The Premier League has created all sorts of shocks and upsets this season, not least the fact that Leicester City were crowned champions after a memorable year.
Claudio Ranieri’s men showed a level of consistency that few believed they were capable of, as they out-fought and out-thought many of their rivals to finish top of the pile.
While they thoroughly deserved their success, Aston Villa, Norwich City and Newcastle United will prepare for life in the Championship next season, after embarrassing, disappointing and frustrating campaigns respectively.
Arsenal were able to celebrate a last-day St Totteringham’s Day triumph, while the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool will be hoping to climb the table next year with the race for the top four looking particularly difficult to predict.
The arrivals of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and Antonio Conte at Chelsea will only further add to the competitiveness at the top of the league, while Jurgen Klopp will have an entire summer to get his plans in place at Anfield.
There’s still time to potentially see the return of Jose Mourinho after he was sacked by Chelsea last December, and with a whole host of clubs hoping to replicate the achievements of Leicester, Southampton and West Ham United, it sets up a thrilling year.
Best team: Leicester City
The Foxes were 5000-1 outsiders to win the Premier League before the campaign kicked off, but their relentless push to upset the odds saw them crowned champions to complete what is one the biggest sporting upsets of all time.
From Ranieri’s tactical know-how to Jamie Vardy’s goalscoring exploits and the defensive solidity that they showed throughout, the entire squad and staff deserve credit for the club’s achievement.
With Champions League football now being added to their fixture list for next season, it remains to be seen whether or not they can cope, while firstly they will hope to keep hold of all of their star players.
Best player: Jamie Vardy
Harry Kane, Wes Morgan, N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez and Dimitri Payet to name but a few are all in contention, and varying opinions will see others pick up the award.
However, with 24 goals and eight assists in 36 appearances, coupled with a Premier League record of scoring in 11 consecutive games to ignite Leicester’s title push, Vardy pips the competition to first place.
Mahrez was a popular choice in terms of PFA fans and players season awards, but given where he was to where he is now, Vardy deserves the recognition.
Biggest flop: Aston Villa
Again, several other individuals and clubs will come into this category and stake a claim, but Villa’s season was truly embarrassing both on and off the pitch.
With just three wins in 38 games, 17 points in total and with the likes of Gabby Agbonlahor and Joleon Lescott creating all sorts of headlines off the pitch, it has been a season to forget for the club’s supporters.
Combined with the protests against owner Randy Lerner, the club appears to be in real turmoil. In turn, they need new ownership, a new long-term manager that can bring more success than Tim Sherwood and Remi Garde combined, and new players that are ready for the grind of the Championship next season.
Premier League 2015/16 team of season: David De Gea; Hector Bellerin, Wes Morgan, Toby Alderweireld, Danny Rose; Riyad Mahez, Dele Alli, N’Golo Kante, Dimitri Payet; Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy.