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| Alexis scored 25 goals in his first Arsenal season, including a stunner in the FA Cup final |
For Arsenal it will be viewed as a successful season, retaining the FA Cup and that other trophy Arsene Wenger covets, Champions League qualification, yet in reality it was a missed opportunity. They could have provided a challenge to Chelsea, and certainly should have progressed further in the Champions League, the Monaco loss, being the low point of the season. Sanchez had a sterling first season, and in Francis Coquelin, they have found a solution to the missing piece in their midfield. Injuries still hamper them though.
FA Cup: Winners
Champions League: Round of 16
Prediction: 3rd Actual: 3rd
Player of the Season: Alexis Sanchez
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| Fabian Delph's form earned him an England call-up |
Aston Villa made a great start, handed Paul Lambert a new deal and then sunk like a stone. Tim Sherwood's arrival, rejuvenated Benteke, and turned around Villas fortunes, their league form slipped once safety seemed assured and the final beckoned. However, a word of caution, Hull were in a similar position last season, their league form nosed-dived once they reached the final, and they never really recovered the form. Indeed in the last 2 years both Wigan and Hull have reached the final and been relegated in the following season, Villa will want to avoid that.
FA Cup: Runners up
Prediction: 17th Actual: 17th
Player of the Season: Fabian Delph
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| Tom Heaton had a safe pair of hands for Burnley making 98 saves |
It was always a big step up for Burnley, even more so when it took them 11 games to get their first win. However, at one stage it looked like Burnley might reach safety, but the lack of goals was telling, Ings' initial form tailed off, and a good profit for him, would be a help towards rebuilding. They deserve a lot of credit for not over spending, and sticking to their principles.
Prediction: 20th Actual: 19th
Player of the Season: Tom Heaton
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| Eden Hazard was voted PFA Premier League Player of the Year, after scoring 14 goals and making 9 assists in the league. |
Chelsea were ruthlessly efficient in the league, establishing a gap by Christmas and never letting anyone close to them. Costa fired in the goals initially, although his injuries caught up with him towards the end of the season, as happened at Atletico last season, a possible future concern. In Eden Hazard, they had the league's best player, and their defence, shielded by Nemanja Matic was formidable. Europe was the only disappointment, losing to PSG after extra time, when PSG had only 10 men.
League Cup: Winners
Europe: Round of 16
Prediction: 1st Actual: 1st
Player of the Season: Eden Hazard
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| Scott Dann was a key part of Crystal Palace's defence |
On the eve of the season, Tony Pulis left and Neil Warnock took over, not a great start and the malaise continued until Christmas. Palace were in grave danger of relegation, until a new manager was appointed (much like the previous season). Alan Pardew came in and fortunes were revived, Palace finishing in 10th place well clear of relegation. Bolasie, Zaha and Puncheon provided pace and width, whilst Glen Murray provided some goals, with a better striker next season, Palace could kick on.
Prediction: 9th Actual: 10th
Player of the Season: Scott Dann
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