Review of the Season Part 1
So the 2008-09 season has drawn to a close and the absence of a major international tournament means that football fans across Europe can sit back and mull over what has happened over the past nine exciting and tumultuous months.
Starting in England, Manchester United equaled Liverpool’s record of 18 league title and – though it pains me to admit it – deserved the title. Despite not playing their best football, they were consistent throughout despite an almost costly wobble towards the end. Once again United proved their strength in depth and Vidic, Carrick and Rooney all enjoyed excellent seasons.
Liverpool suffered too many draws, particularly at home, which in the end proved costly. But, fans of the reds can look forward to 2009-10 with renewed hope. For the first time since 1990 their heroes pushed the eventual champions all the way. What’s more, the way Rafa Bentitez’s side finished the season, winning nine games out of 10, scoring goals for fun and crushing both Real Madrid and United shows that this team has evolved and is closely resembling the Valenica “Crushing Machine” that he created during his time in Spain.
Elsewhere, Villa, Everton and Fulham can be very satisfied with their seasons. Villa pushed Arsenal hard for that all-important 4th spot for long periods before running out of steam, Everton performed fantastically once again under David Moyes adding an FA Cup final appearance to another top five finish, while Roy Hodgson’s Fulham surprised many by picking up the final Europa League after a superb season that included wins over United and Arsenal at Craven Cottage.
Congratulations go to Hull City and Stoke City, especially the latter. I’m sure that there were many people – myself included – that felt that both sides would struggle week in, week out. Tony Pulis has done a remarkable job with his players and, while it may not have been the prettiest football, there isn’t a single Stoke fan who would give the proverbial monkey.
Hull made a sensational start accruing 20 points in just eight games before stuttering badly. In their next thirty matches they picked up just 15 points to sneak home ahead of Newcastle. But they survived. Manager Phil Brown will have learned some valuable lessons over the course of the season and will be better equipped to cope with the rigors of the Premier League next time out.
Even though they were dire for so long, I don’t think people genuinely expected Newcastle to go down. Despite all it’s failings, the team had a number of international footballers including one of England’s greatest ever goalscorers. It just goes to show how big a difference confidence makes to a side.
I always believed that bringing in Alan Shearer was a huge gamble and it smacked of desperation on behalf of Mike Ashley. It seemed he was hoping that Shearer’s presence would loosen the noose around his neck and lift the club to safety. The former Newcastle number nine did all he could, but you can’t help but wonder if there are many Newcastle fans who would’ve preferred a proven manager – especially now they have gone down.
I feel desperately sorry for ‘boro chairman Steve Gibson. He has invested so much into the club over the years and must surely be one of the best chairmen to work under. I also have sympathy for Gareth Southgate, who appears to be a genuinely good man and one, I’m sure, who is destined for bigger and better things somewhere down the line.
Outside of the bottom three, Manchester City and Spurs had hugely disappointing seasons. Spurs’ began the season abysmally and although they recovered well under ‘Arry and achieved back-to-back League Cup finals, they have gone backwards alarmingly since they finished fifth under Martin Jol just two seasons ago – something that must be a concern to all at White Hart Lane.
To end part one, congratulations to Chelsea on winning the FA Cup. Praise must also be heaped upon Guus Hiddink who did a remarkable job in a short space of time – but more about him later.
