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| Larsson has shown this season he is more than just a dead-ball specialist |
Sunderland endured another tough season, narrowly avoiding relegation for the 3rd season in a row. After masterminding a great escape from relegation, Gustavo Poyet failed to build on their late season form, as they started the new season without a win in 6 games.
Sunderland's season was notable for the amount of draws they had, 17. This was 5 more than the next highest. Also the lack of goals was key in their struggles, their joint top scorers were Conor Wickham and Stephen Fletcher with 5 each. It was the 4th season in a row, that the manager that started the season, failed to end it, Sunderland fans will be hoping Dick Advocaat is more successful.
Prediction: 14th Actual: 16th
Player of the Season: Sebastian Larsson
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| Ki was an important part of Swansea's midfield |
I predicted Garry Monk would be sacked and Swansea would struggle. I was wrong on both counts. Swansea finished 8th, and were never below 9th all season. They were consistent all season, without putting together a run good enough to trouble the top 6, or bad enough to drop into the bottom half.
They sold Wilfried Bony for £28m, returning a £14m profit, which is very good business, and it allowed Bafetembi Gomis, to get some game time, and he returned 7 goals. Swansea have a good midfield with Sigurdsson and Ki, with Cork or Shelvey holding, and they utilise the pace of the wide men in Dyer, Routledge and Montero. they also had a strong defence with Williams and Fernandez and Fabianski providing a steady pair of hands in goal.
Prediction: 15th Actual: 8th
Player of the Season: Ki Sung-Yueng
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| Harry Kane scored 31 goals for Tottenham in 2014/15, 21 in the league, including 2 against Chelsea on New Years Day |
On the face of it a 5th place finish, is progress for Tottenham, but it did not necessarily feel that way. Defensively, they seemed very vulnerable, conceding the most goals of any team in the top half, and neither Fazio or Chiriches have convinced. However, Hugo Lloris remains one of the top keepers in the league, but is linked with Man Utd.
On the attacking front, Chadli, Eriksen and Kane were a potent threat, but Adebayor was MIA and Soldado has never looked like being the striker they hoped, when they signed him. More attacking and defensive investment is needed.
Europa League: Round of 32
Prediction: 6th Actual: 5th
Player of the Season: Harry Kane
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| Lescott signed for West Brom from Man City and is a key part of Tony Pulis' side |
Another season that looked like being a relegation battle for West Brom, as a slow start was compounded by a run of 7 defeats in 9 games, which lead to Alan Irvine's departure. WBA moved swiftly, to bring in Tony Pulis, and he ensured that relegation was not an imminent danger.
Defensively, West Brom have a strong base, with Foster in goal, and Lescott and Dawson in defence. Saido Berahino carried their attacking threat, but he is being courted by other teams, and would be a big loss, as Brown Ideye and Stephane Sessegnon haven't been able to provide regular goalscoring assistance.
Prediction: 18th Actual: 13th
Player of the Season: Joleon Lescott
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| Cresswell joined West Ham from Ipswich for about £4m |
Most fans would have taken another solid season, that ended in their first European qualification in 8 seasons (albeit via the fair play league), but West Ham have greater ambitions.
Their season started well, as they reached 3rd place, and were 5th at the half way point. But they lost their way, as players like Stewart Downing and Alex Song lost form, Kouyate went to the African Cup of Nations and Sakho and Carroll picked up injuries.
Ultimately, Sam Allardyce paid the price, not because of results, but because his style did not appease the fans, despite results, he did leave the club in a strong position, and with a European adventure as a bonus, from where he joined the club in the Championship, that is an impressive feat.
Prediction: 11th Actual: 12th
Player of the Season: Aaron Cresswell
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