Season Review - Premier League

Stories of the season2020/21 saw protocols enhanced and introduced, whileclubs remained focused on developing young talentPioneering protocols for player welfare0.31%The percentage ofpositive results (261)from 83,376 COVID-19tests of PremierLeague players andstaff during 2020/21The Premier League and itsclubs continued to work closelywith Government, public healthauthorities and other relevantstakeholders to implement COVID-19operational protocols and maintainthe bio-secure environmentscreated during last season’sProject Restart.so we could complete Season2020/21.Strict health and safety measuresremained in place to keeptraining grounds and stadiumsas safe as possible for everybodyWhen infection rates rose acrossthe country during Decemberand January, that was reflectedwith an increase in positiveresults at Premier League clubs. Inresponse, the frequency of testingwas increased and enhancedsafety protocols were broughtin. These were designed to limitinfections at clubs, with stricterrules on hygiene at traininggrounds, travel and stadiumsthat went beyond thosepreviously in place.The Premier League’s robustCOVID-19 testing programmeprovided an additional layer ofsafety and security for all playersand club staff throughout thecampaign.Big breakthrough25Years and 250 dayswas Aston Villa’saverage startingXI age, the secondyoungest in theLeague in 2020/21behind Fulham34%Increase in minutesby under-23 playersacross the League,compared to thefive-season averageAston Villa enjoyed a much-improvedsecond season back in the PremierLeague, with the club also placingtheir faith in a number of Academygraduates.Jacob Ramsey joined the Villans atUnder-9s and had a campaign toremember after making his PremierLeague debut in September 2020.“To make my first start and 21appearances in the Premier Leagueat the age of 19 makes me veryproud and I’m thankful to all thecoaching staff for giving me theopportunities,” he said.The club also gave Premier Leaguedebuts to two more players fromtheir Academy: Jaden PhilogeneBidace and Carney Chukwuemka.Leading the way on Academy issuesThe Players’ Leadership Group waslaunched by the Arsenal Academy fourseasons ago as a way of engagingUnder-9 to Under-23 players on keyissues and to ensure the voices of youngpeople were heard.This resulted in the figuresreducing significantly in a shortspace of time, keeping everybodysafe and allowing the campaignto be completed on schedule.Each season, a new set of players iselected to the group, voted in by theirpeers and staff. Empowered to sharetheir views and opinions, the grouphelps to create a more collaborativeand youth-led approach to a player’stime in the Academy.training at professional level whichare expected to be implementedahead of the 2021/22 season.The Premier League also joined theAlzheimer’s Society’s Sport UnitedAgainst Dementia campaign tohelp build awareness of dementia inour communities. This builds on theexisting work carried out by clubsto increase support for fans andcommunities and ensure those whoneed it can access dementia support.Arsenal’s safeguarding coordinatorfor men’s football Alex Hepton said:“One of our beliefs at Arsenal is thatbetter people create better players.By helping our young people todevelop the skills to communicatetheir thoughts, feelings and beliefswe are supporting them to succeed infootball and in life.”During 2020/21, the group decided toThe League also began two studiesto identify the forces involved inheading footballs. The studies willinform guidelines for heading in8tackle the issue of discrimination andcame up with objectives to work ontogether. This included creating a youngperson-led protocol for respondingto incidents of abuse when theyhappen on the pitch, as well as a videoexplaining the need for the protocol.In spite of the pandemic, four ofthe young leaders developed andpresented their protocol to the club’sAcademy Management Team beforesharing the idea with the PremierLeague and The FA. The Leaguehas since adapted the group’sidea and created a protocol for allAcademy football, aimed at tacklingdiscrimination and using a youngperson-led approach.Concussion subs and heading studiesA permanent concussionsubstitution trial was introduced inthe Premier League in February 2021as part of IFAB’s global trial. Teamswere able to make a maximum oftwo concussion substitutes, withthe opposition able to use theequivalent number.Two other young English players,Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash,also impressed during their debutPremier League campaigns aftersigning for the club. Watkins scored14 goals in 37 League appearancesand made his senior England debut,while right-back Cash played 28League matches.The Football9

