Tottenham grabbed sixth spot thanks to a post-break surge that saw them collect 18 points from a possible 27, while Arsenal rallied under Mikel Arteta to finish eighth and win the FA Cup - they've since added the Community Shield too.
However, based on the underlying numbers, results are flattering the pair.
Jose Mourinho has earned a lot of plaudits for dragging Tottenham from 14th up to sixth but Spurs sit 10th in our xG table on xPoints since he took over in November, showing a negative expected goal difference (1.41 xGF, 1.54 xGA per game).
See below: Tottenham's 10-game rolling xG average 19/20
Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester sat in the top four for 92% of the season, but crucially slipped out when it mattered, finishing the campaign fifth after winning just six of their final 22 league games (they won 12 of the first 16).
Ultimately, they deserved to finish outside of the top four, sitting sixth in our xG table according to xPoints, with their level of performance and results notably dropping after the halfway stage of the season, suggesting that opponents may have figured them out.
See below: Leicester's 10-game rolling xG average 19/20
Aston Villa were written off by many last season when the league was halted, but the turnaround in results and performances was extraordinary.
Prior to the break, Dean Smith’s side had allowed a league high 2.41 xGA per game, but post-hiatus that was reduced to just 1.04 xGA per game - an incredible turnaround for a team who had obviously worked hard on defensive shape.
Former Villa boss Steve Bruce guided Newcastle to safety, and they were comfortably clear of the drop zone in 13th. However, they have to be very careful this season as, according to expected points, they ranked as the worst team in the Premier League in 19/20 – below even Norwich.
Odds correct at 1700 BST (03/09/20)
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