Premier League Winner 2020-2021: A Season in Review

Premier League Winner 2020-2021 season (Manchester city) celebrating the victory
Manchester city won the 2021 premier league


The 2020-2021 Premier League season was a rollercoaster ride marked by unexpected twists, a fiercely contested title race, and the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Manchester City emerged as the champions, reclaiming the title with a mix of tactical brilliance, squad depth, and consistency. This season will be remembered for its unusual circumstances, including empty stadiums, a congested fixture schedule, and moments of individual brilliance that captivated fans worldwide.

Season Table: A Glimpse at the Standings

PositionClubPointsWinsDrawsLossesManagerDescriptor
1stManchester City862756Pep GuardiolaDominant Champions
2ndManchester United7421116Ole Gunnar SolskjærResilient Finish
3rdLiverpool692099Jürgen KloppStrong Comeback
4thChelsea6719109Frank Lampard/Thomas TuchelDefensive Solidity
5thLeicester City6620612Brendan RodgersNarrow Miss
6thWest Ham United6519811David MoyesExceeding Expectations
7thTottenham Hotspur6218812José Mourinho/Ryan MasonMixed Fortunes
8thArsenal6118713Mikel ArtetaInconsistent Performers
9thLeeds United5918515Marcelo BielsaEntertaining Promoters
10thEverton5917813Carlo AncelottiInconsistent Form
18thFulham2851320Scott ParkerRelegated Battlers
19thWest Bromwich Albion2651122Slaven Bilić/Sam AllardyceRelegated Strugglers
20thSheffield United237229Chris Wilder/Paul HeckingbottomOutclassed

Table Explainer: Demystifying the Standings

1st Place (Champions): Manchester City

Manchester City’s journey to the top of the Premier League was a testament to their tactical versatility and squad depth. They secured 86 points with a record of 27 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses. City started the season slowly but went on an extraordinary 15-game winning streak from December to March, which propelled them to the summit.

Pep Guardiola’s tactical adjustments were pivotal. He often deployed a false nine system, utilizing midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündogan in more advanced roles. Gündogan emerged as a key player, contributing crucial goals during the winter months. The defensive solidity provided by the partnership of Ruben Dias and John Stones was another cornerstone of their success.

Guardiola’s influence extended beyond tactics; his ability to rotate the squad effectively ensured that City remained fresh despite a congested fixture list. Their EFL Cup victory and run to the Champions League final underscored their dominance across multiple competitions.



Top Four Challengers (2nd-4th)

Manchester United (2nd): Manchester United finished second with 74 points. Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s team showed resilience, particularly in away games where they went unbeaten throughout the season. Bruno Fernandes was a standout performer, providing goals and creativity. Key victories included a 9-0 demolition of Southampton and a 2-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad.

Liverpool (3rd): Liverpool’s season was marked by significant challenges, including long-term injuries to key defenders Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Joel Matip. Despite these setbacks, Jürgen Klopp’s side showed remarkable spirit to finish third with 69 points. Their late-season resurgence, including a dramatic 4-2 win over Manchester United, was crucial in securing Champions League qualification.

Chelsea (4th): Chelsea’s season was a tale of two halves. Under Frank Lampard, they struggled for consistency, leading to his replacement by Thomas Tuchel in January. Tuchel’s arrival brought defensive solidity and a more structured approach. Chelsea finished fourth with 67 points and capped off the season with a Champions League triumph. Notable league results included a 1-0 victory over Manchester City and a 2-0 win against Atlético Madrid in Europe.

Mid-Table Finishers (5th-10th)

Leicester City (5th): Leicester City narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification, finishing fifth with 66 points. Brendan Rodgers’ side was competitive throughout, highlighted by their FA Cup victory over Chelsea. Jamie Vardy continued to be a key player, and young talents like James Maddison and Wesley Fofana made significant contributions.

West Ham United (6th): West Ham enjoyed a standout season under David Moyes, finishing sixth with 65 points. Michail Antonio and Tomas Soucek were pivotal in their success, while Jesse Lingard’s loan spell provided a mid-season boost. Their 3-2 win against Leicester City and 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur were among the season’s highlights.

Tottenham Hotspur (7th): Tottenham’s season was turbulent, marked by the departure of José Mourinho and the appointment of Ryan Mason as interim manager. Despite mixed fortunes, they finished seventh with 62 points. Harry Kane won the Golden Boot with 23 goals and was also the top assist provider with 14, forming a lethal partnership with Son Heung-min.

