Barrie's View

The Premier League has announced the broadcast payment sums made to each of the 20 clubs participating in 2010/11.

Winners Manchester United received the highest total payment, with just over £60 million. At the other end of the table, newcomers Blackpool received just over £39 million and were the lowest for 2010/11.

This payments consist of 50% of the United Kingdom broadcast revenue split equally between the 20 clubs, 25% paid in Merit Payments (based on where a club finishes in the league table) and the final 25% paid in Facility Fees (each time a club’s match appears on TV in the UK). International broadcast revenues are split equally between the 20 clubs.

The following table shows the number of live games each team was shown live in the United Kingdom:

Unsurprisingly, Manchester United topped the Premier League average attendance list with their stadium capacity that is more than 15,000 seats bigger than their nearest rivals. That, and their success over the past 20 years.

Along with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Blackpool and Wolves all averaged close to full capacity throughout their 19 home Premier League fixtures this season.

At the other end of the table, Blackpool propped up the attendance list; their stadium capacity lower than the 19th highest attended side, Wigan. Bolton were the other side in the bottom 3.

Wigan Athletic ranked bottom in the percentage turnout, with less than two-thirds of the DW Stadium full on average on match days. The next two sides who struggled to fill out their stadium in comparison to the rest of the Premier League were also based in Lancashire; Bolton and Blackburn Rovers averaging around fourth-fifths of their maximum capacity per home game.

The full table, listed in order of average attendance, with the club’s final league position in brackets is as follows:

1 – The number of goals scored by Fernando Torres for Chelsea. He scored 2 for Liverpool against Chelsea this season
1 – Wigan Athletic remain the only side never to have been relegated from the top flight of English football
1 – Charlie Adam was the only opponent to score in the first half at Old Trafford this season
1 – West Brom were the only opposition to come away from Old Trafford without losing
2 – The number of weekends in which all 20 Premier League teams scored – had never previously happened prior to this season
2.80 – The average number of goals per game – highest ratio in Premier League history
3 – Dimitar Berbatov scored 3 hat tricks this season
3 – The number of own goals scored by John Pantsil – a joint Premier League record
4 – Stoke City scored from 4 Rory Delap throw-ins this season
5 – The number of Premier League teams that alternated in the relegation zone during the final day of the season
7 – West Brom players received the most red cards this season
7 – The number of players who played in the Premier League this season who were born after the competition started in August 1992
9 – The number of consecutive away games Robin van Persie has scored in
9 – The number of red cards shown to Arsenal players this season – a league high
9 – The number of points Manchester United won the league by today – the highest since Chelsea won by 12 points in 2004/05
11 – West Brom’s final league position – their highest ever in the Premier League
Number of managers leaving their post in 2010/11 (including Martin O’Neill and Carlo Ancelotti)
The number of different players to score (not including own goals)
13 – The number of handballs made by DJ Campbell – a league high
14 – The number of yellow cards shown to Cheik Tiote this season
17 – The number of hat tricks scored this season, a record in a 20-team Premier League season
Fouls committed by Kevin Davies
18 – The number of clean sheets recorded by Joe Hart – a league high
20 – Jermain Defoe became the 20th player to score 100 Premier League goals
21 – The number of goals scored by the leading goalscorers, Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez
Number of penalties missed this season
23 – Newcastle’s Nile Ranger was brought on as a substitute on the mos occasions this season
34 – West Brom set a new record for most consecutive games without a clean sheet
38 – Seconds it took for Maxi Rodriguez to score for Liverpool v Fulham – the quickest goal in the Premier League this season
40 – Edwin van der Sar became the oldest player to win a Premier League winners medal, aged 40 years and 205 days
55 – The number of goals Blackpool scored this season – the highest ever by a side relegated from the Premier League
67 – The number of times Darren Bent was caught offside
78 – Newcastle players received the most yellow cards this season
96 – Ashley Young was the most fouled player
102 – The latest goal scored in the Premier League this season – a new Premier League record, set by Dirk Kuyt v Arsenal
123 – The number of fouls committed by Kevin Davies
573 – The number of Premier League appearances Ryan Giggs has made; eclipsing David James’ previous record set at 572
1063 – The total number of goals scored this season is the highest ever in a 20-team Premier League season
3420 – Leighton Baines and Martin Skrtel were the only two outfield players to play every single minute in the Premier League this season

Manchester United
1. Nani
Although his season peated out towards the end, Nani was fantastic for the Champions between August and February. He finished the season with the highest number of assists in the Premier League as well as scoring 9 goals from the wing. A creative player, his selfishness at times is reminiscent of a former forward Manchester United once had named Cristiano Ronaldo.

2. Nemanja Vidic
Once again Nemanja Vidic has been a rock at the heart of Manchester United’s defence. Not much gets passed the Serbian defender, and that which does usually results in just a free kick as the United centre back commits a professional foul. Solid in the air, he’ll be up against it on Saturday for the Champions League final when Lionel Messi and Barcelona keep the ball on the ground and run at Vidic and co.

3. Dimitar Berbatov
The Bulgarian scored a league high 7-match winning goals this season, and lead the league in total number of goals, with 21, alongside Carlos Tevez in the same city. Although the Bulgarian doesn’t run around anywhere near the amount of ground that Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney cover, his goals, and crucial ones at that squeak him into the top.

Chelsea
1. Peter Cech
Playing every minute in the Premier League for Chelsea this season, Petr Cech has been back to his days of old with some outstanding saves and performances this season. Keeping 15 clean sheets, only Joe Hart had more in the league this season. Despite finishing second in the league, it has been a disappointing and underachieving season for the Blues, but their goalkeeper did his job for the team.

