Premier League club by club season review - Part 1
After the end to an enthralling season in England’s top-flight, we take a look at how each of the 20 clubs performed. In this part, we take a look at Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn and Bolton.
Arsenal : At the start of the season, the Gunners fans were worried about how their team would perform after the high profile departures of skipper Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively. Their worst fears were confirmed as Arsenal succumbed to early season defeats against Liverpool and Blackburn before being thrashed 8-2 by Manchester United. There were calls to axe Arsene Wenger, but thankfully for the fans, no hasty decisions were made and the Frenchman remained at the helm. New skipper Robin van Persie finally started delivering the goods which have now made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe, if not the world. The emergence of Wojciech Szczesny in goal meant Arsenal finally had a reliable and commanding shotstopper. Deadline day signing of Mikel Arteta brought some stability to the midfield along with the rebirth of Czech playmaker, Tomas Rosicky. In addition to that, teenage prodigy Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain showed us what a world class talent he could become. What started as a nightmare for the Gunners ended on a bright note as they ensured Champions League qualification for yet another year by finishing third.
Potential Signings – Lukas Podolski (done), Yann M’Vila, Younes Belhanda, Shinji Kagawa.
Aston Villa : The appointment of Alex McLeish as manager raised many eyebrows, as he jumped ship from city rivals Birmingham to take charge at Villa Park. There was never much optimism in this Villa side as the void left by the departures of wingers Ashley Young to Manchester United, and Stewart Downing to Liverpool was never really filled. Charles N’Zogbia was not able to live up to his billing, and Darren Bent’s injury midway through the season left Aston Villa in crisis up front. McLeish has often been criticized for using defensive tactics and he could not come close to replicating the style of football Martin O’Neill incorporated in his time at Villa. Lack of experience, quality and over-reliance on Academy graduates nearly cost the Villains their place in the top flight as they finished an extremely disappointing 16th, two points above the relegation zone. Skipper Stilian Petrov had to take an unofficial break from football in the closing weeks of the season as he was diagnosed with acute leukaemia. The only positives to be taken from a horrendous campaign are the consistent performances of ‘keeper Shay Given, James Collins establishing himself as a commanding centre half, and the emergence of young Austrian striker Andreas Weimann.
Potential Signings – Brett Holman (done), Jamie O’Hara, Pavel Pogrebnyak, Bas Dost, Ivica Olic.
Blackburn Rovers : Blackburn Rovers were relegated from the Barclays Premier League after 11 years in the top-flight as they lost to Wigan on the penultimate weekend of the season but it came as no surprise really. The Venkys’ decision to stick with Steve Kean despite poor results means that Blackburn will now compete in the nPower Championship next season. Their football was poor, tactics all wrong, fans booing their own team and protesting for the removal of their manager. Clearly, nothing going to plan at the club. Right from the ownership to playing staff, there were problems at all levels. The departures of Christopher Samba and Ryan Nelsen in January added to their woes. And yet, there were no changes whatsoever. Be it in coaching staff, players or the football being played. The fact that Yakubu scored 17 times in the League and Junior Hoilett establishing himself as ones of the Premiership’s finest young talents will do little to comfort the Rovers’ fans as they had to endure the pain of relegation.
Potential Signings – Andy Johnson.
Bolton Wanderers – Its been a fairly quiet season for the Trotters despite the fact that they will be competing in the second tier of English football next season. They did not start the season as relegation candidates, but long term injuries to key players like Lee Chung-Yong and Stuart Holden affected them harder than they would have expected. Gary Cahill leaving for Chelsea in January added to their woes. Skipper Kevin Davies and top scorer Ivan Klasnic were warming the bench midway through the season as Owen Coyle preferred David Ngog up front. Ryo Miyachi’s loan arrival added some flair to a lethargic Bolton midfield but it still couldnt get Bolton the wins they wanted. The near-death experience of Fabrice Muamba on the pitch brought Bolton into the spotlight, but they just couldn’t improve on their results. Bolton were relegated on the final day of the season as they drew against Stoke when they needed a win. Martin Petrov, Chris Eagles and Mark Davies have been the better players for Bolton this season and also ‘keeper Adam Bogdan who has displaced the long-serving Jussi Jaaskelainen as first choice goalkeeper.
Potential Signings – Robert Snodgrass, Cameron Jerome.