PA PhotosThe addition of Robin van Persie at Old Trafford helped Manchester United clinch the title
Hero and villain
The hero of Manchester United's season -- if we are looking for the person who spearheaded the quest -- must be Robin van Persie. His many acts of individual heroism made him into a totemic figure within a few months of his arrival. There was his hat trick at Southampton (including a late, late winner), his late match-saving masterpiece at West Ham, his late match-winning penalty at Liverpool, his late match-winning penalty at Manchester City ... you get the picture. Wherever there was a thrilling raid on foreign soil to be made, it was van Persie hoisting the flag, pretty much every time. All in all, a breathtaking first season.
The villain of Manchester United's season ... this is a harsh category, made unfair by the fact that United won the league in the end, so there was eventually no harm done. But the players who had the poorest seasons, though not for lack of effort, were the club's wingers, Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia and Nani. Nani may be on his way -- his form was too unpredictable this year, and when he was poor, he was a liability both in defence and attack, through loose passing and poor positioning. Young has looked utterly devoid of confidence since the start of the European Championships last summer, like Valencia -- last season's players' player of the year -- seemingly afraid to take on his man. For the first time in years, United's wide men seemed to lack courage, reflected by the fact that Ferguson regularly used a diamond formation rather than deploying them.
Defining moment/turning point of the season
There were so many moments, but one of them that stands out is Manchester United's victory at Aston Villa, where Javier Hernandez scored a second-half brace and forced an own goal. United had fallen behind 2-0, were being outplayed, and Young had been taken off after a forgettable first half. Ferguson's men then showed a remarkable resilience to overcome this deficit; this season, they won the most points (29) from losing positions. This victory was as emblematic as any of their remarkable tenacity.
Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
If we are being truly harsh, then the answer is no. The team's priority was to regain the league title, and arrest Manchester City's momentum; there were several players who were outstanding in the title pursuit, as most of the younger squad members came of age. But there were disappointments, chiefly among them being the exit from the Champions League. Real Madrid were by no means an insurmountable obstacle, and though Nani's red card was thoroughly unfortunate, United were still the superior side over two legs. A club with these expectations should have proceeded to the semifinals. Having said that, it would be churlish to end on a negative note. The squad had obvious weaknesses in midfield and it prevailed in the league despite those. As a season goes, I think it was an eight out of 10.
Managerial masterstroke/fail
Ferguson got most of it right in his final season. The purchase of van Persie has brought home the title and the team has generally performed above its potential. However, in playing Rooney out of position for the final six months of the campaign, he has demotivated one of the club's prized assets. In essence, Rooney has been treated like a utility player since January. He is not John O'Shea, and he deserves better than that. There is more than a suspicion that Ferguson has been marginalizing Rooney out of spite. Fergie is gone now, but if Rooney next returns to Old Trafford with an opposing team, United will pay for it.
Goal of the season
Van Persie's title-clinching volley against Aston Villa was the most technically impressive goal of the campaign. The most important though, was the injury-time winner scored against Manchester City at the Etihad. Having battled back to 2-2 in the closing minutes, City thought they had done enough. RVP's free kick put United six points clear and shifted the championship momentum firmly in their favour.
What needs to change?
The fans' expectations. Almost every year, if United get through to the fourth round of the cup and past the Champions League group stages, talk of a "treble" begins. This heaps too much pressure on the playing staff. With David Moyes in place, and patience the mantra, if United finish top three in his first year and reach the knockout stages in Europe, that should be viewed as a good season. Success will come in the post-Fergie era, but not by changing manager every six months.
The hero of Manchester United's season -- if we are looking for the person who spearheaded the quest -- must be Robin van Persie. His many acts of individual heroism made him into a totemic figure within a few months of his arrival. There was his hat trick at Southampton (including a late, late winner), his late match-saving masterpiece at West Ham, his late match-winning penalty at Liverpool, his late match-winning penalty at Manchester City ... you get the picture. Wherever there was a thrilling raid on foreign soil to be made, it was van Persie hoisting the flag, pretty much every time. All in all, a breathtaking first season.
The villain of Manchester United's season ... this is a harsh category, made unfair by the fact that United won the league in the end, so there was eventually no harm done. But the players who had the poorest seasons, though not for lack of effort, were the club's wingers, Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia and Nani. Nani may be on his way -- his form was too unpredictable this year, and when he was poor, he was a liability both in defence and attack, through loose passing and poor positioning. Young has looked utterly devoid of confidence since the start of the European Championships last summer, like Valencia -- last season's players' player of the year -- seemingly afraid to take on his man. For the first time in years, United's wide men seemed to lack courage, reflected by the fact that Ferguson regularly used a diamond formation rather than deploying them.
Defining moment/turning point of the season
There were so many moments, but one of them that stands out is Manchester United's victory at Aston Villa, where Javier Hernandez scored a second-half brace and forced an own goal. United had fallen behind 2-0, were being outplayed, and Young had been taken off after a forgettable first half. Ferguson's men then showed a remarkable resilience to overcome this deficit; this season, they won the most points (29) from losing positions. This victory was as emblematic as any of their remarkable tenacity.
Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
If we are being truly harsh, then the answer is no. The team's priority was to regain the league title, and arrest Manchester City's momentum; there were several players who were outstanding in the title pursuit, as most of the younger squad members came of age. But there were disappointments, chiefly among them being the exit from the Champions League. Real Madrid were by no means an insurmountable obstacle, and though Nani's red card was thoroughly unfortunate, United were still the superior side over two legs. A club with these expectations should have proceeded to the semifinals. Having said that, it would be churlish to end on a negative note. The squad had obvious weaknesses in midfield and it prevailed in the league despite those. As a season goes, I think it was an eight out of 10.
Managerial masterstroke/fail
Ferguson got most of it right in his final season. The purchase of van Persie has brought home the title and the team has generally performed above its potential. However, in playing Rooney out of position for the final six months of the campaign, he has demotivated one of the club's prized assets. In essence, Rooney has been treated like a utility player since January. He is not John O'Shea, and he deserves better than that. There is more than a suspicion that Ferguson has been marginalizing Rooney out of spite. Fergie is gone now, but if Rooney next returns to Old Trafford with an opposing team, United will pay for it.
Goal of the season
Van Persie's title-clinching volley against Aston Villa was the most technically impressive goal of the campaign. The most important though, was the injury-time winner scored against Manchester City at the Etihad. Having battled back to 2-2 in the closing minutes, City thought they had done enough. RVP's free kick put United six points clear and shifted the championship momentum firmly in their favour.
