Akvbcfc takes a look at the first half of the season, by dishing out some awards.
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Awards Time
Well, it’s been a tremendous decade of football, and interesting season to-date to sink our teeth into. Here are my half-way awards for the Premier League season 2009/2010, with a few surprises along the way. If you disagree with me on any point, then brilliant. That’s what football is all about. Opinions.
Best Keeper – Shay Given
For years, Shay Given has been amongst the very best in the Premier League. He saw the good, the bad, and the downright disastrous pass through St James’ Park, but he was a constant, and what a keeper he is. His shot-stopping ability is up there with the best, and his handling is surprisingly good in comparison to his height. He’s not the tallest, but he knows exactly how to impose himself on opposition strikers. Since moving to Man City in the Summer, Given has continued where he left off at Newcastle. With an unorganised, disorientated defence in-front of him, Given has had to be on top form, and he has helped as much as anyway in Man City’s charge towards the Top 4. He was denied a place at the World Cup 2010 by the Hand of Henry, and his remonstrations with the referee will be one of the defining images of this calendar year. However, the way that he handled himself after that game and in the weeks to follow was an example to anyone. An excellent sportsman.
Best Defender – Roger Johnson (Special mention to Scott Dann and Richard Dunne)
What can I say? Bruce, Vidic, Johnson. He is that good. Johnson has been an absolute gem this season, and he has turned out to be one of the best signings of Alex McLeish’s career. Johnson is a no-nonsense defender who is willing to put his body on the line for the team. His organisational skills are clear, as he is often the man who marshals the defence, when their backs are to-the-wall. Along with his central defensive partner Scott Dann, Johnson has been an absolute rock, and while he has not scored for the club yet, he has gone oh-so close on numerous occasions.
Just behind Johnson are two defenders who have also moved to new clubs in the Summer, proving big hits with the locals. Scott Dann took a bit of time to settle in Birmingham after an injury that kept him out of the start of the season, but since his arrival on the scene, Blues have gone on to record 9 clean sheets this season, the second best in the league, behind Chelsea. On the other side of the city, Richard Dunne was forced out of Man City in the summer, and it was a decision which seemed poorly thought through at best. He arrived at Villa Park with a point to prove and he has been a colossus at the back for Martin O’Neill’s men.
Best Midfielder – James Milner
He’s been a revelation. When Martin O’Neill moved to sign Steward Downing, doubts were raised over the future of Milner. Downing had been acquired for big money, while Ashley Young was seen as one of O’Neill’s ‘untouchables’. Where would Milner fit in? Well, it seems as if Mr Versatility has found his place in the Villa side. Milner took over the central midfield role left by the departing Gareth Barry, and the young Englishman has been an absolute revelation. His distribution has always been top class, and his willingness to work for the team has already gained him many plaudits, but his tackling ability and determination not to give up have also emerged, meaning that Villa have lost nothing since the departure of their former playmaker. If Milner’s place on the plane to South Africa was in any doubt, then his thunderbolt against Sunderland most definitely secured his place in Fabio’s squad.
Best Striker – Didier Drogba (Special mention to Craig Bellamy)
Didier Drogba has grown up. Shocking, I know. The Chelsea striker started the season as a man who professed his sadness at events that had clouded his past. However, while many were doubtful, the leopard set about changing the colour of its spots.
Drogba started the season like a house on fire, scoring goals for fun and inspiring Ancelotti’s Chelsea side to the summit of the Premier League. He has the ability to change a game in an instant, and he can score a goal out of nothing. Take the recent encounter with Fulham, for example. Drogba received a ball from Frank Lampard with defenders either side of him and with the ball on his weaker foot. No worries, the Ivory Coast captain just turned inside and struck a beauty into the top corner, getting his side back into the game. He will be sorely missed at Stamford Bridge during the next month while he takes part in the African Cup of Nations.
Elsewhere, Craig Bellamy has been nothing short of brilliant. He has produced his best form during his career while playing under Mark Hughes, and in amongst a squad of overpaid ‘superstars’, Bellamy has shone. He has constantly scored goals, menacing defences up and down the land. The departure of Hughes struck Bellamy in particular, but he came back with an impressive cameo during Mancini’s first game in charge.
