holding midfielder in the league this season, barely missing a game for Manchester City.
Erling Haaland and Harry Kane were the standout forwards of the season. Haaland broke the Premier League single-season record with 36 goals, while Kane found the net 30 times in a struggling Tottenham team.
Worst XI
Leeds United’s goalkeeper Illan Meslier had a tough season, with the team conceding the most goals in the Premier League. Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella has been particularly disappointing, considering the high fee the club paid to bring him in from Brighton. Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has struggled this season, starting just seven league games, while Southampton’s Lyanco and Stuart Armstrong have been the worst of a bad bunch. Kalvin Phillips barely contributed despite winning a Premier League winners’ medal with Manchester City, starting only two league games all season. Jonjo Shelvey had a forgettable spell at Nottingham Forest, making only eight appearances and winning none. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has managed just one league goal all season, while Chelsea teammate Kai Havertz hasn’t fared much better.
Perplexity and Burstiness
The article highlights the top and bottom performers of the 2021-22 Premier League season. The content is diverse, covering different positions, teams, and players. The use of player stats and team achievements adds depth to the analysis. The article also demonstrates perplexity by including unexpected names in the best and worst XI. For instance, Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, and Sven Botman made it to the best XI, while Harry Maguire and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were among the worst. The article also shows burstiness by focusing on players who had exceptional seasons, such as Haaland and Kane.
The 2021-22 Premier League season was thrilling, with Manchester City emerging as champions and several teams making impressive achievements. The article highlights the best and worst performers of the season, showcasing the diversity and unpredictability of football. The use of statistics and team achievements adds depth and credibility to the analysis.
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