Which side were remarkable? Who were a shambles? Phil McNulty's season review

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- Arsenal clinched the Premier League title, their first since the 2003‑04 season, ending a 22‑year drought.
- Arsenal’s defensive core – goalkeeper David Raya, centre‑backs Gabriel and William Saliba, and midfield anchor Declan Rice (named player of the year) – underpinned the championship.
- Manchester City finished second, winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in Pep Guardiola’s final season, but fell short after a string of draws.
- Manchester United secured third place and Champions League qualification under interim manager Michael Carrick, with Bruno Fernandes leading the attack and new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo adding quality.
- Sunderland earned a spot in European competition after promotion, a rare achievement for a newly‑promoted side.
Why it matters: Arsenal’s title win secures an estimated £100 million boost in prize money and sponsorship, cementing Arteta’s legacy while reshaping the league’s power balance and fueling a surge in merchandise sales across Europe.
