2013-14 has without question been transformational, a refreshment and a statement. There has been some huge score-lines, big questions asked over management and players along more than the odd surprise that has seen a revolutionary campaign, unlike no other.
Including Pepe Mel’s and Tim Sherwood’s sackings over the past forty-eight hours the Premier League has seen thirteen managerial exits, with Fulham topping the numbers axing an almighty three men at the helm. The cult of club owners has become even more prominent with expectations rising and some clubs being told they need to change the colour of their shirt or maybe even their name.
Last season saw Manchester dominate and London clubs fighting for UEFA Champions League football whereas 2013-14 has sparked a turnaround with Merseyside pipping into the European spots. One thing that this season has defined is the undeniable gap between the top seven teams in the league compared to the rest of the field, which in turn seems to be the way the Premier League will plot itself over the next four, maybe five years.
Who won what?
Although the Manager and Player of the Season awards deservedly went to Anfield as Brendan Rodgers and Luis Suarez were presented with the awards, it was Manchester City who rose to the top to lift the Premier League title. City were crowed champions of England on the final day of the season after a comfortable victory over West Ham United. The odds seemed in favour of Liverpool until the title 'slipped' away from them after crucially dropping points against Chelsea and Crystal Palace. Despite the Reds brave efforts they were unable to stop the Citizens from claiming their second Premier League title in three years.
Despite the multiple critics, Manuel Pelligrini lifted his first title in Europe as City took advantage with their games in hand. Pelligrini became the Premier League's tactician, with some wonderful playing styles which saw them quickly overturn many sides at home. The 2011-12 champions also captured early success this season with a victory over Sunderland at Wembley by lifting the League Cup.
Miserable teams and miserable managers
Whilst the sunshine rested above the Etihad stadium, stormy skies haunted Old Trafford and White Hart Lane. David Moyes was eventually paid off after his dismissal and Tim Sherwood was relieved two days after the finale with failing to improve of Andre Villas-Boas fifth place finish last season. Moyes had the world at his feet but failing with his tactics, making wrong decisions and being unable to keep the players on his side proved pivotal in his departure. Sherwood did have some positive stints but his temperament and failing to identify his best eleven proved Tottenham Hotspur's reputation for inconsistency.
Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have taught us valuable lessons in the Premier League this season. Firstly, it takes a special man to manage the Red Devils and secondly how spending big money doesn’t always guarantee success.
Top four completion
Elsewhere at the top, Arsenal who spent the most amount of days at the summit of the league failed to keep on the pressure as they yet again just scraped a top four finish above Everton. Although an FA Cup final for the Gunners against Hull City this weekend could yet overhaul a nine year wait for silverware should they beat the Tigers this Saturday. Chelsea came close to challenging Manchster City and Liverpool for the title but dropping crucial points towards the end of the campaign, in particular to Sunderland saw Mourinho lose his undefeated home streak at Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho continued to entertain on the touchline and in pre-match conferences. However, the self proclaimed 'Special One' did plenty of moaning and groaning this time around in his second tenure, blaming officials and causing upset which saw some hefty FA fines.
Three have to go down
The relegation fight turned into a clash of many looking over their shoulders at the trap door. At one point in the season ten club's were threatened by the drop but despite scares for many it was Nowrich City, Fulham and Cardiff City who perished after poor campaigns. Felix Magath suffered his first ever demotion with Fulham after following Martin Jol and Rene Meulenstein, Nowrich failed to secure their safety after bizarrely sacking Chris Houghton and facing the toughest last four games in Premier League history whilst Cardiff City proved to be a laughing stock. Vincent Tan ultimately saw his demands overturned after blaming Malky Mackay for the club’s demise. It was Ole-Gunnar Solksjaer who was left to mop up and ultimately drag the Bluebirds back down to the Championship.
The biggest winners from those expected to return to the Championship was Crystal Palace and under Ian Holloway relegation seemed inevitable. Holloway was sacked and Tony Pulis entered Selhurst Park despite originally having doubts over taking the managers job. Pulis wins the silver award for Manager of the Season after a miraculous turnaround after making the Eagles hard to beat whilst playing confidently. Huge wins including a result over Chelsea and Everton helped halt any relegation fears. Once the bookies favourite for relegation, Palace finished respectably just outside the top ten.
Who are the new boys in town?
Now we wait to see who will complete the trio of promoted teams from the Championship. Leicester City finally saw their fortunes turn for the good by being crowned league champions whilst Burnley joined them for automatic promotion despite having the fourth lowest budget in the division.
Either Derby County or Queens Park Rangers will join the Foxes and the Clarets before the 22nd Premier League campaign begins and creates more histories and unbelievable stories like 2013-14 has done.
