Mitch Waddon's winners and losers 2011/12
What a Premier League campaign that was! Manchester City clinched the title in Fergie Time, Chelsea withstood late pressure from Liverpool to win the FA Cup but the Reds did end their barren spell without a trophy by lifting the Carling Cup. Arsenal and Spurs joined Manchester United in the top four and we lost Wolves, Blackburn and Bolton in what turned out to be a crazy nine months.
Over the past few days on Squarefootball we have highlighted our hits and misses of the season. Today Mitch Waddon has been given the platform to have his say. So without further ado, here are his winners and losers of the 2011/12 season.
Player of the season: Robin Van Persie (Arsenal): I think each year there is always one man that stands out, and this year it’s been RVP. Without him Arsenal would probably be languishing in the bottom half of the table, and Arsene Wenger might be sunbathing on a beach in France on a Saturday instead of standing in North London. Arsenal now MUST keep this guy, or they will be in trouble next season. If they must let him go, then send him abroad.
Manager of the season: Alan Pardew (Newcastle): I always look at this award and think “Who’s over achieved this season?” And no one has done that more than Pardew. I will shamefully admit that I was one of the pundits that thought we’d see Newcastle lingering at the wrong end of the table this year, but under Alan they’ve worked hard and they thoroughly deserve to be in the Champions League places next year.
Team of the season: Swansea City: Most people thought we’d see Swansea go straight back down this season. I must now proudly and smugly proclaim that I believed Swansea would still be in the Premiership next season, yet even I couldn’t see them doing it with such flair and creative football. Congrats Swans!
Goal of the season: Cisse v Chelsea: This goal just defied physics! How does a person put such direction on a football? I was stunned when I saw this goal. I honestly believed nothing would ever top Crouch’s worldie v City but Cisse smashed that one out of the park. Just unbelievable.
Game of the season: Manchester United 4 – Everton 4: This game had it all. Excitement, shocks, twists and turns and everything on the line. Mesmerising attacking football from both teams and completely unpredictable.
Shock (result) of the season: United 1 – City 6: This game really announced City as the dominant force in England. Everyone was just in pure shock that the noisy neighbours had gone to Old Trafford and scored six. Now they the title in their grasps, and I don’t think it’s the last we’ll see them claim.
Signing of the season: Papiss Cisse: 13 goals in 12 games. Says it all really. But his general link up play and slotting so well into Newcastle’s playing style has made him a value commodity. However I do think that should a “BIG” club make an offer of around £25-£30 million, we’d see Cisse move on from the Sports Direct Arena.
Miss of the season: Fernando Torres v United: I’ve given Torres a lot of stick this year, so I want to put it on record that I’ve always wanted the Spaniard to do well and score goals. However, how he didn’t score at Old Trafford last Autumn I will never know. He had rounded De Gea perfectly, yet somehow stuck the ball a good four yards wide of the post.
Disappointment of the season: Liverpool: I’ve been really disappointed with Liverpool to be honest. This is a side with one of the greatest histories in the world, and yet they’re down in the mid table battle, instead of pushing on for the Champions League. Money hasn’t been spent wisely (Although Carroll’s starting to come good) and six wins at home all season is not good enough. Next year will be very defining in Liverpool’s history.
Highlight of the season: Personally for me that’s yet to be decided. If West Ham win the play-off final then there it is. If not, then I will bitterly turn my head in the direction of the numbers of goals scored in the Premier League this year. It’s been sensational. The flowing attacking play has been rightly rewarded.
Bargain of the season: Vorm (Swansea): There’s been a few good bargains, like Demba Ba on a free to Newcastle, but Michel Vorm has been fantastic for Swansea this year. For all their creative play, this man has been their rock and kept them in many games.
So there you have it. That's what Mitch thinks of the past nine months, but do you agree with his choices?
Whatever your views, we'd love to hear from you.
Related Articles:
Squarefootball's Manager of the Season: Did Alan Pardew make it a hat-trick of awards?
Squarefootball's Player of the Season: Did Robin Van Persie get your vote?
Squarefootball's Goal of the Season: Crouch, Cisse or Van Persie - Who gets your vote?
Squarefootball's Miss of the Season: Torres, Kuyt, Sinclair or Van Persie - Who gets your vote?
