For the three newly promoted clubs, their return to the Championship was swift, with Southampton enduring a particularly disastrous campaign that nearly rivaled Derby County’s infamous 11-point season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United endured a nightmare season, finishing 16th in the table and collapsing in a European final.
On an individual level, several players struggled to make an impact. Here’s a look at 11 players who failed to meet expectations.
Muric was dropped before a shoulder injury ended his season, but his performances had already raised concerns. In just 18 appearances, he committed five errors leading to goals, matching Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez for the most in the league. ..Continue Reading
Right-Back: Vladimir Coufal (West Ham)
After years of reliability, Coufal finally showed signs of decline. West Ham released him after a season in which he managed just 11 league starts.
Center-Backs: Konstantinos Mavropanos (West Ham) & Radu Dragusin (Tottenham)
Mavropanos struggled under both Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter, frequently criticized for his defensive lapses. He started only two of West Ham’s last seven matches, and his future at the club remains uncertain.
Dragusin, signed as cover for Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, failed to impress when given the opportunity. His season was cut short by an ACL injury, further compounding his struggles.
Left-Back: Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal)
Zinchenko has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal, with Myles Lewis-Skelly emerging as a preferred option. After starting 20 matches last season, he managed just four this term, and a summer exit seems likely.
These players will be hoping for a fresh start or a resurgence next season as they look to put their disappointing campaigns behind them.
Central Midfield: Kalvin Phillips (Ipswich Town)
After a disappointing loan spell at West Ham last season, Phillips was expected to rediscover his form at Ipswich Town.
However, injuries and inconsistency plagued his campaign, limiting his impact as the team failed to avoid relegation. With his return to City approaching, another move seems likely before the next season begins.
Central Midfield: Oliver Skipp (Leicester City)
Signed from Tottenham in the summer, Skipp was expected to strengthen Leicester’s midfield.
Unfortunately, he struggled to make a significant impact, starting only a handful of league matches under both Steve Cooper and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Attacking midfield: Foden (Manchester City)
After an outstanding previous season where he was named Player of the Year, Foden experienced a dramatic dip in form.
His goal tally dropped significantly, and he found himself on the bench for most of City’s recent matches.
Right- Wing: Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea)
Nkunku’s first season at Chelsea was disrupted by injuries, and his second campaign under Enzo Maresca has not been much better.
Despite scoring in various competitions, his league contributions have been minimal, and he has spent much of the season as a substitute. With Chelsea looking to bring in another striker, his future at the club remains uncertain.
Left-Wing: Raheem Sterling (Arsenal)
Sterling’s loan move to Arsenal was meant to provide attacking depth, but he struggled to make an impact.
Despite injuries to key players, he rarely featured and managed just one goal all season, which came in a cup match early in the campaign.
Striker: Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United)
Hojlund has yet to justify the hefty fee United paid for him. His goal-scoring struggles continued this season, with a long stretch without finding the net.
With new attacking signings expected, he may find himself relegated to a backup role next season.