Developing talentEncouraging diversity in coachingThe Professional Player to CoachScheme was launched in 2020,aimed at increasing the numberof Black, Asian and minority ethnicplayers who transition into full-timecoaching roles in the professionalgame.Our commitment to producing the next generationof stars is being delivered through high-standardlearning opportunities for players and coachesHelping players take the next stepRun in partnership between thePremier League, EFL and PFA Charity,the programme sees up to sixJoel Bonner joined the LiverpoolAcademy at the age of 12 and spentfour years with the club before hewas released aged 15.Neil Ryan is in his 18th year as anAcademy coach at ManchesterUnited and says the club’scommitment to developing coachesequals its proud heritage ofproducing homegrown players.“There’s a lot of support there andthere’s a strategy in place for eachplayer when they do get released.So, I went to LoughboroughUniversity and studied Sport andExercise Psychology.”Now an Under-15s & 16s analyst andcoach at the club he represented,Bonner is thankful for the supporthe received from his time in theyouth set-up.“Looking at the Academy systemas a whole, there’s definitelyan emphasis on developing theperson and making sure thatyou’ve got that back-up plan,The Under-18s manager has coachedevery age group from Under-11s toUnder-19s, working with the likes ofMarcus Rashford, Mason Greenwoodand Scott McTominay along the way.Neil explains how the club placesgreat importance on investing inits coaches. This included him beingsupported through the Premierso education and schoolingdoesn’t get neglected.“The support you get, just to knowyou’re not on your own in terms ofthe next steps you’re going to take,is really important.”Of parents believethe overall Academyexperience is positive10A survey conducted during Season2020/21 found that parentsof players at Premier LeagueAcademies believe clubs providea positive experience with strongpractices in place to support players’holistic development.The Elite Player Performance Plan,launched in 2012, enables clubs todevelop both the player and theperson, by providing a wide range ofeducational and welfare activitiesdesigned to enhance learning as wellas provide life skills.An independent study by Sparkler,which surveyed parents of PremierLeague club Academy players agedbetween eight and 17, found 93 percent of respondents said the overallAcademy experience was positive.The effectiveness of this off-pitchactivity was underlined by thefact that 91 per cent of parentssurveyed believed clubs caredabout their child’s developmentbeyond football.League’s Elite Coach ApprenticeshipScheme (ECAS) in 2014/15. “The clubhas always been a fantastic placefor coaches to develop and learn,” hereveals. “I’ve had great coaches andmentors to learn from and I’ve hadnothing but support in my desire tobecome a better coach.“When I have asked for help to improve,such as joining ECAS, they have fullybacked me. The programme opened myeyes and it was fascinating to learn howI could improve in terms of management,building relations, presentations and soforth. I still apply the skillsets I learnedon a regular basis to this day.”Making a difference every dayAs assistant Under-18s coach atCrystal Palace, it’s Darren Powell’sjob to not only deliver trainingsessions to young players, butalso prepare them for life beyondthe youth teams and hopefully apathway to the first team.Evaluating the Academy experience93%“This scheme will make huge stridesin opening doors and breakingdown barriers,” Pittman said soonafter starting the scheme.A supportive environment to learn“It’s a really tough experience whenany player is told they’re gettingreleased,” explained Joel.Each PremierLeague CategoryOne Club Academyhas full-timeEducation andPlayer Carestaff to supportthe academicand personaldevelopment ofplayers. This is inaddition to full-timesafeguardingand psychologyprovision.coaches per season start a 23-monthwork placement at an EFL club. Oneof the first year’s intake was formerAston Villa player Jon-Paul Pittmanwho is on a placement with ExeterCity’s Academy coaching team.Crystal Palace’sUnder-23s wonpromotion to PremierLeague 2 Division 1 intheir first seasonas a CategoryOne AcademyThe FootballIt is nearly 20 years since Powell wasa Premier League regular for theclub, which has always had a goodtrack record of developing talentedhomegrown players.“Even in my time as a player here,there was a conveyor belt of playerscoming through,” he says. “That ethosof developing homegrown players isstill really strong. Tyrick Mitchell thisseason has shown what can be done.With us, if you’re good enough, if thetalent’s there and you work hard,then the opportunity is there for you.”Powell came through the PremierLeague’s Elite Coach ApprenticeshipScheme as part of the Black, Asianand Minority Ethnic and female coachinitiative, and says it has given himthe tools to really make a difference.“Knowledge isn’t enough, it’s abouthow you deliver it,” he says. “Theprogramme was massive for me. It’shelped me focus on what we can reallydo to enhance players’ performance.”11