2. Ashley Cole
Still the best left back in the Premier League, Ashley Cole was flying at the start of the season. Looking particularly great against the poorer teams at the start as he was freely raced forward with little fear he may be out of position and at fault for conceding a goal. Despite starting every league game for the London club this season, he failed to get on the scoresheet. Chelsea need to make a few changes to their team next season, but Ashley Cole is one that can stay put.

3. Didier Drogba
Despite only scoring 12 Premier League goals this season, Didier Drogba has only outscored this season’s total twice during his seven seasons at the club. It appears he won’t be making an eighth, and although he ended this season trophy-less, he put in a good shift for Chelsea. The Ivorian provided a large number of assists for the Blues, and despite his second half of the season being disrupted by the arrival of Fernando Torres, Drogba looked like their best player going forward all season.

Manchester City
1. Vincent Kompany
Pundits were relatively quiet about the performances of Vincent Kompany until the final couple of months this season. The only minutes he missed this season followed his fifth yellow card of the season that earned him a one match ban. Otherwise he was a big part of the defence that kept a league high 18 clean sheets this season. Rightfully selected in the PFA team of the year along with Nemanja Vidic at centre back. He has an FA Cup winners medal this season; how much more silverware will he pick up as a Manchester City player?

2. David Silva
Some games, it appeared everything that Manchester City did well going forward came through their Spanish World Cup winner. Their little signing from Valencia over the summer provided 9 assists and 4 league goals for the 3rd placed finishing side. His close control and dribbling skills are amongst the league’s best and he shall be a big part of the team looking to finish above Manchester United in the Premier League for the first time in their history in the coming seasons.

3. Carlos Tevez
The joint Premier League top scorer, Carlos Tevez provided another great season even if it did slow down at the end. Rumours are he may not be at Eastlands for the start of next season, which would be a big loss given the amount of effort he puts in and the number of goals he returns.

Arsenal
1. Robin van Persie
Despite missing the best part of 4 months of the season, Robin van Persie has had a storming 2011, scoring 18 goals in 17 Premier League starts since New Year’s day. His trusty left foot left Arsenal fans wondering what could have been at one point, should van Persie had been fit for a full season for the first time during his Arsenal stay. However, he was unable to prevent Arsenal dropping points versus Newcastle, West Brom, Birmingham and a whole host of other teams they were expected to beat to maintain their title chase.

2. Samir Nasri
A fantastic start to the season saw Samir Nasri weaving through defences, scoring 8 goals before Christmas from midfield. Although he only has 1 Premier League assist to his name this season, he has been involved in a lot of the good play Arsenal have produced this season. Perhaps overrated by being one of the 6 nominees for the PFA Player of the Year, Arsenal will be hoping they can get a full season of class out of Nasri in 2011/12.

3. Jack Wilshere
One of the breakthrough players of this season, the 2010/11 PFA Young Player of the Year has put in several good displays in the Arsenal midfield last season. He made a name for himself during his loan move to Bolton from January 2010, and aided with injuries to the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott helped Wilshere earn himself a place in the starting line up on a consistent basis. Only Alex Song has played more minutes than Wilshere in the Arsenal midfield this season. An aggressive player, Wilshere also has fantastic technique and earned an England debut in England’s first game after their disappointing World Cup and now has 4 caps to his name.

Tottenham Hotspur
1. Luka Modric
Although Gareth Bale collected the PFA Player of the Year award, most of the things that worked well for Tottenham came through Luka Modric. The Croatian playmaker was involved in all the passing moves at some point, even if the stats show just 3 assists. 3 goals to his name too, he is what makes the Tottenham midfield click, and there’s a lot of good players in the Spurs midfield. Continues to be linked to Manchester United, but Harry Redknapp will do his best to make sure Modric remains at the club.

2. Rafael van der Vaart
Despite fading off towards the end of the season, Rafael van der Vaart is up there with Javier Hernandez as a candidate for signing of the season. What proved to be a bargain buy from Real Madrid, the Dutch World Cup finalist lead the club with 9 league goals to his name. Both a provider and goalscorer, van der Vaart works well with the other talented passers in midfield.

3. Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale had some hot and cold games for Tottenham this season. When he was hot, he lit up the game. He’ll be remembered for his hat trick at the San Siro against Inter Milan, before his season was ended by a crunching challenge from Charlie Adam. The Welsh winger’s pace and close control dribbling have seen him fly past midfielders and full backs time after time, and it appears only a matter of time before he gets a move to an even bigger side.

Liverpool
1. Dirk Kuyt
Finishing as the club’s top scorer with 13 league goals, Dirk Kuyt put in a solid season in what had been a struggle for the most part. Climbing their way back into sixth position under Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool fans appear to be heading into next season optimistically. Kuyt may be best remembered in this campaign for his hat trick versus Manchester United. It will be interesting to see how bigger role he will have next season given that Newcastle have Andy Carroll they can lump balls too up front and money they can use to bring in a natural right winger.

2. Jose Reina
Not the receiver of the Golden Gloves this season, but few goalkeepers kept more clean sheets in the Premier League than the 14 produced by Jose Reina this season. He came back into form after quite literally dropping 2 points against Arsenal in their league opener. He consistently performs season after season and this one was no exception.

3. Luis Suarez
Liverpool’s season started heading in the right direction after the January signing of Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan caused defences no end of problems during the 4 months he’s spent in this country. With 4 goals and a further 5 assists, Liverpool fans are right to be excited at what they can expect from the 35-goals-in-a-season Ajax man during next seasons campaign.

