How the Top 5 of the 2021-22 Premier League table would look based on fair play

#3 West Ham United

West Ham United had an impressive 2021-22 season

One of the most impressive Premier League teams of the season, David Moyes' side proved that his side's sixth-placed finish in the 2020-21 season was not a fluke.

West Ham finished seventh in the just-concluded season and will play in the Europa Conference League next season. They also reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League, losing 3-1 on aggregate to eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Hammers recorded 46 yellow cards and three red cards, which places them third on the fair play table.

#2 Liverpool

Liverpool lost the league title by just a point

The league title was a two-horse race for most of the season and the Reds gave the Citizens a good run for their money. Liverpool lost the title to Manchester City by a point for the second time in the league's history.

The story would have been different if Aston Villa had not taken their foot off the pedal against Manchester City on the final day of the season.

Liverpool would still finish as runners-up if the league was decided on fair play. Jurgen Klopp's side had 50 yellow cards and one red card in the recently-concluded campaign.

#1 Manchester City

Manchester City have now won six Premier League titles

Manchester City have been the most dominant Premier League club in the past decade. The Citizens have won five league titles in the last ten seasons. Under Pep Guardiola, they have become champions of the league four times.

One advantage of being an all-attacking and possession-holding side is that it makes the team less prone to committing fouls. Guardiola's side holds the record for ball possession in the 2021-22 season with an average of 64.8%.

Manchester City would still win the league if fair play was the yardstick. They accumulated the least number of yellow cards in the Premier League (42) and had just one sending off.