Premier League supporters - Review of year
High point
The 11 seconds at home against Spurs when van Persie scores and then intercepts the ball straight from the restart to allow Cesc to run through and put us two up. It’s exhausting celebrating two goals so close together!
Low point
There have been a few unfortunately. Being outclassed by Chelsea (twice) and Man United and the way we capitulated to Wigan was little short of disgraceful. However, the moment when Aaron Ramsey had his leg snapped in two by a reckless challenge from Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross surpasses even that.
Player of the year
It has to be Cesc Fabregas. Time and again he provided the inspiration when we were lacking. The big question of course is will he resist Barcelona’s overtures. I think he will for now, but it’s only a matter of time.
Mike Francis, The Gooner Fanzine
www.onlinegooner.com
High point
This would have to be the Carling Cup. We had a great run which included a thrilling 7-4 aggregate victory over Blackburn in the semi-finals when the atmosphere was just fantastic. The trip to the new Wembley was also great and it was fantastic knowing I was part of the Aston Villa Faithful.
Low point
Easily the decisions by the referees on both occasions that we visited Wembley. I’m not saying that we would have gone on to win either of the games but the rules are there for a reason and shouldn’t just apply to the bigger clubs.
Player of the year
James Milner - I think it’s clear as daylight why he’s my player of the year. He’s been simply fantastic this season and I just hope we can keep hold of him. When Fabio Capello states he’s the most improved player this season it speaks volumes.
Stuart Young, avillafan.com
www.avillafan.com
High point
Many say the departure of the old board, particularly the chameleon-like David Sullivan, although the whole season has been a high point. Being unbeaten at home from late September onwards is a tremendous achievement and credit goes to our consistently miserly defence.
Low point
It’s a little churlish to have a low point when we’ll possibly finish ninth after starting the season with a target of 17th, but the fresh wound from the recent defeat to Villa, and the awful decision which led to it, will take a while to heal.
Player of the year
There are quite a few candidates (notably Joe Hart and the first-choice back four) but for me it has to be Barry Ferguson – he’s consistently provided the type of assured midfield presence we’ve lacked for a long time and has silenced his many pre-season doubters.
Ken Jones, bluesexileparis
http://bluesexileparis.wordpress.com
High point
Beating our deadly rivals Burnley home and away was pretty special and allows us to maintain the East Lancashire bragging rights we’ve now held for over 30 years. Seeing them lose their messiah Owen Coyle, sign a clueless replacement and get relegated came a close second.
Low point
We’ve put up with some awful football under Allardyce and, when combined with terrible away results (the 5-0 drubbing by Chelsea springs to mind), many supporters turned against him. Improving performances mean fans now at least respect the man even if they don’t like him or his tactics.
Player of the year
Steven Nzonzi has developed on a game by game basis. Tremendously powerful, holding his own in midfield, he’s easily adapted to the pace and is beginning to show touch and flair going forward.
Bruce Wilkinson, 4000 Holes
http://www.4000holes.co.uk
High point
Usually a memorable victory would get the nod here but the sacking of Gary Megson in December came as a late Christmas present. The appointment of former fan favourite Owen Coyle only added to the festive spirit around the club.
Low point
Seeing rivals Blackburn beat us comfortably twice is tough, but the poor showing in the 2-0 defeat at home in November was especially tough, seeing as Neil McDonald took charge while Sam Allardyce took time off after his heart operation. Rovers have won just one away game since.
Player of the year
Kevin Davies seems to be winning all the awards but in the opinion of the fans, he’s had a poor season. Instead, the fans are leaning towards Lee Chung-Yong who has had an outstanding first year in English football. More of the same please.
Chris Mann, Burnden Aces
http://www.burndenaces.co.uk
High point
The very first top flight game at Turf Moor saw little Burnley humble the mighty Manchester United through a thunderbolt from Robbie Blake. The goal from the same player at Ewood Park was good - if only for a few minutes - as was finally securing an away win in convincing style at Hull.
Low point
There are several here: the team let themselves and the fans down in the two derby games by failing to turn up. Losing Chris McCann at The Reebok after Owen Coyle’s defection hurt us in the long-term: who knows what may have happened had he been fit?
Player of the year
Praise is due to new signings Steven Fletcher - my player of the season - and Tyrone Mears, as well as “old boys” Michael Duff and Martin Paterson. Several others have done OK, but not well enough to be mentioned here.
Martin Barnes, When The Ball Moves
www.burnley.vitalfootball.co.uk
High point
The 2-1 win against Manchester Utd at Old Trafford which proved decisive in Chelsea reclaiming the Premier League crown, the victory being the one that broke the resolve of Alex Ferguson’s men. Carlo Ancelotti has finally laid to rest the ghost of José Mourinho.
Low point
The John Terry ‘scandal’ which rocked the club from the players through to the supporters. Although all at Chelsea held their nerve while breaking stories heaped pressure upon the player and the rest of the squad, it culminated in the 4-2 home defeat at the hands of Manchester City.