Everton
1. Leighton Baines
The Everton left back has provided 5 goals and 11 assists this season. Only Robert Huth and Brede Hangeland scored more goals from defence and only Nani and Cesc Fabregas provided more assists in the whole of the league. His set pieces and crossing ability are his obvious strengths, but in a season that Everton started slowly, Leighton Baines has been a consistent performer for the Toffees.

2. Leon Osman
Season after season Leon Osman goes unnoticed by most of the football community outside of Everton. A hardworking midfielder who was once the best player in their academy before injury struck many a year ago, Osman provided another solid season for the 7th-placed side. He setup a number of goals and chances for his team mates whilst also finding the back of the net on four occasions.

3. Marouane Fellaini
Marouane Fellaini played a key role in the Everton midfield earlier this season. Renowned for being clumsy, he does win the ball back for his side. In possession, he has flair and plays a good passing game. He did find the net on only one occasion this season, but if he stays fit for all of next seasons campaign Everton will be better for it.

Fulham
1. Brede Hangeland
The big Norwegian defender has been solid again for Fulham this season. In a defensively-strong team that only Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea kept more clean sheets than this season, Fulham’s player of the season had to come down to a defender. To go along with his tackles, clearances and set piece defending, Brede Hangeland has also scored 6 Premier League goals from defence this season – no defender has more. Having been linked to Arsenal for a while now, it will be interesting to see if Fulham can maintain their player who turns 30 in the summer.

2. Clint Dempsey
An attacking midfielder who does his fair share of tracking back, Clint Dempsey lead the Fulham scorechart with 12 goals this season – twice as many as second top scorer, Hangeland. Often his goals have come against the weaker defences in the league, but that’s only aided his side to an 8th place finish this season despite being forced into changing their manager in the summer and losing last seasons top scorer Bobby Zamora for the majority of this campaign. The American has played a big part of the club’s success this season.

3. Aaron Hughes
Alongside Brede Hangeland, Aaron Hughes has been a solid partner in defence for Fulham. Clean sheets have come at tough places like Stoke and Newcastle, whilst they also shut out Chelsea at Craven Cottage. Mark Hughes kept the defence Roy Hodgson left him with and made it work. Next season, Hughes needs to find a striker who can outscore Hangeland.

Aston Villa
1. Stewart Downing
The former Middlesbrough winger (and central midfielder towards the end of his stay) has been very effective down either wing for Aston Villa this season. The Premier League has credited him with 9 assists this season; alongside the 7 goals he has put into the net. Although Ashley Young has been involved in both creating and scoring goals also, Downing was a more consistent player of the two. Downing and Marc Albrighton were a good combination on the wings early in the season until Ashley Young was dropped back to the left wing and Albrighton dropped from the starting 11. His performances this season have got him back into Fabio Capello’s starting 11 also.

2. Ashley Young
Another solid season for Ashley Young; 7 league goals and 11 assists for the winger and forward who is constantly linked with a move away from Villa Park. His diving (backed up by being the player to win the most free kicks in the Premier League this season) as well as his constant arguing with officials remain the same. If he could maintain a level of consistency then Ashley Young would be a top player and playing for a top four club by now. Overall, Young’s played well this season for a team that underachieved and looked like heading for a relegation battle at one stage.

3. Darren Bent
The player who prevented Aston Villa getting sucked into a relegation battle was the January signing of Darren Bent. What looked like a rip-off price at the time turned into somewhat of a bargain considering the price and return Chelsea got from Fernando Torres. Bent scored the goals to fire Aston Villa into a midtable finish, himself the highest-scoring Englishman in the Premier League this season. His departure from Sunderland was also noted as the Black Cats slid down the league after January and had difficulties finding the back of the net at times.

Sunderland
1. Darren Bent
The sale of Darren Bent to Aston Villa in January coincided with Sunderland’s drop in form. His 8 league goals had fired Sunderland into the top half with talk of European qualification. Injuries to other strikers didn’t help the Black Cats’ run in, and even though he was misfiring in December, Darren Bent was a focal part of Sunderland’s early season form.

2. Phil Bardsley
The right back-come-left back has given a do or die effort for Sunderland this season. He even scored a cracking late winner at Aston Villa. There weren’t too many players who played well throughout the majority of the season for Sunderland, but Bardsley was one that did.

3. Titus Bramble
When things were going well for Sunderland, Titus Bramble was a rock at the back. There end of season form coincided with an injury to Titus Bramble that kept him out from April. Sunderland then went 7 games without keeping a clean sheet before recording one at West Ham on the final day. Bramble has clean sheets against Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal to his name. Not bad.

West Bromwich Albion
1. Peter Odemwingie
What turned out to be the bargain of the season, Peter Odemwingie turned out to be a bargain buy for £1 million as he returned 15 goals for a West Brom side that finished a Premier League high 11th. Having scored on his debut in a 1-0 win over Sunderland, it seemed like destiny from the start that he would come good. But for misfiring at times, most notable a penalty miss on New Year’s day versus Manchester United., Odemwingie was a top player this season, even winning the Premier League Player of the Month award on 2 occasions.

2. Chris Brunt
The wingers left foot provided 11 assists throughout the season, 10 of these before the turn of the year. His 4 goals are somewhat short of the 9 he scored in his first Premier League season, but Chris Brunt has been one of West Brom’s best players this season. He delivers spot on crosses effortlessly, making him a big factor in their attacking game.

3. Jerome Thomas
Jerome Thomas has been a real threat down the wing for West Brom this season. Contributing to 8 assists, and adding 3 goals himself, the former Arsenal youth enjoys running at defenders and cutting inside onto his stronger foot. Playing in a team that has only kept 2 clean sheets this season, going forward has been the key and Thomas been good at that.

