Arsenal must be dreading their trip to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City. So often the bogey team for Arsenal, they must be glad to come away from the fixture with a point.
Some will say this is just another game, unlike the local derbies or top of the table clash. But is this really so? Not, according to the fortune tellers among the fans.
They will look into the history books and point out a fact. In the past 5 seasons, no eventual league champion has lost at the Britannia Stadium.
Looking at the likely contenders for the title this season, Stoke has beaten both Manchester clubs while Tottenham has yet to visit Stoke. Only Arsenal and Leicester has gone and came away without suffering a defeat. If we are to push further, Liverpool has recorded a win.
The historians in them went further. Out of the five seasons, four teams who led the table on New Year's Day remain in top spot at the end of the season. And the club who is leading the pack on New Year's Day, Arsenal.
Putting both "facts" together, the fortune telling instinct kicks in and they predicted that the Gunners will be crowned champions come May. It is written in the stars, they says.
How far is their prediction from the reality? Let us look at the statistic provided by WhoScored.com.
With an overall rating of 7.07, Arsenal are the top in terms of performance points, followed closely by Leicester with a score of 7.02.
Arsenal under Wenger's reign is known for their possession and passing game. While they have somewhat change their tactics this season, they are still among the top of the pile with 55.8% possession and 84.3% successful passes.
One surprising stats is the number of goals from counter-attack. Speed is essential during a counter attack and with a forward line consisting of Sanchez, Walcott, Chamberlain and aided by Bellerin raiding down the right flank, they have plenty of it. How they cannot take advantage of it is anyone's guess.
Topping almost in all categories, it does looks like the London club is in for a real shout. The fortune tellers could be right afterall.
But there is one fact they missed out. The only team which was at the top on New Year's Day and failed to win the title, ARSENAL.
Do you think Arsenal will end their 12 years wait for the league title?
Showing posts with label Stoke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stoke. Show all posts
Thursday, 21 January 2016
Monday, 28 December 2015
Leicester and Arsenal loses
Bojan Krkic put Stoke ahead and Marko Arnautovic added a superb second to condemn Manchester United to their third consecutive defeat in the Premier League.
Bournemouth and Crystal Palace played out a goal-less draw, a result which maintained the unbeaten run in December for both team.
Diego Costa put Chelsea ahead but Troy Deeney to level the score from the penalty spot. Odion Ighalo then put Watford ahead only for Diego Costa to score his second of the match. Oscar has a chance to put Chelsea back in front but miss from the spot.
Remi Garde's winless run as manager of Aston Villa continues as the Villians were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham. Aaron Cresswell put the visitor ahead but Jordan Ayew converted his penalty to level things up.
Liverpool ended eicester City's 10 games unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory. Christian Benteke scored the only goal of the game.
Raheem Sterling opened the scoring for Manchester City before goals from Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony gave the home team a 3-0 half-time lead. Kevin de Bruyne added a fourth. Fabio Borini scored a consolation goal for Sunderland.
Sung-Yueng Ki scored the only goal in the match between Swansea City and West Brom. The result snapped the Swans' 7 games winless streak.
Tottenham defeated Norwich 3-0 with two first half goals from Harry Kane and another by Jonathan Howson in the second period.
A late goal by Tom Cleverley ensure Everton leaves St. James Park with all three points.
Southampton inflicted Arsenal's heaviest defeat of the season. Cuco Martina opened the scoring with a brilliant goal. Shane Long added a second before Jose Miguel Fonte punished the Gunners sloppy defending from a corner. Long rounded off the scoring with his second of the night.
Top five performing team *
Arsenal: 7.09
Leicester: 7.03
Tottenham: 7.01
Man City: 6.99
Everton: 6.92
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.26
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): 7.86
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 7.69
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 7.68
Dimitri Payet: 7.68
* all statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Bournemouth and Crystal Palace played out a goal-less draw, a result which maintained the unbeaten run in December for both team.
Diego Costa put Chelsea ahead but Troy Deeney to level the score from the penalty spot. Odion Ighalo then put Watford ahead only for Diego Costa to score his second of the match. Oscar has a chance to put Chelsea back in front but miss from the spot.
Remi Garde's winless run as manager of Aston Villa continues as the Villians were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham. Aaron Cresswell put the visitor ahead but Jordan Ayew converted his penalty to level things up.
Liverpool ended eicester City's 10 games unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory. