Man City
Season round-up
Roberto Mancini’s side started the season with high expectations, having spent a considerable amount of cash in preseason. With a final position of 3rd and an FA Cup to their name, they will consider this season as a success, despite their style of play often being judged as too conservative. While the high-ups have suggested they will be curbing their spending, Mancini insists the Citizens require more money to challenge for the top honours. City finished the season with victories over Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham and will look to beat the other big teams next season, if they expect to climb the table next season.
Key-player
Carlos Tevez – The Argentinian has been Man City’s talisman this season, leading the Premier League scoring charts (alongside Manchester United rival, Dimitar Berbatov) with 21 goals, as well as 6 assists. Despite his impressive form, Tevez requested a transfer during the January window, stating he was unhappy at the club. Despite this request being later withdrawn, speculation still lingers over Tevez’s future, with the Argentine being linked with Inter Milan, Real Madrid and home team club, Boca Juniors.
Honourable Mentions
Joe Hart, Yaya Toure, David Silva
Key signings
James Milner, £26 Million, Aston Villa – Milner had a successful first season at Eastlands, performing better than Gareth Barry, Vincent Kompany and Nigel De Jong. While he only scored 1 goal, he laid on 7, appearing in all but 4 games in the entire season.
Yaya Toure, £28 Million, Barcelona – Toure was a rock in City’s midfield this season and contributed with 6 goals and 6 assists in the league. He will, however be most fondly remembered for his goals in the FA Cup Final and semi-final.
Jerome Boateng, £10 Million, Hamburg – Has featured intermittently for the Citizens and question marks are already beginning to be raised about his future, with a move to Bayern Munich a possibility. Injury ended Boateng’s season in February and he has not played since.
Davis Silva, £24 Million, Valencia – Silva has been one of City’s most consistent performers this season and has dazzled crowds with his performances on the wing. Silva finished an impressive first season with 4 goals and 9 assists.
Aleksandar Kolarov, £17 Million, Lazio – Kolarov has had an indifferent season at Eastlands and a few are questioning whether he is good enough to play at the top level. City may be looking for a new left back next season and this suggests Kolarov may be on his way out.
Mario Balotelli, £23 Million, Inter – Love him or hate him, Balotelli’s skill is undeniable. His body language suggests he is not entirely happy at City and he has openly admitted he prefers Italy to the UK. He has been used sparingly by Roberto Mancini but still finished the season with 6 goals.
Edin Dzeko, £17 Million, Wolfsburg – Since his arrival from Germany, the Bosnian striker has featured in all but 1 game, only managing a single goal. I’m convinced with a preseason behind him, he will be as clinical in England as he was in Germany.
Mario Balotelli
Next Season?
Despite the insistence of financial restraint, I expect Man City to heavily explore the transfer market this summer. I think it will be important to clear their books of the players they won’t be keeping; Bellamy, Adebayor, Bridge and Santa Cruz will leave and they will possibly look to shift Boateng and Kolarov if better players become available. I feel they will spend big this summer and bring in some marquee signings, with Alexis Sanchez, Leighton Baines and Wesley Sneijder all being touted as potential arrivals.
Alexis Sanchez
---------------------------------------------------------------
Man Utd
Season round-up
Despite finishing as Champions and Sir Alex Ferguson’s insistencies that his squad is not weaker than previous seasons, it does appear that Man Utd are currently a team in transition. They finished the season winning only five games away from Old Trafford. People may say that the title was handed to them by the form of other teams but at the end of the day, the finished top after 38 games and that’s all that matters. Since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo many expected them to suffer, but I feel they are playing as more of a team than ever before and look forward to see how they progress next season.
Key-player
Nani – Nani has improved dramatically since Ronaldo left for Madrid and this season, he was at his best by far. He finished the season with 9 goals and an incredible 18 assists, showing he is more of a team player than people give him credit for. While there are rumours of a move to Inter Milan, I can’t see the Red Devils allowing Nani to move any time soon.
Honourable Mentions
Dimitar Berbatov, Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney
Key signings
Chris Smalling, £10 Million, Fulham – Due to injuries to Rio Ferdinand and the poor form of Jonny Evans, Smalling had a chance to cement a first to spot and has looked strong. He made 16 appearances altogether, most of them as a starter and even aided the team with an assist.
Javier Hernandez, £6 Million, Guadalajara – Has been an absolute revelation since his arrival from Mexico and has scored crucial goals time and time again. He has adapted to the English game quickly, despite his small stature and has dislodged leading scorer, Dimitar Berbatov from his first team spot.
Bebe, £7.4 Million, Vitoria Guimaraes – Only appeared in 2 league games and hasn’t yet acclimatized to the English game. I will reserve judgement on him as he still young but he has to up his game or may face an exit from Old Trafford in the future.
Anders Lindegaard, £3.5 Million, Aalesunds – Hasn’t featured in the league yet.
Javier Hernandez
Next Season?
Man Utd have a strong spine to their team but need to strengthen positions as players look toward retirement. With Edwin Van Der Sar’s imminent retirement, a new goalkeeper is a must and Atletico’s David De Gea has been earmarked as his successor. With Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs in the twilight of their careers, Wesley Sniejder has been touted as a potential signing, along with Luke Young, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric.
David De Gea
---------------------------------------------------------------
Newcastle United
Season round-up
It’s been a strange season at St. James’ Park. With the departure of popular manager, Chris Hughton and then the sale of Andy Carroll, without signing a replacement, Newcastle’s season may have ended a lot worse than their 12th place finish. Newcastle’s finest performances of the season were over rivals Sunderland, where they ran out 5-1 and the entertaining 4-4 draw with Arsenal.
Key-player
Kevin Nolan – Nolan, Newcastle’s captain, was an ever-present feature in Newcastle’s midfield throughout the season, missing only 8 games. He aided the Magpies cause with 12 goals, finishing as their top scorer. He was criticized for congratulating Andy Carroll on his move to Liverpool but has reaffirmed himself in Newcastle fans eyes, with a number of top quality performances.
Honourable Mentions
Joey Barton, Jonas Gutierrez, Jose Enrique
Key signings
Cheik Tiote, Undisc. FC Twente – Played very well in his first season in England and has already attracted interested from Arsenal and several other clubs. His only goal of the season was his memorable strike against Arsenal, bringing the score to 4-4. His discipline has caused him to miss a few games as he picked up 14 yellow cards through the season.
Dan Gosling, Free, Everton – Gosling has been unfortunate with injury and only played for 1 minute of the entire season.
James Perch, Undisc. Nottingham Forest – Started the first 8 games of the season but suffered an injury which limited him to only 5 more appearances through the season.
Sol Campbell, Free, Arsenal – Only made 7 appearances for the Magpies as he struggled for fitness and form and has since been released.
Hatem Ben Arfa, £6 Million, Marseille – Looked impressive in his first 4 games until a broken leg suffered at the hands of Nigel De Jong. He managed a goal in this time which was clearly enough to persuade Newcastle to make his initial loan move permanent.
Stephen Ireland, Loan, Man City – Only managed 2 appearances and will return to Villa at the end of the season.
Shefki Kuqi, Free, Unattached – Was signed after the sale of Andy Carroll to bolster Newcastle’s attacking options. Made 6 appearances all from the bench and has since been released.
Hatem Ben Arfa
Next Season?
Newcastle will look to consolidate after their return to the Premiership last year. Alan Pardew will hope Mike Ashley will make some of the Andy Carroll money available to invest in some of their weaker areas, a centre-back and a quality striker will need to be looked at. Former player, Charles N’Zogbia has been touted for a return to St. James' Park, as well as Brazilian striker, Adriano who is currently without a club and would be available on a free transfer. Relegated Birmingham’s Sebastian Larsson is also linked.
Adriano
---------------------------------------------------------------
Stoke City
Season round-up
The Potters had a good season under Tony Pulis and have quickly established themselves as a strong Premiership side, after their 3rd season at the top level. They have qualified for the Europa League after their FA Cup exploits and will look to bring better players to complement their already combative squad. Their midfield was especially impressive and Jermaine Pennant and Matty Etherington have provided creative outlets for their strikers, with Rory Delap and Glenn Whelan also playing well.
Key-player
Robert Huth – The strong defender played nearly all Stokes games this season and only missed 3, due to injury and suspension. He also managed 6 goals, an impressive return for a centre back as well as 3 assists.
Honourable Mentions
Matty Etherington, Kenwyne Jones, Jonathan Walters
Key singings
Jonathan Walters, £2.75 Million, Ipswich – Walters has featured in all but one of the Potters games this season and finished the season with 6 goals and 3 assists. Stoke fans will be pleased with Walters performances over the season.
Carlo Nash, Free, Everton – Nash is the third choice keeper, behind Asmir Begovic and Thomas Sorensen and hasn’t featured.