What needs to change?
The fans' expectations. Almost every year, if United get through to the fourth round of the cup and past the Champions League group stages, talk of a "treble" begins. This heaps too much pressure on the playing staff. With David Moyes in place, and patience the mantra, if United finish top three in his first year and reach the knockout stages in Europe, that should be viewed as a good season. Success will come in the post-Fergie era, but not by changing manager every six months.
2. Manchester City -- Simon Curtis
PA PhotosPablo Zabaleta was again a consistent performer for Manchester City this season
Hero and villain
Through the hope of early season, the dawning realisation that midseason was yielding less than had been expected, to the utter carnage of season's end, Pablo Zabaleta kept his head down and just kept going. The classic example of a player endowed with average skill, but a perfectly selfless attitude and great courage and commitment. An example to some higher-profile teammates of what can be achieved even when you are not the most gifted, most talked about, highest-paid star in the squad but have the will to fulfill potential to the maximum. It also reflects on the season that a utilitarian right-back-cum-midfielder should be player of the year. We don't do villains at City. The press do them for us. With Balotelli gone, the lumpen disinterested form of Edin Dzeko made me want to weep quietly in the corner. Confidence shot through, head turned, time up. A sad end for the man who stuck four in the net at White Hart Lane, what seems many moons ago.
Defining moment/turning point of the season
Where to start? Three defining moments, if I may:
(1) the burst of press activity on the eve of the FA Cup Final, telling the world Roberto Mancini was about to be sacked. Even by City's peerless standards, this was tragic-theatre on a grand and catastrophic level. We were shooting ourselves in the foot, but this time with a 45mm bazooka just to make sure.
(2) The win at Old Trafford, showing clearly that City were better than United but had failed to match their juggernaut consistency. That night revealed to all onlookers what could -- and maybe should -- have been, and also revealed the true entertainment value of Phil Jones.
(3) The annual slump at Everton. This confirmed that Mancini's stubborn streak knew no bounds. Same tactical and player distribution mistakes as last year. The high press, all energy rough and tumble merchants were laughing their socks off as they stumbled into the light with the world's slowest midfield axis, Gareth Barry and Javi Garcia up against Everton's Whirlwind Brigade. At this level, you cannot issue the "we underestimated them" line every year when you get a pasting from a side tanking it like there was no tomorrow. Learn, adapt and progress. Not this year, I'm afraid and not just at Goodison by any means, but there is always a special poignancy about getting done there, with the crowd going berserk and David Moyes getting so excited his eyes nearly popped out.
Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
Does a giraffe have a shell on its back?
Managerial masterstroke/fail
Mancini's masterstroke was to continue to wear the blue-and-white-bar scarf in all weather, cold, wet, humid or hot. He was one of us. We forgave him his foibles. We allowed him to be stubborn and to carry on saying "ees football" every time we lost to Southampton or drew at QPR. He wrapped himself in Manchester City and we loved him for it. Sadly, he failed on many fronts this season: on the transfer front, on the tactical front, on the man management front, on the humility front. And ultimately, on the trophy front too.
Goal of the season
For its timing, the first goal at Reading. Coming after such a weekend of apocalyptical carnage, to produce that piece of blurringly fast, accurate exchange of passes. Ping ping ping ping -- goal. Absurdly beautiful.
What needs to change?
Ha, where to start? If the new manager is to be Manuel Pellegrini, a new and exciting era will be ushered in. City need a man like this who coaches first and foremost, is a tactical genius and builds beautiful AND successful teams. Patrick Vieira's new appointment into the youth setup is also part of a swift and what appears well-managed charge toward the holistic approach the owners wish for. Many different parts, all working for the good of the whole. It all makes sense to me. The core players are clearly more than good enough. What must change is an upgrade of the squad players, so that no drop in quality is registered when a substitution is made. There will be a huge amount of change in the summer, most of it completely necessary if City are to take the next step forward.
Through the hope of early season, the dawning realisation that midseason was yielding less than had been expected, to the utter carnage of season's end, Pablo Zabaleta kept his head down and just kept going. The classic example of a player endowed with average skill, but a perfectly selfless attitude and great courage and commitment. An example to some higher-profile teammates of what can be achieved even when you are not the most gifted, most talked about, highest-paid star in the squad but have the will to fulfill potential to the maximum. It also reflects on the season that a utilitarian right-back-cum-midfielder should be player of the year. We don't do villains at City. The press do them for us. With Balotelli gone, the lumpen disinterested form of Edin Dzeko made me want to weep quietly in the corner. Confidence shot through, head turned, time up. A sad end for the man who stuck four in the net at White Hart Lane, what seems many moons ago.
Defining moment/turning point of the season
Where to start? Three defining moments, if I may:
(1) the burst of press activity on the eve of the FA Cup Final, telling the world Roberto Mancini was about to be sacked. Even by City's peerless standards, this was tragic-theatre on a grand and catastrophic level. We were shooting ourselves in the foot, but this time with a 45mm bazooka just to make sure.
(2) The win at Old Trafford, showing clearly that City were better than United but had failed to match their juggernaut consistency. That night revealed to all onlookers what could -- and maybe should -- have been, and also revealed the true entertainment value of Phil Jones.
(3) The annual slump at Everton. This confirmed that Mancini's stubborn streak knew no bounds. Same tactical and player distribution mistakes as last year. The high press, all energy rough and tumble merchants were laughing their socks off as they stumbled into the light with the world's slowest midfield axis, Gareth Barry and Javi Garcia up against Everton's Whirlwind Brigade. At this level, you cannot issue the "we underestimated them" line every year when you get a pasting from a side tanking it like there was no tomorrow. Learn, adapt and progress. Not this year, I'm afraid and not just at Goodison by any means, but there is always a special poignancy about getting done there, with the crowd going berserk and David Moyes getting so excited his eyes nearly popped out.
Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
Does a giraffe have a shell on its back?
Managerial masterstroke/fail
Mancini's masterstroke was to continue to wear the blue-and-white-bar scarf in all weather, cold, wet, humid or hot. He was one of us. We forgave him his foibles. We allowed him to be stubborn and to carry on saying "ees football" every time we lost to Southampton or drew at QPR. He wrapped himself in Manchester City and we loved him for it. Sadly, he failed on many fronts this season: on the transfer front, on the tactical front, on the man management front, on the humility front. And ultimately, on the trophy front too.
