Arsenal
League Position: 4th
Song: The song remains the same – Led Zeppelin
Consistency reigned supreme last season as Wenger again achieved a Champions League spot. However, the same record keeps playing at Arsenal. Discontent levels rose as the seats around the Emirates emptied due to the extortionate pricing. Many would class this as a satisfactory season for Arsenal – Champions League, due to the mass riches and players desire to be part of it, will always be the main objective. Yet I feel the spark that once lit up the Premier League has momentarily left Arsenal. Gone are the special players of Van Persie and Fabregas to be replaced by the likes of Olivier Giroud. Investment will be the key for Arsenal as next season their support and patience with Wenger may pay off.
Aston Villa
League Position: 15th
Song: The Youth – MGMT
A strong reliance on youth this season left Villa flirting dangerously close with relegation. Although those fears subsided by the final few games of the season it was far from a good season. However, every cloud has a silver lining as players such as Benteke and Weimann gained many plaudits. If Aston Villa can hold onto players such as these (Weimann has just signed a new contract) then they could have a very strong team for the next few years. Yet I still feel Villa still have a lot of overpaid, over rated players in their team. Charles N’Zogbia and Darren Bent are the main culprits for severely underperforming as Paul Lambert preferred youthful inexperience. A disastrous result in the League Cup coupled with a below par-season should be a warning and hopefully a valuable lesson to those at Villa.
Chelsea
League Position: 3rd
Song: Campaign of Hate – The Libertines
A campaign of hate seems apt to describe Chelsea’s bipolar season. Roberto Di Mateo’s sacking was met vicious reaction from the Chelsea fans as Rafael Benitez took charge. A fractious relationship between the manager and fans, however, did not stop the team from performing. An admirable 3rd place in the league and another trophy to add to Benitez’s impressive collection must go down as a successful season for Chelsea. They now have a squad, especially now with the ‘special one’ returning, that is good enough to challenge for the league title. Next season I fully expect them to be up there and have already been marked by many as their favourites to take the title back down south.
Everton
League Position: 6th
Song: The bittersweet symphony – The Verve
This season has been bittersweet for Everton. Going against recent trends it was a great start but a disappointing end to Everton’s season. However, this was not in terms of results as an excellent league finish of 6th capped off a successful season. It was in fact the loss of their manager David Moyes to their Manchurian neighbours United. How Everton will perform next season without their long serving manager is anyone’s guess. However, I believe they may struggle. Everton have always relied on their solidarity and workmanship performances while Martinez will bring a completely new style. How quickly they will adapt will determine the success of their season. I think it may be a while before they achieve 6th place again.
Fulham
League Position: 12th
Song: Some might say – Oasis
Some might say this has been an acceptable, par performance by Fulham this season. Getting off to a great start against Norwich, thrashing them 5-0, and ending in similar panache by hitting Swansea for three in their own back yard covered over the cracks somewhat. Disappointing performances, especially in the latter stage of the season where they won one out of eight, were not uncommon as Fulham seemingly coasted through the season with no intent. Sure there was the odd good performance while Berbatov lived up to his price tag but there is much to be improved in a squad that is saturated with players reaching their twilight years. Some youthful injection is needed.
shifting the goalposts 