20 years of the FA Premier League - Part 4

2007/08

PREMIERSHIP title no.10 arrived for Manchester United on the final day of the season and in fitting fashion too.  Ryan Giggs, who had featured and scored in every Premier League campaign, came off the bench to score the second goal in a 2-0 success at Wigan Athletic.  They held off Chelsea’s challenge, as the Blues drew 1-1 at home to Bolton Wanderers.  More agony faced the West Londoners in the Champions League final; beaten by United on penalties in the Moscow showpiece, which led to Avram Grant’s sacking.  Both established frontrunners had sluggish starts to the season.  The Red Devils failed to win any of their first three matches, while Jose Mourinho resigned from Chelsea in mid-September following some dodgy results and more pressure on transfers from the interfering Roman Abramovich.  For a long while, it looked like the youngsters from Arsenal were going to get over the finish line.  Despite losing Thierry Henry in the summer to Barcelona, the Gunners strolled into an advantage as big as seven points at one stage.  However, a horrific double leg fracture for Croatian striker Eduardo seconds into the match with Birmingham City on February 22 totally derailed their challenge.  Arsene Wenger made some poisonous comments about Birmingham centre-back Martin Taylor, who made the accidental challenge on Eduardo and William Gallas furious reaction to a late penalty for the home side didn’t go down well either.  Arsenal fell away in the final two months, and ultimately slipped to third, but only four points behind the champions.  Chelsea kept piling on the pressure, helped by a crucial 2-1 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 26, but the form of Cristiano Ronaldo was pivotal to Man Utd’s success.  Ronaldo scored a remarkable 42 goals in all competitions, 31 of these in the Premiership.  They kept their noses infront all the way to the final day win at the JJB Stadium.  Liverpool finished fourth, but had a new hero in Fernando Torres to cheer on.  ‘El Nino,’ scored 24 Premiership goals in his debut season.  At the bottom of the league, Derby County became the first side to be relegated at the end of March and ended up with the worst points tally ever.  They won just one game all season; 1-0 at home to Newcastle United in September.  Under Roy Hodgson, Fulham managed the great escape, with four wins in their last five matches.  Danny Murphy headed a dramatic late winner at Portsmouth on the final weekend, with his winner sending both Reading and Birmingham City down to the Championship, despite both relegated clubs winning big on the final day. 

CHAMPIONS: Manchester United, 2^nd: Chelsea 3^rd: Arsenal, 4^th: Liverpool 5^th: Everton, 6^th: Aston Villa, 7^th: Blackburn Rovers, 8^th; Portsmouth, 9^th: Manchester City, 10^th: West Ham United

RELEGATED: Reading, Birmingham City, Derby County

BIGGEST WIN: Middlesbrough 8-1 Manchester City (11 May 2008)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Portsmouth 7-4 Reading (30 September 2007), Tottenham Hotspur 6-4 Reading (29 December 2007), Middlesbrough 8-1 Manchester City (11 May 2008)

SCORERS: Ronaldo (Manchester United) 31, Adebayor (Arsenal) 24, Torres (Liverpool) 24, Santa Cruz (Blackburn) 19, Berbatov (Tottenham) 15, Yakubu (Everton) 15, Benjani (Portsmouth & Manchester City) 15, Keane (Tottenham) 15, Tevez (Manchester United) 14, Carew (Aston Villa) 13, Rooney (Manchester United) 12, Defoe (Tottenham & Portsmouth) 12, Gerrard (Liverpool) 11

2008/09

FOR the second time in Premiership history, Manchester United managed to win three successive league titles.  A 0-0 draw at home to Arsenal on the final Saturday of the season was enough to see them over the finishing line.  They were pushed all the way by a much-improved Liverpool side, who recorded their highest ever Premiership points tally on the way to second spot.  Rafa Benitez would lookback on some silly home draws against the likes of Stoke City, Hull City and Fulham which ultimately cost them the title.  Liverpool lost only two games all season (away at Tottenham and Middlesbrough), and held a five point lead at the turn of the year, but a succession of draws in January gave Manchester United the chance to overhaul the lead the Reds had built-up.  Benitez ranted about United’s record of arguing with referees, which made the battle between the two clubs even more personal.  The deciding results were three games in April.  After losing 1-4 at home to Liverpool at Old Trafford, then 2-0 at Fulham the following week, United needed a stoppage time winner from teenager Federico Macheda to beat a fading Aston Villa side 3-2 at the beginning of the month.  A fortnight later, Liverpool dropped points in a pulsating 4-4 draw with Arsenal, in which Andrei Arshavin scored all four goals for the visitors in a stunning individual performance.  Four days later, inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez, Manchester United stormed back from 2-0 down to beat Tottenham 5-2 at Old Trafford.  Later results didn’t matter and it was a special title for United, as they equalled Liverpool’s record of 18 league championships.  Chelsea struggled for most of the season and sacked the unpopular Luis Felipe Scolari in February, following a dismal draw at home to Hull City.  Guus Hiddink took temporary charge and improved results helped the men from West London finish third and win the FA Cup.  On transfer deadline day, Manchester City got bought by the Abu Dhabi United group, turning them into one of the richest football clubs in the world.  Although they only finished mid-table this campaign, they showed the flexible wealth by persuading temperamental Robinho to join from Real Madrid in a new British transfer record deal; £32.5million.  It was a terrible season on Tyneside, as Sunderland only just survived, while both Newcastle United and Middlesbrough were relegated.  Newcastle’s demise came under four managers, and not even club legend Alan Shearer could save the club from the drop.  Newcastle’s final day relegation meant despite winning only one of their last 17 matches, Hull City survived.  Cue Phil Brown’s horrific singing!  Tottenham sacked Juande Ramos after only managing two points in their first eight games, but Harry Redknapp left Portsmouth to steer the club to eighth, behind Fulham, who managed seventh and their best ever finish in the top flight.    