Best Manager – Alex McLeish
Is there any explanation needed? Blues were second favourites to be relegated at the start of the season, and the constant shadow of a possible takeover meant that McLeish started the season under immense pressure. He used the pressure expertly to mould a side in his own image, full of determination and endeavour with a touch of class. He has maintained from Day One that 17th place would be a success, but he has overseen a fantastic run that has lifted the club to the lofty heights of 8th place in the Premier League. Relegation? Not with Big Eck around.
Best Game – Man United 4-3 Man City
What a game. There have been a few crackers this season, but none better than the Manchester Derby. It was the first real test for Mark Hughes’ side, and it was also a chance to regain bragging rights in the city. Man City had already ruffled the feathers of their cross-city rivals with the ‘Welcome to Manchester’ poster put up in the City Centre. Carlos Tevez has caused a fair few headlines since signing for Man City, but he looked to get his own back as Gareth Barry got his name on the score sheet after a howler by Ben Foster in goal. The game went from end-to-end with Craig Bellamy scoring a beauty in the 85th minute, and the game seemed certain to end up as a draw. However, with the last kick of an eventful game, Ryan Giggs picked out the perfect pass for Michael Owen, and the ex-Liverpool striker (to add to the drama) went from zero-to-hero has he scored the last gasp winner. Old Trafford was sent into ecstasy, and Manchester United came out on-top. However, while United gained the points, City gained the plaudits for a tremendous performance.
Best Goal – Didier Drogba vs Bolton (Special mention to Figueroa vs Bolton and Jerome vs Liverpool)
Now, let me be clear: Maynor Figueroa scored an absolutely fantastic goal. It was a once-in-a-lifetime strike and it was absolutely fantastic. But that was a one-off. It was one man chancing his luck. As was Cameron Jerome’s goal at Anfield. They were both bolts out of the blue and they were superb strikes. However, Didier Drogba’s goal against Bolton was nothing short of phenomenal.
It was a move of one-touch football that was a beauty to behold, and it ended in Didier Drogba finishing with aplomb using the outside of his boot. It was a sensational move by a side who seemed unstoppable.
Best Celebration – Jimmy Bullard vs Man City
Nothing short of hilarious. However, for Hull manager Phil Brown, this was a moment of redemption. After scoring against Man City at Eastlands, Jimmy Bullard and co. re-enacted the famous Brown rant on the Eastlands pitch. In almost the exact place as last year’s incident took place, Bullard took on the role of Brown, as Hull’s players banished a ghost that had followed the club for nearly a year. It was taken in good humour by all, even the Hull manager, who was relieved to finally put the matter to bed.
Surprise Package – Birmingham City
Who would’ve expected our start to the season? Not the bookies, that’s for sure. We started the season as relegation candidates but our 11 match unbeaten run has turned the heads of many observers, including the Match of The Day panel who acknowledged our existence…Shock horror!
Biggest Let Down – Joleon Lescott
A defender with a big price tag who has let down. Closely followed by England’s number 2 left back Wayne Bridge (oh dear Lord), who has been equally adept in playing in a calamitous manner.
Unluckiest Club – Portsmouth
How many other clubs do you know would go out and find two Arab owners, who were both BROKE?
Panto Villain – Man City
The Mark Hughes affair could not have been handled in a worse way. Mr Cook released statement after statement stating that the club had done nothing wrong. It’s just a shame that Roberto Mancini didn’t receive the memo. The new City manager then went and dropped the club right in it by stating that they had contacted him weeks before the date City had suggested. Cook then had to backtrack, even going on to bang the table repeatedly in frustration. City broke the rules. City were caught out. Simple as that.
