As another EPL season is consigned to the recycle bin of history (we have to be green these days), here is my review of those who have done well, those who could do better, and those who will spend the summer in detention:
1. Manchester United. Most people's favourites at the start of the season, and despite a lacklustre start and a mediocre finish, they didn't disappoint overall.
Cristiano Ronaldo was incredible, and moved up another gear after being only amazing in 06-07; surely he has no more gears left? New signings all looked the part, and Fergie will already be pretty confident of title number 11 next season. 9.5/10
2. Chelsea. The "Special One" was replaced by the dour one, but on the pitch it was largely business as usual.
New signings were a mixed bag, and some uncharacteristic home draws cost them the title. Champions League glory could yet beckon, but the summer changes have already begun.
Next season will be the one in which to judge Avram Grant when it will really be his team, assuming he makes it that far. 8/10
3. Arsenal. How much longer can Arsene's guns be called "young?" They thrilled us all before Christmas, and Gooners must have been dreaming of a season to remember.
The second half of the season unravelled though, and Mathieu Flamini has already jumped ship.
Some tweaking will be required, but the ingredients are there to challenge again. Four points from the top is hardly the stuff of nightmares, but Wenger badly needs a trophy to go with the thrills next season, or the vultures will be circling in greater numbers. 8/10
4. Liverpool. A recurring nightmare off the pitch, on it has been a bizarre mixture of the sublime (Start, Finish, Torres), the mediocre (the middle months of the campaign), and the ridiculous (Barnsley, Havant & Waterlooville).
The CL offered some salvation, and, despite two years with no trophy, the spine of the team looks very healthy in quality and age. This season will always be remembered as the beginning of a Liverpool legend in Torres. 7.5/10
5. Everton. A very pleasing season for the blue side of Liverpool. Threatened to de-rail their neighbours in the league, in the end it never materialised, but a League Cup semi and a fair UEFA Cup run were highlights.
Oldham had their day at Goodison, but that was a rare off-day for Moyes' consistent team. The Yak and Steven Pienaar added some flair to the steel, but if regular participation in the CL is going to become a reality, then they need to spend pretty big to compete.
Can the chairman find the cash? And can Moyes find a trophy for his growing CV? 9/10
6. Aston Villa. Top six shows a good effort, but Villa was dismal in the cups, and have to cope with the Intertoto Cup in the summer which could potentially hamper next season's start.
Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor have been fearsome, and plenty of goals have brightened up the campaign.
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