One of the most popular teams on the planet, Arsenal, had a memorable 2024. No, they could not win their first UEFA Champions League or end their Premier League drought, but Mikel Arteta showed that the Gunners had the potential to challenge for the biggest honours.
Arsenal finished second in the Premier League rankings last season, two points behind winners champions Manchester City. They also could not close the year at the top of the Premier League rankings, as Liverpool comfortably claimed that spot. Yet, Arsenal were the most consistent team in the Premier League, finishing with a better points average than both Manchester City and Arsenal.
Continue reading to learn Arsenal’s numbers as we take a look at the top seven teams that secured the most points in 2024.
Note: We have only considered teams playing in the top five European leagues.
#7 Atalanta (Serie A): 81 Points
Arguably the most exciting team on this list, Atalanta enjoyed a brilliant 2024, securing an impressive 81 points from 38 Serie A matches. Known for their attacking prowess, Atalanta finished the year with a remarkable goal difference of 44.
Atalanta, who won the UEFA Europa League last season, picked up 69 points from 38 Serie A matches in the 2023-24 campaign, which was good enough for a fourth-place finish. This season, they are on course for an even better finish. After playing 18 games, Atalanta have amassed 41 points and climbed to the top of the Serie A standings.
#6 Manchester City (Premier League): 82 Points
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are in sixth place, having picked up 82 points from 38 games in 2024. Pep Guardiola’s side finished the year with a goal difference of 44.
Manchester City made history in May 2024, becoming the first-ever team to win four consecutive Premier League titles. They started the 2024-25 season in high spirits, avoiding defeat in their first nine games, winning seven and drawing two. However, since the end of October, they have been on a shocking downward spiral, losing six games, drawing two, and winning two in the Premier League.
Due to their decline, they have dropped to sixth place in the Premier League rankings. Man City, who have 31 points to their name after 19 games, are trailing leaders Liverpool by 14 points despite playing one match more.
#5 Barcelona (La Liga): 85 Points
La Liga powerhouse Barcelona picked up 85 points from 39 league matches in 2024. The Blaugrana had a goal difference of 51.
The Blaugrana had a season to forget in 2023-24. They finished the season with 85 points — 10 points behind champions Real Madrid — and could not go deep into the UEFA Champions League and the Copa del Rey.
The Catalans started the 2024-25 season in a much better fashion under Hansi Flick, winning 11 of their first 12 La Liga matches. They have since lost their way, winning just one of their last seven games (4L, 2D). With 38 points to their name after 19 games, Barca are in third place in La Liga rankings.
#4 Liverpool (Premier League): 85 Points
In fourth place, we have Premier League leaders Liverpool. Between January and December 2024, the Reds picked up a cool 85 points from 37 Premier League matches. They had an admirable goal difference of 50.
Liverpool had a decent 2023-24 season. They never challenged for the Premier League title but did not have to worry about booking a place in the UEFA Champions League. Under former boss Jurgen Klopp, the Reds picked up 82 points from 38 games and finished third in the league, nine points behind Man City.
Klopp’s successor Arne Slot has turned Liverpool into a lean, mean, winning machine. They have racked up 45 points from 18 Premier League games this season, climbing to the top of the rankings.
#3 Arsenal (Premier League): 85 Points
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal gathered an impressive 85 points in 2024 — the same as Liverpool. However, they played 36 matches — one game less than the Reds — and had a much higher goal difference at 64. As a matter of fact, no team across the top five European leagues capped off the year with a better goal difference.
Arsenal amassed 89 points from 38 games across the 2023-24 season, narrowly missing out on the title. This year, they have had a more difficult time staying in championship contention, as Liverpool have been in a league of their own. Arsenal have picked up 39 points from 19 games this term and are in second in the rankings, trailing the Reds by six.
#2 Inter Milan (Serie A): 89 Points
Serie A powerhouse Inter Milan were by far the best Italian team of 2024, with them claiming 89 points from 37 matches in the top flight. The Nerazzurri ended the year with a goal difference of 63.
The Nerazzurri emerged as the most dominant team in Serie A last season. They bagged a handsome 94 points from 38 games, finishing a whopping 19 points ahead of runners-up AC Milan. Inter are playing well this time around as well, amassing 40 points from 17 games. Simone Inzaghi’s side are third in the ranking, behind Atalanta (41 points) and Napoli (41 points), but they have a game in hand.
#1 Real Madrid (La Liga): 90 Points
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid were statistically the best team of 2024, as they finished the year with an impressive tally of 90 points from 38 matches. They had a goal difference of 56.
Los Blancos, who claimed their 15th European crown at the end of last season, won the 2023-24 La Liga title quite comfortably. They secured a total of 95 points from 38 matches, finishing 10 points clear of second-placed Barcelona. Los Blancos have yet to hit top gear in the 2024-25 season, but they have a good chance of defending the title. The reigning La Liga champions are in second in the La Liga rankings with 40 points after 18 games, trailing Atletico Madrid by a solitary point.
