There was no place for Arsenal in the top five teams with the most points won in 2023, although surprise package Aston Villa and Champions Manchester represented the Premier League well on the list
Premier League title holders Manchester City turned out to be the most dominant team in Europe’s top five leagues after a stellar year that saw them claim five major honours, including the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.
The Cityzens also proved to be head and shoulders above other teams in the top five leagues in terms of league form, earning more points during the calendar year than any other side.
11:07 - 31.12.2023
They are better than us — Pep Guardiola reveals only team better than Man City
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed the only team in the Premier League better than his side.
13:37 - 30.12.2023
We have big players coming back — Man City's Phil Foden warns title rivals
Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has warned the rest of the Premier League that City will be stronger as the season progresses.
In their wake were other domestic champions and a few title contenders, but also several surprising inclusions and omissions.
Manchester City's reign
Not surprisingly, Manchester City spearheaded the charge, amassing a staggering 93 points from 39 games in 2023.
Under the astute guidance of Pep Guardiola, City secured their third consecutive Premier League title, solidifying their status as a dominant force in English football.
Spanish teams trail Manchester City's success
In a thrilling resurgence, Barcelona, led by their former maestro Xavi Hernandez, surged to joint-second place alongside Atletico Madrid, both tallying an impressive 88 points.
Xavi’s masterful stewardship guided Barcelona to reclaim the LaLiga throne after enduring a four-year hiatus, while Simeone’s Atletico showcased commendable consistency, finishing third in the 2022/23 and maintaining a similar stride in the current campaign.
Inter Milan's surprise ascendancy
The statistics from Squawka also revealed some unexpected contenders. Inter Milan emerged prominently, securing 87 points, and finishing the year just behind the Spanish duo. Despite their current perch atop Serie A in the 2023/24 campaign, their 2023 journey wasn't devoid of challenges.
The Italian giants navigated a tumultuous period, enduring a rocky run between February and April, characterized by six losses in eight Serie A matches, punctuated by a solitary victory as they surrendered the league title to Napoli.
Their resilience amidst adversity underscores their credentials as genuine title contenders, and their current season form could see them reclaim the Scudetto at the end of the campaign.
Real Madrid and Aston Villa's remarkable tie
A compelling narrative unfolded further down the points table, as unexpected bedfellows emerged.
Aston Villa, having parted ways with Steven Gerrard merely two months before the start of 2023, remarkably joined the esteemed ranks of 14-time Champions League winners Real Madrid, with both clubs amassing an admirable 85 points in the year.
The Midlands outfit's resurgence under the leadership of Unai Emery injected unpredictability into the Premier League scene, where The Villans are currently second, while Real Madrid continued to exert their prowess despite not managing to claim the 2022/23 LaLiga crown.
Related content
11:07 - 31.12.2023
They are better than us — Pep Guardiola reveals only team better than Man City
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed the only team in the Premier League better than his side.
05:00 - 31.12.2023
The Barcelona outcast who could link up with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal
Arsenal have identified are reportedly interested in signing a Barcelona star in the upcoming transfer window.
19:29 - 30.12.2023
3 improvement Kevin De Bruyne's return can bring to Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne's return to Manchester City after a four-month injury absence brings a significant boost to the team.
18:03 - 30.12.2023
Paris Saint-Germain confident in keeping Kylian Mbappé amid Real Madrid interest
French champions Paris Saint-Germain believe Kylian Mbappe will stay beyond this season, despite his current contract expiring this summer and Real Madrid lurking.
17:51 - 30.12.2023
Arsenal eye Barcelona Captain as Arteta's top pick
Barcelona could be losing one of their captains this summer as Arsenal look to snap up the versatile midfielder believed to be one of Mikel Arteta's favourites
17:37 - 30.12.2023
Sergio Ramos allegedly named among players involved in Spanish Anti-Doping Agency scandal
The recent scandal rocking the Spanish Anti-Doping Agency has roped in one of the country's greatest footballers, Sergio Ramos
17:25 - 30.12.2023
Barcelona face salary cap challenge for new signing Vitor Roque
Brazilian youngster Vitor Roque has been welcomed into the Barcelona fold, but the youngster might not get registered for the 2024/25 season due to Barcelona's financial challenges
16:36 - 30.12.2023
5 former Barcelona players who are currently thriving away from the Camp Nou
These former Barcelona stars will make the Blaugrana wish that they had kept them in the team, especially considering the team's current struggles
13:37 - 30.12.2023
We have big players coming back — Man City's Phil Foden warns title rivals
Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has warned the rest of the Premier League that City will be stronger as the season progresses.
00:16 - 30.12.2023
Real Madrid cautious with fresh approach for Mbappe as they offer a time-bound contract
The transfer saga of Kylian Mbappé takes another twist as Real Madrid prepares to make a fresh, time-bound offer for the Paris Saint-Germain star. The 25-year-old Frenchman, a long-term target for Real Madrid, finds himself at a crucial crossroads in his illustrious career.
00:03 - 30.12.2023
Report: Barcelona keen on Manchester United's Greenwood, send scouts to watch
Barcelona is reportedly setting its sights on Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood following his stellar performances at Getafe. The young forward's recent form in La Liga has drawn significant attention from the Catalan giants.