LAURA WOODS’ 2025 AWARDS: TEAM OF THE YEAR, BEST MOMENT & MORE
TEAM OF THE YEAR: ARSENAL
For the team of 2025, I am saying Arsenal.
Runners-up in the Premier League last year, they have picked up from where they left off and only got stronger.
They have the best defence in the league and they have developed the consistency that has been missing in the past.
There have also been huge wins against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid as they continue to improve under Mikel Arteta.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: ERLING HAALAND
For the 2025 player of the year, I am going for Erling Haaland.
I can’t think of anyone who has had a better year than him and his numbers continue to be incredible.
He has six in six in the Champions League this season while his Premier League record speaks for itself.
He is by far and away the best player at the moment, for me.
Haaland to win the Champions League Golden Boot is 4/1 with BetMGM
SIGNING OF THE YEAR: GRANIT XHAKA
It has to be Granit Xhaka.
Sunderland have won some incredible games this season – against the likes of Newcastle and Chelsea – and drawn with Arsenal as well.
They aren’t just surviving in the Premier League, they are up there doing very well.
It is no surprise to me what a leader Xhaka has been. He had some highs and lows with Arsenal but, ultimately, it is clear what an influence he can have.
He is my signing of the year.
Sunderland to finish in the top six is 9/1 with BetMGM
MOMENT OF THE YEAR: SPLIT DECISION!
I have two moments of the year!
Firstly it’s Newcastle winning the Carabao Cup, their first major trophy for 77 years.
What a moment that was for the Geordies, beating Liverpool 2-1 in the final.
I was at Wembley for the FA Cup final, and that was special. Crystal Palace fans were so emotional, winning their first-ever major trophy, and you could really tell what that meant to them.
Newcastle to win the EFL Cup is 4/1 with BetMGM
MANAGER OF THE YEAR: MIKEL ARTETA
This is a difficult one.
Arne Slot obviously won the Premier League with Liverpool but they have faltered this year.
I am going to give it to Arteta. I know he hasn't won anything but the way they have built on last season, created an incredible defence and topped the Premier League at Christmas has been so impressive.
There are shouts, too, for Oliver Glasner at Palace and Eddie Howe at Newcastle, both of whom guided their clubs to memorable trophy wins – but I am sticking with Arteta for his work with Arsenal.