Goal of the season
For its timing, the first goal at Reading. Coming after such a weekend of apocalyptical carnage, to produce that piece of blurringly fast, accurate exchange of passes. Ping ping ping ping -- goal. Absurdly beautiful.
What needs to change?
Ha, where to start? If the new manager is to be Manuel Pellegrini, a new and exciting era will be ushered in. City need a man like this who coaches first and foremost, is a tactical genius and builds beautiful AND successful teams. Patrick Vieira's new appointment into the youth setup is also part of a swift and what appears well-managed charge toward the holistic approach the owners wish for. Many different parts, all working for the good of the whole. It all makes sense to me. The core players are clearly more than good enough. What must change is an upgrade of the squad players, so that no drop in quality is registered when a substitution is made. There will be a huge amount of change in the summer, most of it completely necessary if City are to take the next step forward.
3. Chelsea -- Phil Lythell
PA PhotosJuan Mata was in sparkling form for Chelsea during 2012-13
Hero and villain
There are a number of candidates for Chelsea's hero with Eden Hazard, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Frank Lampard all in contention, though it is impossible to look past Juan Mata. The Spaniard's level of consistency has been remarkable yet again and he has provided the brilliance to match. The fact that he can maintain such high levels having barely had a break from football in three years is astonishing. Whenever Chelsea needed him he delivered. His winner at Manchester United was typical Mata, it might not have been his prettiest strike, but it was his essential contribution that won a vital game for Chelsea.
Some might think the obvious choice for this tag is Rafael Benitez, though that would be a little short-sighted. The real criminal has been technical director Michael Emenalo, whose incompetence has undermined Chelsea's season. His incoherent transfer policy last summer left the Blues with just one trusted striker, sparse options in defensive midfield, thanks to the deadline day departures of Michael Essien and Raul Meireles, and a surfeit of attacking midfield players. Factor in his role in the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo and the subsequent appointment of Benitez and it is clear that Emenalo has been far more of a hindrance than a help to Chelsea's quest for success.
Defining moment/turning point of the season
This is less about one moment than two moments combining to form the narrative for the rest of the season, and there are no prizes for guessing that those are the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo and the appointment of Rafael Benitez. In the space of a few days the Chelsea hierarchy managed to stir up full-scale mutiny among the Stamford Bridge faithful, a situation that threatened to derail the season before Christmas. Di Matteo was suffering a poor run of results, but there were some mitigating circumstances, not least Mark Clattenberg's horror show in the home defeat to Manchester United. Removing the club's European Cup-winning manager and playing legend was a shock to the system, but then to replace him with the most unpopular candidate on offer seemed like a sick joke and illustrated just how out of touch those who run the club are from the people who follow the team. Stamford Bridge became an unpleasant place to visit on matchdays and while progress was eventually salvaged, it could have been so much worse.
Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
Although the campaign started with Chelsea as the reigning European champions, nobody seriously thought the Blues had a genuine chance of winning the Premier League or retaining their continental crown. There is always hope, but there was not very much belief. However, Champions League qualification for next season was the bare minimum as was reaching the knockout round of this years' competition. One was only just achieved while the other fell by the wayside. There was also expectation that the UEFA Super Cup and/or the FIFA Club World Cup would be secured, yet those opportunities were spurned, together with the easiest chance the club will ever get of winning the Capital One Cup. History was made with that dramatic late win in Amsterdam, so the season has not been a disaster, though when it began last August, Chelsea fans were expecting much more.
Managerial masterstroke/fail
It is hard to think of any managerial decision that decided a game in Chelsea's favour -- bar maybe the substitutions that precipitated the comeback against Manchester United in the FA Cup -- though perhaps the most surprising and pivotal moment came via Benitez's "rant" following the win at Middlesbrough in the same competition at the end of February. While it didn't totally stem the flow of criticism toward him from the Chelsea fans, there has definitely been a sharper focus on supporting the team to achieve its objectives and it also showed his players that he was not going to just sit back and take it. Since his outburst, Chelsea have played 20 games, winning 13 times with three draws and four defeats -- with only one of those defeats (away at Southampton) having any real detrimental effect on the season. It was not exactly a strategic masterstroke -- more a man letting off some steam -- though it ended up shaping the run-in to end the season.
As for failures, the decision not to bolster an overrun and exhausted midfield during the last third of the 2-2 draw at home to Tottenham bordered on negligence. With Frank Lampard on the bench, it was bizarre to see Benitez persist with the jaded David Luiz and a limp Ramires without giving them some added experience and presence through the England veteran. The goal that everybody could see coming inevitably arrived and it almost scuppered hopes of Champions League football. Thankfully, Lampard was selected a few days later at Aston Villa and he duly won the game.
Goal of the season
It is hard to know whether to pick an aesthetically exhilarating strike or one that was dripping in significance. If I had to opt for the former, then Oscar's second goal against Juventus at home would have to be the one. Controlling the ball through the legs of the attending defender and then turning back on himself to sweep a curling ball into Gianluigo Buffon's top corner truly announced the Brazilian as a Chelsea player and showcased the purest technique you are likely to see.
As for the most meaningful goal, there was Mata's winner at Old Trafford and of course Branislav Ivanovic's 93rd-minute header against Benfica, but those two are just shaded by Lampard's deciding goal at Villa Park. His close-range effort meant that not only had Chelsea effectively sealed Champions League qualification, but also that Lampard was now officially Chelsea's all-time record goal scorer. Cometh the hour, cometh the man and no greater man has ever worn the Chelsea shirt.
What needs to change?
The manager, obviously, though more importantly the transfer policy. Although Emenalo should be relieved of his duties, there is little chance of that happening, so instead a more considered, progressive approach to the transfer market needs to be pursued, with defensive midfield and centre forward the most pressing concerns. The futures of loanees Romelu Lukaku and Nathaniel Chalobah -- both of whom have shone this season -- must be looked at with the possibility of retaining them and slowly integrating them into the first team. On the pitch itself, the team needs to become more ruthless at one end and tighter at the other, while the recent penchant for conceding late goals must be eradicated if the big prizes are to be genuine objectives.
There are a number of candidates for Chelsea's hero with Eden Hazard, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Frank Lampard all in contention, though it is impossible to look past Juan Mata. The Spaniard's level of consistency has been remarkable yet again and he has provided the brilliance to match. The fact that he can maintain such high levels having barely had a break from football in three years is astonishing. Whenever Chelsea needed him he delivered. His winner at Manchester United was typical Mata, it might not have been his prettiest strike, but it was his essential contribution that won a vital game for Chelsea.
