THE A-Z OF THE PREM Season of screamers
Ais for… Always going to happen. The mutiny at Everton was no shock after the owners, in their wisdom, decided to make Anfield hero Rafael Benitez their manager.
B
is for… Beautiful. Christian Eriksen’s return to football after his cardiac arrest, and his performances for Brentford (right), captured the imagination.
C
is for…. Culled. Ten managers lost their job last season – Watford’s Xisco Munoz was the first in October while Burnley’s Sean Dyche was the last in mid-April.
D
is for… Deadly. James Ward-Prowse says he now just practises free-kicks once a week, taking six attempts. He’s mastered the craft by this point, and trails David Beckham’s Premier League record of 18 by just four.
E
is for… End of an era. Farewell, Roman Abramovich. We hardly knew ya. In the 19 years the Russian oligarch bankrolled Chelsea he let his money do the talking.
F
is for… Falling short. Liverpool lost out on equalling Manchester United’s record of 20 league titles by just two points. Failing to beat any of the other three sides in the top four cost them dearly.
G
is for… Goalkeepers’ Union. Nick Pope, who was relegated with Burnley, had more clean sheets (nine) than Manchester United’s David De Gea (eight).
H
is for… How did he do that? Just have another look at Mo Salah’s goal against Manchester City at Anfield.
I
is for… Inspired. Antonio Conte’s appointment as Spurs manager replacing Nuno proved to be the catalyst for their season turning around and confirming Champions League qualification.
J
is for… Juxtaposition. Bruno Fernandes got more yellow cards (10) than he did assists (six) for Manchester United.
K
is for… Kindred spirits. You wonder if Jesse Marsch spoke in Spanish through an interpreter whether he would be derided as much as he is. The fact is, the American boss inspired a bereft Leeds and avoided relegation. They scored five goals after the 85th minute under Marsch, earning seven points that would have otherwise been dropped and seen them relegated.
L
is for… Love at first sight. It didn’t take long for Luis Diaz to find a place in the hearts of those on The Kop.
M
is for… Marauding. Antonio Rudiger will be missed by Chelsea – and those who love to see defenders drive forward with the air of a panicked shopper racing down the aisles.
N
is for… Nomadic talent. Is that the category we can now place Philippe Coutinho in after his £17million move to Aston Villa? Or will Steven Gerrard help inspire a definitive third act in his career?
O
is for… Onlooker. Jack Grealish is the most expensive English footballer ever at £100m yet remained on the bench for the dramatic final day. But he was in Manchester City’s top 10 of Prem minutes played (1,917) – more than Gabriel Jesus, Ilkay Gundogan, Kyle Walker, Riyad Mahrez and John Stones.
P
is for… Problem? Cristiano Ronaldo’s 18 goals – only Salah and Heung-Min Son scored more – were apparently the main issue at Old Trafford.
Q
is for… Quintessential. Think of Arsenal over the last 15 years and flimsy and flaky come to mind. Mikel Arteta seemed to be getting them on the right track until their end-of-season collapse saw them lose Champions League football.
R
is for… Rebirth. Joelinton was transformed into a fully-functioning, top-class performer under Eddie Howe as the Brazilian wen plodding striker to d midfielder at Newca
S
is for… Social m apologies. Amid tiresome attempts to fanbases for the sin horror – losing a ma thought for Newcast Shelvey who felt com apologise for a poor performance in a ga side actually won.
T
is for… Telling.
idea of just how Manchester United w The Red Devils finis closer to champions adrift) than they did Norwich (36).
U
is for… Unbelie
Chris Kamara, th mistakes and smiles Sports’ coverage.
V
is for… VAR. Ev about Rodri’s bla Goodison Park now relegation, even mor on to lose the league points they would ha penalty been awarde
W
is for… Wagat
the trial of the c Coleen Rooney and inspiration to amate
X
is for… xG. I kn really cares?
Y
is for… “You do doing.” Spare a who will no longer h after hanging up his a referee.
Zis
for…. Zzzz. S