After a mammoth 282 days, 6,768 hours and 406,080 minutes, we bid farewell to another season of Barclays Premier League football. It has been a season which has witnessed the largest ever tally of goals scored in a 38-match Premier League season, the most goals ever scored on a single day in a 20-team division, the latest ever goal scored in Premier League history, the breaking of the British transfer record twice in one day, and the eleventh consecutive season without an English top scorer.
Manchester United (1st Position, 80 points)
The Unconvinceables?: Rarely out of third gear most of the time, United turned it on when they needed to. Van der Sar commanding in goal; Captain Nemanja Vidic dominant at the back; Ji Sung Park a workhorse in midfield and Javier Hernandez a revelation upfront. Who knows, could a Champions League Trophy be next?
Chelsea (2nd Position, 71 points)
The Italian (Botched) Job: A Trophyless season, an ageing squad and background interference have unjustly cost Carlo Ancelotti his job. Guus Hiddink is the favourite to take the reins but look out for FC Porto’s Andres Villas Boas – Mourinho Mark Two? Expect plenty of activity at The Bridge this summer.
Manchester City (3rd Position, 71 points)
A Blue Moon is Rising: Automatic qualification for the Champions League and an FA Cup in the cabinet – City’s first trophy for 35 years. Joe Hart’s 18 clean sheets, Vincent Kompany’s commanding defending, David Silva’s ingenuity and Carlos Tevez’s goals have been instrumental. A push for the title next season?
Arsenal (4th Position, 68 points)
Going, going…Gun?: Now six years and counting without a trophy for The Gunners and the same mistakes have cost them again: fragility in defence and lacking a commanding presence in midfield. Expect another Fabregas Summer transfer saga but Wenger must go out and sign a world-class goalkeeper, defender and midfielder.
Tottenham Hotspur (5th Position, 62 points)
Earning their Spurs: Another season of European football at White Hart Lane, albeit in the Europa League. A phenomenal run in the Champions League eventually took its toll on Harry Redknapp’s team. Keeping Luka Modric is vital whilst signing a new defender and striker must be high on Harry’s list.
Liverpool (6th Position, 58 points)
The King is Alive, Long Live the King: Despite 21 years out of the game, Kenny Dalglish has performed a miracle at Anfield. He’s instilled a newfound belief and brought in quality, namely Luis Suarez. With NESV’s investment expect heavy investment in the summer and a new look Liverpool side.
Everton (7th Position, 54 points)
Magnificent Moyes: The coffers may be bare at Goodison Park but David Moyes has yet again defied the odds. He’s blooded youngsters Seamus Coleman and Jack Rodwell whilst Phil Jagielka, Leon Osman and Maroune Fellaini have again been superb. How long can The Toffees keep hold of their prized asset?
Fulham (8th Position, 49 points)
Content at The Cottage: Mark Hughes has followed in the footsteps of his predecessor, spending extremely wisely and, in the process, getting The Cottagers playing an attractive brand of football whilst remaining tactically disciplined. The only blot on their season, Mr Al Fayed’ awful statue to the King of Pop!
Aston Villa (9th Position, 48 points)
More Villains than Heroes: It’s been a disappointing season for Villa and faint hopes of breaking into the top four appear dead in the water. Expect to see Ashley Young and Stewart Downing leave and questions still hovering over manager Gerard Houllier. Their main bright spark this season – Darren Bent.
Sunderland (10th position, 47 points)
Black Cats still not Purring: A respectable finish for Steve Bruce given a lengthy injury list and the loss of Darren Bent in the January Transfer Window. Youngster Jordan Henderson has impressed in midfield and striker Asamoah Gyan has grown into his role upfront. Need to push on next season.
West Bromwich Albion (11th Position, 47 points)
Boing Boing Baggies: After edging dangerously towards relegation, a wonderful turnaround under Roy Hodgson has lifted The Baggies comfortably into mid-table. He’s done what he does best – getting his team playing simple efficient football. Striker Peter Odemwingie has been terrific and midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu has also come to the fore.
Newcastle United (12th Position, 46 points)
Howay the Toon: Despite the early and surprising sacking of Chris Hughton, Alan Pardew has come in and steadied the ship. Retaining first teamers Jose Enrique and Joey Barton is crucial. The big question on Tyneside remains, how much of the Andy Carroll money will the manager get to spend?
Stoke City (13th Position, 46 points)
Potters Progress Under Pulis: An FA Cup Final appearance and a place in next season’s Europa League represents tremendous progress for The Potters. Manager Tony Pulis has added creativity to his team’s effective, albeit often criticized, style of play with midfielders Matthew Etherington and Glenn Whelan particularly impressing in midfield.
Bolton Wanderers (14th Position, 46 points)
The Trotters Un-Coyle-d: Own Coyle has transformed Wanderers style of play with limited quality at his disposal. He’s been shrewd in the Transfer Market with loan signing Daniel Sturridge having a remarkable second half of the season. Defender Gary Cahill may prove to be the biggest casualty of the summer.
Blackburn Rovers (15th position, 43 points)
Anyone for a Chicken Ta-Kean?: It wasn’t pretty but the gamble of sacking Sam Allardyce and promoting assistant Steve Kean to manager worked. Rovers goalkeeper, Paul Robinson, and centre-backs Christopher Samba and rising star Phil Jones are to thank. Nonetheless, scepticism will continue to surround the chicken processing owners intentions.
Wigan Athletic (16th Position, 42 points)
Vodka Marti-nez – Shaken and Stirred: For a sixth consecutive season, The Latics have punched above their weight. Roberto Martinez is a talented young manager and he’ll be well aware that clubs will once again be hovering over his prized assets: midfielders Charles N’Zogbia and James McCarthy and striker Hugo Rodallega.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (17th Position, 40 points)
Dances With Wolves: It’s been ‘Squeaky Bum Time’ for much of the season at Molineaux but battle-hardened Mick McCarthy has pulled his side through the mire – just. Big money signings, namely Steven Fletcher, haven’t lived up to expectations and further strengthening is required to avoid a repeat of this season.
Birmingham City (18th Position, 39 points)
The Wrong Shade of Blue: No backing whatsoever from owner Carson Yeung has proved costly for Alex McLeish’s side who have followed in the footsteps of Norwich City in the 1984-1985 season when they too won the League Cup and were then relegated from the top flight of English football.
Blackpool (19th Position, 39 points)
A Breath of Fresh Air: Ian Holloway’s Tangerines have captured the imagination of fans up and down the country. However, for all their attacking endeavour and spirit, it’s been their defensive frailty which has been The Seasiders undoing. Lets hope they make a swift return back to the top flight!
West Ham United (20th Position, 33 points)
Forever Bursting Bubbles: A simply shambolic season prompted by a sorry tale of mismanagement on and off the field. Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year, Scott Parker, has led a one-man crusade and he’ll be leading the exodus out of Upton Park. Who’ll be next in the hot seat?
Team of the Season: Manchester United
Player of the Season: Scott Parker (West Ham United)
Manager of the Season: Tony Pulis (Stoke City)
Despite all the excitement this season – reaching a climax with an intriguing final day, especially, at the bottom of the table – it has lacked the quality of previous seasons, lending to a tighter than usual table. Nonetheless, it is as league which possesses great financial clout and so we should be prepared to witness an intriguing Summer Transfer Window with changes a plenty both on and off the pitch. With the competition expected to be even fiercer next season the countdown to the 2011-2012 season has well and truly begun…