Some might think the obvious choice for this tag is Rafael Benitez, though that would be a little short-sighted. The real criminal has been technical director Michael Emenalo, whose incompetence has undermined Chelsea's season. His incoherent transfer policy last summer left the Blues with just one trusted striker, sparse options in defensive midfield, thanks to the deadline day departures of Michael Essien and Raul Meireles, and a surfeit of attacking midfield players. Factor in his role in the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo and the subsequent appointment of Benitez and it is clear that Emenalo has been far more of a hindrance than a help to Chelsea's quest for success.
Defining moment/turning point of the season
This is less about one moment than two moments combining to form the narrative for the rest of the season, and there are no prizes for guessing that those are the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo and the appointment of Rafael Benitez. In the space of a few days the Chelsea hierarchy managed to stir up full-scale mutiny among the Stamford Bridge faithful, a situation that threatened to derail the season before Christmas. Di Matteo was suffering a poor run of results, but there were some mitigating circumstances, not least Mark Clattenberg's horror show in the home defeat to Manchester United. Removing the club's European Cup-winning manager and playing legend was a shock to the system, but then to replace him with the most unpopular candidate on offer seemed like a sick joke and illustrated just how out of touch those who run the club are from the people who follow the team. Stamford Bridge became an unpleasant place to visit on matchdays and while progress was eventually salvaged, it could have been so much worse.
Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
Although the campaign started with Chelsea as the reigning European champions, nobody seriously thought the Blues had a genuine chance of winning the Premier League or retaining their continental crown. There is always hope, but there was not very much belief. However, Champions League qualification for next season was the bare minimum as was reaching the knockout round of this years' competition. One was only just achieved while the other fell by the wayside. There was also expectation that the UEFA Super Cup and/or the FIFA Club World Cup would be secured, yet those opportunities were spurned, together with the easiest chance the club will ever get of winning the Capital One Cup. History was made with that dramatic late win in Amsterdam, so the season has not been a disaster, though when it began last August, Chelsea fans were expecting much more.
Managerial masterstroke/fail
It is hard to think of any managerial decision that decided a game in Chelsea's favour -- bar maybe the substitutions that precipitated the comeback against Manchester United in the FA Cup -- though perhaps the most surprising and pivotal moment came via Benitez's "rant" following the win at Middlesbrough in the same competition at the end of February. While it didn't totally stem the flow of criticism toward him from the Chelsea fans, there has definitely been a sharper focus on supporting the team to achieve its objectives and it also showed his players that he was not going to just sit back and take it. Since his outburst, Chelsea have played 20 games, winning 13 times with three draws and four defeats -- with only one of those defeats (away at Southampton) having any real detrimental effect on the season. It was not exactly a strategic masterstroke -- more a man letting off some steam -- though it ended up shaping the run-in to end the season.
As for failures, the decision not to bolster an overrun and exhausted midfield during the last third of the 2-2 draw at home to Tottenham bordered on negligence. With Frank Lampard on the bench, it was bizarre to see Benitez persist with the jaded David Luiz and a limp Ramires without giving them some added experience and presence through the England veteran. The goal that everybody could see coming inevitably arrived and it almost scuppered hopes of Champions League football. Thankfully, Lampard was selected a few days later at Aston Villa and he duly won the game.
Goal of the season
It is hard to know whether to pick an aesthetically exhilarating strike or one that was dripping in significance. If I had to opt for the former, then Oscar's second goal against Juventus at home would have to be the one. Controlling the ball through the legs of the attending defender and then turning back on himself to sweep a curling ball into Gianluigo Buffon's top corner truly announced the Brazilian as a Chelsea player and showcased the purest technique you are likely to see.
As for the most meaningful goal, there was Mata's winner at Old Trafford and of course Branislav Ivanovic's 93rd-minute header against Benfica, but those two are just shaded by Lampard's deciding goal at Villa Park. His close-range effort meant that not only had Chelsea effectively sealed Champions League qualification, but also that Lampard was now officially Chelsea's all-time record goal scorer. Cometh the hour, cometh the man and no greater man has ever worn the Chelsea shirt.
What needs to change?
The manager, obviously, though more importantly the transfer policy. Although Emenalo should be relieved of his duties, there is little chance of that happening, so instead a more considered, progressive approach to the transfer market needs to be pursued, with defensive midfield and centre forward the most pressing concerns. The futures of loanees Romelu Lukaku and Nathaniel Chalobah -- both of whom have shone this season -- must be looked at with the possibility of retaining them and slowly integrating them into the first team. On the pitch itself, the team needs to become more ruthless at one end and tighter at the other, while the recent penchant for conceding late goals must be eradicated if the big prizes are to be genuine objectives.
4. Arsenal -- Andrew Mangan and Sam Limbert
PA PhotosSanti Cazorla was a creative force for the Gunners
Hero and villain
Unlike recent years, Arsenal didn't have one key man or star to rely on during the 2012-13 season. However, of the players who joined at the start of the campaign, Santi Cazorla is a firm fans' favourite after an excellent first year in England. He featured in all 38 of Arsenal's Premier League games and racked up 12 goals and 11 assists. While he wasn't quite the marquee signing fans were hoping for last summer, he's proved himself to be one of Arsenal's best midfield signings in many a year. Without the superstar tag that went with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Cazorla should stick around at Arsenal for a few years and can be the creative hub of the team.
For a villain, many of the fringe players could be held culprit, but did any individual really play enough to earn the tag? One of those who did was sent out on loan during the season and is unlikely to be seen in an Arsenal shirt again. Andre Santos' performance at Old Trafford, both during the game and at halftime, when he sprinted to swap shirts with Robin van Persie, severed any good feelings Arsenal fans had towards him. The anger among supporters elicited from that act wasn't enjoyable.
Defining moment/turning point of the season
Two consecutive matches in the space of 10 days undoubtedly turned Arsenal's season. The 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on March 3 was the last game in which Arsenal conceded stupid goals from defensive lapses. It made the team go away and refocus on what they had to do to overhaul their North London neighbours. Experiencing such a painful defeat made the squad determined not to let it happen again. On March 13, despite going out on away goals, the 2-0 win away to Bayern Munich gave the team the confidence that they could beat anyone, could be defensively solid and gave them the appetite to make sure they got back into the Champions League.
Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
Having seen the sort of run of form Arsenal can go on during the season run-in, it does make you wonder what could have been achieved had the team been able to play like that over the whole season. After selling van Persie, it seemed unreasonable to expect the group of players in the squad to do much better than they did without the Dutchman, so to finish with a higher points total is a solid effort. The bigger disappointment lays in the cup competitions. Defeats to Bradford and Blackburn came at a time when the team didn't have the same focus as after the victory over Bayern Munich. Had those matches come after that turning point, they would have been avoided and the trophy drought ended.
Managerial masterstroke/fail
Bringing back Lukasz Fabianski in place of Wojciech Szczesny and dropping club captain Thomas Vermaelen for Laurent Koscielny. The former was a huge risk given that Fabianski hadn't played for over a year, but the keeper didn't lose a game until injury opened the door for a much improved and much more focused Szczesny. The latter change also proved crucial as Koscielny and Mertesacker formed a reliable, consistent partnership until the end of the season. Not forgetting it was the Frenchman who scored the winner against Newcastle on the final day to secure fourth place.
Goal of the season
Lukas Podolski versus Montpellier (Champions League). Facing a wall of defenders, he played a short pass to Olivier Giroud, the Frenchman dinked it over the top of the defence, Podolski ran on and smashed home a sumptuous left footed volley.
What needs to change?
Arsenal must use all the resources available to them to improve the team this summer. They finished 17 points behind the champions and that gap has to be closed. In terms of the team, Arsene Wenger could easily add a striker, a midfielder, an experienced goalkeeper to provide competition for Szczesny, and possibly a right back. The most important thing is to keep the core of the team together so that purchases are made to improve the team rather than to simply replace players who have left.
Unlike recent years, Arsenal didn't have one key man or star to rely on during the 2012-13 season. However, of the players who joined at the start of the campaign, Santi Cazorla is a firm fans' favourite after an excellent first year in England. He featured in all 38 of Arsenal's Premier League games and racked up 12 goals and 11 assists. While he wasn't quite the marquee signing fans were hoping for last summer, he's proved himself to be one of Arsenal's best midfield signings in many a year. Without the superstar tag that went with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Cazorla should stick around at Arsenal for a few years and can be the creative hub of the team.
For a villain, many of the fringe players could be held culprit, but did any individual really play enough to earn the tag? One of those who did was sent out on loan during the season and is unlikely to be seen in an Arsenal shirt again. Andre Santos' performance at Old Trafford, both during the game and at halftime, when he sprinted to swap shirts with Robin van Persie, severed any good feelings Arsenal fans had towards him. The anger among supporters elicited from that act wasn't enjoyable.
Defining moment/turning point of the season
Two consecutive matches in the space of 10 days undoubtedly turned Arsenal's season. The 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on March 3 was the last game in which Arsenal conceded stupid goals from defensive lapses. It made the team go away and refocus on what they had to do to overhaul their North London neighbours. Experiencing such a painful defeat made the squad determined not to let it happen again. On March 13, despite going out on away goals, the 2-0 win away to Bayern Munich gave the team the confidence that they could beat anyone, could be defensively solid and gave them the appetite to make sure they got back into the Champions League.
Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
Having seen the sort of run of form Arsenal can go on during the season run-in, it does make you wonder what could have been achieved had the team been able to play like that over the whole season. After selling van Persie, it seemed unreasonable to expect the group of players in the squad to do much better than they did without the Dutchman, so to finish with a higher points total is a solid effort. The bigger disappointment lays in the cup competitions. Defeats to Bradford and Blackburn came at a time when the team didn't have the same focus as after the victory over Bayern Munich. Had those matches come after that turning point, they would have been avoided and the trophy drought ended.
Managerial masterstroke/fail
Bringing back Lukasz Fabianski in place of Wojciech Szczesny and dropping club captain Thomas Vermaelen for Laurent Koscielny. The former was a huge risk given that Fabianski hadn't played for over a year, but the keeper didn't lose a game until injury opened the door for a much improved and much more focused Szczesny. The latter change also proved crucial as Koscielny and Mertesacker formed a reliable, consistent partnership until the end of the season. Not forgetting it was the Frenchman who scored the winner against Newcastle on the final day to secure fourth place.
Goal of the season
Lukas Podolski versus Montpellier (Champions League). Facing a wall of defenders, he played a short pass to Olivier Giroud, the Frenchman dinked it over the top of the defence, Podolski ran on and smashed home a sumptuous left footed volley.
What needs to change?
Arsenal must use all the resources available to them to improve the team this summer. They finished 17 points behind the champions and that gap has to be closed. In terms of the team, Arsene Wenger could easily add a striker, a midfielder, an experienced goalkeeper to provide competition for Szczesny, and possibly a right back. The most important thing is to keep the core of the team together so that purchases are made to improve the team rather than to simply replace players who have left.
5. Tottenham -- Dan Fitch
PA PhotosGareth Bale was, at times, unstoppable for Tottenham this campaign
Hero and villain
Hero ... that's a tough one. Well, I suppose if you had to press me, I'd say that Gareth Bale has had quite a good season. Bale has been so good and received so many platitudes, that it seems almost redundant to single him out for more praise. There have been other heroes who deserve a mention, though. Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen, Sandro, Moussa Dembele and Aaron Lennon have all had very good seasons.
The villain has to be Emmanuel Adebayor. He is so frustrating. Last season he was great, but this season he's simply not put in the same amount of effort. The annoying thing about him is that every few weeks, he'll suddenly surprise you by deciding that he can be bothered to play and put in a performance, as we saw against Chelsea. When you witness what he's capable of, it only serves to make you more angry that he doesn't produce it more consistently.
Defining moment/turning point of the season
The win against Manchester United at Old Trafford was pretty special. Up until that point, Andre Villas-Boas was receiving a fair amount of stick from both the press and certain sections of the fans. Pulling off that victory after so many years of failure in that fixture bought him some extra time.
Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
Definitely. In fact, I think that you could say that Spurs overachieved with the squad they had. To get a record points total having lost the likes of Ledley King, Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart was surprising, especially considering that players like Younes Kaboul and Sandro were also lost to injury.
Credit must go to the manager. The players signed in the summer weren't necessarily the ones he would have wanted and the squad had to adapt to a completely new style of management, after the non-tactics of Harry Redknapp.