Premier LeagueSeason AwardsRecognising the individuals whose outstandingcontributions during 2020/21 earned them ourseasonal honours?Permanent concussion substitutiontrials were introduced in the PremierLeague and across English footballin February.heading in training at professionaland adult football levels which areexpected to be implemented aheadof the 2021/22 seasonplayer welfare the priority,The Premier League also joined theGolden GloveWithManagerof the Seasonthe protocols allow teams to makeAlzhiemer’s Society’s Sport AgainstEdersona maximum of two concussionDementia board, working alongsidePepGuardiolasubstitutes, with the oppositionsideother sports and broadcasters toManchester City goalkeeperEdersonableto use retainedthe equivalent number.build awareness of dementia inPep Guardiolawas named thePremierthe Coca-Cola Golden Glove award in 2020/21our communities.ThisBarclaysbuilds ontheLeague Managerthe carriedSeason outafterafter keeping more clean sheetsthananyother began twoIn to a thirdtitleforin fansfour years.stopper in the League. ThestudiesBrazilianto recordedidentify the forces Manchesterto CityincreasesupportandCityandset aensuretop-flightrecord19 shut-outs in 36 games, improvinghisinvolved inonheadingfootballs, Underwith his tutelage,communitiesmillionsby registeringconsecutivewins andwinning tally of 16 the previousseason.the aimof making the game asmore13peopleaccessawaydementiaup a fourth successive Carabao Cup.safe as possible for all players.alsoThepickedsupport.studies will inform guidelines forPlayer of the SeasonYoung Playerof the SeasonRuben DiasManchester City’s Ruben Dias was crownedthe EA Sports Player of the Season following adream debut campaign in English football.The Portuguese centre-back, who made 32Premier League appearances, was a key partof the watertight defence that concededthe fewest top-flight goals as the Citizensmarched towards the title. The 24-year-oldalso added the Carabao Cup and FootballWriters’ Association trophies to his collection,becoming the first defender to win the lattersince Steve Nicol in 1989.Phil FodenMidfielder Phil Foden’s standout performancesfor Manchester City have been rewarded withthe Young Player of the Season prize. The21-year-old, who made his senior England debutlast September, contributed nine goals and fiveassists as his team stormed to the League title.Golden Boot &Playmaker of the SeasonHarry KaneTottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane endedthe 2020/21 campaign with two prizes – theCoca-Cola Golden Boot and Playmakerawards – after recording 23 goals and 14assists for the season. The England captainscored one and assisted another as Spurs beatLeicester City on the final day of the season,sealing his place at the top of both lists in fittingfashion. He is only the second player to havefinished with both the outright mostgoals and assists in the competition afterAndy Cole in 1993/94.PL2 Player of the SeasonGoal of the SeasonLiam DelapErik LamelaLiam Delap won the Premier League 2 Player ofthe Season award after helping fire ManchesterCity Under-23s to the title. The 18-year-oldscored the most goals (24) in one season by aplayer in the competition’s history.Erik Lamela’s magnificent ‘rabona’ finish againstArsenal was voted the Budweiser Goal of theSeason. The Tottenham Hotspur midfielderswung his left foot around his right and shotthrough the legs of Thomas Partey to score inthe north London derby at Emirates Stadium.

Reporting online hateOngoing actionagainst discriminationThe Premier League legal teamundertook a detailed investigationto successfully identify andlocate the offender, beforeworking with Neal, the club andlocal authorities to pursue legalaction.The Premier League and our clubs are committedto eradicating prejudice and continue to promoteequality and diversity in all we doThis resulted in a man in Singapore,Derek Ng De Ren, being prosecutedand convicted of crimes relating toharassment.The commitment of the PremierLeague and our clubs to promotingequality, diversity and inclusion wasmore evident than ever this season,as we collectively demonstrated theimportance of tackling all formsof discrimination.Addressing the issue of onlinediscriminatory abuse is a priority forthe Premier League and our clubs.The announcement of the League’sNo Room For Racism Action Planin February outlined a series ofcommitments aimed at creatinggreater access to opportunitiesand career progression for Black,Asian and minority ethnic groupsin football, along with actions toeradicate racial prejudice. These buildon the existing year-round actiontaken by the League and clubs.Players and match officials onceagain wore the No Room ForRacism sleeve badge on their shirtsthroughout the season. The Leaguealso continued to support playersThe No Room For Racism Action Plan isunderpinned by the following six commitments: Increasing diversity in leadership positions inall areas, creating a workforce which reflectsthe diversity of our industry and communities. Increasing the representation of coachesfrom Black, Asian and minority ethnicbackgrounds, addressing the historicunder-representation of Black formerplayers in coaching and other technicalroles at senior levels in football. Ensuring every player has the opportunityto achieve their potential at Premier League14Following the launch of theLeague’s dedicated reportingsystem for players, managers,coaches and their family membersin June 2020, one player to haveutilised it is Brighton & Hove Albionstriker Neal Maupay.The Frenchman used the systemto report the threatening andabusive messages he received onInstagram.who took a knee at fixtures andthere were more dedicated matchrounds than ever to the No RoomFor Racism initiative, during whichfans were urged to challenge andreport racism.The Premier League, our clubs andpartners joined forces with theentirety of English football – as wellas other sports and organisationsacross the UK and globally – for asocial media boycott. Using the appeal and reach of the Leagueand clubs, working together to help childrenand young people reach their potentialby promoting aspiration, education andpathways to opportunities. Providing clubs with a clear framework forachieving and reporting progress againstagreed equality, diversity and inclusion targets.