Premier League End of Season Review

So another Premier League season is in the books, the FA Cup has been won and it is just the play off finals to be played out in the lower leagues to complete the domestic campaign. But before the entire nation goes into World Cup mode, a quick review of this season is at hand analysing this seasons winners and losers.

Manchester City- Premier League: Champions, League Cup: Winners

Champions again, regaining the title from their city rivals as well as adding the League Cup to what must be a very satisfying first season for Manuel Pellegrini. Despite playing what at times was stunning football and blowing teams off the park- especially at home. They sometimes struggled away from home, losing to teams lower in table including Cardiff City who propped up the table. The Champions League is still a major target and the club did improve their record by reach the last 16 before losing out to Barcelona, but City's European campaign must bring success to pay back the investment put into the club by the owners. This has been made harder by FFP punishments restricting squad numbers and surely transfer funds available to Pellegrini.

Liverpool- Premier League: 2nd

If Liverpool fans were offered a second place finish at the beginning of the season they would have snapped your hand off, however this preverbal hand probably would have been swatted away if they were offered the same deal come the end of April. A Steven Gerrard slip is what unfortunately cost the Reds a first title for 24 years, in what was otherwise a stellar season for England skipper. The fact is that Liverpool probably won't have a better chance to win it in the coming years compared to this season, with all the top clubs in transition phases and Liverpool's thin squad having to deal with european football in the foreseeable future. However the optimism of the young guard within the team cannot be underestimated and a solid season should be repeated once again next year.

Chelsea- Premier League: 3rd

Jose's return didn't yield a trophy in his first season back at the Bridge, but he told us that all along didn't he? Whether he actually thought they weren't going to win the league or more likely it was one of his many mind games. It didn't help as they faltered against the teams lower in the table despite Mourinho being known for winning the big game when it mattered. Unfortunately for them there are 38 games in a league season which all carry 3 points for a win. Another summer developing his Chelsea team despite the removal of some of the old guard will mean they come back stronger next year and must be favourites for the league with City.

Arsenal- Premier League: 4th, FA Cup: Winners

Yes that is correct, the jokes about Arsenal not winning a trophy are over as Arsene Wenger has guided them to his traditional fourth place finish as well as opening up the Arsenal trophy cabinet once again. It has been mentioned as a turning point for the Gunners and that an even more serious title challenge may occur next season. But like Liverpool this was a season that offered the best opportunity of the title and the red side of North London faltered when it mattered once again and nearly gifted 4th place to Everton.

Everton- Premier League: 5th

When David Moyes left Everton to take the Old Trafford hot seat, many wondered how both would move on. At least one party had a productive season, with Champions League football almost arriving on Merseyside in double portions. Everton will always struggle against their wealthier rivals but their strongest first XI that they can put out on the field can match most teams in the league. Once a few injuries (or loaned players facing their parents club) hit, Everton's weaknesses are exposed. This shouldn't affect their ability to once again finish within the top 8 comfortably.

Tottenham Hotspur- Premier League: 6th

6th place with a +4 goal difference sums up Spurs' season, won enough games to finish in a decent position but way off in terms of quality and goals when compared to the top clubs. The sale of Gareth Bale for a world record fee obviously weakened the side and meant that selling clubs were always going to make Spurs pay over the odds for players who were not worth what Tottenham paid for them. This pressure placed on the new big money signings as well as the traditional manager axe coming from Daniel Levy meant a disappointing season simmered out under the stewardship of Tim Sherwood. Who will be given the job of leading Tottenham into the new campaign will need to rekindle a squad low on confidence who is facing another season of Thursday-Sunday football.

Manchester United- Premier League: 7th

Well... It doesn't need to be said that this season was pretty much horrendous from start to finish, barring the rare glimpses of decent play in the Champions League, United lost the aura that often gained them victories against sides before even stepping onto the pitch. Whether it was the loss of Sir Alex or hiring of Moyes or a combination of both that contributed to the failure of 2013/14, things must and most certainly will change this summer with a influx and exodus of players arriving and leaving the club.

Southampton- Premier League: 8th

The saints managed to defy second season syndrome and produce not only some excellent results but also some excellent performances with some of England's finest. Whether Lallana, Shaw and Lambert perform at the World Cup could be irrelevant as to if they are at St Marys next season with a lot of top clubs sniffing around. A protracted transfer saga could also be more costly than a quick sale of one of their top stars with the 'Tottenham/Bale' case a prime example.