Managerial masterstroke/fail
I think that Villas-Boas has learned from his time at Chelsea and changed things more slowly, this time round. The switch from 4-4-1-1 to 4-2-3-1 was subtle enough to not cause big problems and AVB made sure that he didn't alienate senior players such as Brad Friedel and William Gallas by giving them plenty of playing time early on in the season.
I'm a big fan of Villas-Boas, but if I had to pick a "fail," it would be the fact that he has often made some baffling team selections. He might not have total faith in Benoit Assou-Ekotto, but he's surely a better option than playing Kyle Naughton at left back. Gallas was also selected, long after it became apparent that he was a liability. To give him credit, though, AVB is generally big enough to admit when he has made a mistake with his selection and smart enough to figure out a way to change things for the better.
Goal of the season
Bale has scored about 10 goals that would normally qualify as "goal of the season." My favourite was the winner against West Ham at Upton Park. It came very late, in a crucial fixture, when the pressure was high. It showed the player at his best. First came a surging run. When he was brought down, he bounced straight back up, which showed his will to win and his belief that he could be the one to change things. When Bale received the ball back, he produced a perfect finish from long distance against a goalkeeper who'd had an amazing match.
What needs to change?
The need for a new striker is well documented and almost as redundant as naming Bale as player of the season. In fact, Spurs probably need two strikers, one of whom is also comfortable playing wide in a 4-3-3 -- which is why the David Villa rumours do make some sense to me.
Just as important is the need for a midfield playmaker. It's Tottenham's home form that has stopped them qualifying for the Champions League. They've often lacked the guile to break down teams who are happy to get a draw. There is talk that Spurs are looking to make an early move for Joao Moutinho, which is promising news.
Hero ... that's a tough one. Well, I suppose if you had to press me, I'd say that Gareth Bale has had quite a good season. Bale has been so good and received so many platitudes, that it seems almost redundant to single him out for more praise. There have been other heroes who deserve a mention, though. Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen, Sandro, Moussa Dembele and Aaron Lennon have all had very good seasons.
The villain has to be Emmanuel Adebayor. He is so frustrating. Last season he was great, but this season he's simply not put in the same amount of effort. The annoying thing about him is that every few weeks, he'll suddenly surprise you by deciding that he can be bothered to play and put in a performance, as we saw against Chelsea. When you witness what he's capable of, it only serves to make you more angry that he doesn't produce it more consistently.
Defining moment/turning point of the season
The win against Manchester United at Old Trafford was pretty special. Up until that point, Andre Villas-Boas was receiving a fair amount of stick from both the press and certain sections of the fans. Pulling off that victory after so many years of failure in that fixture bought him some extra time.
Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
Definitely. In fact, I think that you could say that Spurs overachieved with the squad they had. To get a record points total having lost the likes of Ledley King, Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart was surprising, especially considering that players like Younes Kaboul and Sandro were also lost to injury.
Credit must go to the manager. The players signed in the summer weren't necessarily the ones he would have wanted and the squad had to adapt to a completely new style of management, after the non-tactics of Harry Redknapp.
Managerial masterstroke/fail
I think that Villas-Boas has learned from his time at Chelsea and changed things more slowly, this time round. The switch from 4-4-1-1 to 4-2-3-1 was subtle enough to not cause big problems and AVB made sure that he didn't alienate senior players such as Brad Friedel and William Gallas by giving them plenty of playing time early on in the season.
I'm a big fan of Villas-Boas, but if I had to pick a "fail," it would be the fact that he has often made some baffling team selections. He might not have total faith in Benoit Assou-Ekotto, but he's surely a better option than playing Kyle Naughton at left back. Gallas was also selected, long after it became apparent that he was a liability. To give him credit, though, AVB is generally big enough to admit when he has made a mistake with his selection and smart enough to figure out a way to change things for the better.
Goal of the season
Bale has scored about 10 goals that would normally qualify as "goal of the season." My favourite was the winner against West Ham at Upton Park. It came very late, in a crucial fixture, when the pressure was high. It showed the player at his best. First came a surging run. When he was brought down, he bounced straight back up, which showed his will to win and his belief that he could be the one to change things. When Bale received the ball back, he produced a perfect finish from long distance against a goalkeeper who'd had an amazing match.
What needs to change?
The need for a new striker is well documented and almost as redundant as naming Bale as player of the season. In fact, Spurs probably need two strikers, one of whom is also comfortable playing wide in a 4-3-3 -- which is why the David Villa rumours do make some sense to me.
Just as important is the need for a midfield playmaker. It's Tottenham's home form that has stopped them qualifying for the Champions League. They've often lacked the guile to break down teams who are happy to get a draw. There is talk that Spurs are looking to make an early move for Joao Moutinho, which is promising news.
6. Everton -- Luke O'Farrell
PA PhotosLeighton Baines provided thrust for Everton down the left flank
Hero and villain
The hero for Everton is Leighton Baines. Consistent throughout, Baines is set to end this season as the most creative player in the Premier League. Equally adept defensively, it is imperative that Baines remains away from the clutches of other sides in the summer.
In a slight twist, the villain is not a player. The villain of this season is the Everton board. Failure to invest in the squad in January merely antagonised the Moyes contract situation. The farcical window ensured Everton missed a glorious chance to secure a Champions League place.
Defining moment/turning point of the season
The draw at Tottenham. A win would have put the team in the mix for the Champions League places. Instead, the late draw left Everton chasing shadows, shadows that they could not catch. Although, in truth, the number of late goals conceded earlier in the season were just as damaging to the European hopes.
Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
When equipped with the strongest side of the Moyes tenure, sixth place and a dismal FA Cup defeat is scant reward. Finishing above neighbours Liverpool secured the bragging rights (whatever those are) for a second successive seasons, but it does not constitute success.
Managerial masterstroke/fail
The fail of all fails came in the FA Cup defeat to Wigan when Moyes made a selection that backfired spectacularly. For tactical reasons, Phil Neville started in central midfield ahead of Darron Gibson. Gifting Wigan the ball for their second, this was the last time Neville featured in a blue shirt and Evertonians are still wracking their brains to work out what those tactical reasons were.
Goal of the season
The Leighton Baines free kick at Newcastle. Worthy of winning any goal of the season competition, the unstoppable effort left Tim Krul with no chance. Other notable contenders were Steven Pienaar against Aston Villa and Reading, Leon Osman against Man City and Kevin Mirallas against Stoke.
What needs to change?
With the manager and captain already departing, Everton can ill afford many more changes. The choice of manager could make or break the club; it is imperative that the right selection prevails. Everton need to build on the foundations left by Moyes; the new manager needs to take the club to that elusive next level.
