The Football Blog End of Season Awards
The 2009-2010 Premier League season was brought to a close yesterday and, as expected, it ended with Chelsea securing the title in emphatic manner too. With all top flight matters now settled and as the nation starts to gear up for the World Cup, it’s time to reflect on what has been a fascinating season, as we hand out our own end of season awards.
Manager of the season
Harry Redknapp won the official version of this award, and his achievements should not be overlooked. However, our award goes to Carlo Ancelotti. In his first season in the English game, the former AC Milan manager seamlessly adapted to the rigours of the Premiership and broke Sir Alex Ferguson’s three year grip on the title.
Whilst Redknapp spent freely to recruit a team in his own mould, Ancelotti worked with what he inherited (admittedly not a bad selection of players) to play attractive and winning football. The 8-0 drubbing his team handed out to Wigan yesterday was symptomatic of their free scoring football this season, and they are worthy winners having been beaten United, Arsenal and Liverpool home and away this season.
Player of the season
It’s difficult to go against the grain on this one. Wayne Rooney was in inspired form for the majority of the season and without his goals and presence, United would surely have fallen off the title pace long ago. England fans will be hoping he can replicate this form at the World Cup, whilst Rooney himself might be hoping for a decent strike partner at United next season.
Game of the season
20th September 2009 – Manchester United 4-3 Manchester City. It was a derby game which had all the twists and turns you could want in a game, as City came from behind three times at Old Trafford. They thought they had secured a point when Craig Bellamy struck in the 90th minute, until the fourth official indicated four minutes of stoppage time and Michael Own did what he does best.
Goal of the season
14th April 2010 – Danny Rose vs Arsenal. OK, it may have been slightly dodgy keeping from Manuel Almunia, but put this goal into the context of the game (Arsenal needed to win to keep their title hopes alive, Spurs needed to win to keep in the race for fourth, it was a bitter local derby) and the fact that it was Danny Rose’s first Premiership appearance, and it comes out as a worthy winner.
Best summer transfer
He may have forced through his move to Sunderland in acrimonious circumstances with a little help from Twitter, but Darren Bent arrived at the Stadium Light with a point to prove. After bagging 24 league goals, it’s fair to say he’s proved it. In spite of this, he probably won’t get a place in the England squad this summer, but can consider his reputation well and truly restored.
Worst summer transfer
In fairness to Alberto Aquilani, this award might have more to do with Rafa Benitez’s decision to purchase him rather than his own form. In obvious need of a striker and a fit and ready replacement for Xabi Alonso, the Liverpool manager blew his entire £20 million budget on Aquilani, who was injured at the time. And he has remained that way pretty much all season, with the Anfield fans granted only brief glimpses of his talents. A lot to prove next season.
Team of the season
The PFA have delivered their own verdict on the 2009-2010 Premier League team of the year, here is ours:
Joe Hart (Birmingham on loan); Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Jody Craddock (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Gareth Bale(Tottenham Hotspur); James Milner (Aston Villa), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Florent Malouda (Chelsea); Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Darren Bent (Sunderland)
So there you have it, another season done and dusted. The planning for next season will already have started for most managers, and there will have been many a lesson learnt over the past nine months. Let us know your thoughts on the season just gone. How did your team fair? What were your highlights? And what are your hopes for next season?