Newcastle United
1. Andy Carroll
Despite a January sale to Liverpool, Andy Carroll’s goals in the first half of the season for Newcastle are what lead them to safety in their first season back in the Premier League. Promoted clubs need a goalscorer and he provided Newcastle with just that. Aerial ability and a good left foot saw him score 11 league goals for the Magpies including a hat trick against Aston Villa. A £35 million sale to Liverpool in January should see Newcastle bring in a few new faces in the summer.

2. Cheik Tiote
The Ivorian midfielder has been a great find for Newcastle. In his first season in English football, Cheik Tiote has been a solid part of the Newcastle midfield. He runs effortlessly up and down the field, although will need to work on his tackling for next season having picked up a Premier League record 14 yellow cards in a single season. Will be remembered mostly for his strike in Newcastle’s dramatic comeback to draw 4-4 with Arsenal.

3. Kevin Nolan
Kevin Nolan’s return to the Premier League was a good one. When he went down with Newcastle in 2009, he was written off as he looked past it. Following a successful promotion campaign last season, Nolan scored a dozen goals from midfield in this seasons Premier League, including a hat trick against rivals Sunderland. A clever midfielder, but like Newcastle, he missed the services of Andy Carroll when the striker left for Liverpool; scoring just twice after.

Stoke City
1. Robert Huth
In partnership with Ryan Shawcross, Robert Huth has been a rock at the back of the Stoke City defence that kept 9 clean sheets this season. The former Chelsea defender also co-lead the league with Brede Hangeland by scoring 6 goals from defence; scoring twice in their 3-2 victory over Sunderland.

2. Jon Walters
Jon Walters’ work rate really won over the Stoke City fans this season, as well as his brace at Wembley that helped book Stoke City into the FA Cup final. He comes across as an aggressive player on the field, but I hear he’s a gentleman off of it. He plays with a passion and banged in half a dozen goals for Stoke this season; only striker Kenwyne Jones scored more in the league.

3. Matthew Etherington
There’s often a notable difference in the Stoke City side when Matthew Etherington plays. Their results aren’t as good. Perhaps not as productive as last season, Etherington still helped himself to 5 goals and 7 assists in 2010/11. Stoke were often criticised for their long ball game in the past, but with Etherington that was never the case. They get the ball down to Etherington on the left wing who enjoys running at players. With the addition of Jermaine Pennant this season, who narrowly missed out on this list, Stoke City have had two penetrating wingers in their side.

Bolton Wanderers
1. Stuart Holden
The young American midfielder is involved with most of the good play in the Bolton midfield, both going forward and helping to win the ball back for his side. Bolton spent a lot of the season in the top half, but after Stuart Holden was injured at the hands of Jonny Evans in mid-March, Bolton won just 2 of their remaining 9 fixtures, losing the other 7. When he’s fit, he makes the side click and if Bolton can find a better player to replace Fabrice Muamba next season there will be something for Owen Coyle to build his side around.

2. Daniel Sturridge
As a January loan signing from Chelsea, Daniel Sturridge scored 8 Premier League goals in his 12 appearances. That’s twice as many as Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka have scored since he moved up north. Only Johan Elmander (10) scored more league goals for Bolton this season. His pace has been something Bolton have lacked up front in recent seasons, whilst he’s linked up well with Kevin Davies during his short stay.

3. Kevin Davies
The only Wanderer to start every Premier League game this season, Kevin Davies has given his side another solid campaign. Coming up with another 8 goals, Davies has disrupted defences up and down the league once again this season, giving away and winning a large number of free kicks for his side.

Blackburn Rovers
1. Paul Robinson
Called into action on a number of occasions for Blackburn this season, Paul Robinson’s saves certainly won Blackburn more points than his errors cost them again this season. Still prone to the rush of blood to the head (needlessly charging towards Javier Hernandez and conceding a penalty when the Mexican was going away from goal last weekend springs to mind), Robinson’s 8 clean sheets saw his side pick up valuable points as they narrowly avoided relegation this season. His performances lead to bright England prospect Frank Fielding seeking a move away from Lancashire to sign for Derby County.

2. Junior Hoilett
Junior Hoilett, or David to his mother, brought both excitement and goals to Blackburn Rovers fans this season. Well, only 5 league goals to his name, but no other player in the Rovers side scored more in the 2010/11 season. Keeping the likes of Mame Biram Diouf and Roque Santa Cruz out for the best part of the second half of the season, the 20-year old Canadian appears to have a bright future ahead of him at Ewood Park with the lack of goalscorers currently on the roster.

3. Chris Samba
A rock at the back, despite being at fault for a few goals this season, Chris Samba has cleared a number of long balls and set pieces in the heart of the Blackburn defence this season. He added 4 goals to his name this season and remained with the 1994/95 Premier League champions despite the strong rumours a move to Arsenal looked on the cards during the January transfer window.

Wigan Athletic
1. Charles N’Zogbia
The left winger and playmaker was key to Wigan’s survival when he scored 5 in 5 heading into the final game of the season. A great dribbler of the ball who constantly takes defenders on. His 7 assists went along side his career-high 9 league goals in a single season. His free kick against West Ham is what started the comeback which ultimately lead to their survival when they won their final 2 games. Bigger sides will be sniffing around during the summer, but N’Zogbia is the key to this Wigan side.

2. Ali Al-Habsi
7 clean sheets in what is a weak Wigan defence, Ali Al-Habsi is prone to mistakes, but has also been a fantastic shot stopper in the Wigan goal. Only Ben Foster and Rob Green were called into more saves than the Latics goalkeeper on loan from Bolton Wanderers.

