In Focus: LiveScore’s alternative end-of-season awards

A thrilling Premier League season saw Manchester City crowned Champions after a gripping title race with Liverpool.

But while Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah rightly landed the Player of the Season and Golden Boot gongs, there were plenty of other star performers lower down the table.

So, to shed a light on some of the lesser-heralded names, teams and moments in England’s top flight, check out our alternative end-of-season awards.

Best signing: Christian Eriksen (Brentford)

While there were plenty of excellent signings this term, it is Brentford landing Christian Eriksen on a free that takes the gong.

A 13th-placed finish makes it appear as though the Bees were comfortable but there is every chance they may have suffered relegation had they not signed the Dane on deadline day in January.

A worrying run of nine defeats in 11 either side of the new year had the Premier League new boys slipping towards danger at rapid pace.

But after securing Eriksen’s services until the end of the season, the playmaker inspired his new team to win seven of their final 11 outings and achieve an impressive finish in their maiden Premier League campaign.

Scoring one goal and claiming four assists, the former Tottenham and Inter Milan ace became an instant fan favourite in West London.

And given the 30-year-old’s remarkable return to England following the harrowing events of last summer, his fine form was a fairytale story everyone could enjoy.

Honourable mentions: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham), Luis Diaz (Liverpool), Marc Cucurella (Brighton), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)

Best youngster: Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace)

Another hotly-contested shortlist is topped by Crystal Palace’s Conor Gallagher, who made his big Premier League breakthrough on loan from Chelsea.

While he impressed during a previous spell at West Brom, it was this season under Patrick Vieira which forced everyone to sit up and take notice of the 22-year-old.

With bundles of energy in the Eagles midfield, Gallagher showed his quality going forward on countless occasions, as well as getting involved in the uglier side of game.

Chipping in with eight goals and five assists in all competitions, his fine campaign even earned him international acclaim as he made his senior debut for England against San Marino.

While Palace will be desperate to bring him back to Selhurst Park next season, he looks more than ready to become a star at parent club Chelsea.

Honourable mentions: Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Southampton), Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)

Biggest overachievers: Brighton

Having flirted with relegation the previous season, a superb campaign saw Brighton achieve their first top-half finish as they claimed ninth.

They entertained in the process too with Graham Potter’s free-flowing and possession-based approach causing even the league’s best teams problems.

An impressive win over Arsenal and a 4-0 demolishing of Manchester United were notable moments of a fine season overall on the South Coast.

And with an astonishing 15 draws to their name, there is every chance they could have finished even higher as they narrowly missed out on European qualification.

Providing the Seagulls are able to keep hold of Potter this summer, they could be set to achieve even bigger things at the Amex next term.

Biggest underachievers: Manchester United

On the flip side of that, it is hard to think of a more disappointing campaign than Manchester United’s for an award no team desires.

The summer signings of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane saw many tip the Red Devils to challenge for the title once again.

But a torrid run of results saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer get the sack following a 4-1 loss at relegated Watford and things did not get much better under interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

Suffering humiliating defeats home and away to rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, their points total of 58 is the club’s lowest ever in the Premier League era.

Despite a final-day defeat to Crystal Palace, they stumbled into the Europa League by default and incoming manager Erik ten Hag looks to have a big job on his hands to restore them to their former greatness.

Best game: Manchester City 3-2 Aston Villa

Given the context and the importance of the occasion, there was no beating Manchester City’s league-clinching comeback win over Aston Villa as the best game.

While not quite matching their ‘Aguero’ moment of the 2011-12 season, it still had all the drama to make it a fitting conclusion to a sensational title race.

The Citizens were predicted to have little problem in beating 14th-placed Villa to seal the title over Liverpool but hearts were in mouths when Steven Gerrard’s men went 2-0 up with just over 20 minutes to play.

With the trophy in serious danger of heading to Anfield, a stunning sequence of three goals in five minutes sent the Etihad into raptures as Pep Guardiola’s side were crowned champions once again.

Summing up the remarkable conclusion, the Spaniard simply said: “Today was special.”