Johnny Phillips: The heroes and Villans who shone last season

Not far behind comes Martin Odegaard, who also stepped up in terms of consistency. He was, without doubt, the man who made Arsenal tick all season and his creativity in midfield was responsible for much of the attacking prowess of Mikel Arteta’s side. It was the Norwegian’s fourth season in English football. Still only 25, if he can maintain these levels then he will become a Gunners great.

If I was looking for a young player of the season, then that surely goes to Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. It is not often that Guardiola gets one wrong but he surely cannot have imagined the impact the youngster would have at Stamford Bridge. City will argue that they got good money for a player who was with the club since the age of 10 but they surely wouldn’t let him go if they had their time again.

In picking a team of the year I went for a 4-2-3-1 formation with the strong presence of Emiliano Martinez in goal. His command of the penalty area and all-round excellence in goal showed why he has developed into a a fantastic goalkeeper.

In defence I have gone for familiarity with the Arsenal pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel at the heart of the back four. Their understanding gave Arteta’s side the solidity they have lacked in recent seasons. Either side of those two come Manchester City’s full-backs Kyle Walker and Josko Gvardiol. The longevity of 34-year-old Walker is particularly impressive, he has been a key player for City in these years of their dominance.

The two holding midfielders are Rodri and Declan Rice. Both City and Arsenal look much weaker when either man is missing from the starting XI. Rice has certainly lived up to the huge price tag on his head when he made the move across London.

For reasons already discussed, Foden, Odegaard and Palmer make up the three attacking players further forward complemented by Ollie Watkins as the central striker. The Villa forward really stepped up this season and while it is always hard to ignore the presence of Erling Haaland, Watkins had a better season. England fans will be hoping he can make an impact on this summer’s European Championship, too.

In terms of a manager of the season, there are two outstanding candidates. Andoni Iraola turned Bournemouth into a potent attacking force after a troubled start to the season. The south coast club became one of the best teams at both counter-attacking in transition and pulling off a high press when the time suited. It is extremely difficult to make a success of two such styles and the adoption of different strategies at different times during games requires a test of nerve, too.

But he is just pipped by his Basque Country compatriot Unai Emery. To take Villa into the Champions League places while maintaining a European campaign all season was something special. Not many expected Villa to last the distance but they fully deserve their spot among Europe’s elite next season.

Dipping out of the Premier League for a moment, while on the subject of managers, John Mousinho is certainly one to watch after his hugely impressive debut season at Portsmouth ended with the League One title.

In terms of a best game, I’ve gone for Chelsea 4-4 Manchester City back in November. When Haaland put the visitors in front from the penalty spot after 25 minutes it appeared as if another routine victory was on its way for City. But a tremendous match unfolded ebbing and flowing throughout. The denouement - Palmer’s stoppage time penalty - seemed a fitting way to bring the curtain down on a frantic game of football.

In all, it was not a vintage season. Manchester United's FA Cup win showed that City are not infallible in big games but over the course of a season they have become predictably unstoppable.