The A-Z Of The...Premier League

Barney Corkhill introduces a brand new series called The A-Z Of... with the first edition being on the Premier League.

In this series I will go through every letter of the alphabet and link that letter with something to do with the topic.

Here we go!

A - Arsenal

One of the Premier League's best clubs, and one of only four clubs to have won the trophy. The football they play is often the most attractive in the league.

B - Brian Deane

His name will forever be in the annals of the Premier League, as the first ever player to score a goal in it, when he netted for Sheffield United against future champions Manchester United

C - Chelsea

They've recently become major power in the league, with Roman Abramovich's money backing them. They have broken many records and haven't lost a home league game for 83 matches.

D - Derby County

In this A-Z for the wrong reasons. Derby County are officially the worst Premier League side in the history of the league. They only won one game throughout the whole of the 2007/08 season.

E - Europe

The prize for doing well in the league is Europe. For the top four it's the Champions League, and for the FA Cup winners, League Cup winners and 5th in the league, it's the UEFA Cup.

F - Fergie

The best and most successful manager the Premier League has ever seen. His 10 league titles show that, and he has kept Man United at the top for 16 years.

G - Gary Speed

The highest appearance maker in Premier League history, Speed is one of only two players to have scored in every single complete Premier League season.

H - History

It may only be 16 years old, but the Premier League already has an illustrious history, with records being broken and history being made every season, the league can only get better.

I - Invincibles

The 2003/04 season saw Arsenal go the whole season unbeaten, a unique feat in Premier League history. Few of that invincible squad are still there but the memory will always remain.

J - Jose Mourinho

Few, if any, people have had such an impact on the Premier League. From his first press conference when he introduced himself as "The Special One" to the end of his reign, Mourinho left his forever lasting mark on the Premier League.

K - Keane, Roy

No one has lifted more Premier League trophies than this man. He is described by Sir Alex Ferguson as the greatest player he has ever coached. His dedication and refusal of defeat, while sometimes getting him in trouble, was a major part in Manchester United's dominance of the league.

L - Liverpool

Despite being so successful before the Premier League, Liverpool are yet to capture a crown. Part of the "big four", it is widely regarded that it is only a matter of time before they capture that elusive EPL title.

M - Manchester United

The best club in Premier League history. Their ten titles to nearest contenders Arsenal's three shows their dominance over the 16 years the league has been around for.

N - Newcastle

The most turbulent club in Premier League history. From 12 points ahead of Manchester United in 1996 to the mess the club is in now, and everything in between, Newcastle must be the most stressful club to support.

O - Owners

There was a time when owners owned football clubs, not managed them. Now, however, that time seems to be going. With the amount of foreign owners coming into the game, the Premier League may soon be changed beyond recognition.

P - Penalties

The obvious, the controversial and the plain wrong penalty decisions. Where would we be without them?! They certainly make the Premier League a much more interesting place to be.

Q - Quality

The quality of the Premier League is that of a higher standard than any other league in Europe, maybe even the world. The quality of players increases every year, and so, in turn, does the quality of the league.

R - Relegation

It's what every team fears. For some, it's a danger that seems a million miles away, but for others it is a lot closer than that. The fear of relegation can cripple or inspire teams. The financial effect of relegation is also huge.

S - Shearer, Alan

The highest goal-scorer in the history of the Premier League. He never played for one of the now so-called big teams, but still managed to notch up 260 EPL goals, and a winners medal in 1995 with Blackburn.

T - Title Race

Despite it usually now being between two, maybe three teams, the title race is still exciting. Chelsea trying to get back on the perch Manchester United have knocked them off and Arsenal trying to just sneak in. Meanwhile Liverpool are always searching for that one season that could bring them the trophy.

U - Upsets

The league would be a duller place without them. When a team who are overwhelming favourites lose to a team struggling at the bottom. A prime example of a Premier League upset would be when Arsenal lost to Fulham earlier this season.

V - Vendetta

Liverpool vs. Man Utd. Arsenal v Tottenham. Liverpool vs. Everton. Man Utd v. Man City. Everyone vs. Chelsea. The Premier League showcases lots of teams with grudges against one another. Players get in on the act as well. Who could forget Roy Keane v Patrick Vieira?

W - Wonder Goals

Everyone loves a wonder goal, and the Premier League supplies them in abundance. From Tony Yeboah to Erik Edman, from David Beckham to Dennis Bergkamp, so many players have lit the league alight with special strikes.

X - (E)x-Clubs

Okay, so I had a little trouble finding one for "X", so I settled for ex-clubs. There have been some truly awful ones, like Oldham, Swindon and Derby, and some not so bad ones, like Leeds, who have, of course, fallen a long way since.

Y - Youth

The Premier League is a great place for young talent to shine through. Players like Michael Owen, James Milner and Wayne Rooney have announced themselves on the scene via the Premier League.

Z - Zola, Gianfranco

Again, I had trouble finding one for this, but Zola is a good enough "Z". His delightful tricks and flicks at Chelsea will never be forgotten. We know get to see him as a manager at West Ham as well, which should be entertaining!

So there you have your first A-Z of the series! I hope you enjoyed it! Leave a comment if you can think of any alternatives (particularly to the X one!).