Kenwnye Jones, £8 Million, Sunderland – With 9 goals, Jones finished as Stokes top scores and featured in all but 4 games. Jones’ form has impressed Stoke fans with his high work ethic and ability.
Eidur Gudjohnsen, Free, Monaco – Only made four appearances for Stoke and has since moved to Fulham on loan. Gudjohnsen did not score a single goal all season.
Jermaine Pennant, £2.8 Million, Real Zaragoza – Has silenced many critics this season with his impressive performances, which saw him score 3 and create 7. Stoke made his initial loan move permanent in January after his exciting form.
Marc Wilson, Undisc. Portsmouth – Started slowly but has played every minute of every game since February and will look to establish himself next season in Stokes creative midfield.
John Carew, Loan, Aston Villa - While Carew only scored one goal since his loan move from Aston Villa, his performances may have done enough to secure a permanent move to the Britannia Stadium.
Jermaine Pennant
Next Season?
Stoke have played very well this season and may look to consolidate the squad they already have during the summer transfer window. John Carew’s loan move may be made permanent and they have also been linked with his Villa teammate, Stephen Warnock. Leeds striker Robert Snodgrass has also been suggested as a transfer target.
Stephen Warnock
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sunderland
Season round-up
Despite a wonderful start to the season, that included a memorable 3-0 at Stamford Bridge, The Black Cats end of season form almost saw them drawn into a relegation battle. After losing both Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent, as well as injuries to Frazier Campbell and Craig Gordon, Sunderland were missing key members of their squad at vital times of the season. Sunderland finished in 10th position but will look to maintain their early season form over 38 games next year.
Key-player
Jordan Henderson – The local boy played in all but one game this season and scored 3 goals, adding to the cause with 5 assists. It was his determination and ability that has endeared him to the Stadium of Light faithful and with Man Utd reportedly interested, they may face difficulties keeping hold of him next season.
Honourable Mentions
Phillip Bardsley, Asamoah Gyan, Ahmed Elmohamady
Key signings
Titus Bramble, £1 Million, Wigan – Played well in the 23 games he featured in, looking solid. His season was ended in early April due to injury and will already be looking forward to next season.
Cristian Riveros, Undisc. Cruz Azul – Scored one goal in the fleeting appearances he has made as he struggles to adapt to the English game.
Simon Mignolet, £2 Million, Sint Truidense – Played more games than most expected due to the injuries suffered by Craig Gordon and has looked a solid keeper. Gordon may struggle to regain his first team spot next season.
Ahmed Elmohamady, Loan, ENPPI – Has adapted quickly to the English game and looks a very good player. While he hasn’t found the score sheet this season, he has contributed with 3 assists and looks threatening on the wing. Sunderland are rumoured to be interested in making his loan move permanent next season.
Marcos Angeleri, £2 Million, Estudiantes – Has only made 2 appearances for Sunderland this season and suffered a knee injury in January that put him out for the season. He will be looking to make a bigger impact for the Black Cats next season.
Danny Welbeck, Loan, Man Utd – Played very well at the start of the season but was ruled out with a hamstring injury in April. Welbeck was inspiring during the 3-0 victory over Chelsea and added to his teams cause with 6 goals and one assist.
John Mensah, Loan, Lyon – Featured fairly heavily in Sunderland’s end-of-season run-in, but was ruled out by injury and has been told he will not be returning to the Stadium of Light next season.
Asamoah Gyan, £13 Million, Rennes – Finished the season as Sunderland’s top scorer with 10 league goals and 5 assists. Sunderland will hope to keep him at the Stadium of Light with interest from Spain and Italy.
Sulley Muntari, Loan, Inter Milan – Featured fairly heavily in Sunderland’s final season run-in, but was ruled out by injury and has been told he will not be returning to the Stadium of Light next season.
Stephane Sessegnon, £6 Million, PSG – Was an instant success at the Stadium of Light with his vital goals and assists. He featured in every game since his signing from Paris St. Germain, starting all but one game.
Danny Welbeck
Next Season?
The Black Cats have been linked with a number of players who they feel can bolster their squad in order to try to maintain the form they showed in glimpses this season. A permanent move for Danny Welbeck has been already been ruled out by Sir Alex Ferguson, but moves for David Vaughan, Sebastian Larsson and Charles N’Zogbia are all potential, as well as move for highly-rated Loreint striker Kevin Gameiro.
Kevin Gameiro
No comments:
Post a Comment