Stoke City- Premier League: 9th

Flying under everyones radar all season by quietly picking up wins, without the help of freakishly long throws or set pieces, resulted in a highest ever finish for Stoke. Mark Hughes has come into a situation where the club looked at their peak without the addition of outside investment. But finishing top of the 'lower band' of clubs must be considered a good achievement for the potters. Whether this seems to be Stoke's peak is to be seen.

Newcastle United- Premier League: 10th

Possibly the worst fan reaction to a 10th place finish ever, in a season that promised so much early on where the Magpies were comfortably within the top 7 and pushing for Europe. Newcastle and manager Alan Pardew blew their lid far too many times and this seems to have transferred onto the fans in their protest to oust Pardew. It also looks likely that Loic Remy will be heading elsewhere this summer which automatically weakens the squad and gives the fans another reason to protest against the board and manager leading their club into the 2014/15 season.

Crystal Palace- Premier League: 11th

Most Palace fans probably saw a finish above 20th place as an achievement this season, but the appointment of Tony Pulis was inspired and actually changed the clubs fortunes for the better compared to many other clubs who suffered at the hands of new managers. The weaknesses within in the squad are for all to see, but the way Pulis got the best out of them in tricky situations- including a 3-3 comeback against Liverpool which put the final nail in their title bid coffin. Further investment needs to be carried out so that the Eagles have more to them than just being the well organised outfit from South London.

Swansea City- Premier League: 12th

Garry Monk took over half way through the season from Michael Laudrup and could well have been facing a much more trickier campaign if it wasn't for Wilfried Bony's 22 goals this season. Monk has been given the job on a full time basis and Bony will need to produce a similar contribution to the Swans campaign to make sure they are able to compete next season. Will this happen? Ask Christian Benteke or any promoted club how easy it is to replicate their performance in the second season in the Premier League.

West Ham United- Premier League: 13th

A mid table finish for the Hammers may be seen as an expected average campaign, but the position that they were in come the turn of the year was not pleasant for fans and players alike. This hasn't been a comfortable season for manager Sam Allardyce either, despite securing Premier League safety for another season, fans are split as to whether he is the man to lead them into next season and eventually the Olympic Stadium. Players need to be bought in to adapt the style of a team that over rely on certain members of the squad to excel week in week out. Whether they are led by Big Sam will be seen over the coming weeks.

Sunderland- Premier League: 14th

A managerial change early in the season culminated in eventual survival from almost certain relegation as well as a run to the League Cup final. However if it wasn't for shocking away wins against Chelsea and Manchester United as well as being just a Vito Mannone error away from beating champions Manchester City too. Gus Poyet now has the chance to clear out the players he doesn't want who were bought under the previous managerial regime and build for next season.

Aston Villa- Premier League: 15th

A 3-1 win at the Emirates on the first day of the season was one of very few highs for Aston Villa who looked much more comfortably than the previous season. But supporters have become frustrated with the noticeable drop in results and league position since Martin O'Neil left the club and Paul Lambert eventually came in. Whether he is the man to lead them up the table is in doubt as owner Randy Lerner looks to sell the club, whilst the sale of the team is up in the air, results will almost certainly stagger along also.

Hull City- Premier League: 16th

A spirited display at Wembley was almost enough to lift the FA Cup in a season that pretty much stopped as soon as the Semi Final full time whistle was blown. A mid table position  was probably more deserved than the lowly 16th in which they did finish, but a first season back in the Premier League can only be seen as a success because of their days out at Wembley and the eventual survival. With a european campaign to deal with next season (however serious they take it), maintaining their Premier League status will always be the priority for the Tigers. Whether that remains a nickname or is actually part of the clubs name is another drama that could distract fans from their on field performances.

West Bromwich Albion- Premier League: 17th

The baggies survival could be put down that there were three teams that were worse than themselves rather than actually having a successful season. Sacking Steve Clarke seemed an odd decision at the time after some very good results, this seemed even stranger when they hired Pepe Mel to oversee the clubs fortunes. With both now no longer at the club a fresh start can be made trying to secure a top half finish that was achieved under Clarke the previous season.

Norwich City- Premier League: 18th

Out of the ten Premier League managerial sackings this season, I think Chris Hughton's came with the most sympathy from around the league. It didn't help Norwich's plight either as they were unable to make up the points needed from their final four games against some of the juggernauts within the league. Whether they have a chance to return will be dependent on who they hire to follow Neil Adams' ultimately unsuccessful attempt to rescue the canaries from a squad that looks more like a Championship squad with each passing week.

Fulham- Premier League: 19th

The Michael Jackson statue went as did Fulham's Premier League status, in a team that is full of players who know what it takes to play in the Premier League. It was evident that there was too much to do after Martin Jol's early season failure, followed by Rene Meulensteen's spell and culminating in Felix Magath's endeavour to save the sinking ship from failing into the Thames. Whether he and the players have the fight in them to get promoted back up at the first attempt looks cloudy at this moment in time. But out of the three clubs that have been relegated they go down with the best squad.

