Arsenal’s 2025-26 Premier League campaign has been branded ‘utterly boring’ by fan report cards released Tuesday, with supporters handing the Gunners a collective score of 3.9 out of 10. The damning verdict caps a season marred by tactical stagnation and lacklustre performances.
West Ham United’s Declan Rice emerged as the division’s top-rated midfielder, polling 8.7 in fan assessments, while Manchester City’s Erling Haaland secured his third consecutive Player of the Season award despite missing five months to injury.
Key Points
- ⚡ Arsenal’s fan score of 3.9/10 worst among top six clubs
- 💡 West Ham’s Declan Rice tops midfield ratings at 8.7
- ✅ Manchester City’s Haaland wins third straight Player of the Season
Liverpool’s right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold was crowned the league’s unsung hero, praised for 12 assists and defensive solidity despite a fractured wrist. ‘He made defence look easy and attacked like a seasoned winger,’ said one Liverpool fan survey.
📋 By The Numbers
- 8.7 — Declan Rice’s fan rating, highest in midfield
- 12 — Alexander-Arnold assists despite wrist injury
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins claimed the biggest fan disappointment award after scoring just six goals in 30 starts, down from 15 the previous season. Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag faced calls for his dismissal after three straight seasons without Champions League football.
| Club | Fan Score | Biggest Disappointment |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 3.9/10 | Tactical rigidity |
| Manchester United | 4.1/10 | Lack of big signings |
| Newcastle United | 5.8/10 | Injury crisis |
Summer transfer priorities varied wildly: Chelsea fans demanded a ‘proven goal-scorer’, while Tottenham supporters called for ‘more creativity in midfield’. Brighton’s supporters urged their board to retain every first-team player, citing financial prudence.
💡 Pro Tip
Fan report cards often predict managerial futures — clubs ignoring these signals risk early exits.
Brighton’s Pascal Groß was the division’s most consistent performer, earning a 9.1 fan rating for his all-round midfield contributions. ‘He reads the game like a chess master and never shies from a tackle,’ said one fan. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi salvaged a dismal season with a late surge, scoring in three consecutive matches to spark survival hopes.
- Arsenal’s decline — Fans cite ‘lack of identity’ after three seasons without a trophy
- Liverpool’s resilience — Alexander-Arnold’s leadership key despite injury woes
- Manchester City’s dominance — Haaland’s return pivotal in title defence
The report cards, compiled by BBC Sport’s fan writers from 18 clubs, reveal deep dissatisfaction at the Emirates Stadium after another trophyless campaign. ‘We need a clear vision, not just another season of tinkering,’ said one Arsenal fan survey respondent. For Manchester United, the call for Ten Hag’s exit grew louder after a fifth-place finish and Europa League elimination.
Key Questions for 2026-27
- ❓ Will Arsenal finally break their tactical impasse?
- ❓ Can Liverpool sustain their title challenge without injuries?
- ❓ Will Manchester United gamble on a new manager?
The survey underscores the growing influence of fan sentiment in shaping club narratives, with social media amplifying every lowlight and hero moment. As transfer windows loom, the report cards serve as an early warning system for clubs navigating performance crises.