With the curtain falling on another Premier League campaign, memories come flooding back on the season that was 2007-08. Here are a few awards that could be given out now that the play has come to a close.
Player of the season
It can only be one. Cristiano Ronaldo's 31 goals in 38 Premier League games is outstanding. Not only that, but he has also contributed seven assists and many other moments of brilliance, not least the now-famous free kick against Portsmouth.
Signing of the season
Whilst Fernando Torres has set the league alight, a fact I delight in as a Liverpool fan, and Bacary Sagna has produced a great season for a relative unknown, for sheer value for money it has to be Roque Santa Cruz.
Despite his form being somewhat streaky, he has notched 19 league goals and been a contender for Blackburn's player of the season alongside David Bentley. With Benni McCarthy misfiring, Santa Cruz's goals have been invaluable.
Worst signing of the season
Plenty of dishonourable mentions in this category. Florent Malouda has so far not lived up to his £13.5m price tag, although he is showing signs of adjustment to the English game.
Mido has remained on the sidelines at Boro, Rolando Bianchi had an ill-fated spell at Eastlands, and Paul McShane has been a general disaster at the back for Sunderland.
But for big-money flops, look no further than David Nugent. The striker was bought by Portsmouth for £6m and was such a disappointment for Harry Redknapp that he almost immediately tried to unload him. Featuring sporadically for the first team, he has unequivocally failed at Pompey, and will probably leave in the summer.
Goal of the season
Ronaldo's heel flick? That free kick? Stilyan Petrov's 40-yarder against Derby? Elano's 30-yard arrow into the stanchion? My goal of the season would have to be Daryl Murphy's howitzer against Wigan.
Having just come on, Andy Reid lays an absolute inch-perfect through ball to Murphy, who takes it inside before smashing it in off the underside of the bar from 25-odd yards. Brilliant as well as crucial goal in a vital game.
Miss of the season
Cameron Jerome missed a stinker on the last day, but the one that sticks in my mind is Nicolas Anelka for Bolton against Liverpool. Trying to clear the ball, Jamie Carragher collided with his own keeper and left Anelka to roll it into an empty net, yet somehow the Frenchman contrived to pull it wide.
That goal would have made it 1-1, and Bolton went on to lose 4-0. Shocking play from a great player.
Worst haircut
Simple. Bacary Sagna's ridiculous spaghetti dreadlocks that flailed around his head like snakes on heat.
Most improved player
Having seen him play last season a few times, I was generally wary of Ashley Young's ability. Yet, he has proven the critics wrong with a series of scintillating performances that fully warrant a place in the national setup.
Dangerous crossing from dead balls, and with a great eye for goal, if Villa can keep hold of him Young can polish up to be an absolute gem.
Best chant
I can't see past Liverpool's brilliant ditty for Spanish darling Fernando Torres. For those who don't know the words:
His armband proved he was a red, Torres, Torres
You'll Never Walk Alone it said, Torres, Torres
We bought the lad from sunny Spain
He gets the ball, he scores again
Fernando Torres, Liverpool's number nine.
The fans then proceed to bounce up and down singing the tune, which is to "the animals came in two by two."
Best fans
The Geordies come a close second, but the top of the tree has to be Derby County's legions, who only turned on their side at the final game of the season. Loyally following their team and packing out away ends, they have never stopped singing through the continual drubbings. Let's hope to see them back in the Premier League soon, albeit with a better side.
Who would you give your awards to? Are there any that I have missed out? Please comment below.
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5 months ago
Seems pretty much spot on. I like Ashley Young, has the potential to grow into a big, big player. I was impressed with Robbie Keane's goal aganist Reading last week. Every single touch in the whole move involving Keane and Bent was Brilliant....
from 5 months ago
true, great goal. Thought you might want some Chelsea influences in the lineup?
from 5 months ago
Yeah well Salomon Kalou and Michael Ballack both qualify for Most Improved Player. But other than that, Chelsea havent really set the Prem alight this season. Its been a steady, effective campaign and Im happy lol.....
5 months ago
Nice article.
from 5 months ago
Thanks Marcus - for the comment and the pick.
5 months ago
I have a soft spot for Newcastle but their fans got a man sacked. So I wouldn't have mentioned them this year.
I can't argue with too much else:) David Nugent tut tut...was a big fan of his in the championship too...useless this year.
Great read Jonathan
from 5 months ago
Thanks Andrew - I put Newcastle in because I've been to a few games this year when Newcastle brought their away fans and, even by away standards, they were tremendous.
You're right about the Allardyce sacking - but simply put he wasn't who they wanted. When they had Keegan installed they stood by him through the 9 game winless streak.
Nevertheless, the very vocal disapproval of Allardyce, who is a very competent manager, is what tipped it in Derby's favour for me.
5 months ago
Newcastle fans always demand someone get the sack at some point lol. pretty much spot on with the awards, nugent has been a monumental flop, i expected so much of him. i see him going to west brom. santa cruz has been good, but torres for me is a better signing.
Good stuff mate, keep it coming.
5 months ago
definitely agree with the Torres chant winning.
5 months ago
I think a player to consider in the Most Improved Category is Hossam Ghaly who was on a loan to Derby County. After throwing his Jersey down in front of Martin Jol's eyes, his career in the EPL was in jeopardy. He was a great asset to the Derby County midfield area. True, the team was just bombed off, but he was a great player in the middle.
I think you can also mention some more categories like Best Manager, Best midfielder, Best defender etc.
Nevertheless, I really like your choices there. Nice job.
5 months ago
Bacary Sagna that bad?
Touche, now that I think about it, that's pretty much spot on.
5 months ago
Bacary Sagna, altho he has a dodgy hair do, he's become the number one right back in his very first season in the English leage. And that speaks volumes, a brilliant signing. You can add Flamini and Almunia to the most improved list, however Flamini's a money whore, so Ashley Young is a just selection.
Best chant?
Thats between "A fat Paris Hilton, your just a fat Paris Hilton" (Arsenal fans to Voronin)
Or "Lets pretned, lets pretend, lets pretend we've scored a goal" (Derby faithful)
Why would you put Newcastle fans under best fans? If it wasn't a win or a sraw, they'd boo the place down.
5 months ago
gotta love the Torres song, no wonder he loves playing facing the KOP.
5 months ago
Man Citys chant was funny. to tune of Pink Floyd. "We dont need no Phil Scolari, We dont need no Mourinho, HEY! Thaksin! Leave our Sven alone"
Or Newcastles to tune of Happy Days ' Sunday, Monday Habib Beye, Tuesady, Wednesday Habib Beye....'
from 5 months ago
Completely agree, Keith. City's chant was brilliant.
5 months ago
Spot on. Although I agree with everyone else about Newcastle's fans... they don't even deserve a mention. Poor ol' Alardyce. But they're better off with Keegan anyways.
5 months ago
Good survey Jon. I think you overlooked one of the best and hard working player I have noted for several seasons. TREVEZ.
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