Cardiff City- Premier League: 20th
Where to start? The crazy owner that is Vincent Tan made the decision to sack the man who managed to get the Bluebirds to the promised land of the Premier League. He may have been partly to blame for the odd transfer activity which involved selling a striker for a loss back to the same club they bought him from after 4 months. But what came with the sacking was further fan revolt against his regime and ultimately a return to the Championship.

More Than Just The Title

In just four days time the Premier League Champions will be crowned and without putting my foot in my mouth again and predicting it has already been won. Manchester City must feel very confident, needing just four points from their two remaining home games against the claret and blue combination of Aston Villa and West Ham. Despite my assumption that Liverpool had won the title after their victory over City at Anfield, Steven Gerrard & co did indeed 'let it slip'. Defeat at home to Chelsea and a final 15 minute capitulation away at Crystal Palace to resemble a Newcastle-esque '96 title collapse. Perhaps not as extreme as Kevin Keegans 'Toon Army' meltdown in 1996, but given the weight of expectation to reclaim the title thats been missing since 1990, the disappointment must feel very similar. These results have let Manchester City surely take what is a 2nd title in three years, despite what seems like a dissatisfying campaign the blue half of Manchester could be about to win the two trophies in a season.

What must make Liverpool's inevitable title frustration even more unbearable is the lack of competition this season from the red half of Manchester and their biggest rivals on and off the pitch. It turns out that the Manchester United board were just trying to keep critics at bay under David Moyes and were preparing for next season without him. It looks like Louis Van Gaal will be given the job after he concludes the Netherlands campaign at the World Cup. However summer preparations must already be underway after last summers sub par showing in the transfer market- and what must be seen as one of the main reasons for Moyes' failure at United. Van Gaal will be given the funds to get United back to the summit of the league and not just top 4 qualification. Add to that the constant improvement of Chelsea and Manchester City, Liverpool could well be battling for fourth place with Arsenal as well as having to contend with a European campaign with a current squad of limited numbers. 

Lets not take anything away from Liverpool's achievement this season, as no club has ever bounced back from finishing 7th the previous season to win the league the following year. Whilst it looks like Liverpool won't be about to change that, they gave it an extremely good effort and have won many admirers with their attacking play. With this came the reason as to why they didn't win the league as their defensive frailties were shown up at Selhurst Park.

Take Note UEFA & Take A Stance!

Once again racism within sport has come to forefront on both sides of the Atlantic, with one league taking an immediate strong stance by banning LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life and fining him $2.5 million. Not that it was right on any level, but Mr Sterling could feel a bit hard done by as he thought he was talking in a private conversation before having his thoughts blasted out across the world. Compared to European football's publicly racist actions evident for the whole world to see.

This strong stance by the NBA seems impossible for UEFA to replicate, whether its standing up to national leagues, clubs, managers or players. The entire NBA bullied Donald Sterling out of the league, from his own players and fans standing up against his remarks. The thought of a European football team doing that would never happen, due to the ludicrous nature of UEFA's disciplinary code and the risk of being punished for standing up to racism. Just ask Nicklas Bendtner who was fined £80,000 for flashing a betting companies name on his underwear when scoring a goal at Euro 2012. That is £15,000 more than Serbia were fined for the racist behaviour of their under 21 team and fans in a game against England where the English players were the bullied on that occasion. This weeks flash point within Europe came when Barcelona Defender Dani Alves had a banana thrown at him, which he consequently took a bite out of and got on with the game (one of the only actions of his that I've respected).

The Villarreal fan has since been banned for life by the club and arrested by the Spanish police. The football world has also jumped on the twitter bandwagon by taking a picture of themselves posing with a banana. But is this just to get followers for their own twitter accounts or an actual effort to eradicate racism from the game. UEFA's record of dishing out fines of pitiful amounts need to take notes off NBA commissioner Adam Silver who fined Sterling the maximum amount allowed under the NBA rules. If this continues the Dani Alves incident will once again just be another case of racism that has been swept under the carpet until something much worse occurs due to a racist fan or organisation. 