3. Hugo Rodallega
Joint-top scorer with Charlies N’Zogbia, Hugo Rodallega has had another fine season up front for Wigan. It was his header against Stoke that propelled Wigan to dramatic safety on the final day of the season and without his goals, Wigan would perhaps not have been in with a chance of staying up on the final game of the season. Wigan need to find someone other than N’Zogbia to setup Rodallega over the summer and then they can look for the Colombian to score even more goals in the future.

Wolverhampton Wanderers
1. Matty Jarvis
The winger has had a fantastic season by Wolves’ standards, even earning himself an England cap in the process. He causes full backs problems and has provided a number of goals and chances to his team mates this season.

2. Kevin Doyle
The hard working striker who constantly closes down defenders helped himself to 5 goals before injury struck in mid-March. Following that, Wolves’ form immediately took a turn for the worse and relegation looked on the cards going into the final 3 games of the season and the final 3 minutes of the season before Stephen Hunt’s goal rescued Mick McCarthy’s side.

3. Steven Fletcher
His 10 league goals lead Wolves’ goalscoring chart this season. His brace against West Brom started back-to-back wins for Wolves which ultimately kept them up. When you’re down the bottom of the league, you need a goalscorer, and Steven Fletcher has been that for Wolves with his side picking up points in all of the matches he scored in in 2011.

Birmingham City
1. Ben Foster
Birmingham City’s goalkeeper kept 9 clean sheets this season – more than any goalkeeper outside the top 8. It still wasn’t enough to keep the Carling Cup winners in the Premier League next season. He also made the most saves in the league this season, which goes to show how much time Birmingham spent defending this season. Alex McLeish refused to change his 4-5-1 formation during the run in and that ultimately cost his side survival. Birmingham often looked a better side in games they played a 4-4-2 formation. An injury to Nikola Zigic towards the end of the season did not help their cause.

2. Craig Gardner
A player who wore his heart on his sleeve for Birmingham. Also the one who fired them into the Carling Cup final. His eight league goal of the season on final day wasn’t enough to keep his favourite team in the top flight of English football, but left him as the club’s top scorer; 1 less than their 3 strikers (Nikola Zigic, Cameron Jerome and Kevin Phillips). His aggression in midfield lead to a few yellow cards, but that along with his performances and goals have earned him recognition by many pundits.

3. Roger Johnson
He was a rock in defence alongside Scott Dann for Birmingham, both this and last season. Their defence had been key to their 9th place finish last season and they were going strong until the latter picked up a season-ending injury at the start of the new year. Provided the back four remain in tact for their Championship campaign next season, I expect Birmingham to challenge for automatic promotion straight back into the Premier League.

Blackpool
1. Charlie Adam
Charlie Adam ran the show in midfield for Blackpool, and everything seemed to be coming from or through him during their good start to the campaign. A lack in results for Blackpool reflected in the lack of form by Charlie Adam after strong rumours of a move away from the club in January. He scored 12 goals from midfield, whilst setting up 9 goals for team mates. Was excellent from set pieces, as he was in the Championship the following season. A move back into the Premier League looks certain for Charlie Adam this summer.

2. David Vaughan
Whilst Charlie Adam got all the attention at Blackpool, David Vaughan was also excellent in midfield for Blackpool. He didn’t get the opportunities from set pieces and only had 2 goals to his name, but his hard work and involvement with the team work was an integral part of what can be considered a successful campaign from the Seasiders given that the majority of us wrote them off before they’d even kicked a ball in the top flight.

3. DJ Campbell
Finishing the campaign as the club’s leading goalscorer with 13, the hero in their Championship playoff semi final victory over Nottingham Forest, DJ Campbell showed his goal poaching instincts on a number of occasions this season. Although he wasted a large number of opportunities, he was definitely a big threat to defences which included goals against Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham. Darren Bent was the only Englishman to score more goals than DJ Campbell in the Premier League this season.

West Ham United
1. Scott Parker
In a team that has underperformed and woeful throughout, Scott Parker is the one player who’s manage to shine in this West Ham side during their car crash of a season. His work rate and determination. Throwing himself in front of shots. Being their driving force in midfield. And even finding time to score 5 goals of his own. Scott Parker has been the rare positive to come out of The Hammers side this season. But which Premier League side will pick him up in the summer?

No team has scored more important goals in the final 15 minutes of games this season than Manchester United.

History will say Manchester United won the league at Ewood Park yesterday. Most fans will say it was won at Old Trafford against Chelsea the week before. But where the league was really won was in the final 15 minutes of games this season.

That wasn’t the case in their opening two games of the season, firstly when Brede Hangeland scored an 89th minute equaliser for Fulham in their second game of the season; 5 minutes after his own goal had given Manchester United a late lead. 3 weeks later and Manchester United blew a 3-1 lead in stoppage time at Everton when Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta both scored in stoppage time to rescue the Toffees an unlikely point.

Since then, Manchester United have dominated the last 15 minutes of games this season, starting with Dimitar Berbatov’s hat trick versus Liverpool.

Date: Sunday 19 September 2010
Game: Manchester United 3-2 Liverpool
A Dimitar Berbatov brace had given Manchester United a 2-0 lead before the hour in a game they looked in control of until Steven Gerrard converted a penalty before equalising from a free kick. The Bulgarian had the last laugh as he beat Jamie Carragher in the air to head home the winner with 6 minutes remaining.
Result: Manchester United remain 4 points behind leaders Chelsea after 5 games.

