Premier League 2022-23 season review: our predictions versus reality

What we predicted: “Winning the Champions League is the focus for City, although anything less than top spot domestically will be a disappointment for a team aiming to set higher standards each season. Liverpool’s evolution and improvement will keep City on their toes and ensure there is, at the very least, a two-horse race for the title.”

What actually happened: Liverpool were nowhere to be seen in the title race and Arsenal faded in the run-in to give City their fifth title in six years. Despite a slow start in the Community Shield, when some pundits wondered if his arrival would prove a mistake, Erling Haaland’s goals gave the team a new dimension. A treble seems more likely than not.

What we predicted: “Last season, Arsenal promised so much before falling away in a manner that stung. Fifth place constituted significant progress but they should have held on to a top-four spot: a lack of depth, and arguably genuine quality, in key positions was an obvious reason and Mikel Arteta has spent his summer attempting to correct it. His efforts have gained rich reward. While it cannot be denied that Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko were deemed expendable by Manchester City, spending around £75m for a pair of proven winners who are entering their peak years looks exceptional value in the current market.”

What actually happened: Arsenal promised so much before falling away in a manner that stung. They were in pole position to win the league, but a lack of depth and experience undid them in the end. It was a season of progress while also being one that may come to feel like a painful missed opportunity.

What we predicted: “After the poorest of campaigns, which ended with the team finishing sixth, 35 points behind Manchester