The 10 best moments from the 2014/15 EPL season
A thrilling Premier League season came to a fittingly entertaining climax on Sunday. Wins of 4-1 (Arsenal vs West Brom), 5-1 (Leicester vs QPR), and 6-1 (Stoke vs Liverpool) served as a perfect barometer of the excitement enjoyed throughout an exceptional campaign that has provided plenty of memorable moments. We've seen thrills and spills aplenty over the course of 2014/15, as well as world-class performances and dozens of spectacular finishes.
Here are 10 moments that stand out from a fascinating EPL season:
10. Return of Super Mario
Last season, Liverpool saw one controversial striker leave Anfield as Luis Suarez left for Barcelona. However, Brendan Rodgers was quick to replace him with an equally enigmatic forward in the form of Mario Balotelli – much to the delight of fans and journalists alike.
Whilst Super Mario failed to fill the void left by Suarez, instead manifesting as one of the worst signings of 2014/15 after a return of just a solitary one Premier League goal, he has continued to dominate tabloid headlines throughout the campaign.
Balotelli has been deemed an unwanted hassle by many Liverpool supporters. As far as neutrals are concerned, though, the Premier League is a far more exciting place for his involvement.
9. Lampard goal against Chelsea
When Frank Lampard joined Manchester City from Chelsea via New York City last summer, pretty much all football fans had one eye cast to the September meeting at the Etihad. Inevitably, Super Frank had a huge say on the result.
With Manuel Pellegrini's men struggling, Lampard popped up with a trademark strike to give the Citizens a share of the spoils. Even the travelling Chelsea fans showed their appreciation to a club legend.
Ultimately, that result couldn't help Machester City prevent Jose Mourinho's Chelsea from racing towards the crown, but it was still a brilliant moment in the 2014/15 season.
8. Young's change of fortune
Sometimes football provides answers to existential life questions; on the opening day of 2014/15, we gained confirmation that bird poo is indeed lucky.
Ashley Young had seemingly fallen off the face of the earth during David Moyes' ill-fated reign at Old Trafford and the new season started in similar horrific fashion as Swansea beat the Red Devils. However, the biggest talking point was the fact a bird had defecated in the unfortunate Manchester United winger's mouth.
Strangely, though, Young's form saw drastic improvements over the coming weeks and months. In fact, the resurgent United star even kept record signing Angel Di Maria out of the side for long periods and has even been touted for a potential England return at some stage.
And it's all down to that pigeon. Radamel Falcao: you know what you've got to do.
7. Goals galore at Goodison
Eventual champions Chelsea have been accused of being 'boring' throughout 2014/15, but their early season trip to Goodison Park was truly anything but. The visitors raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Diego Costa and Branislav Ivanovic early on, but a dogged Everton reduced the deficit to one just before half-time through Kevin Mirallas.
A trade of five alternative goals saw Chelsea take a 5-3 lead into the final minutes before Costa sealed the victory with his second late on. Nine goals and 90 minutes of undiluted drama.
This is exactly why we love the EPL.