Another season of EPL comes to a close...

The 2008-09 Barclay's English Premier League came to an end last weekend, bringing some shock news to the footballing world. Newcastle United, England's one of the biggest clubs;on par with the 'Big Four' was relegated. They now have to play in division 1 football, recoup their synergies,gather their strengths and come back strong next season. Having lost their last match to Aston Villa Newcastle had their worst nightmare come true. Their fans were shell-shocked and England stunned. Newcastle went into the match with 35 points,all they had to do was draw their last game to stay in the premier league but a shot from Barry took a wicked deflection off Damien duff and went past Harper into the Aston villa goal. Newcastle tried hard to get back into the game but of no avail. Their efforts were lackadaisical, there was no urgency to get forward, the crosses were not dropping into the 30 yard box,as a whole they didn't show the zest to stay afloat.

Newcastle would see different things happening to them because of the relegation. Funds could be problem next season as most sponsors would cut back on spending on a club that plays in division 1 football.Many of their senior players would be leaving the club,looking for greener pastures as a result of which the club's performance could further deteriorate. The other teams to be relegated along with Newcastle are Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion. Hull City managed to stay in the Premier league despite their loss because Newcastle couldn't manage a draw. The teams which have moved into the Premier League include Wolverhampton, Birmingham City and Burnley.

There wasn't much excitement in the top half of the table,the 'Big Four' winning their respective games and securing the UEFA champions league spot.The standings are as follows:
ManU 90 pts
Liverpool 86 pts
Chelsea 83pts
Arsenal 72 pts

The top 3 teams qualify directly for the champions league but Arsenal would have to play the qualifiers to secure their spot in the champions league. The next season could bring a host of surprises for the clubs,players and fans alike. Would some new clubs topple the 'Big Four'? Would Everton's quest for the Champions league spot be fulfilled ? Will Liverpool come out even stronger to emerge as title winners? Will the promoted clubs be a surprise package? Let's wait and watch for the drama to begin this August when the new season kicks-off.

Thrilling 2008-09 Barclays premier league

The Barclays Premier League 2008-09 season is coming to an end but it promises nail biting matches until all teams have played their share of38 games. Liverpool is still in the race for the title,keeping the pressure on defending champions ManU. Liverpool won their weekend game with ease,scoring 3 goals against a lively West Ham side. The way Liverpool played was pathetic,many passes going astray and players showing some lackadaisical attitude. Captain courageous as always was in the lime-light for having scored 2 goals. 'The Reds' regained the top spot but just for 20 hrs. ManU dominated the Manchester Derby game against ManCity,winning by a score line of 2 goals to nil. ManU move right to the top of the table with 83 points and Liverpool still scratching their backs with 80 points. If ManU manage to get 4 more points out of their three games then its season over for Liverpool and all the hard work goes for a toss. Liverpool lost vital points in Jan & Feb, losing crucial points at home against clubs like Fulham,Stoke city,West Ham. ManU have their midweek match against Wigan,weekend match against Arsenal and the final match against Hull City. Liverpool have got play West Brom who are lurking in the relegation zone and Spurs. The title race is well balanced this season,giving a chance for third place Chelsea to creep in if both the top 2 teams falter.

The clubs at the bottom of the table are West Brom, Newcastle United,Middlesbrough, Sunderland& Hull City. The battle to stay in the top flight would continue till the last match is played. Newcastle United going down the wire would be the biggest shock of the season. A club such as Newcastle which has got a rich history and fame would not want to disappoint its fans. The club's performance has been dismal this season. The club's manager was changed thrice, star players were sold without the consent of the manager and the players making individual errors has cost them dearly. Hull City started the season on a fairy tale note, being placed in the top half of the table till about 10 games were played. But now they find themselves lurking in deep waters and hoping to revive themselves to stay afloat.

If Manu win the Premier League and the UEFA champions league they would have 4 silver- wares in their bag this season, having won the Community Shield and Carling cup already. Liverpool would have to recoup again,build on strategies and work harder to win the Title next season if they lose out by a whisker this season. Liverpool have not won the Premier league since 1990, this season being their closest chance to clinch the eluding title.

Lets wait and watch for the drama to unfold. Will it be another dominant performance by ManU or will luck ride Liverpool's way? Will Chelsea creep up to clinch the title if the top 2 teams under perform in their last crucial matches? Will Newcastle United be relegated?
Folks this is the Barclays Premier League and the best league in the world where there is drama until the final whistle is blown.