Frank Sinatra Award– Mick McCarthy
Well, he did it his way. McCarthy received widespread criticism for fielding a weakened side at Old Trafford, with possibly the harshest criticism coming from his own fans. They sung songs asking why they were made to pay £45 to watch the reserves, branding it a load of ****…Other Premier League managers backed McCarthy’s attitude, saying that he did what was best for the club. However, Arsene Wenger exploded, saying that McCarthy had weakened the Premier League due to his scandalous act. McCarthy’s rested team then went into a crunch clash at Molineux the next weekend, knowing that only a win would do. McCarthy faced humiliation if his troops could not secure all 3 points, but his side meant that he could be rather bullish in his post match interview. Wolves won and the furore around his team selection was lost.
My view? My view is that he can do what he wants. Why? Well, at the end of the day, a full strength Wolves side would still have been beaten at Old Trafford. Yes, he should have played his best side, but you can’t blame him. Wolves need to stay in the Prem this season, and if they do, he will point to the 3 points gained at home the next weekend. If they do not survive, and they are relegated by 1 point, then we will know where the press will look, but McCarthy made the right decision. For the club, for the team and for himself. For the fans? Well that’s a different matter…
The ‘Maybe We Should Have Stayed at Home’ Award – Wolves fans at Old Trafford (Special mention to Wigan fans at White Hart Lane)
Ahh, the fans did you say? Indeed, the fans were ripped off. As were the Wigan fans who travelled all the way to Spurs, in the hope that their side could pull off a shock. What happened? Oh yeah, they lost 9-1. But even their players had the guts and the common sense to react, offering a full refund (out of their own pockets) to the fans.
However, when angry Wolves fans demanded a refund, they were refused flatly by a club who saw nothing wrong in McCarthy’s actions. Good PR guys, really good.
I Love 09-10 Because – More goals than ever before!
There have been more goals at this stage in the season than in any other Premier League campaign. What’s more, we have seen some fabulous goals. Drogba, Jerome, Figueroa, Bellamy and Arshavin, to mention a few, have scored with aplomb this season. Why? Maybe it’s the football used, or maybe it is because the Premier League has been more balanced this season. The Top 4 are losing games, while teams in the lower echelons of the table are gaining in confidence all the time. It is possible that any one of 3 teams could gatecrash the Top 4 this term, while the shock that met Liverpool’s downturn in form has been matched by the shock at Birmingham City’s meteoric rise up the table. What a season!
Worst Decision – Emmanuel Adebayor’s 100 metre Sprint
“I’ve just scored a goal! Great! Fantastic! What do I do now? Oh yeah, how about I run the length of the pitch to taunt the fans who used to support me? Fantastic idea. Let’s go!
…Nearly there.
…Nearly there.”
*15 seconds later*
“…This was so worth it.”
Apparently, it never occurred to the striker that he may be doing the wrong thing. Go figure.
Most Obnoxious Reaction – Patrice Evra
The defender reacted with sarcasm when asked if the Republic of Ireland should be given a replay against France after the ‘Hand of Henry’ incident. His response was that he would be happy to give them a replay…on a Playstation. Wonder how that one went down in Eire…
The ‘I’m a Footballer, Get Me Out of Here!’ Award – Robinho
I’m sorry. This guy plays in the best league in the world, and he is most certainly one of the best paid players in the league. He is at a club where he could easily have become the figurehead. He could have spearheaded a Blue revolution, but instead, Robinho has chosen the long, lonely path down the tunnel, which he used after being substituted away at Tottenham Hotspur. New manager Roberto Mancini even gave Robinho a chance to impress, but he refused it, instead moping around the pitch, showing no willingness to get back and defend for his team. When being substituted for Craig Bellamy, roars echoed around the City of Manchester Stadium. Robinho responded by applauding the fans, even going on to post a news story on his personal website saying that he was awarded a standing ovation by the Man City crowd…Shame the cheers were for Bellamy, ain’t it?
Worst Name Change in HISTORY – SportsDirect@StJames’.co.uk/oh/my/god/.http
You decide to sell the naming rights to your football club’s stadium…and what do you do? Sell the naming rights to yourself. Nice one Mike Ashley.
Here’s to a cracking second-half of the season!
By akvbcfc
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