1. END OF AN ERA IN NORTH LONDON?
A few weeks back Tottenham thrashed Arsenal 2-0 in the North London derby, a result that contributed to Arsenal directly missing out on next season’s Champions League .It also confirmed that Spurs would finish above Arsenal for the first time in 22 years.After the game Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger dismissed a power shift but the results seem to speak otherwise.Tottenham’s stability under Mauricio Pochettino saw them finish second this season after last year’s third placed finish .Their graph is definitely pointing upwards in stark contrast with Arsenal who are now facing the daunting prospect of playing Europa league football.The ‘Wenger out’ brigade is growing in number of confidence and the typical false sense of belief normally held by Arsenal fans is becoming increasingly stretched.His contract is due for renewal in the summer and its difficult to predict what will happen.
A welcome Europa league stat though for Gunners fans,the last time Arsenal played in the Europa league league was in the 1999-2000 season (then it was called the UEFA Cup) after finishing third in their champions league group.The Ray Parlour inspired side made it all the way to the final with the likes of 1998 world cup top scorer Davor Suker, Nwankwo Kanu,Marc Overmars and a young Thierry henry before losing on penalties in the final to a Gheorge Hagi inspired Galatasaray who had legendary Brazilian goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel in between the sticks.(If it makes you feel any better they beat Real Madrid later that year to win the UEFA super cup)
When you realise that next season you may have to face Spartak Tsimonjelo from the Ukrainian province of Lurambi (Photo:The independent)
2. TO DRAW OR NOT TO DRAW?:JOES MOURINHO’S LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH A SINGLE POINT
Despite the fact that Manchester United have played more games than most teams in England,they have been remarkably solid at the back conceding only 29 goals the Premier League, a feat only bettered by Tottenham with 26 goals conceded.However they only scored 54 goals the whole season, a feat bettered even by 9th placed Bournemouth who scored 55.A dependency on Zlatan ibrahimovic for goals seems to have been their main undoing but also the goals from midfield have been lacking as star signing Paul Pogba scoring only 5 times.
So thats what they said when they said he’ll have the team on his back.(Photo:Daily Mail)
Criticism has been levelled at Jose Mourinho for setting up his side to play football that isn’t entertaining though the experienced Portuguese tactician managed to appease the fans with a solid showing in the Europa League.However,attacking solutions are likely to be on Mourinho’s mind as the Summer transfer window is set to commence soon.
Rui Faria right next to Mourinho is day dreaming reminiscing his youthful days when Manchester United’s football was not similar to counting sheep. (Photo:Daily Mail)
3.Sunderland lose their 9 lives in the Premier league.
After 10 years of constantly avoiding relegation from the English Premier League,Sunderland have finally been relegated after a horror season under David Moyes which saw them collect only 24 points.
Moyes to Sunderland:You cant get relegated if you never fought
The only bright light was Jermain Defoe who despite his age has been scoring freely.They will need to have a positive attitude like their crosstown rivals newcastle who achieved instant promotion or else they will wander amongst the lower leagues like Portsmouth.
Old is gold(Photo:Daily mail)
4. CONTE DOES THE ITALIAN JOB AT CHELSEA
A trademark of Italian gaffers has always been their distinct formations.Carlo Ancelotti’s famous Milan side conquered Europe with the famous 4-3-3 Christmas tree formation while Antonio conte’s Juventus was known for using a 3-5-2 with Andrea pirlo as a ‘Regista’ (deep lying playmaker ).Conte exported his tactical revolution to Chelsea where he deployed a 3-4-3 formation where he deployed Victor Moses , the perennial loan ranger of Chelsea (pun intended) as a right wingback, signing former Bolton Leftback Marcos Alonso to play on the left.
Eka kafirfiri kadogo kwa hio mutura bro
His master signing was bringing in N’golo Kante from Leicester to partner Nemanja Matic in central midfield.The remaining chink in the puzzle was bringing in David Luiz to complete a three man defence containing Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpiliqueta.The squad galvanised into a title winning squad with Diego Costa leading the line.The Italian’s man management skills as well as his sense of urgency was reflected in the way his team played and if he continues to maintain his squad,Chelsea will be a force to reckon with in the Champions league next season.
He literally ran all the way to Leicester to get the trophy (Photo:Dailymail/getty)
5. NO SAFE PLACE FOR MANAGERS!
A total of 7 managers lost their jobs in the 2016/2017 season,(big shout out to Bob Bradley who only lasted 85 days).
Like a sheep headed to slaughter
Premier league owners are fast losing patience with underperforming managers (Except Arsenal’s owners).The fans also tend to contribute a lot to this trend.A relevant example was on the last day of the season where Southampton manager Claude Puel was booed by the crowd despite delivering the Saints to a reasonable 8th place final position.Even so called ‘super manager’ Pep Guardiola limped to a third place position with his highly fancied Manchester City team .
How you look after a season of convincing Clichy Mureithi not to trip someone in the box Photo (Daily Mail)
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