MY ACCOUNT
Manchester City lifted the Premier League trophy for a fifth time in six years after seeing off a spirited challenge from Arsenal.
But while Erling Haaland swept up all the individual accolades this term, there were plenty of others stars deserving of recognition for their efforts.
We turn the spotlight on some of the English top flight’s lesser heralded heroes in LiveScore’s alternative end-of-season awards.
Best signing: Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
Naturally, this award should probably go to Haaland as well — but our gong goes to another Scandinavian striker instead.
Newcastle are back in the Champions League for the first time since 2002-03 after a stunning campaign on Tyneside, with the likes of Nick Pope, Bruno Guimaraes and Callum Wilson all enjoying fine seasons at St James’ Park.
Yet it is Alexander Isak, signed from Real Sociedad last August for a club-record £63million, who looks to be a genuine superstar in the making.
Initially plagued by a thigh problem, the 23-year-old Swede netted 10 goals in his maiden Premier League campaign but more notably showcased breathtaking technical ability.
A jaw-dropping assist against Everton in February drew widespread comparisons with Thierry Henry and Toon fans have every right to think they have a future club legend on their hands.
Honourable mentions: Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Neto (Bournemouth)
Best youngster: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
It is easy to forget that Bukayo Saka is only 21.
The Arsenal ace is already established as one of the best wide players on the planet and just keeps getting better and better at his boyhood club.
Saka’s 25 direct goal involvements were instrumental to the Gunners’ unexpected title charge, which only faded in the season’s final weeks.
Crucially though, he has the attitude to match his impressive ability — speaking with the maturity of a player far beyond his tender years, as well as shouldering plenty of responsibility.
Tying down Saka to a new long-term contract last week means the future remains extremely bright for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Honourable mentions: Rico Lewis (Manchester City), Evan Ferguson (Brighton), Sven Botman (Newcastle), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Biggest overachievers: Brentford
If the Premier League table was ordered by wage bill, Brentford would be staring at relegation to the Championship.
Instead, the Bees spent most of their 2022-23 campaign dreaming of Europe, with Thomas Frank’s side eventually having to settle for a ninth-placed finish.
While most of their headlines have circulated around Ivan Toney’s 20-goal haul — and his eight-month betting ban — Brentford’s habit for punching above their weight is very much a squad effort.
Highlights included a famous double over champions Manchester City, as well as memorable home victories over Manchester United and Liverpool.
While they fell two points short of continental qualification, do not be surprised to see the West Londoners defy the odds again next term.
Honourable mentions: Brighton, Bournemouth
Biggest underachievers: Chelsea
This award is barely up for debate.
While Tottenham also endured a miserable campaign, it is their London rivals who take top spot after spending an obscene amount of cash only to finish an embarrassing 12th.
American co-owner Todd Boehly has poured north of £500m into the Blues since taking charge one year ago and is already on his fifth different manager, with Mauricio Pochettino the latest to take the reins.
The Argentine is tasked with knocking a bloated and imbalanced squad into shape and injecting some confidence into a group that lost eight out of 11 under interim boss Frank Lampard.
Surely things cannot get much worse at Stamford Bridge.
Honourable mentions: Tottenham, Leicester, West Ham