Player of the year
Frank Lampard has yet again shown why he is one of the most highly rated midfielders in world football, let alone from amongst the ranks of those who ply their trade within the league.
David Johnstone, cfcuk fanzine
www.cfcuk.net
High point
Beating Man Utd and Chelsea in the same week gave a glimpse of just what this Everton team are capable of at their best. Seeing Mikel Arteta return after such a long time out was also great.
Low point
Unfortunately there have been quite a few to pick from, starting off with the opening day 6-1 defeat by Arsenal. Two thrashings by Benfica also hurt, but the 3-0 second leg capitulation against their city rivals Sporting Lisbon was the worst given we should have put the tie to bed at Goodison.
Player of the year
Arteta’s been superb when he’s played, and Louis Saha’s goals in the first half of the season were invaluable, but for consistent quality it has to be Leighton Baines. He thoroughly deserves to go to South Africa on merit this summer.
Mark O’Brien, When Skies Are Grey
http://www.wsag.org/
High point
Hopefully this hasn’t happened yet! Even pre-Europa final, I am spoilt for choice. To date it probably has to be Clint Dempsey’s delicious chip over the Juventus keeper to give us an improbable 4-1 victory. It was that perfect moment: a mass intake of breath, a brief pause and then pandemonium.
Low point
Our continued shocking away form in the league. How can a team which can beat the German champions away lose fairly abjectly at Hull, Wolves, Blackburn and Stoke?
Player of the year
An impossible choice really, as team work has been the essence of the season and Uncle Roy’s Revolution. Bobby Zamora would be the obvious choice. My preference, though, would be for an unsung hero – the ultra-reliable and consistently effective Tyrone man, Aaron Hughes.
Neil Hurden, When Saturday Comes
www.wsc.co.uk
High point
There haven’t been many high points this season but the best would have to be the week in which we held Chelsea to a 0-0 draw and Beat Man City 2-1, Not just the fact that we got decent results but the fact we played some attractive football.
Low point
Losing five one at home to Burnley was the lowest point, We were simply outplayed and showed no commitment. But the real low point for me was finding out the extent of our club’s financial troubles and the possibility of ending up like so many of the clubs that have tried and failed to survive the Premier League
Player of the year
This is a tricky one, Young Tom Cairney has taken to the PL very well, and looks every bit a quality player. George Boateng has played with the passion and fight required. So for sheer attitude and fight it would go to the Boat
James Martin
High point
I honestly don’t even know if there is one. Beating the mancs at Anfield was enjoyable but I’ll probably say the derby win was the highlight as we had to do it with ten men after big Kyrgiakos was sent off. Ultimately that win is the only thing that prevented Everton finishing above us this season.
Low point
This time I’m spoiled for choice. Losing to Spurs on the opening day immediately put our season on a downer. There were the disappointments in the Champions League and of course going out of the Europa League after extra time in the semi final. I think the Reading cup games saw us sink lower than at any other point.
Player of the season
Not too many contenders, as virtually the entire squad underperformed. The one exception is Pepe Reina, who has had another excellent season.
Dave Usher, Liverpool Way
www.liverpoolway.co.uk
High point
The 4-2 victory at Chelsea. The team showed great solidarity in the wake of the Terry-Bridge affair, and a vintage display of counter attacking football completed our first double over
Chelsea for a long time. Hopefully a sign of things to come.
Low point
Losing in injury time three times to United was galling, but for me the
lowest point came with a 3-0 defeat away at Spurs, which ultimately led to Mark Hughes’ sacking. It was an abject display, as bad as I can recall City playing for a while. Which is
saying something.
Player of the year
Carlos Tevez has been a revelation since joining the club, and has impressed greatly with his work ethic and eye for goal. United must regret not taking the option to sign him permanently, but their loss is our gain.
Ric Turner, Blue Moon
www.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk
High point
Which of our three lastminute.com demolitions of City do we choose?! For pure significance, it has to be stopping their giddiness reaching nuclear proportions in the League Cup semi. We kept hearing this would be their year, but it wasn’t, was it?
Low point
The Bayern elimination hurt because at 3-0 up with 11 men you felt another final could loom. In the league, please can we replay the Blackburn game. Burnley at the start of the season was a waste but Blackburn was an opportunity spurned.
Player of the year
Wayne Rooney’s head. And foot, and other foot. Pure quality. Not so much wasted out wide last year as he still contributed but it was folly. If not for Rooney, Evra would be a shoe in though. Fans love him, and he gets United. A rare commodity in players these days.
Pete Shaw, Red News
www.rednews.co.uk
High point
With a huge slice of luck it may yet be to come on May 15, but beating Harry Redknapp and his former Pompey contingent at Spurs in the FA Cup semi-final was proof positive that revenge is a dish best eaten cold.