The hero for Everton is Leighton Baines. Consistent throughout, Baines is set to end this season as the most creative player in the Premier League. Equally adept defensively, it is imperative that Baines remains away from the clutches of other sides in the summer.
In a slight twist, the villain is not a player. The villain of this season is the Everton board. Failure to invest in the squad in January merely antagonised the Moyes contract situation. The farcical window ensured Everton missed a glorious chance to secure a Champions League place.
Defining moment/turning point of the season
The draw at Tottenham. A win would have put the team in the mix for the Champions League places. Instead, the late draw left Everton chasing shadows, shadows that they could not catch. Although, in truth, the number of late goals conceded earlier in the season were just as damaging to the European hopes.
Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
When equipped with the strongest side of the Moyes tenure, sixth place and a dismal FA Cup defeat is scant reward. Finishing above neighbours Liverpool secured the bragging rights (whatever those are) for a second successive seasons, but it does not constitute success.
Managerial masterstroke/fail
The fail of all fails came in the FA Cup defeat to Wigan when Moyes made a selection that backfired spectacularly. For tactical reasons, Phil Neville started in central midfield ahead of Darron Gibson. Gifting Wigan the ball for their second, this was the last time Neville featured in a blue shirt and Evertonians are still wracking their brains to work out what those tactical reasons were.
Goal of the season
The Leighton Baines free kick at Newcastle. Worthy of winning any goal of the season competition, the unstoppable effort left Tim Krul with no chance. Other notable contenders were Steven Pienaar against Aston Villa and Reading, Leon Osman against Man City and Kevin Mirallas against Stoke.
What needs to change?
With the manager and captain already departing, Everton can ill afford many more changes. The choice of manager could make or break the club; it is imperative that the right selection prevails. Everton need to build on the foundations left by Moyes; the new manager needs to take the club to that elusive next level.
7. Liverpool -- Kristian Walsh
PA PhotosLuis Suarez: Controversial and talented
Hero and villain
With the guard of honour only just falling away, dewy-eyed revisionism would say Jamie Carragher. Alas, there is only one who can truly be regarded as heroic this season: Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan is controversial, granted -- but only because he is that good. Ignore all the hand-wringing and moralising and appreciate one of the world's finest attacking talents, for he might not be playing in England for much longer. His ability is both quantifiable and chimerical: 30 goals is tangible evidence, but nothing can really portray his brilliance more than his weaving, tormenting drives at defenders.
Villainy is difficult to define. If conjuring up images of mustachio-twirling, cane-swinging gentlemen, then Suarez fits the profile. The hand-wringing and moralising can only be ignored for so long if he persists with such behaviour. But then, football is supposed to be fun and he is what he is; take away the controversy, take away the unhinged brilliance. On the pitch, the biggest villain would be Martin Skrtel for his alarming regression from last season. Whether his failure to command his defence and his penchant for being outmuscled by strikers taller than 6-foot is villainy is up for debate, however.
Defining moment/turning point of the season
Just two defeats in the final 16 league games points to a marked improvement in the second half of the season. The reason is clear: The January transfer window and the opportunity of redemption for the summer debacle which saw a summer-long pursuit of Clint Dempsey end in futility. Liverpool began the season with Suarez being supported by Suso and Raheem Sterling, with Jonjo Shelvey featuring often in midfield. Regardless of how the young trio are rated, all three are unquestionably inexperienced.
Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge may be young, but both have played Champions League football. For a combined £20 million, they brought Liverpool two things that had been lacking earlier in the season -- ready-made quality in attacking positions and speed on the break. Their arrivals saw a different Liverpool as Sturridge's pace and running stretched teams, while Coutinho dazzled. The 20-year-old's capability to play the right ball at the right time is unparalleled by anybody else in the squad. Though Suarez, Sturridge and Coutinho have yet to show cohesion as a three, it allows for excitement ahead of next season.
Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
What was Liverpool's potential at the start of the season? Whether it amounts to much more than bettering last season's performance is unclear.
Defining Liverpool's season in any manner is tough, for it has been of constant contradiction. To herald it a season of two halves is both cliché and inaccurate, but there have been aspects both good and bad throughout. Any analysis will come with the caveat that the club left themselves short up front in the summer, though that is something Brendan Rodgers must take some fault for.
Still, analysis must come: seventh in the league and exits earlier than anticipated in all three cup competitions does not stand out as potential fulfilled. But the club scored more goals and kept more clean sheets than last season; they finished higher with more points, winning more games and losing fewer. That is tangible progression to Fenway Sports Group certainly, though supporters will bemoan the performances in knockout football.
Managerial masterstroke/fail
It would be harsh to attribute full blame to Rodgers for the summer's transfer failings; concurrently, full praise cannot fall upon him for the signings of Coutinho and Sturridge. Indeed, this is how the season has gone in general. Liverpool's undulation is mirrored by their manager, who has married strokes of sagacity with moments of head-scratching madness.
The treatment of Jordan Henderson falls under this category: Foolishly offered to Fulham as part of the Dempsey deal in the summer, Rodgers has managed to reintegrate him successfully into the side in an advanced midfield position. He has done similar to Stewart Downing as well, though rancour from some supporters remains strong. To get them playing well and with confidence -- especially Henderson -- was important; to then choose a two-man midfield against Southampton, omitting Henderson, was worrying.
Goal of the season
Though pundits obviously reserve commendation for players hitting balls hard at goal, most of Liverpool's replayed goals this season -- though there are few, admittedly -- have involved a finer touch of finesse. Awarding goal of the season is akin to selecting a kitten from a full litter: There are many wonderful types and it is simply down to personal preference.
Some will enjoy the thumping drive from Steven Gerrard away to Manchester City, while Jose Enrique's finish to a marvelous team goal at home to Swansea was the most aesthetically pleasing of all. But Suarez's against Newcastle in November is a goal that will remain in the mind and replayed most often -- it was the perfect synergy between brain and foot, both operating far quicker than anybody who watched it, including Fabricio Coloccini.
What needs to change?
It might appear most melodramatic, but both the defence and midfield must be assessed this summer. It is hard to believe two integral parts of a side can fail to function so often and yet still finish seventh -- hope, perhaps, for next season at a club eternally hopeful.
