Arsenal
Yet another season which started out with so much promise ended in such disappointment. It is simply unacceptable for a club of Arsenal’s stature to go seven seasons without silverware. Arsene Wenger has constantly persisted in playing his young guns, and they have on many occasions showed what they are capable of. But there is a clear need for some experience to be added into the mix.
Aston Villa
After two successive sixth place finishes, Villa came crashing back down to earth, briefly flirting with relegation before stabilising and finishing in ninth. Uncertain times lie ahead of the Villans, following the departures of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, as well as the heavily-criticised appointment of Alex McLeish.
Blackburn
Rovers fans will be hoping the team make marked improvements from last season, where they only maintained their Premier League status on the final day. The jury is still out on Steve Kean’s managerial ability, and it remains to be seen if the club’s new owners keep their promise of substantial investments.
Bolton
Bolton will be pleased their season played out without much drama, with the club maintaining a safe mid-table position throughout. However, after two successive finishes in 14th, the time is nigh for the Wanderers to gradually push up the table, and maybe challenge for a European spot.
Chelsea
You would think finishing second would be a satisfactory result for one of the Premier League’s Big Four. Apparently, it was not good enough for owner Roman Abramovich, who unceremoniously booted out Carlo Ancelotti, ignoring his glorious league and cup double the season before. Most of the attention will be on the new manager Andres Villas-Boas, and how he will deal with the poisoned chalice that is the Chelsea job.
Everton
The Toffees once again fell short in a bid for European football, but should be heartened by their resurgence, after starting the season woefully. David Moyes has once again proven he is one of the best managers in England, and with more luck on the injury front next season, Everton could be ready to challenge for a spot in the Europa League.
Fulham
Many expected Fulham to stumble following Roy Hodgson’s departure to Liverpool. Instead, they finished the season eighth, while Hodgson was booted out of Anfield by mid-season. While some may be excited at the prospect of playing in the Europa League, Fulham will have to be careful with how they manage their resources, lest they end up plummeting down the Premier League table.
Liverpool
It certainly looks like exciting times ahead at Anfield, especially with club icon Kenny Dalglish back at the helm. Liverpool fans will also be pleased the owners have showed a statement of intent by splashing big on Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing, who have are all established players at Premier League level. Next season may just be the opportune time for Liverpool to reclaim their place amongst England’s elite.
Man City
City just keep getting stronger and stronger, and the arrival of Sergio Aguero was a major transfer coup for the Citizens. The most expensive squad in England delivered last season by bringing the FA Cup to Eastlands, but the focus will now be turned on the Premier League and the Champions League. They certainly do have the talent to challenge for the big ones.
Man Utd
While many called this one of the least impressive United sides ever, they shut out all the criticism and went on to claim a 19th league title. Much credit must go to Sir Alex Ferguson who just seems to get the job done year after year. It will be interesting to see if they can go back-to-back, with the Premier League reaching an all-time high in competitiveness.
Newcastle
Newcastle performed admirably well in their return to the English top-flight, finishing the season in 12th, despite the loss of key striker Andy Carroll. However, they rode their luck on many occasions this season, and it will be important for Alan Pardew to bolster his squad, with many of their seasoned campaigners looking likely to leave over the summer.
Norwich
After six seasons out of the Premier League, the Canaries are back in the big time. Paul Lambert has performed something of a miracle at Carrow Road, leading Norwich to back-to-back promotions, having taken over in 2009 when they were playing in League One. However, with a lack of players with Premier League experience, the odds are against Norwich surviving the drop.
QPR
Despite finishing first in the Championship, QPR were left sweating over the status of their promotion with the FA investigating the illegal transfer of Alejandro Faurlin. However, with no points deduction, QPR sealed their return to the Premier League for the first time since 1996. They might well stay up if they can hold on to Neil Warnock.
Stoke
While it will take awhile to get over the heartbreak of losing the FA Cup final, Stoke should be very pleased with their performances last season. After being maligned as a ruffian team who only play route one football, Tony Pulis has gone about re-inventing his side, leading them to a 13th-place finish. It will be imperative for them to keep their star players like Ryan Shawcross and Jon Walters away from the prying hands of England’s leading clubs.
Sunderland
Steve Bruce has to be given credit for leading Sunderland to a top-half finish, especially when they played out the last month of last season’s campaign without a single fit striker. Bruce has got a good blend of youth and experience in his side, and if he is able to keep the nucleus together, Sunderland look set to climb up the table this season.
Swansea
For the first time since 1983, Swansea will be gracing the top-flight of English football, having earned promotion the tough way by going through the Championship play-offs. The hard work starts now, with many tipping the Welsh side to go straight back down, especially with the track record that promoted sides have had in recent seasons. Swansea will heavily depend on the tactical acumen of Brendan Rodgers if they are to have any chance of staying up.
Tottenham
After reaching the lofty heights of qualifying for the Champions League, Spurs came crashing back down to earth, unable to juggle domestic and continental commitments, and were eventually displaced by Man City in the top four. While they held off a late bid from Liverpool to claim fifth spot and a place in the Europa League, an air of uncertainty looms around White Hart Lane, with speculation over the futures of both manager and key players.
West Brom
To say West Brom had an eventful first season back in the Premier League would be putting things simply. There was all sorts of drama at the Hawthorns including the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo, and the appointment of Roy Hodgson in his place. Yet when the season reached its end, the Baggies exceeded all expectations, finishing 11th. While things are looking bright, they will have to be careful to avoid the second-season blues which have plagued many a side in the past.
Wigan
After keeping themselves out of the relegation scrap for the previous few campaigns, Wigan found themselves right back in it last season, surviving only on the final day. Roberto Martinez deserves the plaudits for what he has achieved with limited resources, but like the other smaller Premier League teams, he will need to keep hold of his star players if the Latics are to remain competitive.
Wolverhampton
The side who barely maintained their status in the Premier League; Wolves lost to Blackburn on the last day of the season, yet managed to stay up, finishing one point above the relegation zone. Mick McCarthy will know that luck won’t always be on their side, and will be looking to find firm footing in the table much earlier this season, to ensure there won’t be a need for a repeat of such final day dramatics.
