Liverpool
League Position: 7th
Song: Bad Behaviour – Dizzee Rascal
An average season for Liverpool, which saw them again finish outside the top 4 with no real challenge for any silverware, was overshadowed somewhat by the exploits of Luis Suarez. Flashes of brilliance mixed with pure insanity made him the player to watch. Biting Ivanovic simply fueled the so called hate campaign against Suarez as he explained his desire to leave Liverpool as the media campaign against him had become too much. Of course he didn’t mention his racist comments, obscene gestures to crowds and his hunger for human flesh as a reason behind this media tirade. Anfield, once a fortress, became increasingly hostile as Liverpool failed to find the net on numerous occasions. A promising end to the campaign, however, (interestingly without Suarez) offered excitement for next season. The jury is still out with regards to Rodgers – next season he has to be challenging for a top four place.
Manchester City
League Position: 2nd
Song: These things take time – The Smiths
To become a Premier League powerhouse takes more than money; these things take time. Manchester United, over the past two decades, have developed and marketed their club superbly to become the undisputed Premier League giant. Manchester City finally trumped their city rivals in winning the Premier League last year; humiliating them 6-1 at Old Trafford in the process. However, it is always harder to defend a title rather than win it. This season has been one of disappointment as an early exit from the Champions League combined with a shocking FA cup final defeat meant the writing was on the wall for Mancini. I personally thought Mancini was unfortunate to get the sack – I believe it was the shocking transfer activity and players severely under performing that should have been shared a bigger proportion of blame. This season proved how hard it is to gain the consistency Manchester United has achieved over the last twenty years.
Manchester United
League Position: 1st
Song: The times they are a-changin’ – Bob Dylan
Similar to Everton, Manchester United’s actual season was good yet the news of Sir Alex’s departure shocked the footballing world. Everyone knew the season was approaching when he would spit out his chewing gun and settle to watching the football on TV; however, I didn’t think it would be this one. Alas, the times are changing at Manchester United. Yet within all this change was the continuity of their dogged performances throughout the season. They battled through many games and scraped over the line with many last minute winners. Van Persie also proved to be a great piece of business by Manchester United and I believe without him they will have struggled to win the league taking into account Rooney’s poor form. It will be interesting to see how they do next season. I think Moyes’ first five games are unfortunate – he has no time at all to settle in and I think they may struggle to get off to a good start.
Newcastle United
League Position: 16th
Song: Despair in the Departure Lounge – Arctic Monkeys (B side)
The heights of 2011/12 were always going to be nigh on impossible to top yet no one predicted a season like this for Newcastle and Alan Pardew. Many blame Pardew for this terrible season and I believe he must, obviously, take a portion of the blame. However, I believe there were other bigger factors contributing to their terrible season. Without trying to sound too much like Pardew (or play ‘Pardew excuse bingo’ that was created for his interviews), factors such as a lack of squad depth, injuries and ‘despair in the departure lounge’, aka the Europa league campaign, caused a disastrous campaign. Rather ironically Newcastle played admirably in Europe and were to get knocked out by the eventual finalist and supremely talented Benfica. An improvement in every department is necessary for next season or Newcastle will be relegated for a second time. However, their pre-season has already been blighted by the return of Joe Kinnear. Bigmouth Strikes Again by The Smiths may be an apt description for next season.
Norwich City
League Position: 11th
Song: Sticks ‘n’ stones – Jamie T
Sticks and stones may break their bones but words will never harm Chris Hughton. Many have criticised his ‘negative’ style of play but one thing you cannot dispute is he has kept a team up that was widely tipped for second season syndrome and subsequent relegation. Following in Paul Lambert’s footsteps was always going to be hard and I believe Chris Hughton did a very good job with Norwich. Yes, many games were beyond boring and they made that final slot on match of the day their own. However, Hughton surely completed his only real task – to keep Norwich up. Next season more will be expected, of course, and it will require more adventurous tactics but last season was more than acceptable in my eyes for a team not blessed with abundant quality. A good cup run and similar position will be welcomed no doubt.
shifting the goalposts 