CHAMPIONS: Manchester United, 2^nd: Liverpool 3^rd: Chelsea, 4^th: Arsenal 5^th: Everton, 6^th: Aston Villa, 7^th: Fulham, 8^th; Tottenham, 9^th: West Ham United, 10^th: Manchester City

RELEGATED: Newcastle United, Middlesbrough, West Brom

BIGGEST WIN: Manchester City 6-0 Portsmouth (21 September 2008)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham Hotspur (29 October 2008), Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal (21 April 2009), Manchester United 5-2 Tottenham Hotspur (25 April 2009)

SCORERS: Anelka (Chelsea) 19, Ronaldo (Manchester United) 18, Gerrard (Liverpool) 16, Robinho (Manchester City) 14, Torres (Liverpool) 14, Rooney (Manchester United) 12, Kuyt (Liverpool) 12, Lampard (Chelsea) 12, Agbonlahor (Aston Villa) 12, Bent (Tottenham) 12, Davies (Bolton) 12, Van Persie (Arsenal) 11, Carew (Aston Villa) 11, Fuller (Stoke City) 11, Crouch (Portsmouth) 11

2009/10

THE world of football was rocked by Cristiano Ronaldo’s record transfer fee departure from Manchester United to Real Madrid for £80million before the start of the season.  The game also lost the great Sir Bobby Robson, who passed away after a long, brave fight with cancer in July.  Manchester City continued to flex their muscles in the transfer market, bringing in Gareth Barry, Joleon Lescott, Emmanuel Adebayor and controversially, Carlos Tevez in the summer.  Mark Hughes was sacked in December, after a run of eight successive Premiership draws, a new record.  Roberto Mancini was installed as new boss, but City lost out on a Champions League spot, following a 0-1 loss at home to rivals Tottenham in the final week of the season.  Tottenham finished in the lucrative position ahead of City, Aston Villa and Liverpool, who finished in their worst position in the league since 1999.  Rafa Benitez parted company with the club the following summer.  Once again, Arsenal’s title challenge faded in the closing stages of the season, which included a dramatic collapse away to Wigan Athletic in mid-April.  2-0 up with ten minutes to go at the DW Stadium, the Gunners somehow lost 3-2; a result which kept Wigan in the Premiership.  Burnley, Hull City and Portsmouth were the three clubs who were relegated at the end of the season.  Despite beating Manchester United in their first home Premiership match at Turf Moor, the Clarets lost manager Owen Coyle to Bolton Wanderers in the New Year in acrimonious circumstances.  With it was a loss of form, which saw them, condemned to the drop at the end of April.  It was even worse for Portsmouth, as their financial mess unravelled during the season.  In February, Pompey became the first club in the history of this era to enter administration and hence earn themselves a nine point deduction.  For Avram Grant, it was mission impossible and he went to West Ham United at the end of the season; once the Hammers board decided to crush Gianfranco Zola’s morale and dismiss him.  Another side that impressed in the season were Birmingham City.  Under Alex McLeish, the side went on the longest unbeaten run of the season, which stood at 12 games between late October and the end of January.  The Blues finished a commendable ninth.  At the top of the table, it was Chelsea and Manchester United who once again took the title battle down to the final day of the season.  Carlo Ancelotti’s side were one point clear at the start of play and ultimately didn’t have to worry about matters.  The Blues crushed Wigan 8-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Didier Drogba hitting a hat-trick to secure himself the Golden Boot.  It meant Manchester United had to settle for runners-up spot, despite a 4-0 trouncing of Stoke City at Old Trafford.  For the third time in Premiership history, in Ancelotti’s first season and with over 100 goals too, Chelsea became Premiership champions.  

CHAMPIONS: Chelsea, 2^nd: Manchester United 3^rd: Arsenal, 4^th: Tottenham 5^th: Manchester City, 6^th: Aston Villa, 7^th: Liverpool, 8^th; Everton, 9^th: Birmingham City, 10^th: Blackburn Rovers

RELEGATED: Burnley, Hull City, Portsmouth

BIGGEST WIN: Tottenham Hotspur 9-1 Wigan Athletic (22 November 2009)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Tottenham Hotspur 9-1 Wigan Athletic (22 November 2009), Chelsea 7-2 Sunderland (18 January 2010), Chelsea 8-0 Wigan Athletic (9 May 2010)

SCORERS: Drogba (Chelsea) 29, Rooney (Manchester United) 26, Bent (Sunderland) 24, Tevez (Manchester City) 23, Lampard (Chelsea) 22, Defoe (Tottenham) 18, Torres (Liverpool) 18, Fabregas (Arsenal) 15, Adebayor (Manchester City) 14, Agbonlahor (Aston Villa) 13, Saha (Everton) 13, Malouda (Chelsea) 12, Berbatov (Manchester United) 12, Anelka (Chelsea) 11

