Southampton
A top ten finish was the aim for the Saints and they managed that but with a relatively low points tally. The players were not at their best in the last few games which might lead to Claude Puel’s sacking in the summer. Moreover, their Europa League campaign turned out to be a disaster.
Star player: Oriol Romeu played brilliantly throughout the season in a shielding role and was the pillar for his side against the big teams. He also dictated the tempo for Southampton which made them one of the sides with the best passing percentage.
Biggest flop: Sofiane Boufal was expected to light up the Premier League with his skills and dribbling abilities but he failed to get used to the demands of the Premier League and had an average season.
Areas to improve: Goals dried up for Southampton after Manolo Gabbiadini went out of form and securing a top striker to partner the Italian should be the main aim for the Saints this summer.
Grade: C+
Bournemouth
The main aim for the Cherries was to remain in the Premier League at the end of the season and they managed that with style as both Eddie Howe and his players did a brilliant job of securing the club's highest ever finish.
Star player: Joshua King has been of the best players since the turn of the year and the forward has scored goals at will. The Norwegian finished just behind Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku on the list of goals scored in 2017.
Biggest flop: Sadly it has to be Max Gradel who suffered a knee injury in the beginning of the season and never recovered. Bournemouth paid a huge price for him but he was unable to justify that price tag.
Areas to improve: Bournemouth have done themselves proud in their last three years in the Premier League and just have to continue on this road under Eddie Howe's management.
Grade: A
West Bromwich Albion
Tony Pulis has never been relegated as a manager and he maintained that record with another satisfactory performance with the Baggies. Though they missed out on their highest ever points tally, West Bromwich Albion made significant progress this season under the taskmaster.
Star player: Ben Foster made many match winning saves to prove his worth to his side. Jonny Evans comes a close second with the veteran showing no signs of slowing down.
Biggest flop: With just one goal in 2017, Solomon Rondon was disappointing for the Baggies.
Areas to improve: Funds must be made available for Pulis to build on this season as West Brom have a very thin squad to choose from. A number of signing in every department would be helpful as they target a top ten finish next campaign.
Grade: C+