Date: Sunday 24 October 2010
Game: Stoke City 1-2 Manchester United
Following three consecutive draws which included throwing away a 2-0 lead over West Brom the weekend prior to their trip to the Britannia Stadium, Javier Hernandez’s exquisite headed goal off the back of his head gave Manchester United a half time lead on the road. But when Tuncay equalised in the final 10 minutes it looked like Manchester United would have to take a share of the points and lose further ground on leaders Chelsea. However, Hernandez, starting for the absent Rooney showed his poachers instinct by poking home Manchester United’s winner in the 86th minute.
Result: Manchester United remain 5 points behind leaders Chelsea after 9 games.

Date: Saturday 6 November 2010
Game: Manchester United 2-1 Wolves
Park Ji-Sung’s solo effort, beating Marcus Hahnemann at his near post in the 93rd minute gave Manchester United a valuable 3 points in a game they were expected to run out comfortable winners pre-match. The American goalkeeper would only play three more league games this season, having failed to keep a clean sheet in his 14 outings.
Result: Manchester United close the gap to 2 points after 11 games as Chelsea lose 2-0 to a Fernando Torres brace at Liverpool on Sunday. A few days later Ray Wilkins’ contract would be terminated at Stamford Bridge and a terrible run of form follows for the Blues.

Date: Saturday 13 November 2010
Game: Aston Villa 2-2 Manchester United
Manchester United did not turn up for the first 80 minutes at Villa Park in this one, and went 2 goals down in the space of 5 minutes, first when Ashley Young converted a penalty conceded by Wes Brown, and with less than 15 minutes to go, Marc Albrighton slotted home a Villa counter attack. Wayne Rooney was absent from this game and both Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez had been substituted after Young had given the home side the lead. Step up the rest of the team. Federico Macheda drilled one back from 18 yards for the Reds before Nemanja Vidic headed home at the back post with 5 minutes remaining to give Manchester United an unlikely-looking point.
Result: Chelsea suffer a shock 3-0 home thrashing at the hands of Sunderland the following day to see their lead at the top of the Premier League cut to 3 points after 13 games.

Date: Saturday 1 January 2011
Game: West Brom 1-2 Manchester United
Wayne Rooney headed in the first Premier League goal of 2011 inside 3 minutes before West Brom’s defence had got out of bed. To think this was an easy win for Manchester United was a mistake. James Morrison scored a spectacular equaliser in the 14th minute, before West Brom had a legitimate shout for a penalty when Gary Neville brought down Graeme Dorrans inside the penalty area as the last man. Manchester United rode their luck in this New Year’s encounter and were fortunate not to be behind as Peter Odemwingie scuffed a second half penalty wide, before Javier Hernandez was left unmarked from a corner to head home Manchester United’s winner in the 75th minute.
Result: Manchester United are ahead of Manchester City on goal difference with 2 games in hand, having played their 19th of the season on New Year’s day.

Date: Tuesday 25 January 2011
Game: Blackpool 2-3 Manchester United
Craig Cathcart and DJ Campbell had stunningly given Blackpool a 2-0 half time lead over Manchester United on a cold Tuesday night at Bloomfield Road. Sir Alex Ferguson may have got under his side’s skin at half time, and introduced Ryan Giggs for Darron Gibson at the break. Blackpool started to tire in the second half and the comeback was started in the 72nd minute; 6 minutes after Javier Hernandez was introduced for Wayne Rooney. Dimitar Berbatov scored the first; 2 minutes before Chicharito equalised. And it was the Premier League’s leading goalscorer, Berbatov who won the game in the 88th minute when he lashed home Paul Scholes’ throughball. This was Blackpool’s third consecutive defeat as their season began fading out after Christmas.
Result: This extended Manchester United’s lead over Arsenal to 5 points after 23 games.

Date: Saturday 12 February 2011
Game: Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City
A week after losing at Wolves, Wayne Rooney’s acrobatic and goal-of-the-season candidate effectively ends Manchester City’s title hopes as Manchester United do the business over their rivals once again at Old Trafford.
Result: Manchester United maintain their 4-point lead over Arsenal with 26 games played.

Date: Saturday 19 March 2011
Game: Manchester United 1-0 Bolton
Manchester United looked like they may be dropping points at Old Trafford for only the second time this season when Jonny Evans was sent off with 15 minutes to go against Bolton when the score was still 0-0. However, up stepped Dimitar Berbatov to be the hero once again this season when he bundled home Nani’s parried shot.
Result: Arsenal drop 2 points at West Brom and trail Manchester United by 5 points, with a game in hand; the leaders having played 30 games.

Date: Saturday 2 April 2011
Game: West Ham 2-4 Manchester United
Mark Noble had converted two penalties to give West Ham a 2-0 lead at half time in a game they had rarely threatened in. Javier Hernandez was introduced for Patrice Evra at half time, but it was a Wayne Rooney hat trick in the space of 15 minutes that turned the game on its head between the 65th and 79th minute. Queue his celebration that earned the England star a two-game ban, before Hernandez ended the contest with United’s 4th, coming in the 84th minute.
Result: Later that day, Arsenal are head 0-0 at home to Blackburn as their season continues to fall apart at the end and Manchester United have a 7 point lead with 7 games to play; Arsenal with 1 game in hand.

Date: Saturday 23 April 2011
Game: Manchester United 1-0 Everton
After 82 minutes of this game, Manchester United hadn’t scored a goal in 275 minutes of football (excluding stoppage time), following their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup, and being held 0-0 at St James’ Park. A deflected Antonio Valencia cross changes things when Javier Hernandez heads home at the back stick to score the winner. At the time, this was regarded as the goal that won the title, but defeat at Arsenal the following weekend would still give Chelsea hope.
Result: Manchester United lead Chelsea by 6 points with 4 games to go.

Despite Phil Dowd trying to run time off the clock, Wayne Rooney’s penalty was converted in the 73rd minute yesterday. Not late enough to be added to the list, but it was the goal that won Manchester United the 2010/11 Premier League crown.

