The Premier League’s elite were some way ahead of their midtable counterparts. After Chelsea in sixth, Everton finished seventh by eight points. Though they fell short of European qualification (Liverpool aside, who qualify for the Europa League action as League Cup champions), for some teams, finishing in the midtable, whether or upper or lower, represents a fantastic season.

For newly promoted outfits Norwich and Swansea, finishing 12th and 11th respectively, midtable finishes was a slap in the face to all the doubters who said they would not survive in the Premier League with such little reinforcement in the transfer market. The two managers, Paul Lambert and particularly Brendan Rogers, will undoubtedly be revelling in their success, vindicated in the placing of their faith in the teams that won them promotion in the first place. It was a refreshing approach to promotion as opposed to the usual strategy of poaching players from last season’s relegated clubs, and one that has paid massive dividends for the two clubs. Another season of Premier League television money and considerable prize money for their final positions (both teams received over £45 million each in TV and prize money) should mean some room for investment this summer for both clubs as they look to build on terrific seasons and perhaps launch themselves into the top half next season.

Everton too can be fiercely proud of their seventh placed finish in one of the toughest Premier League seasons in recent memory. Liverpool will relish the three derby wins they enjoyed over the blue half of the Merseyside, but finishing above their cross-town rivals in the league for the first time since 2005 will be a prize on its own for the men brilliantly lead by David Moyes once more. The Scotsman seems to have the answer to every problem that could face a Premier League manager. With little cash for investment in the squad, Moyes’ shrewd signings reinvigorated the Toffees once more, particularly the signing of Jelavic from cash-strapped Rangers, helping them to their lofty final position.

Liverpool on the other hand will undoubtedly be disappointed with a season that saw them lose as many games as they won over the course of the league season. Kenny Dalglish and Damian Comolli have been the first two to fall foul of the club’s American owners after a poor league campaign in which new signings like Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam failed to have the sort of impact that might justify the amount of money spent on them in the summer. The owners have a big summer of appointments ahead of them, appointments they can seldom afford to get wrong, with the club facing real danger of falling out of touch to the leading lights of the league. This season, Liverpool finished 17 points behind fourth placed Tottenham. Liverpool will have to act decisively over the summer if they are to bridge that sizeable gap next season.

Fulham and West Brom also enjoyed decent seasons. The Baggies continued their fine development under Roy Hodgson, who has since left his post at the Hawthorns after being offered the national team job ahead of the European Championships, but he has left West Brom on a fine note after steering the club well clear of relegation worries, finishing in 10th place.

Martin Jol lead Fulham to ninth place, which represents a drop by one place on last season’s performance despite winning more points. Martin Jol brought in a number of players, but that was offset by Bobby Zamora leaving, so perhaps finishing ninth could be something of a disappointment for the ambitious manager, but he has built a squad that is certainly in fine stead and could improve further next season.

Stoke City and Sunderland finished 13th and 14th respectively, equal on points. Sunderland will be disappointed with their campaign, in which Steve Bruce was sacked and Martin O’Neil was appointed as the new manager. Stoke meanwhile have avoided another relegation scrap further cementing their spot as Premier League regulars.