The 2023/24 Premier League season is finally over with Manchester City claiming the big prize.
Pep Guardiola's side were crowned as champions of England for the fourth time in succession - the first time that has happened in the history of England's top flight. They just about got over the line on the last day, with Arsenal left to stew on their heartbreak.
At the other end of the table, Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton make an instant return to the Championship. While the Premier League will now take a break for this summer Euros, there are still plenty of questions to answer.
Some top-flight managers face uncertain futures, with the division’s decision makers have their own major calls to make. Take a look at the most pressing questions that need answering sooner rather than later…
Will VAR be scrapped?
Ahead of next season, all 20 Premier League clubs will be gathering to take a major vote on the future of VAR. The technology has faced severe criticism this season following a series of errors.
Wolves are spearheading that unprecedented vote so the league could look very different next season. In order for any abolition of VAR to be voted through, 14 clubs need to be in favour.
At this stage, it appears unlikely that enough clubs will vote in favour of VAR being scrapped. But fans will be looking out with intrigue regardless.
What was your highlight of the 2023/24 season? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Does a decision need to be made on PSR?
The Premier League’s organisers also have major decisions to make when it comes to punishments handed out for financial breaches. Both Everton and Nottingham Forest had points deducted for breaching PSR rules this season.
More could follow with newly-promoted Leicester having been charged. There seems to be a huge uncertainty when it comes to the punishments handed out.
The points deductions appear to have been handed out on an ad-hoc basis. A decision needs to be made on a standard punishment going forwards.
What’s happening with Man City’s charges?
While Man City are justifiably celebrating an historic fourth title in succession, there does remain some uncertainty. The club are facing 115 separate charges from the Premier League for financial irregularities.
As it stands, they are yet to face punishment. And it is unclear what punishment they could actually face. Premier League CEO Richard Masters has confirmed that a hearing is coming in the “near future”.
Supporters will certainly be keeping a close eye on the developments, while City’s competitors will also be keen to see some sort of retribution.
Does Erik ten Hag stay?
Manchester United rounded off the season with a 2-0 win at Brighton but that was not enough to avoid their worst-ever Premier League finish. The Red Devils slumped to eighth.
That could potentially see Erik ten Hag pay with his job. Rumours of Sir Jim Ratcliffe replacing him have been rife ever since he arrived at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag has one final chance to save his job in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. But an answer on his long term future at Man United should come sooner rather than later.
Who else leaves?
Ten Hag might not be the only manager on the move in the off-season. Fierce rivals Liverpool are of course appointing a long-term successor for Jurgen Klopp with Arne Slot taking the Anfield reins.
The managerial changes do not end there. Brighton have already confirmed that Roberto De Zerbi is leaving so are looking for a new man, while David Moyes is leaving West Ham.
There are also uncertain futures for Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea and Nuno Espirito Santo at Nottingham Forest. It will certainly be interesting to see who sticks and who twists in the hotseat this summer.
What happens to Liverpool?
So, Jurgen Klopp has now gone. Arne Slot has a huge job on his hands following in the German’s footsteps.
There’s plenty to do at Anfield. Thiago and Joel Matip are also leaving the club and will have to be replaced, while the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah all just have one year left on their contracts.
The Egyptian continues to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. That uncertainty could cause havoc at Anfield next season so it will be interesting to see how the Reds adapt.
How does the gap get closed?
While there are questions to answer at the top of the Premier League, the bottom is giving just as big of a headache. Burnley, Luton and Sheffield United have all instantly returned to the Championship after being promoted last term.
Between them, the three of them could only accumulate 66 points - the same amount that Tottenham earned on their own, and even they lost 12 games. It just goes to show the gap between the Premier League and the Championship continues to grow.
It will certainly be no good for the appeal of the league for promoted teams to constantly drop straight back down. Bosses will certainly be scratching their heads over how the chasm can be closed once again.
Who takes the final place?
So, we still don’t know the final lineup for the 2024/25 Premier League season. Leicester and Ipswich have earned their spots after earning automatic promotion.
It means there’s only one place up for grabs and that will be decided this weekend. Leeds and Southampton head to Wembley this weekend for the playoff final.
Both sides were relegated from the Premier League last term, so at least one will earn an instant return. Once that game is done, planning can really get started for next season.
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