On Sunday, May 28, the English Premier League marked its finale of the 2022-23 season, in which the winners and losers of the season were confirmed. The season began with ten matches played back in August 2022, and all 20 teams in the league ultimately contested in a total of 38 games, both played home and away. 

Manchester City continued its reign in the league as they won their fifth title in the last six years. Arsenal ran close right behind them in second, while Manchester United and Newcastle secured their place in the Champions League, confirming the “Top Four” teams. Behind them, Liverpool and Brighton finished in fifth and sixth respectively as they both qualified for the Europa League, with Brighton qualifying to play for Europe for the first time in their history. At the other end of the table, Leicester, Leeds United, and Southampton fell to the second division of the Championship, in which they will be competing next season. 

Now, let’s take a look at some star players with seasons to remember, as well as some memorable matches and moments from the season. 

Star Players of the Season

Erling Haaland (Manchester City): With 36 goals in 38 matches, Haaland proved himself to be the most lethal striker in the league in his debut season in the Premier League with Manchester City. The Norwegian broke the record for the most goals scored in a single campaign, eclipsing the 34-goal record by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole, broken in the 1993/94 and 1994/95 seasons, respectively. Unsurprisingly, Haaland was named the Premier League Player of the Season. 

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): Widely regarded as the best midfielder of the Premier League for many consecutive years, Kevin De Bruyne rose to provide the most assists during the campaign, totaling up to 16 assists in 38 games. Ranging from deep crosses to through balls, the Belgian playmaker once again showed his ravishing passing game, helping to lead his team to reign as champions of the league. 

Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal): Captaining the young side of Arsenal, Martin Ødegaard was an integral part during the Gunners’ title challenge throughout most of the season. The 24-year old midfielder used his craft and creativity to simultaneously score and assist goals, as he totaled up 22 Premier League goal contributions (15 goals, 7 assists). 

Marcus Rashford (Man United): Marcus Rashford has arguably, demonstrated the most inspirational story of the season. Following two consecutive poor seasons, the 25-year old faced large criticism from fans and struggled to find form, with many injuries further dimming him. However, with Manchester United’s new appointment of Erik ten Hag, Rashford offered a constant threat to opposition defenders with his pace and shot power. The forward reached a total of 17 goals in the league, playing a huge part in Manchester United’s march to a Champions League spot in the Top 4. 

Other Notable Mentions include: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Rodri (Manchester City), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), and Nick Pope (Newcastle)

Matches of the Season 

Brentford 4-0 Manchester United (August 13 2022): In the second week of the campaign, Brentford produced one of the most shocking underdog performances, while giving Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United the most dreadful nightmare for. After Brighton beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on the first week, United fans were fuming over their players, only to be humiliated a week after. The atmosphere was boiling for the Manchester United players, as notable players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea shook their heads in disbelief. 

Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham (14 August 2022): Just a day after the aforementioned match, London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham produced a fierce match at Stamford Bridge—between both players and the managers. The match consisted of numerous chances and plenty of goals, concluded by a dramatic equalizing goal by Harry Kane for Tottenham in the 96th minute. However, the highlight of the match came when the rival managers, Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea) and Antonio Conte (Tottenham) became locked in a fierce handshake, leading to a chaotic clash. 

Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United (5 March 2023): Another disastrous game for Manchester United came after a few months of terrific form, only to be faced with hardships again. After being detrimented by their rivals Manchester City with a score of 6-3, they were utterly humiliated with their eternal rivals, Liverpool. While Manchester United struggled to keep pace with the attacking threat of Liverpool, they conceded seven goals—a historic scoreline that will be remembered for years. 

Manchester City 4-1 Arsenal (26 April 2023): After a series of collapsing games for Arsenal, the Gunners’ insurmountable title charge seemed to be on the line, with Manchester City chasing right behind them. The winner-takes-all decider was held at the Etihad stadium, Manchester City’s home ground . The game was dominated by the home side, with two goals from Kevin De Bruyne and a goal from John Stones, sealed by a goal from the goal machine, Erling Haaland. Following this match, Manchester City would later go on an undefeated streak to claim the Premier League title, while Arsenal continued to fumble. 

Once again, the Premier League never failed to disappoint, and the twenty teams have produced another enthralling season to remember. As the team players and staff members take a few months of rest before pre-season, another 38 games will soon be imminent for the next campaign, the 2023/24 Season.