This season saw some remarkable stories at both ends of the table. The unexpected title challenge from Liverpool was a highlight for many as they showed that attractive free flowing football can bring rewards, this year in the form of a Champions League place that will see those big European nights back at Anfield next season.
Let us not forget Arsenal who for a while mounted a real challenge for the title. Unfortunately injury seemed to get in the way again as they fell away at the turn of the year. Great promise shown by the gunners though who could definitely be a real threat next season with a few key signings. And what about the surprise package of Aaron Ramsey?! One has to think if the Welshman hadn't got injured, Arsenal may have had a bigger say in where the title ended up at the end of the season.
This season also saw the return of the Special One. Jose Mourinho's first season back at Chelsea seems to have ended on a rather muted note. No doubt they had some notable results and indeed challenged for the top spot virtually to the end but an unexciting brand of football and the manager's reluctance to give any serious answers during press conferences sees a season which most people won't remember. A new striker is a must for Chelsea as a lack of goals is definitely what cost them in the league. With an ageing squad there may be more changes needed if they are to be triumphant next year.
In the end though it was the club with undoubtedly the strongest squad that took the title. Manchester City played attacking, powerful football and despite suffering losses to both Chelsea and Liverpool, in the end they were just too strong for the competition. The depth of talent in their squad was a big factor. Injuries were dealt with effectively by the manager and his strong tactics meant they had very little impact on the team's overall performance. Many will argue that their riches saw to their success but that is an argument for another time. Still it is hard to see past them again next season.
And what a show at the bottom of the table. Tony Pulis turned Crystal Palace into a completely different side since his arrival. Before his appointment it looked like they were dead and buried but with with what seemed to be a complete overhaul in their approach to games, Pulis boosted his team to an impressive 11th place finish.
That turn around can only be topped by the exploits of Sunderland. A month ago it seemed that Sunderland were down, no questions asked. Gus Poyet seems to have simply dragged his team up the table with incredible performances at Manchester City and Chelsea and other key results. The spirit shown by the team is to be admired and rewarded with a place in the Premiership next season.
Bad luck to all the relegated teams but it seems that a lack of the spirit was what cost some of these teams. The Championship awaits them now. A notoriously hard league to get out of. The ones I worry for are Cardiff. I would say they have a lack of direction with the colourful Mr Tan at the helm but in my opinion it seems to be downward.
And where to start with Manchester United? Probably a good place to finish...
Thanks for reading!
AP