2010/11

WAYNE Rooney had a largely troubled season, but his 76^th minute penalty on May 14 earnt Manchester United a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers; good enough for United’s 19^th league title, overtaking Liverpool’s long-standing record.  They did it, despite only winning five games away from home all season, with the lowest points tally to win the league since 1997/98.  However, only newly promoted West Brom managed to take a point from Old Trafford all season in the league.  Despite finishing second, Chelsea sacked Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season, after a fairly unconvincing campaign.  For long periods, it was Arsenal who became Manchester United’s closest challengers, but once again, they screwed up dramatically in the run-in.  Wenger’s side were knocked out of three cup competitions in 11 days, threw away a 4-0 lead to draw 4-4 at Newcastle in February and only two wins in their last ten league matches saw them drop to fourth and out of the automatic Champions League qualifying spots.  This meant that despite uncertainty about the future of Carlos Tevez, Manchester City stole third place, their best ever Premiership finish.  Tevez ended joint top scorer with Dimitar Berbatov for the season, and to cap things off for Roberto Mancini’s side, they won the FA Cup too.  It was a miserable season for Liverpool, who looked like they were going to be in a relegation battle in mid-season.  Roy Hodgson was sacked after an unhappy six months in the job, Fernando Torres was sold to Chelsea on deadline day for a record £50million and unpopular owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks had to sell the club in October despite numerous attempts to stop the process.  Kenny Dalglish returned to the dugout and guided the Reds to sixth place, including memorable late season wins over both Manchester clubs.  He also signed Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, but ultimately, the Reds missed out on Europe for the first time since 2000.  Hodgson eventually turned up at West Brom in February and proved that his management skills still were up to scratch, by easing the Baggies comfortably away from a relegation scrap into a solid 11^th place finish.  Respected Sky Sports presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray were shamed in a sexism row over women in football.  They made off-air sexist comments about West Ham chief executive Karen Brady and female line assistant Sian Massey before the televised Wolves v Liverpool game in January.  Further damming video revelations in the week forthcoming saw Gray sacked and Keys resigning in disgrace.  Also having a disgraceful season were West Ham United, who treated Avram Grant badly all season.  They looked a liability throughout and despite Scott Parker’s heroic efforts, a 3-2 defeat at Wigan Athletic on the penultimate weekend sent the Hammers down.  Grant’s humiliation was complete when he sacked just an hour after the match.  On ‘Survival Sunday,’ five clubs still might end up being relegated.  Blackburn Rovers new Indian owners had made a catastrophic mistake by sacking Sam Allardyce in December, with the club in comfortable mid-table security!  Although they were in the race for the drop, a wonderful first half at Wolves saw them 3-0 up at half-time and secure of any relegation threat.  It put Wolves right in the mire, despite Mick McCarthy’s team winning at Anfield and beating Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United at Molineux during the campaign.  Blackpool had entertained all neutrals throughout the season, with their flowing attack or nothing football.  They did take a surprising 2-1 lead at Manchester United on the last day, but their poor defensive record cost them and a 4-2 loss meant Ian Holloway’s brave Tangerines joined West Ham in relegation misery.  For a long duration of the campaign, Wigan Athletic looked destined for the drop, but put together a strong end to the season which saw them unbeaten in their last five matches.  A Hugo Rodallega header beat Stoke City at the Britannia to keep Roberto Martinez’s side up against the odds.  This left Birmingham City in huge peril.  Although they won the Carling Cup, two wins in their last eleven matches had seen Alex McLeish’s side slip into the relegation battle.  Ultimately, a late Stephen Hunt goal, which pulled Wolves back to a 2-3 defeat against Blackburn, combined with an even later Roman Pavyluchenko strike for Tottenham against Birmingham sent McLeish’s men down and kept Wolves in the league, on the most incredible final day in the league’s history.  However, despite being unconvincing at times, it was Manchester United’s season once again and a fitting way for Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar to bow out of the game, as both retired after the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona at Wembley.

CHAMPIONS: Manchester United, 2^nd: Chelsea 3^rd: Manchester City, 4^th: Arsenal 5^th: Tottenham, 6^th: Liverpool, 7^th: Everton, 8^th; Fulham, 9^th: Aston Villa, 10^th: Sunderland

RELEGATED: Birmingham City, Blackpool, West Ham United

BIGGEST WIN: Manchester United 7-1 Blackburn Rovers (27 November 2010)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Manchester United 7-1 Blackburn Rovers (27 November 2010), Newcastle United 4-4 Arsenal (5 February 2011), Everton 5-3 Blackpool (5 February 2011)

SCORERS: Berbatov (Manchester United) 20, Tevez (Manchester City) 20, Van Persie (Arsenal) 18, Bent (Sunderland & Aston Villa) 17, Odemwingie (West Brom) 15, Hernandez (Manchester United) 13, Kuyt (Liverpool) 13, Van der Vaart (Tottenham) 13, Carroll (Newcastle & Liverpool) 13, Malouda (Chelsea) 13, Campbell (Blackpool) 13, Drogba (Chelsea) 12, Dempsey (Fulham) 12

2011/12 (Table & scorers after three matches)

THE 20^th season has begun with the two Manchester clubs looking unstoppable.  Manchester United handed Arsenal their biggest defeat in Premiership history, with an 8-2 mauling at Old Trafford.  Only hours earlier, Manchester City thumped Tottenham 5-1 at White Hart Lane, with Edin Dzeko scoring four goals.  Under Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool spent big to acquire Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing to the club in the summer.  The good times seem to be coming back to Anfield, with two wins in three games, including an impressive success away at Arsenal, with Luis Suarez looking like the natural replacement for Fernando Torres.  Torres’s new club Chelsea have a new gaffer, as Andre Vilas-Boas arrived in the summer.  They have looked unconvincing so far, but have signed youngster Romelu Lukaku and Valencia playmaker Juan Manuel Mata and kept pace with the leading contenders.  Wolves, Stoke City, Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic have all made solid starts too, remaining unbeaten but with Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri gone, plus numerous suspensions and injuries, Arsenal are contemplating life in the bottom four.  However, there is plenty of time to go in what is turning out to be a special season already.

1^st: Manchester United, 2^nd: Manchester City 3^rd: Liverpool, 4^th: Chelsea 5^th: Wolves 6^th: Newcastle United, 7^th: Aston Villa, 8^th; Wigan Athletic, 9^th: Stoke City, 10^th: Bolton Wanderers

IN BOTTOM THREE: West Brom, Blackburn Rovers, Tottenham Hotspur

BIGGEST WIN: Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal (28 August 2011)

SCORERS: Dzeko (Manchester City) 6, Rooney (Manchester United) 5, Aguero (Manchester City) 3, Young (Manchester United) 3, Klasnic (Bolton) 3, Best (Newcastle) 2, Long (West Brom) 2, Suarez (Liverpool) 2, Silva (Manchester City) 2

Barclays Premiership season review (Part 2) Club-by-club

West Brom

ROY Hodgson was appointed manager of West Brom in February.  Despite losing 13 out of 16 games between November 1 and February 6, Roberto di Matteo’s dismissal was a gamble by the Albion board.  However, it turned into a shrewd move.  Di Matteo’s inexperience at the top level cost him, whilst the experience Hodgson has at the top level steered West Brom clear of trouble.  He had a point to prove after the Liverpool experience, but he should never have been doubted.  Hodgson was able to provide a perfect balance between attack and defence.  West Brom produced some sterling results during the campaign.  They won at the Emirates, drew at Old Trafford, thrashed Everton 4-1 at Goodison in November and beat Liverpool at home.  Lows included a 6-0 thumping by a rampant Chelsea on the opening weekend and a 3-1 loss at bitter rivals Wolves in May, which ultimately helped keep Wolves in the Premiership.  For once, Albion provided the consistency required staying at the top level, and Roy Hodgson has given them a solid platform for which he can build on next season.

