Eleven biggest surprises of this season, featuring Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur…
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1) Chelsea’s FA Cup exit
Considering Chelsea’s comfortable stroll to the Premier League title this season, it is bizarre that they messed up so badly in the FA Cup, in what must be one of the biggest upsets in the modern era.
From 2-0 up at home to League One side Bradford City, Chelsea somehow managed to throw away the lead and lose 4-2 in this fourth round tie, a huge disappointment and a real freak result in an otherwise excellent season.
2) Radamel Falcao’s awful form
Only four goals – Radamel Falcao might have been a slightly risky signing due to his recent injury problems, but surely no one could have predicted this one going as badly as it did for Manchester United.
The Colombian international never looked like rediscovering his best form in a Red shirt, despite long looking like one of the best strikers in the world.
3) Angel Di Maria’s disappointing season
Another bizarre performance at Manchester United this season, Angel Di Maria has been shockingly bad for the Red Devils considering his superb role in winning the Champions League and Copa del Rey for Real Madrid last season.
4) Mario Balotelli’s dreadful time at Liverpool
Like Falcao, this was a slightly risky signing for Liverpool given Mario Balotelli’s reputation at his previous clubs, but in fairness to him he has never exactly struggled for goals.
Still, this term he has managed just one solitary strike in the league and has looked fairly awful throughout, even though the bizarre off-the-pitch antics do seem to have calmed down slightly.
5) The rise of Harry Kane
Out of nowhere, Harry Kane has scored a bucketload of goals for Tottenham Hotspur to become regarded as one of the best strikers in Europe. Without looking like the most skillful or talented player, the 21-year-old has still managed an astonishing 30 goals in all competitions, and 21 in just 28 starts in the Premier League.
6) Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin boost
With so many calling for Arsenal to sign a world class defensive midfielder, it is amazing how one can just appear from nowhere. Francis Coquelin was on loan at Charlton Athletic earlier this season and barely even playing for them, but is now regarded as one of the finest in the Premier League after some commanding displays from the Gunners since filling in in an injury crisis.
7) Raheem Sterling’s Liverpool rebellion
Quite why Raheem Sterling wants out of Liverpool so badly is beyond almost everyone. The talented England winger has made a name for himself after getting the chance under Brendan Rodgers last season and has years to move on to play elsewhere if the club does not win trophies.
Still, Liverpool suffered from selling Luis Suarez and shouldn’t be counted out as title challengers again next season if they get their act together – something Sterling should try to be a part of, as he hasn’t necessarily yet shown he is capable of getting into the starting lineups of the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal or Real Madrid so far.
8) Juan Cuadrado’s lack of games
One of the biggest talents not at a top club prior to his move to Chelsea, Juan Cuadrado was wanted by almost every big side in Europe after some dazzling form with Fiorentina. Signed by Chelsea in January, it was expected that the Colombian international would be a key part of Jose Mourinho’s side, though he has barely played.
Willian, meanwhile, who continues to look more like a right-back playing up front, remains first choice on that right-hand side. Could Cuadrado be off already as Barcelona reportedly keep an eye on his situation?
9) Southampton’s amazing revival
Given that they sold Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren, Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers in the summer, it’s incredible to think Southampton have had such a strong season and finished 7th. Ronald Koeman has been a miracle worker since replacing Mauricio Pochettino, and deserves huge credit for some smart signings, good attacking football, and an extremely tight defence second only to Chelsea in terms of goals-against in the league this season.
10) Everton’s disappointing season
After being so impressive last term, it is somewhat surprising to see Everton collapse to a lower-mid-table finish under Roberto Martinez this season, with last season’s exciting youngsters Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley for some reason not looking nearly as good as they did last year. Toffees fans will be hoping this season is a one-off and Martinez can get them challenging for Europe again next year.
11) John Carver’s Newcastle appointment
With Newcastle United needing a replacement for Alan Pardew, it was a big shock to see them go for someone so unproven as they promoted John Carver from the coaching staff. With no previous managerial experience, Carver instantly looked out of his depth but was still allowed to stay on until the end of the season despite a nightmare run of form that saw the Magpies only narrowly avoid relegation on the final day of the season.
