Top 5 moments we thought would change the 2015/16 season but didn't
The 2015/16 season is almost done and dusted and it has been one of the most memorable seasons in years. The Premier League saw a new champion crowned while La Liga went down to the final day. Elsewhere in Europe, most of the favourites went on to comfortably wrap up their league titles – some as early as March.
But there were certain moments this season when fate itself was tempted to take a different path. Moments of heartbreak and heart-in-mouth were seen in equal measure as certain teams’ campaigns threatened to unravel when results did not go their way.
We look at five such moments which saw many a mind swayed before the teams got themselves back on track.
1) Arsenal beating Leicester City in February
After topping the Premier League at the turn of the year, things never looked better for the Gunners. But even a compulsive gambler would not have placed a bet on Arsene Wenger’s side to go all the way knowing his squad’s fragile ‘mental strength’ that sees them capitulate on the final stretch every year.
A string of three draws and a defeat in the January-February period had seen the north London side lose their grip on top spot and see them slide down the table but still holding on to a top four spot. Meanwhile, high-flying Leicester City had moved up to the top of the league, shattering the norm and bookies’ profits in the process.
Then came the crunch game at the Emirates on Valentine’s Day. The Foxes had lost only twice in the league and looked set to maintain that record when Jamie Vardy converted a penalty he won himself. But Theo Walcott equalised in the second half to set up a thrilling finish.
With the Foxes down to 10 men following a second yellow to Danny Simpson, the Gunners were handed a lifeline right at the death when they won a free-kick. Mesut Ozil stepped up delivered a ball into the box that was headed home by Danny Welbeck on his return to football action for the first time this season – a fairytale winner that threatened to open up the title race.
But that was as far as Arsenal got. They lost the next two games to Manchester United and Swansea City to eventually see their title challenge shrivel up and die while Claudio Ranieri’s side went on to make history as Arsenal eventually finished in second place.