HIGHS: A flying start to the season under Roberto di Matteo and comfortable survival under the guidance of Roy Hodgson

LOWS: A 6-0 thumping at Chelsea on the opening day of the season and a 3-1 reverse at bitter rivals Wolves in May

Newcastle United      

NEWCASTLE United have always had a tendency to provide drama in any previous Premiership campaign, but by their standards, it was a quiet and solid season.  However, they did sack Chris Hughton controversially in December.  Hughton was not being offered a new contract and was ditched, despite lying a comfortable 12^th in the table at the time.  He had steered the club to a 6-0 win over Aston Villa, a memorable 5-1 hammering of rivals Sunderland and a shock victory at the Emirates.  Mike Ashley was criticised for bringing in Alan Pardew, who has struggled at the top level in the past, with both Charlton Athletic and West Ham United.  However, Pardew defined the critics with a debut victory over Liverpool, and Newcastle never looked in any relegation trouble, finishing a comfortable midtable in the league.  Their fans will be disappointed though by being pipped in the league by Sunderland.  Under Pardew, they came from 4-0 down at home to Arsenal and produce the greatest comeback in Premiership history, to earn a 4-4 draw.  Chiock Tiote’s 90^th minute screamer saw the roof almost come off St. James Park. 

Andy Carroll was sold to Liverpool for £35million, so there is money to spend next season and the Magpies supporters will demand that money to be spent wisely and progress to continue.

HIGHS: Coming from 4-0 down to rescue a 4-4 draw with Arsenal and the 5-1 home hammering of Sunderland

LOWS: Sacking Chris Hughton, selling Andy Carroll and being beaten in the final league table by Sunderland

Stoke City                        

IF STOKE fans had been offered a place in the FA Cup final and comfortably in midtable in the Premiership at the start of the season; they will have bitten your hands off!  However, 13^th place is a poor reflection on a side that deserved a top-half finish, certainly more than Aston Villa or Sunderland.  Tony Pulis side never looked in relegation danger, although it took till the middle of April to totally banish those fears.  They did lose their first three games of the season, but then a 2-1 late win against Villa in September was the platform for another amazing campaign.  Robert Huth became a major goalscoring threat, Jonathan Walters was the best player to be signed outside of the top flight and Jermaine Pennant looks revitalised and finally at home, after a career that looked like it was stalling into reverse gear.  Stoke don’t have any world class players, but are a brilliant team unit, who play to their strengths.  That can be seen as an ugly way of playing football, but it is effective and Pulis often has a Plan B of the attractive route, should Plan A not work.  Beating Liverpool and Arsenal at home were the result highs, whilst heavy losses against West Ham and Manchester City were the lows of the campaign.  If Stoke want to break out of the midfield group in the table, they must improve their away form.  Three wins this season on the road (Newcastle, West Brom and Blackburn) is not good enough, and spoils their season.  At the Britannia, only Manchester United, Tottenham and Blackpool won and if anything, it is one of the hardest grounds around to get a positive result for visiting sides.  Steady progress for a likeable club. 

HIGHS: A glorious run to the FA Cup final, reviving Jermaine Pennant's career and impressive home wins over Arsenal and Liverpool

LOWS: General inconsistency, especially on the road, which cost them a better finish

Bolton Wanderers

OWEN Coyle has got Bolton playing his brand of football and now, the Reebok Stadium doesn’t always akin itself to a wrestling match.  Gone are the physical abuse Bolton could give teams, and although still a strength, Coyle has got his style embedded into the squad and it worked for most of the season.  Consequently, 14^th place doesn’t merit their efforts this season, which saw Bolton closer to Europe than a predicted relegation dogfight for the majority of the campaign.  In fact, before the FA Cup semi-final, Bolton looked comfortable in 8^th, so this highlights their loss in confidence and form after the shameful 5-0 battering at the hands of Stoke City at Wembley.  Finally, Johan Elmander looked like a potential goal threat, after a load of underachievement under the previous regime.  However, he has moved onto Galatasaray in the close season.  Coyle’s best signing was the loan acquisition of Daniel Sturridge on deadline day from Chelsea.  Frozen out at Stamford Bridge, Sturridge loved first-team football in Lancashire and scored goals on a regular basis.  I would imagine Bolton will try to do another loan deal for next season, after his impressive form in the second half of the season.  This was an encouraging season for Bolton and despite the final league position, its upwards and onwards for Owen Coyle and the Trotters.

HIGHS: The loan signing of Daniel Sturridge, beating Tottenham 4-2 in November and a more attractive style of football

LOWS: The FA Cup semi-final humiliation at the hands of Stoke, which saw their season never recover afterwards

Blackburn Rovers       

NEW owners for Blackburn, but they already aren’t greatly popular with the fans and a fatal decision nearly ended their decade stay in the Premiership.  The club were sitting a comfortable 11^th when they travelled to Bolton on December 12.  A last-minute Stuart Holden strike gave Bolton a 2-1 triumph and 24 hours later, the Indian new boys sacked Sam Allardyce.  It was a baffling and strange decision, and it angered a lot of people within the game.  The relatively unknown Steve Kean was given the chance to manage the club and initially, things started well.  A league double over West Brom and a handsome 3-1 home success over Liverpool gave Rovers fans a glimmer of new hope.  However, a diabolical run of form after beating West Brom 2-0 on January 23 saw the Lancashire side drop from 7^th to 16^th.  Luckily, a 1-0 win over Bolton at home in late April steadied a very rocky boat.  Nevertheless, it took until the last day for Blackburn’s safety to be confirmed.  They did this with an impressive first half display at Molineux, which had them 3-0 up at half-time, eventually winning 3-2.  This came on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Manchester United, on the day United clinched their record-breaking championship.  The form of Paul Robinson and the emergence of Junior Hoillett were the positive points of a difficult campaign for Blackburn.  Having sold Phil Jones to Manchester United for £17million, there is money in the bank, so the supporters will be expecting it to be spent wisely or the club will disintegrate in the near future. 