Ryan Giggs participated in a record-setting 573rd Premier League appearance, surpassing David James’ previously set record.

A £24,000,000 transfer fee and reputedly the highest-paid player at the club, Yaya Toure was Manchester City’s hero for the second time in succession at Wembley as he scored the only goal of this year’s Wembley FA Cup final.

Manchester City started the brighter side, notably Mario Balotelli down the left wing and Carlo Tevez’s pace and movement up front cause the Stoke City defence problems.

Midway through the first half, it was Balotelli who produced the first meaningful shot of the game as his curling effort from the right hand side of Thomas Sorensen’s box forced the experienced Dane into make a great fingertip save.

Later in the half, Vincent Kompany had a tame effort straight at Sorensen, moments after Kenwyne Jones made a penalty claim over the ball striking the Belgian defenders arm. David Silva missed a great opportunity inside the 6 yard box that he smashed into the ground and over the bar.

Stoke City were second best in the first half but looked better at the start of the second half as the game started to open up.

Kenwyne Jones had the chance of the match on the hour when he latched onto a long ball up field from Matthew Etherington and poor judgement from Joleon Lescott, only for Joe Hart to close him down, throwing himself in the way.

Etherington was substituted straight after and Stoke’s threat down the right wing had slowed down after Jermaine Pennant had rolled his ankle on the stroke of half time.

Shortly after Adam Johnson’s arrival for Manchester City, they went in front as Yaya Toure powered home from just outside the 6-yard box following Mario Balotelli’s blocked effort.

The Italian forward put in a man of the match performance, but it’s an Ivorian in Yaya Toure who Manchester City fans will remember for winning them their first FA Cup in 42 years. This 4 weeks after Yaya Toure scored the only goal of Manchester City’s 1-0 semi final victory over Manchester United at Wembley.

On Tuesday, Manchester City confirmed their place in next seasons Champions League. Stoke City will participate in the Europa League for the first time since the 1974/75 season.

A Wayne Rooney penalty midway through the second half earned Manchester United their record 19th English top flight title and twelfth Premier League title following a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers this afternoon.

Manchester United opened the game with the majority of possession, both before and after Nani headed onto the cross bar inside the opening 4 minutes. However, they failed to trouble Paul Robinson in the Blackburn goal.

At the other end, Tomasz Kuszczak was causing his own problems, at one stage failing to deal with a back pass that nearly allowed Junior Hoilett an open goal.

And it was Tomasz Kuszczak involved in the opening goal as a mix-up in defence eventually lead to Brett Emerton nearly volley in towards the back post. Kuszczak appeared nervous, whilst Jonny Evans filling in at left back failed to mark his man, Emerton when the cross came over.

At times in the second half, Blackburn looked more like scoring a second than Manchester United equalising, and they nearly did shortly after the hour when Martin Olsson’s header hit the post.

After that, luck always appeared to be on Manchester United’s side. And you know that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are always capable of scraping out a result in games like these. That’s exactly what they did.

With 20 minutes remaining, Javier Hernandez raced onto a through ball and appeared to be taken down by Paul Robinson. Slow motion replays showed Chicharito was not touched and took a tumble. After a long discussion between referee Phil Dowd and his discussion, Wayne Rooney blasted home the resulting penalty.

Manchester United passed the ball around in their own half for the final 5 minutes plus 3 of stoppage time. It was disappointing not to see Sky’s ‘Last 5 minutes possession’ stat come up during this point.

The result means Manchester United are the 2010/11 Premier League champions with 77 points and 1 game to play. The lowest number of points to win the Premier League title was set by Manchester United when they won it in 1996/97 with 75 points; 7 ahead of runners up Newcastle.

This result leaves Blackburn just 1 point above the drop zone going into the final day of the season where they will travel to Wolves.

With a few unhappy Tottenham voices surfacing around, Harry Redknapp has hailed Tottenham’s season as a success following a Champions League campaign that took them to the quarter finals.

There is no doubt Harry Redknapp has done a great job as Tottenham manager; taking them from the bottom of the Premier League table to Champions League football in less than two years in charge of the club. With success comes expectations and some Tottenham fans are expecting the ridiculous when they talk about Tottenham’s season as a “failure”.

Repeating last season’s top 4 finish was always going to be a tough challenge for Harry Redknapp and his Tottenham side. The new experience of Champions League football this season for Spurs has taken a hit on their domestic season, of which can still be declared a success, now heading for a 5th or 6th place finish.

Off the back of midweek European outings, Tottenham have performed well in the ensuing weekend Premier League fixtures. Only Wigan and Bolton have beaten Tottenham off the back of 11 Champions League outings this season (they did not play the weekend following a 1-0 win against AC Milan in the San Siro). Yes, the 1-0 home loss to Wigan came as a surprise. As did only taking 1 point from both Blackpool and West Ham this season. As Liverpool fans know in recent seasons; dropping points in these games that have cost them their season goal.

Other results off the back of midweek trip around Europe (and at home) have included beating Liverpool, drawing with title contenders Chelsea and Arsenal, and a win at Stoke.

Tottenham’s Premier League results directly after Champions League games:

To say the fixtures have been kind would be an understatement; 8 of their 10 Premier League games after Champions League matches were played at White Hart Lane!

Following Gareth Bale’s ruptured ankle ligaments following Charlie Adam’s dangerous challenge on the Welsh winger that will keep him out of action for a months, it could be the break Tottenham are looking for as it raises their hopes of keeping hold of the PFA Player of the Year over the summer, whilst also giving their star player some rest.

