Arsenal may have finally ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title, but alternative tables from Opta show they would still have finished among the league’s best under several different systems.
Using expected points (xPTS), which measures performances based on chance quality created and conceded, Arsenal still ranked at the top after a dominant campaign.
The data also highlighted some major overperformers and underperformers across the division. Sunderland were the biggest surprise, with Opta suggesting they would have been relegated based on expected data despite surviving comfortably in reality.
Meanwhile, Chelsea would have secured Champions League qualification through expected points, while Aston Villa would have dropped into the bottom half.
Tottenham better away from home
One of the most unusual findings came from Tottenham Hotspur, whose away form was significantly stronger than their home performances.
If only away matches counted, Spurs would have qualified for the Europa League, while their home form painted a much weaker picture.
Everton and Nottingham Forest also earned more points away from home than at their own stadiums.
On the other hand, Fulham benefited the most from home advantage, turning Craven Cottage into one of the league’s strongest home venues.
Set-pieces and long-range goals shape season
Set-pieces became a major talking point throughout the campaign and Arsenal once again stood out as one of the league’s strongest sides from dead-ball situations.
The success of specialist set-piece coaches and tactical routines led many clubs to rely heavily on corners and free-kicks during the season.
Opta also created a table based only on goals scored from outside the penalty area, highlighting which teams produced the most spectacular long-range strikes during the campaign.
Another table ranked clubs solely on goals scored by English players, adding a different perspective ahead of England’s World Cup preparations.
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