As for Steve Kean, he has a point to prove at the start of next season; to show he really is the right man for the Ewood Park hotseat.

HIGHS: The emergence of Junior Hoillett, Paul Robinson's consistency and a stunning first half display at Molineux on the last day of the seasonLOWS: Sacking Sam Allardyce, the worst decision of the entire season! 

WolvesA STUNNING 87^th minute strike from Stephen Hunt was enough for Wolves to survive in the Premiership by the skin of their teeth.  They still lost 3-2 at Blackburn on the last day, but scored more goals than Birmingham to keep themselves afloat.  It was a character building season for Mick McCarthy, who steered the club to some of its most memorable results in its history, yet witness some shambolic performances elsewhere, particularly on the road (3-0 at Stoke, 4-1 at Newcastle, 3-0 at Blackburn).  They won at Anfield against Liverpool in December and at Molineux, beat the top three fair and square; Manchester City (2-1 in October), Chelsea (1-0 in January) and Manchester United (2-1 in February), as well as a thrilling 3-3 draw with Tottenham in March.  However, their form against the clubs around them was disastrous.  They picked up 0 points against Bolton, Blackburn and Wigan, only 1 against West Ham and 3 collected in the meetings with Blackpool.  Amongst the great were the ugly moments.  Karl Henry’s x-rated challenge on Bobby Zamora, which broke Zamora’s ankle, received widespread criticism in a match with Fulham, as did a similar challenge which saw the quickest dismissal of the season; inside ten minutes in a 2-0 loss at Wigan in October.  Henry can’t play football; it’s as simple as that.  Steven Fletcher was a good buy and scored some crucial goals in the run-in, particularly his memorable double in the 3-1 result against West Brom.  On the final day, Wolves were lucky, but for the results they collected this season against the big boys, they thoroughly deserved their place in the top flight next season.

HIGHS: Beating Liverpool at Anfield and deserved home successes against the top three (Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City

LOWS: Poor results against the teams around them and Karl Henry's inability to time a tackle correctly!

Wigan Athletic            

TWO nil down against West Ham in the penultimate game of the season, and it looked like the game was up for Roberto Martinez and Wigan Athletic.  However, they produced a stunning comeback, led by the inspirational Charles N’Zogbia.  The last-minute winner from the Frenchman sent the DW Stadium into raptures and gave the club a fighting chance on the final day of the season.  They followed those heroics with a professional display at Stoke and Hugo Rodallega’s priceless 77^th minute header, which won the game and kept the smallest club in the Premiership for a fanbase, up for a seventh successive season.  Martinez has to be praised for never losing his spirit, especially as they were written on (including me) on several occasions this season.  He wants to play attractive football, which sometimes asks for trouble, especially against the top elite.  However, Wigan had the ability to grind out some priceless results, win ugly or win by playing brilliant and ultimately, that’s why they stayed up and Blackpool didn’t.  After a 0-4 demolition at home against Blackpool on the opening weekend, followed by Chelsea’s 6-0 annihilation the following week, the writing looked on the wall for Wigan.  A week later, Rodallega stole a shock 1-0 win at Tottenham, which in a way, summed up their season – being able to produce some unexpected results.  Two draws against Liverpool and an epic 5-3 triumph over Blackburn in February back this opinion up.  Martinez will find it tough to hold on to his star assets this summer, notably Rodallega, N’Zogbia and Maynor Figueroa.  However, he defied the odds this time around, and don’t be surprised to find Wigan doing it again same time next season.

HIGHS: A sensational final day victory at Stoke which saw the club beat the drop against the odds

LOWS: Kamikaze defending which led to some batterings, particularly at the hands of Blackpool and Chelsea

Birmingham City

ALEX McLeish has resigned and looks set to be appointed as the new boss of Midlands rivals Aston Villa.  To be honest, you can’t blame him.  McLeish clearly has had several disagreements with the board at St. Andrews, so the way he has left the club can’t be seen as surprising, if definitely acrimonious.  Birmingham got a case of Second Season Syndrome, and the club were relegated by a 2-1 loss at Tottenham on the last day of the season.  All this came after their greatest day at Wembley at the end of February.  Obafemi Martins 89^th minute winner snatched the Carling Cup final against the overwhelming favourites, Arsenal.  Afterwards, poor form and a shocking injury list took its toll on the Blues, who only won two of their last 11 Premiership games.  Ultimately, it is the players who need to take the blame.  Once Scott Dann got injured in January, Birmingham’s previously steady backline looked shaky for the reminder of the campaign.  In midfield, Sebastian Larsson had a poor season, while Jean Beausejour failed to shine on his impressive World Cup form he showed with Chile.  Nikola Zigic might have scored in the Carling Cup final, but was a real letdown and Birmingham simply didn’t score enough goals.  My advice to teams for next season, DON’T WIN THE CARLING CUP!  Birmingham certainly have the quality to bounce straight back up and can look forward to playing in the UEFA Europa League this season.  However, I bet they’d swap it all for another season in the Premiership.  It was a sorry tale of dismay in the Blue half of the Midlands.

HIGHS: Winning the Carling Cup final

LOWS: Winning the Carling Cup final

Blackpool 

BLACKPOOL may have dropped straight back into the Championship, but they won many fans throughout their epic journey this season and the club will be missed in the Premiership next season.  Ian Holloway offered colour, charisma and panache on the touchline, and his post and pre-match press conferences were always a joy to listen to.  Holloway has a strong opinion on almost any topic in the game and is the perfect interviewee for any budding sports journalist out there.  Whether he will stay at Blackpool remains to be seen; I hope he does.  Like Roberto Martinez, Holloway opted to play the attractive football route and refused to back down after a negative display which saw them overwhelmed 4-0 at Chelsea in September.  However, it ultimately was to be their downfall.  Blackpool could only win matches playing attractively, not ugly and having the worst defensive record in the Premiership didn’t help.  The fans will never forget a league double over Liverpool, an impressive 3-1 win over Tottenham and stunning away victories at Wigan, Newcastle and Sunderland.  However, their inability to hold onto leading positions, throwing away 2-0 leads against Manchester United, Bolton and Blackburn during the campaign ultimately cost them.  Charlie Adam was the Tangerines star player and I’d expect him to be in the Premiership next season, with Liverpool and Tottenham favourites for his signature.  Although it ended with the crushing low of relegation, Blackpool fans shouldn’t be too downhearted.  It was a journey their supporters will never forget.