“The vile and toxic abuse ofwhich I was on the receiving endis a daily occurrence for manyprofessional athletes and publicfigures, and I hope this goessome way to showing those onlinetrolls that it is totally unacceptableand that the authorities areprepared to take the necessaryaction.”Worldwide social media boycottAcademies and in their future careers,whether in football or elsewhere, regardlessof ethnicity or background. Continuing to take action against all formsof racism so that football is a welcoming andsafe environment for all participants and fans.Neal said: “I would like to thankthe club and Premier League forthe support they showed me in thismatter, and the professionalism indealing with it; as well as the policeand courts in Singapore.1.7bnCombined followingof the accounts thatjoined the socialmedia boycottNo Room For RacismThis was in response to the ongoingand sustained discriminatory onlineabuse received by players andmany others connected to football.The boycott took place over anentire match round, from Friday30 April to Monday 3 May 2021,and sought to put further pressureon social media companies anddemand change on their platforms.This includes putting strongerpreventative and take-downmeasures in place to stop abusebeing seen or sent, protecting usersby implementing effective verificationand ensuring real-life sanctions foronline discriminatory abuse.The boycott came after Englishfootball wrote an open letter toJack Dorsey, the CEO of Twitter,and Mark Zuckerberg, the founder,Chairman and CEO of Facebook,calling for an end to racist abuseon their platforms. We will continueto apply pressure until significantchanges are made.15

Creating positivechange togetherCommitted to an all-inclusive causeThe Premier League Equality,Diversity and Inclusion Standard(PLEDIS) has had a hugely positiveimpact since its inception in 2015,and West Ham United’s commitmentto the scheme was rewarded duringSeason 2020/21.Clubs and players continue to play a vital rolein challenging discriminatory behaviour andcreating an inclusive football environmentPlayers supported the PremierLeague’s ongoing action againstracism this season by sharing theirown experiences of discriminationto help raise awareness of theissue. Some of these stories havebeen added to the educationalresources available to more than18,000 primary schools throughthe Premier League Primary Starsprogramme.Crystal Palace players Tyrick Mitchell(left) and Joel Ward were joinedby women’s player Leigh Nicol asthey discussed the importance ofallyship and showing support forothers who face discrimination.Mitchell says the threat of onlineabuse is one players have becomeaccustomed to. “In the back of mymind I’m kind of prepared for it if ithappens,” he said. “I shouldn’t haveto think it might happen at somepoint. I should never have thatfeeling, but that’s how it is now.”This season thePremier Leagueadopted theInternationalHolocaustRemembranceAlliance’s workingdefinition ofantisemitism,enabling theLeague to dealmore effectivelywith antisemiticbehaviour directedat clubs or personnel.16Chelsea launched their No To Hatecampaign following the discriminatoryabuse of several of their players online.The initiative has five focus areas:Education, Social Media, Support,Awareness and Opportunity, all ofwhich complement the club’s supportof the Premier League’s No Room ForRacism Action Plan.No To Hate builds upon the work theclub already undertakes to tackleantisemitism and all other forms ofdiscrimination, and has been drivenby owner Roman Abramovich.Chelsea defender Reece James, whoexperienced online discriminatoryabuse, said: “I think social mediaplatforms can do more. Whenanything happens, they should beable to help track the person andgo from there. I think more peopleare getting racist abuse and it onlymakes sense to put a stop to it.”In May 2021, Chelsea released theirown social media policy as a guidefor fans on engaging with the club,players, staff and other fans online.It details the action the club will take,and asks fans to take, should theysee online discriminatory abuse.Through this policy, Chelsea aim tocreate a social media experiencethat is positive, inclusive, safe and ashealthy as can be.PLEDIS aims to educate andencourage all 20 Premier Leagueclubs, including their charitablefoundations and all aspects of theirbusinesses, to develop and evolveinto working environments thatchampion mental wellbeing, positivechange and a culture of diversity.West Ham United Vice-ChairmanKarren Brady was delighted theclub’s work has been recognisedand emphasised the importance ofincreasing this over coming seasons.Brady said: “We commit tocontinue listening to staff, fans andthe industry, always reflecting onour approach to equality, diversityan

The Premier League will not fully be back until then. I hope you enjoy this review of a unique season as we reflect on the fantastic work of all our clubs. The Football No Room For Racism The Fans The Communities The Premier League Action against discrimination 14 Tackling online hate 15 Creating positive change 16-17 Everyone's game 18-19