The Close of the Premier League Season

by Michael Smith on 17.05.11

With the Premier league season coming to a close, 4Q thought it was about time to have a look back at an interesting season which has seen its ups and downs. Lets first look at the top end of the table, where fans have generally got something to celebrate. Manchester United are first with their record 19th league win, making them the most successful domestic side to date. It hasn’t been their most exciting season, they have neither ran away with the season, nor shown any serious flare on the field. What they have done is hammer out the hard fought victories, with many viewing their 3 – 2 comeback against West Ham as the the season tuning point. With Chelsea coming back towards the end of the season it briefly looked close, but a poor performance at Old Trafford killed them off.

Arsenal had an interesting season, both looking good for some kind of silverware, and then losing the majority of it in the space of 2 weeks. They are yet to hold onto their third place as a strong FA cup winning Manchester City could climb above at the finish line. I’m looking forward to seeing if the Arsenal team looks similar to this years in August, as it would seem players such as Fabregas look slightly disheartened at their lack of silverware.

A much improved, Kenny Dalglish managed Liverpool side are jostling into the final whistle with Tottenham. Having sputtered through the early stages of the season Liverpool have finished strongly. Tottenham have shown this season they can play against the best teams with an impressive Champions league run. They have faulted however towards the end of the domestic league, and are looking at a Europa league place at best.

In mid table both West Bromwich Albion and Stoke deserve a mention. With Roy Hodgson joining West Brom on the 11th of February he has vastly improved their form and given them a much deserved mid table result. Stoke have shown even more promise, getting very close to winning the FA cup, and almost gaining a place in Europe. Both teams are worth keeping an eye on next season

Now to look at the bottom end, where we must firstly look at a relegation bound West Ham. With Avram Grant yet again leading another English club into the Championship its unlikely we will see him again any time soon. Some believe however that their relegation is well overdue, ask any Sheffield United fan. I for one feel that a side of West Hams quality will be out of the Premier League very briefly. They can only hope that the players are willing to stick around to climb back up. Above them is a very exciting end of season affair for the neutral fan. With 5 teams potentially looking down the barrel of the relegation gun, the last day of the season is sure to be exciting. With Blackburn looking the favourite of that group to stay up I’d say Wigan and Blackpool are the other 2 teams running on borrowed time. Wigan have not looked convincing and Blackpool face a Manchester United side, probably filled with reserves. They aren’t going to want to lose their perfect home record though so expect a battle at Old Trafford.

So there it is people, another Season just about in the bag. To fans who have seen success this season in the Form of Birmingham (Carling Cup), and Manchester City (FA cup), many congratulations. And to West Ham, and the other two teams to face the chop, don’t let it get you down. With all teams at the bottom finishing on points that would normally see them safe in the league I’d expect to see them back very soon!