HIGHS: Ian Holloway, Charlie Adam, more Ian Holloway, their supporters, beating Liverpool (TWICE!) and Ian Holloway

LOWS: The worst defensive record in the Premiership, which turned out to be very costly.

West Ham United

UPTON Park looked more like a pantomime performance at the London Palladium this season.  David Sullivan, David Gold and Karen Brady have come in to run the club, and have turned it into the new ‘Newcastle,’ i.e.; the laughing stock of English football.  After crushing Gianfranco Zola’s morale, they’ve now ruined Avram Grant’s reputation and treated him very unprofessionally.  Grant was sacked after relegation was confirmed, and although he kept his dignity throughout a nightmare experience, I bet he has been scarred forever by the haunting campaign at Upton Park.  After a 3-0 loss at home to Arsenal in January, Grant threw his claret scarf into the crowd, which suggested he had been fired.  However, Martin O’Neill turned his back on the job and Avram was given a stay of execution.  Not even a run to the Carling Cup semi-finals, FA Cup quarter-finals, the return from injury for Thomas Hitzlsperger and the incredible form of Scott Parker could prevent the inevitable happening for the Hammers.  They were bottom at Christmas and bottom at the end of the season.  Brady got into a slanging match over the sexism Sky Sports row in January, which didn’t help matters within harmony in the board.  The loan signings of Robbie Keane and Wayne Bridge turned into absolutely disastrous deals.  Sam Allardyce has taken over the reins, and he will do well to keep his patience with an impatient board behind him.  It is a poisoned chalice at Upton Park.  Of course, I feel sorry for the fans, but ultimately, West Ham got what they deserved this season and they won’t be missed in the top flight next season.

HIGHS: None

LOWS: Everything

Survival Sunday - How it happened

YESTERDAY, the tightest relegation battle in the history of the FA Premier League took place and the nerves were intense.  It was a day full of joy, agony, ecstasy and of course, tears.  Here is how it all happened in the four affected games, as Wolves, Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic fought for survival in the top flight.

22 minutes:        Manchester United 1-0 Blackpool

The first breakthrough of a critical afternoon comes at Old Trafford.  Korean Ji-Sung Park pounces on some sloppy defending by Ian Evatt to have the champions infront.  Blackpool face a huge battle now. 

24 minutes:        Wolves 0-1 Blackburn Rovers

Wolves are looking very nervous and deservedly fall behind at home.  Jason Roberts turns in Michel Salgado’s shot from seven yards out.  It’s a big goal for Blackburn, in their quest to beat the drop.

40 minutes:        Wolves 0-2 Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn’s supporters can breathe a sigh of relief, as Brett Emerton fires the visitors into a deserved 2-0 lead.  It’s a beautiful volley from outside the penalty area, but Wolves defending is simply comical.

41 minutes:        Manchester United 1-1 Blackpool

Blackpool will not go down without a fight and their talisman is at it again.  Charlie Adam’s well-placed free-kick leaves Edwin van der Sar, in his farewell Old Trafford appearance stranded.  The Tangerines supporters begin to believe.

FIRST HALF STOPPAGE TIME:      Wolves 0-3 Blackburn Rovers

Wolves will be relying on other results now, as their defence is showing more accidents that what a traditional episode of Holby City does!  Junior Hoillett makes it 3-0 to complete Mick McCarthy’s nightmare scenario.

49 minutes:        Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Birmingham City

Disaster for Birmingham City, as Spurs substitute Roman Pavyluchenko curls home a strike past the despairing Ben Foster.  As things stand, Birmingham will be heading for the Npower Championship.

57 minutes:        Manchester United 1-2 Blackpool

Gary Taylor-Fletcher beats the offside trap to flick in David Vaughan’s cross and have Blackpool ahead at the Theatre of Dreams.  The ‘Impossible Dream’ of survival for Ian Holloway is now looking like the ‘Probable Dream.’

63 minutes:        Manchester United 2-2 Blackpool

Blackpool return to the brink, as Anderson pulls Manchester United level with a left-footed drive.

72 minutes:        Wolves 1-3 Blackburn Rovers

Jamie O’Hara gives Wolves some hope at Molineux, not so much in the game, but more on the goal difference count.  However, the home side still remain in the bottom three at this stage.

75 minutes:        Manchester United 3-2 Blackpool

Ian Evatt will want the ground to swallow him up.  He slices a clearance into the back of his own net, and with it, Blackpool drop back into the relegation zone.  Is the fairytale dying?

77 minutes:        Stoke City 0-1 Wigan Athletic

Roberto Martinez’s tactics have been spot-on, and now Wigan can have the security of a priceless lead at the Britannia.  Maynor Figueroa’s beautiful cross is met perfectly by the head of Hugo Rodallega.  The reaction from the Wigan players says it all.

78 minutes:        Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Birmingham City

Birmingham’s supporters are going wild at White Hart Lane, as Craig Gardner produces a stunning blot from the blue.  Carlo Cudicini had no chance, and Wolves join Blackpool in the dreaded drop zone.

81 minutes:        Manchester United 4-2 Blackpool

Blackpool’s high offside trap is exposed by the champions.  Michael Owen’s cool finish, in his final game for the club seals the Seasiders fate.  Despite winning over many neutrals, Blackpool will NOT be in the top flight next season.

