Manchester United
It has been a typical United seasons - some soaring highs (8-2 win against Arsenal, 3-3 draw with Chelsea, etc.) and some prostate lows (6-1 thrashing by City, both games against Bilbao and the general lack of performance in European competition). However, most United fans would agree that winning the premier league would count as a massive success.
Compared to last season, when United's away form was abject, this season has proved to be a success in games away from home. I think that may have to do with the tactical set up rather than just a chance event. Last season, United relied on a tight defense to keep the point total ticking. This season, in the absence of Nemanja vidic, United's play has been based on attacking football relying on the creativity of Giggsy, Carrick, Scholes, Rooney, Nani and Valencia. Carrick has finally recovered the sort of form that he was in when he first signed for United in 2006.
In order to win the premier league, United has to navigate a couple of tricky fixtures - Blackburn, City and Sunderland away. However, I still predict them to do the job and win the league by 2 points.
Player of the season - Johnny Evans. Despite his fault in the City thrashing, Evans has been the best defender at United this season. His reading of the game is exceptional and he has added an ability to carry the ball forward - much like Rio used to do. His composure has also improved.
Signing of the season - David de Gea. Most people would give this one to phil Jones. However, I think De Gea has proven all his critics wrong in the latter half of the season and is probably the biggest reason why United are still in this title race - let alone in sitting pretty on top of the league.
Flop of the season - Anderson. Anderson came to United as one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe. After a great first season, Ando has regressed into an injury-prone, erratic and somewhat disinterested player. His only saving grace is that United are really short in midfield.
Villain of the season Patrice Evra. His celebration in front of Luis Suarez, after the win at Old Trafford, was unwarranted and pathetic - especially from the club captain. In my opinion, he was not vilified enough for the same.
Chelsea
Predicted by many, at the start of the season, to be the only real challengers to Manchester City, Chelsea has had a topsy-tuvy year to say the least. From the annual manager firing to the re-emergence of the old guard, Chelsea are the only english club still in the Champions league and long may that continue.
The problem for Chelsea is the same problem they have faced for the last 5 years: The shadow of a certain Mr. Mourinho. Unfortunately, despite the attempts of Andres villas-boas (AVB) to erect a new style of football at the club, the direct style of Mourinho is instilled in the likes of Drogba, Terry and Lampard. Honestly, I enjoyed watching Chelsea play under AVB - Chelsea had a fluency to their game that was refreshing to watch. Particularly their performance in the QPR game - where despite being down to 9 men - they bossed the match - gave me belief that Chelsea were headed in the right direction. Obviously, what they were missing was a trust in the manager which lead to nervousness within the ranks. Given Chelsea's fixture list (tricky games against Liverpool and Arsenal), I predict they will be unable to climb out of 5th place, but will reach the final of the champions league - this may be counter-intuitive, but I think they may be capable of beating Barcelona but will lose to Madrid in the final... After which Di Matteo will be replaced with Bielsa (manager at Athletico Bilbao) in the summer.
Player of the season - Raul Meireles - Sure he may have an erratic game. But, Meireles has become an indispensible portion of the Chelsea machine since he signed from Liverpool. His distribution is fantastic and he has bulked up to add more of a physical presence. It is because of Meireles that the drop in form of Mikel and Essien has not been more disastrous for Chelsea.
Signing of the season - Juan Mata - One of my favorite players in the premier league. Skill, vision, speed - he has everything. Probably the key to a certain Mr. Torres rediscovering his form.
Flop of the season - No prizes for guessing this one - Fernando torres. Although his performances have improved lately, Torres' goal-scoring ratio is outrageously poor for a player of his ability. It is hard to understand what is going on - and it is incorrect to simply blame Chelsea - his performances started dropping before the 2010 world cup. Let's not forget THAT miss against United...
Villain of the season - John Terry - you know - the nicest guy in football.
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