It is key that Tottenham keep hold of their star players; Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart over the summer before they start building. Modrid continues to be linked to moves away from the club, including interest from Manchester United.

Whilst in search of a striker following Roman Pavlyuchenko’s inconsistency and Jermain Defoe’s poor season, Harry Redknapp needs to look at his defence that has let him down on a number of occasions this season.

Gomes is the most-notable name on that list, and with Carlo Cudicini’s contract expiring in the summer, a new goalkeeper may be the number 1 priority for Spurs. In front of him is an injury-ridden and mistake-prone defence.

Michael Dawson may pull of a number of last ditch challenges and goal-saving blocks, but his positioning is poor and as a result does cost his side goals. William Gallas has been at fault for goals once again this season, whilst the fitness of both Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate is untrustworthy – Redknapp should consider moving both on.

Next season’s top 4 finishes are going to be contested between Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham. With the other 5 sides likely to open the cheque book this summer, Tottenham will need to do the same if they want to playing Champions League football in 2012/13.

With the bizarre fixture list set out by the English FA, it looks likely that both the Premier League title and FA Cup will be won on the same day this year.

With four Premier League matches kicking off at 12.45 on FA Cup final day, Manchester United will be crowned Premier League champions for the 12th time, and Champions of England for the 19th time should they get just 1 point at Ewood Park when they face Blackburn Rovers.

Approximately 30 minutes after that match has concluded and presumably while the celebration scenes are not over, Manchester City and Stoke City will be kicking off at Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup final.

Some shambolic work that we have come to expect from the FA. Could these fixtures not have been moved to midweek? Or even tonight? What was wrong with Sunday?

The whole situation of the Champions League final being played at Wembley caused an initial problem for the FA, as it was scheduled for the same bank holiday weekend the Football League hosts its three consecutive play-off finals. Instead, the League One and Two playoff finals will be played at Old Trafford, whilst the Championship playoff final is uninterrupted; taking place at Wembley Stadium on Monday May 30th.

As for Manchester City, they are the bookmakers favourites to lift their first significant trophy in 35 years, having last won the League Cup in 1976. They have of course won a playoff final and second tier since then. As for Stoke City, who like the underdog tag, they’re looking to lift only their second significant trophy following their 1972 League Cup win. On Saturday, the Potters will be appearing in their first ever FA Cup final.

Who do you think will win this season’s FA Cup? The bookmakers have issued the following odds to lift the trophy:

Manchester City: 2/5
Stoke City: 2/1

Today, Kenny Dalglish was handed the Liverpool managerial role on a permanent basis as he signed a 3 year contract for guiding the 18-time English champions into a current position of 5th in the Premier League, following their 5-2 demolition of Fulham on Monday night. But has Kenny Dalglish been the key to Liverpool’s success?

Following Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat at Blackburn on May 5th, Roy Hodgson was soon after given his marching orders with the Reds lying 12th in the league. Benjani even scored a brace on that day and rival fans were joking about avoiding relegation being something for Liverpool supporters to worry about as they sat just 4 points above the relegation zone.

In comes Kenny Dalglish and the club lose 1-0 at Manchester United in the FA Cup. Things don’t appear to be changing when they lose 2-1 at Blackpool during the week and are then held at home, 2-2 by rivals Everton in the league. Liverpool see the month out with back-to-back wins, one which required help from a bizarre own goal by John Pantsil.

That started the ball rolling. As did the late January signings of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, and seeing Fernando Torres head off to Stamford Bridge.

One man who has remained anonymous at this stage is Steve Clarke. Dalglish brought him in as his right hand man when he came in. Having worked under Jose Mourinho and helping Gianfranco Zola to a top half finish with West Ham, the former Chelsea defender has shown a good knowledge of the game.

Already, Dalglish has a better team built around them than what Roy Hodgson was given, but the most important thing Hodgson didn’t have was the support of the players, and the fans. There was definitely a lift in player performances when Dalglish came in, and the fans were much happier too. But I still think they’re dreaming if they believe Dalglish is the right man to guide them to their first Premier League title.

Yes, Liverpool’s owners are expected to spend lots of money in the summer, having already spent £35,000,000 on Andy Carroll and £22,800,000 on Luis Suarez in January. There are some gaps to fill in this team, especially in defence.

The promise of money good well keep Jose Reina at the club past the summer; one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League season after season. Although ageing, and finishing the season injured, Steven Gerrard is one of the elite midfielders in the world. In my opinion, Luis Suarez is one of the top forwards in the world, and in his first full season in the Premier League, Andy Carroll has shown is capability as a goalscoring striker.

Maxi Rodriguez has incredibly scored hat tricks in two of his last three games, whilst Raul Meireles looks like a decent player in midfield. Dirk Kuyt is better suited as a forward, and both Jay Spearing and Jonjo Shelvey have age on their side.

With Ryan Babel having been flogged to Hoffenheim in January, Dalglish may want to consider clearing out other players who aren’t going to help Liverpool compete for a top 4 finish, like David N’Gog, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Milan Jovanovic and Joe Cole.

As well as Spearing, both Martin Kelly and John Flanagan have looked good in their initial few games as senior Liverpool players. There’s good potential for Liverpool from their youth system with lots more promise to come. Perhaps Dalglish may want to recreate Sir Alex Ferguson’s success with “kids” at Manchester United in the 90s? He already beat Ferguson with Dirk Kuyt’s Andy Cole-like performance at Anfield in March when all 3 of the Dutchman’s goals came inside the 6-yard box.

Whether it’s down to Kenny Dalglish, Luis Suarez, Steve Clarke and/or Andy Carroll, optimism is back with the Liverpool fans ahead of the 2011/12 Premier League season…