As the final whistle blows on the Premier League 2023/24 season, we look back at what has been an extraordinary year in English football. This season, the Premier League shattered records with the most goals ever scored, thrilling fans week after week with its high-octane action.
The title race was a nail-biting affair, featuring a gripping three-horse (for a while) contest that kept supporters on the edge of their seats until the very end. We’ve witnessed unforgettable matches, sensational individual performances, and the rise of exciting new talents who have taken the league by storm. Join us as we celebrate the pinnacle of this remarkable season with 365Scores’ Premier League Awards of the Year, honoring the best goal, player, game and more that defined this unforgettable journey.
Premier League Player of the Year: Phil Foden
Phil Foden won the official award, and he wins the 365Scores’ award as well. He is simply incredible. He has taken his already high level to a different stratosphere He’s fundamental to the Citizens.
He scored 19 goals and chipped in with eight assists. On the final day against West Ham, City needed a win to secure the title otherwise it would’ve been heading to North London. Foden ensured that it stayed in Manchester for a fourth consecutive year. He scored a thumping strike two minutes in before doubling his, and City’s tally, with 19 minutes on the clock. Foden is only 23 but has now won the Premier League six times, as many as David Beckham. He doesn’t quite have that level of international fame yet, but it’s creeping up and up.
He’ll be a key figure for England this summer. Still officially young enough to win the Young Player of the Award, Foden is truly world-class.
Premier League Young Player of the Year: Cole Palmer
Cole ‘Cold’ Palmer. What a player.
People questioned Palmer’s £45m transfer fee to Chelsea from Manchester City last summer but it is safe to say that all of those qualms have been brushed aside. A pivotal figure in Chelsea’s attack, Palmer’s performances have been nothing short of sensational, particularly highlighted by his explosive scoring feats in crucial matches.
Palmer’s back-to-back hat-tricks against Everton and Manchester United were standout moments that underscored his scoring prowess and ability to step up in high-stakes games. In the dramatic 4-3 victory over Manchester United, Palmer not only scored a hat-trick but also provided the equalizing and winning goals during the second-half stoppage time, showcasing his clutch performance under pressure. This was followed by another remarkable performance where he netted four goals in a dominant 6-0 triumph over Everton, further cementing his status as a key player for Chelsea.
These performances are indicative of how Palmer has carried Chelsea on his back this season, especially during periods when the team needed someone to step forward. They don’t call him ‘Cold’ Palmer for nothing!
Premier League Goal of the Year: Alejandro Garnacho vs. Everton (a) – 25th November 2023
Alejandro Garnacho’s goal was a complete work of art.
At a buoyant Goodison Park, Manchester United would have to do something special to silence the atmosphere of the animated crowd, noisier than ever out of protest for their ten-point deduction. That something special came in the third minute thanks to Garnacho.
Victor Lindelof sprayed a sublime crossfield pass to Marcus Rashford on the right-wing who slipped the ball down the line to overlapping Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese right-back looked up once and whipped in a slightly lopsided cross towards the box. The ball was set to land two meters behind the onrushing Garnacho who decided to improvise.
The Argentinian ran backwards and, on almost the edge of the area, leaped into the air with a bicycle motion and the poise of a ballerina. His right foot kissed the speeding, spinning ball and it flew into the far corner, past a helpless Jordan Pickford. The animated Everton fans were silenced, if not awestruck. The Manchester United fans became rapturous. Garnacho, almost surprised himself, emulated his idol Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark ‘SIU’ celebration and let the crowd appreciate his magic.
Mohamed Kudus tried his best to steal the award from Garnacho on the final day against Manchester City with a bicycle kick of his own, but Garnacho’s goal reigns supreme.
Premier League Game of the Year: Chelsea 4-4 Manchester City – 12th November 2023
With eight goals, a 95th-minute equalizer, some screamers, some of the world’s best players on display, controversial referee decisions, and more, this was an absolute thriller. The match began with a blistering pace as both teams traded early goals, setting the tone for a relentless end-to-end battle. Strikes from Chelsea’s rising stars were met with equally spectacular responses from City’s seasoned talents. The drama peaked in the dying moments when Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, formerly of City, snatched a last-gasp penalty equalizer, sparking wild celebrations and leaving fans breathless. This epic showdown had it all, from dazzling individual brilliance to contentious calls that kept the tension high, making it a game that will be remembered for years to come.
Manchester City are the clear favourites but United won’t go down without a massive fight. What’s certain, it will be a thriller.
Most Improved Player of the Year: Dominic Solanke
Dominic Solanke had an excellent season with an impressive Bournemouth. He scored 19 goals and chipped in with three assists as well. Featuring in every game, Solanke was one of the league’s best strikers and was prolific throughout the year.
It was an enormous improvement from the previous year in which Solanke only scored six goals. He always had the promise and the potential, but it was 2023/24 that he really delivered.
Biggest Decline of the Year: Casemiro
Casemiro of 2022/23 was incredible. He made people think that Real Madrid had made a bad sale for once. But they were probably wrong. Real Madrid never makes bad sales.
Casemiro this season has been a shadow of the player he was last season. He’s been injured at times and other times where United would have been better off if he was still injured. He still has some quality but the biggest indicator of his fall off was against Crystal Palace in which United lost 4-0. Not only was he at fault for two goals, he was dribbled past EIGHT times and failed to make an impact. A move to Saudi Arabia looms large…
Signing of the Season: Declan Rice
Declan Rice‘s transfer to Arsenal proved to be a masterstroke, as he quickly became the linchpin of their midfield. Throughout the 2023/24 Premier League season, Rice demonstrated his exceptional talent and versatility, contributing significantly to Arsenal’s success. He not only provided defensive solidity with an average of 3.2 tackles and 2 interceptions per game but also showcased his ability to drive the team forward, completing 88% of his passes and scoring 5 crucial goals. His leadership on and off the pitch was instrumental in Arsenal’s impressive campaign, solidifying his status as the Premier League’s signing of the season. He took them within an inch of the title, could next season be where he takes them all the way?
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter (X)
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