87 minutes:        Wolves 2-3 Blackburn Rovers

This is a goal worthy to keep any side up.  Stephen Hunt produces curls one past Paul Robinson to send the Wolves supporters into delirium.  On goals scored, Birmingham drop below Wolves again in this staggering drama.

STOPPAGE TIME:             Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Birmingham City

Roman Pavyluchenko produces the killer blow.  Birmingham City, Carling Cup winners, will be playing in the UEFA Europa League, representing the Championship.

FT: Manchester United 4-2 Blackpool:                        BLACKPOOL ARE RELEGATED

FT: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Birmingham City:              BIRMINGHAM ARE RELEGATED

FT: Wolves 2-3 Blackburn Rovers                              BOTH BLACKBURN AND WOLVES SURVIVE

FT: Stoke City 0-1 Wigan Athletic                              WIGAN SURVIVE

It was an incredible final day, and one of the most breathtaking seasons in Premiership history is completed.  Commiserations to the fans of Birmingham City and Blackpool, who have to deal with the heartache of being relegated from the top flight, whilst congratulations to Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers, for producing the results they required to keep themselves in the Premier League.  Although they were lucky yesterday, Wolves’s victories over Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United over the course of the campaign means that ultimately, they deserve another crack next season.  We only have to wait ten weeks for the drama to happen again!  HURRY UP SUMMER!

FA Barclays Premiership Report (30th April - 1st May)

THE most pivotal weekend in this season’s Premiership saw some crucial results for those at the bottom of the table and a pivotal moment at the top, which give us an unexpected title race to look forward to.  Plus, it was another dodgy weekend for referees and their linesman in the Barclays Premier League.

SIGNIFICANT: Ramsay's winner could change the Premiership destination

     It was by far a classic, but Arsenal’s famous 1-0 win over Manchester United yesterday blows the title race wide open again.  It could turn out to be a significant result in the destination of this season’s Premiership.  There was a clear injustice against Arsenal in the first half, when Nemanja Vidic clearly handballed in the penalty area, denying Robin Van Persie a clear goal scoring opportunity.  Then again, Chris Foy had a dreadful game and missed a penalty shout for United as Michael Owen tumbled under the challenge from Gael Clichy.  It looked a hopeful claim, but replays suggested minimal contact was made and penalties have been given this season for far less.  The only goal came just before the hour mark.  Made by Van Persie, Aaron Ramsay stroked the ball in beautifully into the bottom corner of Edwin Van der Sar’s net.  It is a landmark goal for the Welshman, his first for the Gunners since his horrible broken leg at Stoke in February 2010.

     There would have been loud cheers from Stamford Bridge at Ramsay’s goal and Chelsea’s title ambitions were renewed on Saturday evening in controversial circumstances against Tottenham.  Sandro did power Tottenham into the lead, before the equaliser which started up the rumble of goal-line technology once again.  Frank Lampard’s shot was spilt by calamity Spurs keeper Hereulho Gomes and the ball landed on the line.  Replays were inconclusive, yet the linesman gave the goal, despite not being in any position to give it!  Lampard deserved some fortune after Bloemfontein and the World Cup last summer, but although Gomes proved again that he can’t catch a football, it was staggering to see such a certain decision made.  In the 89^th minute, Salomon Kalou stabbed the ball home from close range, despite looking like in a clear offside position.  Chelsea won 2-1, but got their fair share of fortune for the result.  It is now 21 years since Tottenham last won at Stamford Bridge. 

     The basement battle at the bottom this weekend was the Midlands clash between Birmingham City and Wolves.  A scrappy 1-1 draw edges Birmingham closer to safety, but Wolves remain in the bottom three.  It started well for the visitors, as Steven Fletcher struck from the penalty spot in the 7^th minute.  However, Wolves conceded another terrible goal, as Sebastian Larsson gobbled up a chance, gifted as an early Bank Holiday present by Michael Mancienne.  Craig Gardner was dismissed in a dramatic first half by referee Kevin Friend.  The Birmingham midfielder got a second yellow card for simulation and ultimately, it was the right decision.  However, Wolves couldn’t make the extra man advantage count.  Still propping up the table is West Ham, following a spirited 2-1 defeat at Manchester City.  The Hammers looked brittle in the first 15 minutes and looked like they might capitulate at Eastlands.  They went 2-0 down, courtesy of a powerful strike from Nigel de Jong (his first goal in over 100 City matches) and Pablo Zabaleta.  At this stage, the home side took their foot off the gas pedal and Demba Ba capitalized on slack defending to produce a good finish and make a game of it.  However, City held on and the Champions League edges ever closer for Roberto Mancini.

     City’s closest challengers are now Liverpool, although the Reds are seven points behind and have played a game more.  They sit in England’s final Europa League spot after cruising to a 3-0 success over Newcastle United.  Maxi Rodriguez opened the scoring, via a cruel deflection off Danny Simpson in the ninth minute.  Dirk Kuyt continued his rich vein of scoring form, scoring a penalty after Mike Williamson dumped Luis Suarez to the ground.  Sizzling Suarez bagged the third with 25 minutes to go and the good times seem to be back at Anfield.  Only Chelsea and Manchester United have gathered more points than Liverpool since Kenny Dalglish took over in January.

DECISIVE: Martin Olsson celebrates his pivotal winner for Blackburn

     There was plenty of pride and passion from Wigan at the weekend, but they only picked up a 1-1 draw against Everton, on a weekend when they probably needed the three points.  Charles N’Zogbia smashed Wigan into a first half lead, but Mikel Arteta dragged Everton level after a stupid handball from Hugo Rodallega in the penalty box.  Ali Al-Habsi saved an Arteta penalty in the first half, so the result could have been even worse for Wigan.  At Ewood Park, Bolton’s poor away form continued, allowing Blackburn to record a 1-0 win and their first maximum three points in the league since January 22.  Martin Olsson scored the decisive goal in the first half, which eases some of the pressure on Steve Kean.  The first ever 0-0 draw in the Premiership at Bloomfield Road happened on Saturday.  There was little to report from the Blackpool v Stoke game, as both teams attacking was poor and defences ended up well on top.

