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.
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.