Winning With Class, Losing Without

Was Saturday 19th April the day the title shifted it's way to Anfield? Or perhaps we should wait a day for that to be confirmed at Carrow Road? Either way it looks likely that Liverpool and potentially more deservingly Steven Gerrard will be lifting the Premier League trophy on May 11th.
Chelsea's latest slip up at home to Sunderland today has not only given the North East club a boost in their survival hopes, but ended the seemingly never ending juggernaut of a home record for José Mourinho. But what is perhaps more surprising is the way that Chelsea, seasoned winners on both at home and in Europe have reacted through out the season when the going has got tough. The way Chelsea players hunt down the referee for every bad decision led on pitch by John Terry and backed up post game by Mourinho shows a lack of class that José was once known for during his first spell in England.
Whether this is down to the lack of belief the Portuguese manager has placed on his team, publicly claiming that they cannot win the league. Which has led to each player fighting for every decision to go their way to prove him wrong? Or that Chelsea believe that decisions should go their way because 'The Special One' is watching and a sarcastic interview will follow if it goes the other way?
Shift 200 miles north up the country and the way Liverpool have conducted themselves this season has been perhaps Anti-Liverpool of previous years. Luis Suarez has made all his headlines with his goals and feet (despite the odd occasion where they seem to disappear from underneath him). With a manager placing belief back into players who may have never felt that the title could be heading their way. 
Another plus for the England fan watching this title race unfold is seeing how an English spine is helping Liverpool sit at the top of the league in a World Cup year. Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling may have produced performances that will get them a trip to Brazil this summer along with captain Steven Gerrard. But Liverpool's faith in John Flanagan has also been a joy to observe over the year, with him on the fringes to break into the full side for the Euro 2016 campaign.
I didn't think I'd be saying a Liverpool side would be winning the league and especially not with any class this season (especially containing Luis Suarez). But the way the cards have fallen this campaign it shouldn't surprise anyone. What it also produces is a fascinating summer and 2014/15 season, with a few managers at top teams finding their feet when entering 2nd campaigns at their respective clubs (sacking pending). Liverpool as potential defending champions having the added distraction of European football on their minds as well as having to rebuild one their England players ego from missing a penalty in a World Cup knock out match- some things still don't change!

Mourinho's men losing the league without class

Moving Off The Perch

Once again its been an almighty long period since I last wrote a post, probably because I've been in 'University comes first' mode. However I've broken the grind of dissertation writing  just so I can write something knowing I don't have to reference every sentence I type!

A lot has happened in the Football world this season and despite speculating briefly last May about how this season may be seen by many clubs as a transition period for themselves, I'm sure not many people would believe how drastic it may be.
The prime case is that of Manchester United- ever dependable, never finishing outside of the top three and we can't actually forget- current reigning league champions of England.
But as Sir Alex left (to the directors box) the aura of fear in going to Old Trafford has left as well, this culminated with a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday. The manner of the defeat was perhaps worse than the result itself, with a seeming changing of the guard occurring once again between the original giants of the North West (give it 20 years plus Manchester City). 
But the thought of people mentioning that Manchester United will take ten years plus to return to the summit of the Premier League are misinformed, this isn't the same game as when Liverpool were knocked off their perch in the early 90's. Manchester United are a global brand and one poor season won't see them suffer twenty years of barren league success, theres too many supporters and sponsors with a slice of the Manchester United pie for it to go cold. If they do fail to reach the Champions League next season, which is looking extremely likely, the brand will not be affected as much as other clubs such as Arsenal who have lived off the top 4 finish for the recent past. It may mean a few years without the main trophy in England in their trophy cabinet but it will return sooner than Arsenal or Liverpool will have waited by the time they regain a step atop of the English football ladder.
Whether this initial failure means David Moyes is out of a job depends on whether United's stance of given him time is actually the truth or just trying to keep the critics at bay after another poor performance. 
Who knows after tonights win over Olympiakos, we could be talking about the 2014 Champions League winners?...

One year or Six years in the job?

77 years.

It happened! A British tennis player has won the Gentlemens singles title at Wimbledon, Andy Murray not only silenced his own ever dwindling critics but also an ever present nations. 

Each year when Wimbledon comes around, the hype of British success (and failure) is to be seen and heard everywhere- Murray has known all about since his first Wimbledon in 2005 where he produced fantastic tennis to reach the third round despite being ranked well outside the top 100 and not playing a five set match prior to the tournament.

This was the time of a new British hope emerging after the Henman/Rusedski era which, despite large amounts of critics from armchair fans, were very successful for the resources available and reached multiple grand slam semi finals and tournament wins, as well as Rusedski reaching a US Open final in 1997. The recent success of Murray may well overshadow both of these players records completely within the game, but it must not be forgotten when compared with players that have preceded them whose records were far less successful.

