The 2025-26 Premier League season has come and gone, with Arsenal finally claiming the title after a 22-year wait. But is there more to this story than meets the eye? BBC Sport and Opta have delved into the numbers to uncover some fascinating insights, offering a fresh perspective on the season's events. Let's explore some of these alternative tables and see what they reveal.
Expected Points: A Different Perspective
Expected points (xPTS) are a useful metric for football analysts, providing an indication of whether a team over or under-performed. By comparing a team's quality of goalscoring chances (xG) and conceded (xGA), we can see how their actual points compare to what was expected. Sunderland, for instance, would have been relegated had they earned the points they 'should' have done, according to the data. Aston Villa would have finished in the bottom half, while Chelsea would have qualified for the Champions League. This raises a deeper question: could Sunderland and Villa's performance next season be a true test of the value of 'expected' data?
Home and Away Form: The Fortresses and the Travellers
The home and away form of teams can provide interesting insights. Tottenham, for instance, struggled to perform well in front of their own fans but earned enough points on the road to qualify for the Europa League if only away trips counted. Everton and Nottingham Forest were also better away than at home, which may be surprising given their fans' reputation for generating a big atmosphere. Fulham, on the other hand, shone at home, with Craven Cottage being the most homely-sounding ground in the country. These findings suggest that home advantage is not always as significant as we might think.
Set-Piece Masters: The New Trend
The 2025-26 season was defined by set-pieces, with Arsenal among the best performers from this area. This raises the question: will top-flight clubs spend the summer transfer window trying to master the set-piece meta by buying new free-kick takers and a gaggle of giants for them to lash the ball at? Or will a less industrial way of scoring goals re-emerge instead? The impact of set-pieces on the season cannot be overstated, and it will be interesting to see how teams approach this area in the future.
Long Shots and English Goalkeepers: A Different Table
If only goals scored from outside the box had counted, the table would look very different. This raises the question: what if the Football Association had prepared for the World Cup by asking the Premier League to rank the table using only goals scored by English players this season? This would have a significant impact on the rankings, with English goalkeepers and strikers potentially dominating. It's a thought-provoking idea that could spark a new trend in football.
In conclusion, the 2025-26 Premier League season has provided us with a wealth of insights and alternative perspectives. From expected points to home and away form, set-pieces to long shots, and English goalscorers, there is much to reflect on and discuss. As we look ahead to the future of the Premier League, these alternative tables offer a fascinating glimpse into the sport's ever-evolving nature.