Low point
Hard to know quite where to begin. By the time four different owners had combined to engineer financial meltdown, administration and a nine point deduction which condemned us to relegation, we were pretty much resigned to our fate anyway. The writing was on the wall when Fulham pinched victory on the opening day with a goal in-off Bobby Zamora’s backside.
Player of the year
Jamie O’Hara, on loan for Spurs, picked up every ‘Player of the Year’ award going. He was a worthy winner, combining technique with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Hopefully he is fully recovered for the final.
Colin Farmery, truebluearmy.com
www.truebluearmy.com
High point
Winning at Spurs is an obvious one, plus knocking Arsenal out of the FA Cup, but a home win over Fulham in January nicks it because it was a pivotal point in Stoke’s season and defeat that chilly night could have pitched Stoke into a relegation battle.
Low point
It’s a tie between two Chelsea away games: drawing them away in the FA Cup quarter finals was bad luck having gone the hard route by knocking out both Arsenal and Man City but losing 7-0 there the other week will resonate for a long time..
Player of the year
Ryan Shawcross pinches it from Matthew Etherington because of his solid progression towards international recognition and his dignified and thoroughly human response to the unfortunate incident that left Aaron Ramsey with a double leg break.
Martin Spinks, Stoke City reporter for The Sentinel newspaper
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/sport
High point
There were three: deservedly beating both Liverpool and Arsenal at home, in the case of the Gunners without even the need for a beachball’s righteous intervention, and then - sad as this seems after all we’ve spent - ensuring Premier football next season.
Low point
One, but it lasted a long time, from November 23 (the day after we beat Arsenal) to March 8 (the day before we beat Bolton) when the only win we managed was against Barrow in the FA Cup 3rd round. After all the turmoil of recent years, it was a familiar run that brought fears of relegation.
Player of the year
Simply no other contender. Darren Bent’s goals have made the diference between a relegation scrap and the prospect of midtable respectability. In a team that has played as badly as we have, so often, his 24 Premier goals are little short of sensational.
Colin Randall, salutsunderland.com
www.salutsunderland.com
High point
Last week’s win at Middle Eastlands. Bigger than a Cup Final and potentially more epoch changing, but then you have to go and qualify for the Champions League all over again in August. Nerve jangling, gut-wrenching, but for teams like Spurs, the feeling makes that all worth while.
Low point
Not being able to break down the Wolves, Aston Villa and Stoke defences, leading to lost points in our search for the long-sought after fourth place position in the league. Oh, and our poor performance at Wembley against Portsmouth in the FA Cup semi-final.
Player of the year
It is unfortunate that the unplayable Gareth Bale has only been in the team since January and Luka Modric has been a delight to watch, despite time out with a broken leg, but my choice is Michael Dawson, a rock in defence.
Wyart Lane, My Eyes Have Seen The Glory
www.mehstg.com
High point
Scott Parker’s winner against Wigan that made us safe was the best moment of a season that has seen few high points. Also, the final whistle after the Man City game yesterday allowed me file 2009/10 in a part of my brain marked “do not open”
Low point
Losing six in a row thus equalling a club record was pretty awful. Our inability to beat ten men, playing endless matches with no strikers, the continuing decline in refereeing standards and having to rearrange whole weekends at the whim of the tv companies were also pretty depressing.
Player of the year
Scott Parker without question. I’m hard pushed to think of anyone who comes close. I had thought about mentioning Kieron Dyer at this point but there’s a limit to the irony one can cram into a short review like this.
Gordon Thrower, co-editor, Knees Up Mother Brown
www.kumb.com
High point
Our first victories over three of the traditional big four at the DW Stadium. In particular the recent 3-2 victory over Arsenal was very special and will live long in the memory, whilst the 3-1 win over Chelsea was equally special. Our all round performance against Liverpool was as close to perfect as a Wigan team will get.
Low point
The 4-0 away defeat to Portsmouth and our numerous away day collapses to the big boys. To pick out a game in particular it would have to be the 9-1 defeat at Tottenham.
Player of the year
There are a number of strong contenders this year: Titus Bramble, Chris Kirkland, James McCarthy and Hugo Rodallega. However Charles N’Zogbia would be the one player who when on top of his game has looked unplayable, his winner against Arsenal was the icing on the cake.
Paul Farrington, WIGANER.net
www.wiganer.net
High point
Beating Tottenham twice was very memorable, especially away. But the high point of the season has to be when we beat West Ham away three one. It was by far the best Wolves performance for years and it took us away from the relegation battle.
Low point
When we lost three one at Palace in the cup was a particularly bad performance, but the lowest I felt was after the Birmingham match at home. We needed to win, to get us away from the bottom three. We lost one nil, and we looked doomed.
Player of the year
There are three or four in the running. Jody Craddock has been excellent at the back, Karl Henry has made the step up look easy as has Matty Jarvis but Kevin Doyle has been far and away our best player. He has put in some superhuman performances in this year.
Louie Silvani, www.mywolvesblog.com
www.mywolvesblog.com
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