     In the academic matches, West Brom beat Aston Villa 2-1 to record their first win against the Villains in the league since 1985, when ‘Easy Lover’ by Phil Collins was no.1 in the music charts!  Yusuf Mulumbu wrapped up the victory for Albion, despite Paul Scharner seeing red for a rugby tackle on Villa captain Stilian Petrov.  Meanwhile, Gary McAllister is still in charge of Villa, as Gerard Houillier continues his recovery at home, having now been released from hospital.  Lastly, goals from Gael Kakuta and two from Simon Davies pushed Fulham to a 3-0 win at Sunderland, who always looked like enduring a tough afternoon at home, with no first-choice recognised striker fit to play.

Next Sunday, all eyes are on the title showdown: Manchester United v Chelsea!  BRING IT ON!

FA Barclays Premiership Report (16th - 17th April)

THE FA Cup semi-final action meant that Premiership fixtures were limited.  However, plenty of action took place that affected both ends of the table.  Three from six look likely to drop out of the league now, whilst a helping hand from Dirk might well have handed Manchester United another championship.

LAST: Kuyt's kick might well have finished Arsenal's challenge

    Arsenal’s latest slip up at home was against a well-drilled Liverpool outfit.  The amazing drama at the end of the game at the Emirates overshadowed the general lacklustre quality in this 1-1 draw.  During the match, Jamie Carragher was accidentally knocked out by young defender John Flanagan, which led to eight minutes of injury time.  In the seventh minute of these, Cesc Fabregas went down far too easily under Jay Spearing’s clumsy, but clean challenge.  Robin Van Persie coolly dispatched the penalty and it seemed to have kept the title race alive.  However, moments later, Emmanuel Eboue stupidly pushed Lucas in the back when Luis Suarez’s free-kick rebounded off the wall into the Gunners penalty area.  Eboue was distraught and Arsene Wenger left in complete disbelief.  Dirk Kuyt tucked away the spot kick with the last kick of the match to earn Liverpool a deserved point.  The contentious penalty decision led to some ill-feeling between Wenger and Kenny Dalglish, with the Sky Sports cameras picking up Dalglish telling Wenger to ‘P### off.’  Following Manchester United’s tame 0-0 stalemate at Newcastle last night, Arsenal now lie seven points adrift and almost out of the battle.  No more slip-ups can now be required from Wenger’s men.

     Blackpool slipped into the bottom three for the first time this season, after they were convincingly beaten 3-1 at home by relegation rivals Wigan Athletic.  The result means Wigan move out of the drop zone.  From the moment Craig Cathcart gave away possession sloppily from a free-kick, then slipped in the build-up to Hugo Rodallega’s second minute opener, the writing was on the wall for the Tangerines.  Yet again, Blackpool’s defending was absolutely atrocious as Wigan ran riot.  Charles N’Zogbia made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time and a deflected effort from Mohammed Diame sealed the dominating result, despite DJ Campbell’s late consolation.

     Wigan moved out of the bottom three, at West Ham’s expense.  In a full-blooded scrap at Upton Park, Aston Villa stole all three points in the dying stages.  Their 2-1 win all but seals their Premiership safety, but leaves Avram Grant’s side staring at the abyss.  Robbie Keane produced a splendid start for the Hammers, driving them infront inside of two minutes.  Having pushed Carlton Cole in the back when the striker was clean through, Richard Dunne could have counted himself lucky to stay on the pitch.  As the game wore on, Villa got stronger and stronger and ultimately, deserved the win.  Darren Bent headed in Luke Young’s cross before half-time, after Mark Noble had been caught in possession.  Noble’s doziness was akin to an amateur painting a garden fence for the first time!  At the death, with the match set to finish honours even, Ashley Young’s teasing cross was headed in by Gabby Agbonlahor.  Amazingly, that it Agbonlahor’s first Premiership goal of what has been a frustrating season for the front man.    

CASH: Sebastian Larsson pounced on horrific defending for Birmingham

     Meantime, the Wearside worry for Sunderland continues.  Steve Bruce had a unhappy return to St. Andrews on Saturday, witnessing his old side Birmingham City beat his Black Cats 2-0.  Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was at fault for both goals.  The first came following a calamitous mix-up in communication between the Belgian and Phil Bardsley.  Sebastian Larsson sneaked it to open the scoring.  Mignolet then failed to keep out Craig Gardner’s wicked shot, which frankly – a Sunday League goalkeeper could have kept out.  Having lost eight of their last nine games, Sunderland could now well go down and the agony on chairman Niall Quinn’s face in the stands really told its own story.

     If Sunderland have problems, Blackburn’s are just as bad.  Steve Kean has only managed to oversee three wins in fifteen games as manager and the last time he tasted success was a 2-0 win over West Brom on January 23.  Even Richard Keys and Andy Gray were just about with Sky Sports at the time!  The latest dire result for Rovers was a 2-0 loss at Everton, which leaves them just two points above the drop zone.  What will worry Kean more was the horrific performance at Goodison Park.  Everton could have fielded a team of under 10’s and still beaten the senior Blackburn side at the weekend.  Leon Osman produced the breakthrough ten minutes into the second half and Leighton Baines dispatched a penalty after Phil Jones made a rash challenge on Seamus Coleman.

     Chelsea may have nothing to fight for now this season, but their league form since February has been mightily impressive.  They ended Roy Hodgson’s unbeaten run as West Brom boss, overcoming the Albion 3-1 at the Hawthorns.  However, Fernando Torres had a goal disallowed after coming off the subs bench and it means, the wait continues for his first Chelsea goal.  Peter Odemwingie did put the home side ahead, but Didier Drogba cancelled the advantage out almost immediately, when goalkeeper Scott Carson made a basic mistake.  Another fumble from Carson just five minutes later allowed Salomon Kalou to drill Chelsea ahead and Frank Lampard completed the scoring just before the interval, as he moved into double figures for his injury-ravaged season.  The win is Chelsea seventh in their last eight Premiership games.

     The race for the title might be all but over now, but the fight to stay up continues to take twists and turns and attention will switch to this end of the table now over the last month of the 2010/11 Premiership campaign.