EPL - 2010 : 2011 (ESPN Season Review)

Back in August 2010 I outlined a few predictions for the 2010/11 Premier League season.
I’m glad to say that quite a few of the points mentioned then came to fruition; most notably, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez proving to be “quite a coup” for United.
However, with the final weekend almost upon us, it seems an appropriate time to review what has been a combative year in the life of the Premier League.
Manager of the Year
No prizes for guessing this one. Claiming a 12th Premier League title and navigating his team to a 3rd Champions League final in 4 years, Sir Alex Ferguson runs out an easy winner in this one. His run of success at Man Utd over the last quarter of a century is staggering and, by the way he celebrated at Ewood Park, he doesn’t look like stopping any time soon.
Honourable mentions go to Kenny Dalglish, for doing what Roy Hodgson seemed incapable of doing, and Ian “Ollie” Holloway for breathing fresh life into the Premier League.
Player of the Year
Now this was a little more difficult. Whilst Gareth Bale got a lot of headlines this year most of his highlighted performances came in the Champions League. His domestic form was erratic, particularly after Christmas, so he’s not my winner. Similarly, Arsenal’s Samir Nasri sprinted out of the blocks but seemed to hit a wall, along with the rest of the Arsenal squad post February and the League Cup Final debacle.
Whilst Scott Parker is a worthy official winner, my vote would have to go Nemanja Vidic. He’s done everything for Utd this season and he’s led them the whole way. After taking some time to settle in English football he also now looks a snip at £7m.
Newcomer of the Year
This was another difficult selection. Wilshere wasn’t exactly a newcomer but his emergence as a starter, for both club and country, was hard to overlook. Similarly, David Silva’s impact at Man City cannot be understated as he is certainly given the Sky Blues much needed guile in the final third. However, the winner is yet another Utd player, Javier Hernandez.
The little Mexican has exploded onto the English footballing scene. His goals have catapulted Man Utd to the league title and he is now a regular starter in the team. Fantastic movement, pace and finishing are all attributes he possesses and what a bargain he has been (especially when you look at the almost £100m that was spent on Messrs Torres, Dzeko and Balotelli combined),at a paltry £7m.
Young Player of the Year
Wilshere, Bale and Hernandez go head to head….to head here but Jack Wilshere triumphs this time. The wily midfielder seems to be born of the same school of midfielder as Messrs Scholes and Gascoigne; a mouth-watering mix for all England fans.
His performances for Arsenal have been superb, and if Arsenal is to lose Fabregas this summer, Wilshere will be more than ready to fill the gap. Future England teams, and particularly the midfield, should be based around the talent of this budding star, who is one of only a few technically accomplished English players.
Surprise Team of the Year
Blackpool. Easy.
Whether they are relegated or not, Blackpool have shown incredible heart, fight and skill this season and I think most neutrals will hope they manage to stay in the Premier League this season.
Ian Holloway has done an amazing job with a group of “reject” players that he has morphed into a tight knit group of fighters. Despite their lowly reputations, Blackpool’s squad contains many skilled players and their approach to each and every game has been a breath of fresh air to the league; even though the fingernails of most Tangerine fans have been whittled down to the nub.
Although a win at Old Trafford is highly unlikely, neutrals and most United fans would not begrudge this band of warriors from the North West earning the 3 points they deserve to stay up.
Disappointing Team of the Year
Has to be West Ham. How a team with a spine of English internationals (current and former) get relegated is beyond me. Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole are players other teams in the bottom half would have loved to have in August. With the exception of Scott Parker, all the others need to have a long hard look in the mirror and ask themselves, “did I do enough?” Sadly, for the fans and everyone connected to the Hammers, the answer is “probably not”.
Of course some blame must be attributed to Avram Grant. Although an honourable man, he is clearly out of his depth in the English Premier League and lacks the charisma to lead the big egos of modern day football. He seems a shell of the man who was a goal post away from winning the Champions League 3 years ago and his stints at Portsmouth and West Ham have hardly covered him in glory.
Will West Ham rebound next season? Tough to say. Their squad will be culled and they will certainly lose Scott Parker, among others. It will be important for them to hang on to the likes of Freddie Sears, players who play with the pride and desire necessary to survive the quagmire of the Championship.
So those are the awards this season.
I think next year will be even more competitive. Man City now know how to win a major trophy, Arsenal will eventually find out how to do so again, Liverpool look rejuvenated under Dalglish and Spurs will give it another go if they can hold on to Van Der Vaart, Modric and Bale.
Who knows, even my favourite underdogs Everton will finally prove me right and have a proper go (though they compete on a completely different financial planet than the other big teams).
So here’s to a great Premier League season and long may it continue next year.