Arsenal (8th): Arsenal’s season under Mikel Arteta was inconsistent, resulting in an eighth-place finish with 61 points. Key moments included a 3-1 win over Chelsea and a strong finish to the campaign. Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe were bright spots in a transitional phase for the club.

Leeds United (9th): Leeds United’s return to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa was marked by entertaining and high-intensity football. They finished ninth with 59 points, showcasing an attacking style that earned plaudits. Key performances included a 2-1 win against Manchester City and a 5-0 demolition of West Bromwich Albion.

Everton (10th): Everton started the season strongly but faded in the latter stages, finishing tenth with 59 points. Carlo Ancelotti’s side showed promise, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Rodríguez making significant impacts. However, inconsistency prevented them from sustaining a top-four challenge.

Relegation Zone (18th-20th)

Fulham (18th): Fulham’s season ended in relegation, finishing 18th with 28 points. Scott Parker’s side showed moments of resilience but struggled to score goals consistently. Key results included a 1-0 win against Liverpool at Anfield, but ultimately, they couldn’t secure enough points to stay up.

West Bromwich Albion (19th): West Bromwich Albion finished 19th with 26 points, leading to relegation. Slaven Bilić was replaced by Sam Allardyce mid-season, but the change couldn’t salvage their campaign. Despite notable results like a 5-2 win over Chelsea, defensive frailties and inconsistency were their undoing.

Sheffield United (20th): Sheffield United endured a tough season, finishing last with 23 points. Chris Wilder left the club in March, and Paul Heckingbottom took over as interim manager. Despite spirited performances, they struggled to replicate the form that saw them finish ninth the previous season.

Award Winners

Golden Boot

Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur won the Golden Boot, scoring 23 goals. His consistent goal-scoring ability, combined with his vision and playmaking skills, made him the league’s standout forward.



Player of the Year

Ruben Dias of Manchester City was named the PFA Player of the Year. His defensive solidity and leadership at the back transformed City’s defense, making them the toughest team to break down.

Golden Glove

Ederson of Manchester City won the Golden Glove with 19 clean sheets. His commanding presence in goal and excellent distribution were crucial in City’s title-winning campaign.

Memorable Moments

Manchester City’s Title-Winning Run

Manchester City’s mid-season surge was characterized by a 15-game winning streak that took them from mid-table to the top of the league. Key victories included a 4-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield and a 3-1 win against Chelsea.

Liverpool’s Resurgence

Liverpool’s late-season form saw them climb from mid-table to third place. Alisson Becker’s dramatic last-minute header against West Bromwich Albion was one of the season’s standout moments, epitomizing their never-say-die attitude.

Chelsea’s Champions League Triumph

Chelsea’s transformation under Thomas Tuchel culminated in a top-four finish and a Champions League win. Their defensive resilience and tactical discipline were on full display in their 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the final.

Leicester City’s FA Cup Victory

Leicester City’s FA Cup triumph was a historic moment for the club. Youri Tielemans’ stunning strike secured a 1-0 win over Chelsea, giving the Foxes their first-ever FA Cup.

Aston Villa’s 7-2 Win Over Liverpool

Aston Villa’s remarkable 7-2 win over Liverpool was one of the season’s biggest shocks. Ollie Watkins scored a hat-trick in a performance that highlighted Villa’s attacking prowess.

Looking Back: A Historical Context

The 2020-2021 season followed a period of intense competition and evolution in the Premier League. The previous five seasons saw a mix of dominance by Manchester City (2017-2018, 2018-2019), the resurgence of Liverpool (2019-2020), and the underdog story of Leicester City (2015-2016). Chelsea also reclaimed their place among the elite with their 2016-2017 triumph.

Manchester City’s title win in 2020-2021 was a continuation of their dominance under Pep Guardiola, reinforcing their status as one of the era’s most formidable teams. The season’s unique challenges, from pandemic disruptions to fixture congestion, tested the resilience and adaptability of all clubs.

Conclusion: A Legacy Etched in History

The 2020-2021 Premier League season will be remembered for Manchester City’s tactical brilliance, the resilience shown by clubs amid unprecedented challenges, and the unforgettable moments that defined the campaign. City’s ability to adapt and excel under Pep Guardiola’s guidance set them apart as worthy champions.

This season’s legacy extends beyond the pitch. It highlighted football’s ability to provide solace and entertainment during challenging times and showcased the sport’s enduring spirit. As we look to the future, the lessons learned from this season will shape the Premier League’s landscape, inspiring teams and fans alike.

The 2020-2021 season will be etched in history for its unique context and the remarkable stories it produced. Manchester City’s triumph, the dramatic battles for European spots, and the fight for survival all contributed to a memorable campaign that will be remembered for years to come.