Review of the seaso-club by club (part 4)

[Bianchi on Ice]

The top 5...

EVERTON
I would suspect many Everton fans are struggling to shed any tears for David Moyes, and although its too early to say whether Roberto Martinez's excellent first season in charge is merely a platform for something more, or the ceiling limit for the current version of Everton, there is no denying that the shackles have been taken off of the players and there are definately a few more cavaliers at Goodison now, as opposed to the abundance of roundheads that toiled under wee Davey. It will be interesting to see if the loan moves for Barry and Lukaku are made permanent, for if they are it would be good sensible business for the club, baring in mind the huge amount of money swilling around now after the new TV deal. However, I mention a "ceiling limit", because it is well documented that the club desperately needs investment to bridge the gap to Champions League football and any funds available to the manager will not compare to the sides that finished around them in the table. The ground, although almost a throwback to the clubs glory days, and equipped with a certain charm, has outlived its purpose, and is holding Everton back commercially. In voting for fair play restrictions, the club has in effect ensured that as things stand, any hopes of a realistic shot of breaking into the top 4 consistently are remote , and I'm struggling to see the economic sense in that decision, as they are the one club that ticks nearly all the boxes as regards a takeover.
NEXT SEASON:Will struggle to get as close to 4th...6th more realistic


ARSENAL
I didnt realise the FA Cup had re-captured its importance in such a short space of time. How fitting that a manager who has shown the domestic cups such apathy over the years attached so much importance to it yesterday. Are Arsenal fans ready for another summer of promises and expectation?. Its clear they need to invest in three, maybe four top class experienced players to toughen up the side and ensure they can carry their early season promise past the wet and windy backdrop of winter and new year, when the games come thick and fast. If Arsenal discover a certain pragmatism and harness that with the undoubted talent they have they should mount a title challenge, but if Wenger thinks this trophy buys him time and the fans will endulge his stubbornness for another season he is much mistaken. They also need to find out what is happening with their injury record and get to the root cause of it, if it isnt just down to bad luck. Its a problem that Im sure the club are aware of, because it doesnt matter who they sign, if any combination of five or six at any one time are missing it will cost them, no matter the level of investment this summer.
NEXT SEASON:Will challenge, properly, for the title


CHELSEA
The little horse clipped a few hurdles near the end but will be well looked after in its stable this summer. The manager has trotted out his list of reasons and excuses and like tempting sugar lumps they have been swallowed with glee by the asses in the media. Having said that, I have a certain admiration for Chelsea's CL campaign this season, they played within their limitations and got further than many would have predicted. If they find a spearhead in the window it may well make the difference in games they are expected to win but what of the tighter games now that certain components of their defence is ageing or as in Cechs case, under threat from a top class ready made replacement?...whatever happens there I still see Chelsea as our main challengers next year as they will continue to grind out results but will have learned from this season and convert more points in games in which they are favourites. We will have learned this too, no doubt. The other question is to be aimed at Mourinho, who has largely been left un-touched by criticism this season, all the while using his vaunted "mind games" which are at times only half a step away from childish name calling. If he gets what he craves player wise this summer I fully expect a substantial critique of his methods with no punches pulled should they fall short on all fronts this time next year, the same as any other manager with his resources would expect, justified or not.
NEXT SEASON:Will challenge for the title

LIVERPOOL
Or Devon Loch FC...If you were being harsh.
Has Liverpool Football Club won new friends this season or merely given new found voice to those who thought their title challenging, let alone title winning days were gone?...I dont think they made many new friends really, as, sadly, they did become a tad triumphant a tad early for the average stiff upper lip English football supporter, who still has a good memory of when the club was lording it over everyone else back in the 70s and 80s. Maybe they would have made more friends and influenced people if they were the ONLY side playing an exciting brand of football, won the most games, or scored the most goals. These things, as Mr Benitez stated famously once, albeit in a different context, are the real 'facts'. For every fan who thinks they can come as close again next season I have to put several spanners in their thought processes. These factors have been well discussed...the amount of games they will be playing, the possibility that Suarez might not be there let alone have another 30 goal season...Sturridge, will he knock in another 20 plus...Gerrard winding down...defensive issues...cover in certain areas...all these things lead me to believe that if Rodgers gets it right again next season he definately will deserve manager of the year this time, and as many accolades as Mourinho gets criticism if the special one trails him again.
NEXT SEASON:Will finish 4th


MANCHESTER CITY
Some of you may disagree, but this title win, for me, was sweeter than the one two years ago. OK, the manner of that win will never be forgotten, still sends shivers up my spine, but, say it quietly, it shouldnt have come to that really. This win was acheived with a steely professionalism and calm from top to bottom, true testament to the solid unflappable stewardship of Manuel Pellegrini. I havent trawled the press to find anyone impartial saying the same things, but I hope some journalists have, as it deserves mentioning in my view, and Pellegrini deserves credit for it because even with all the resources in the world you still need to knit everything together, and others may have struggled to adapt to their first season in English football. I certainly wouldnt expect anything but back handed compliments from the rest, but considering the up and down start and injuries at the end it has given us all a season to be proud of.
Several players justified their billing, and some much maligned figures came up with the goods on a regular basis and left the club, playing wise, needing only minor adjustments in the summer. Certain players will leave, a couple of good servants, it seems, but there are areas that need strengthening if the club is to make a strong defence of its crown and also make further progress in the champions league. I have made my thoughts on the FFP ruling clear but trust if the club is comfortable with the negotiated settlement and has a positive outlook moving forward there is little use gnashing teeth about it now. These things will make City stronger, just as the manner of our victory this season will do.
NEXT SEASON:Will defend the title properly this time