One of the most intriguing seasons in Premier League history finally came to an end last weekend. We witnessed something quite extraordinary over the past nine months, with Liverpool rising from the ashes and returning to the Champions League, while the “Special One” José Mourinho wasn’t that special after all. In fact, no team can boast a comfortable win in the league these days, as Sunderland proved when they staged a stunning resurgence during the final month of the season to ensure their Premier League survival.
Liverpool won everything but the title
Manchester City was able to celebrate a second league trophy in three years thanks to a “slip” by Liverpool in the most crucial of moment. The Reds did everything right this season, winning over neutral fans with their all-out attacking style and scooping almost every award available including PFA/WFA Player of the Year (Luis Suarez) and PFA Manager of the Year (Brendan Rodgers). But they fell short of a first EPL title thanks primarily to their woeful defence which conceded 50 goals in the season. Of the top eight sides, only Tottenham conceded more.
Tellingly, two teams scored more than a century of goals this season, with City one short of the EPL record of 103 goals scored by Chelsea in 2009/10. Liverpool scored only one goal less than the Blue Moons – a remarkable achievement considering their small squad.
A record £760 million was spent on new players by EPL clubs this season, but none of the 11 named in the Team of the Season came from those new recruits – an indication that the managers may need to spend more wisely. Expensive players such as Marouane Fellaini and Roberto Soldado will certainly have to offer more to match their price tag.
The relegation battle is always tough on the fans
The Premier League is a super rich league indeed, with Liverpool scooping £99m from their TV money, the most of any team, while relegation teams Cardiff City, Fulham and Norwich netted £64m, £65m and £66m respectively. No wonder clubs fight so hard to keep their top-flight status.