Though Liverpool kept 16 clean sheets, they conceded two or more goals 17 times. They are a side that score in threes, fours and fives but also can concede in twos or threes. It is a statistic that can partly be attributed to their struggles against sides that possess power up front and revel in the art of eyeballing the opposition, pressing quickly and high up the pitch. Liverpool conceded three goals -- and lost -- to sides such as Southampton, Aston Villa and Stoke. Those teams' styles of play was as influential as their forwards -- Rickie Lambert, Christian Benteke and Jonathan Walters -- bullying Liverpool's back line. Defenders comfortable against strength and pressure are a necessity this summer.
But it is not just the defence's fault. With the fullbacks becoming auxiliary wingers at times, playing higher than any Liverpool fullbacks in recent memory, the midfield balance is essential to protect the centre backs. The balance is still waiting to be struck. Gerrard has been quietly excellent in a deeper, more contemplative role, though whether he would have more impact further up the field is still an unanswered question. Lucas Leiva, back from injury in December, is still recovering the pace and positioning he had -- his role is vital but his reintegration has been tough. A more physical presence, and something to bring a more affable balance to the side, must be high on the club's priorities this summer.
With the guard of honour only just falling away, dewy-eyed revisionism would say Jamie Carragher. Alas, there is only one who can truly be regarded as heroic this season: Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan is controversial, granted -- but only because he is that good. Ignore all the hand-wringing and moralising and appreciate one of the world's finest attacking talents, for he might not be playing in England for much longer. His ability is both quantifiable and chimerical: 30 goals is tangible evidence, but nothing can really portray his brilliance more than his weaving, tormenting drives at defenders.
Villainy is difficult to define. If conjuring up images of mustachio-twirling, cane-swinging gentlemen, then Suarez fits the profile. The hand-wringing and moralising can only be ignored for so long if he persists with such behaviour. But then, football is supposed to be fun and he is what he is; take away the controversy, take away the unhinged brilliance. On the pitch, the biggest villain would be Martin Skrtel for his alarming regression from last season. Whether his failure to command his defence and his penchant for being outmuscled by strikers taller than 6-foot is villainy is up for debate, however.
Defining moment/turning point of the season
Just two defeats in the final 16 league games points to a marked improvement in the second half of the season. The reason is clear: The January transfer window and the opportunity of redemption for the summer debacle which saw a summer-long pursuit of Clint Dempsey end in futility. Liverpool began the season with Suarez being supported by Suso and Raheem Sterling, with Jonjo Shelvey featuring often in midfield. Regardless of how the young trio are rated, all three are unquestionably inexperienced.
Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge may be young, but both have played Champions League football. For a combined £20 million, they brought Liverpool two things that had been lacking earlier in the season -- ready-made quality in attacking positions and speed on the break. Their arrivals saw a different Liverpool as Sturridge's pace and running stretched teams, while Coutinho dazzled. The 20-year-old's capability to play the right ball at the right time is unparalleled by anybody else in the squad. Though Suarez, Sturridge and Coutinho have yet to show cohesion as a three, it allows for excitement ahead of next season.
Was the club's potential fulfilled this term?
What was Liverpool's potential at the start of the season? Whether it amounts to much more than bettering last season's performance is unclear.
Defining Liverpool's season in any manner is tough, for it has been of constant contradiction. To herald it a season of two halves is both cliché and inaccurate, but there have been aspects both good and bad throughout. Any analysis will come with the caveat that the club left themselves short up front in the summer, though that is something Brendan Rodgers must take some fault for.
Still, analysis must come: seventh in the league and exits earlier than anticipated in all three cup competitions does not stand out as potential fulfilled. But the club scored more goals and kept more clean sheets than last season; they finished higher with more points, winning more games and losing fewer. That is tangible progression to Fenway Sports Group certainly, though supporters will bemoan the performances in knockout football.
Managerial masterstroke/fail
It would be harsh to attribute full blame to Rodgers for the summer's transfer failings; concurrently, full praise cannot fall upon him for the signings of Coutinho and Sturridge. Indeed, this is how the season has gone in general. Liverpool's undulation is mirrored by their manager, who has married strokes of sagacity with moments of head-scratching madness.
The treatment of Jordan Henderson falls under this category: Foolishly offered to Fulham as part of the Dempsey deal in the summer, Rodgers has managed to reintegrate him successfully into the side in an advanced midfield position. He has done similar to Stewart Downing as well, though rancour from some supporters remains strong. To get them playing well and with confidence -- especially Henderson -- was important; to then choose a two-man midfield against Southampton, omitting Henderson, was worrying.
Goal of the season
Though pundits obviously reserve commendation for players hitting balls hard at goal, most of Liverpool's replayed goals this season -- though there are few, admittedly -- have involved a finer touch of finesse. Awarding goal of the season is akin to selecting a kitten from a full litter: There are many wonderful types and it is simply down to personal preference.
Some will enjoy the thumping drive from Steven Gerrard away to Manchester City, while Jose Enrique's finish to a marvelous team goal at home to Swansea was the most aesthetically pleasing of all. But Suarez's against Newcastle in November is a goal that will remain in the mind and replayed most often -- it was the perfect synergy between brain and foot, both operating far quicker than anybody who watched it, including Fabricio Coloccini.
What needs to change?
It might appear most melodramatic, but both the defence and midfield must be assessed this summer. It is hard to believe two integral parts of a side can fail to function so often and yet still finish seventh -- hope, perhaps, for next season at a club eternally hopeful.
Though Liverpool kept 16 clean sheets, they conceded two or more goals 17 times. They are a side that score in threes, fours and fives but also can concede in twos or threes. It is a statistic that can partly be attributed to their struggles against sides that possess power up front and revel in the art of eyeballing the opposition, pressing quickly and high up the pitch. Liverpool conceded three goals -- and lost -- to sides such as Southampton, Aston Villa and Stoke. Those teams' styles of play was as influential as their forwards -- Rickie Lambert, Christian Benteke and Jonathan Walters -- bullying Liverpool's back line. Defenders comfortable against strength and pressure are a necessity this summer.
But it is not just the defence's fault. With the fullbacks becoming auxiliary wingers at times, playing higher than any Liverpool fullbacks in recent memory, the midfield balance is essential to protect the centre backs. The balance is still waiting to be struck. Gerrard has been quietly excellent in a deeper, more contemplative role, though whether he would have more impact further up the field is still an unanswered question. Lucas Leiva, back from injury in December, is still recovering the pace and positioning he had -- his role is vital but his reintegration has been tough. A more physical presence, and something to bring a more affable balance to the side, must be high on the club's priorities this summer.
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