According to reports by Sky Sports on May 24, 2026, the final Premier League standings after Matchweek 38 of the 2025/26 season show that the campaign ended with major surprises across the table, as Arsenal were crowned champions while Chelsea suffered a major setback by missing out on European qualification.
Arsenal finished top of the table after a dominant and consistent season, holding off strong competition from Manchester City, who ended as runners-up once again. Manchester United secured third place, completing a strong top-three finish and guaranteeing Champions League football for the next campaign.
Aston Villa finished in fourth place, sealing a historic Champions League qualification spot after another impressive season under their current project. Their consistency in key matches helped them stay ahead of several traditional top-six rivals.
Liverpool ended the campaign in fifth place, narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification but still securing European football for next season. Their performances remained strong overall, but inconsistency in crucial fixtures proved costly.
One of the biggest talking points of the season came in the fight for European places, where Sunderland and Bournemouth both secured Europa League qualification after impressive campaigns, with Sunderland’s resilience and Bournemouth’s consistency proving decisive in their strong finishes. Meanwhile, Brighton earned a place in the UEFA Conference League after a solid season built on steady performances and attacking flair, rounding off a successful European race for the mid-table sides.
Chelsea, however, endured a disappointing season, finishing outside the European places after a 10th-place finish. Their final-day defeat to Sunderland proved decisive, ending any remaining hopes of qualification and confirming a frustrating campaign for the Blues despite heavy investment and expectations.
Further down the table, West Ham suffered relegation after a poor season that saw them struggle for consistency and defensive stability. They were joined in the relegation zone by Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers, both of whom were unable to escape the drop after difficult campaigns.