As Murray progressed through the early years of his career there were a number of roadblocks thrown in his way that stunted his progression not only as a player but the initial support received from the British public. The appointment of Brad Gilbert as his coach was seen more of a statement than progression by the LTA, as they believed he could not only repeat his past success with other players on Andy but also within British tennis. This benefited none of the parties involved despite Murray continuing to make a  natural progression up the rankings, it wasn't what he needed at that time of his career. This also led onto from the Scottish/British debate as to whether he actually enjoyed representing Great Britain in Davis Cup matches and saying he would be 'supporting any team playing England in the World Cup' which was blown up into a full hatred for Scotland's neighbours by the media. Murray's fitness was also scrutinised throughout the early stages of his career with constant niggles occurring during matches as well as ankle injuries which still lead to him wearing supports to this day. The pressure of growing up in an ever changing game of bigger and stronger tennis players probably put Murray back a year or so as he tried to catch up physically with the top players, where he has not only caught up but overtaken the majority of them.

As Murray matured he came to the realisation that he may not be able to fulfill his dream of grand slam success despite reaching finals in Australia and America in an era of three of the greatest players of all time. Then came the appointment of Ivan Lendl at the beginning of 2012, a player like Murray- not the most popular off the court and who also failed to win grand slam finals at the first attempts. Despite a Semi Final defeat in Australia and once again receiving criticism from arm chair fans, it felt to the hardcore British tennis fans that it was more luck than skill or mental attitude that was the missing piece needed to solve his grand slam puzzle. To return to the scene of his most heartbreaking defeat at Wimbledon a month later to win Olympic gold not only broke the tag of choking on the big occasion, but also defied the critics of not being loved by Britain as they roared him on to a gold medal against a devasted Roger Federer who missed out on the only big title to elude his illustrious career.

Then came New York a few months later and success once again and another monkey off his back, his first elusive grand slam victory at the US Open against Novak Djokovic in five sets, at a venue that was always seen as the most likely place he would become a grand slam winner having had success there in the juniors.

Fast forward to the 7th July 2013 after missing the French Open due to injury and fighting his way through the draw where others were falling like fly's to face Djokovic again and a nations 77 years of disappointment was over. But for tennis fans who follow the season for more than just the last week in June and first week of July, Murray has been making Britain proud ever since he came onto the professional tour with performances around the world and notably in 2010 in Australia where I saw him first hand reach the final in a tournament I thought had his name written all over it, where he came up against the legend of Federer. 

Competing against the big three of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic makes his recent achievements even greater and after Sunday's victory a repeat in the coming years is more likely than not.

End Of Season Brings An Intriguing Summer

The end of the Premier League season has come and it may not have lived up to the drama of previous seasons, as both relegation and title issues were wrapped up in the previous weeks leaving just the fight for Champions League places up for grabs on the final day- which you can only hype up for so long.

However the lack of drama on the pitch was well made up for off it, with Tony Pulis leaving Stoke today it means at least a quarter of next seasons Premier League clubs will have new managers come opening day- which will surely increase in the coming weeks as clubs look into appointing fellow managers from within the league. This also includes new managers for the top 3 finishers of Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs, the failure suffered from those within the top 7 who saw Manchester United run away with the league will inevitably lead to an influx of spending to try and close the gap. 

This is a much more realistic prospect for Arsenal fans who've craved a summer of spending since their move to the Emirates, as at last it seems Arsene Wenger agrees too. Over in West London, the worst kept secret of Jose Mourinho's return to Chelsea will surely bring funds to improve what is already a very talented squad. Edin Hazard and Oscar will also have adjusted further to the pace of English football and will inevitably show increased consistency with their performances that have on occasions blown away defences and gone hiding over the past season.

Whether Tottenham can keep hold of Gareth Bale will dictate what they do over the summer, selling him for an overinflated price and rebuild an entire team or add one or two players to a squad which missed out Europe's elite by the smallest of margins.

Liverpool have been well off the pace of what their fans demand, 12 points off the top 4 and 28 points behind Manchester United, however they did show glimpses of performances that shows they can still pull out very impressive performances in the demolition of Newcastle with new signing Phillippe Coutinho slotted into his role within the team effortlessly, along with Daniel Sturridge performing well after his January signing.

Outside the big 6 clubs comes the rest and the chances of predicting next seasons surprise packages (West Brom and Swansea this season) or flops (Newcastle) for next season is anyone's guess. Financial fair play rules also come into action next season and will restrict excessive buying from clubs outside of their means, meaning whoever can pick up bargains such as like Swansea did in purchasing Michu for 2 million pounds last summer will benefit greatly. 

So despite there being no major international championships this year it promises to be a fascinating summer with the promise of deals being made up until the end of August transfer deadline.

Pulis becomes the fifth manager to leave their post since the beginning of April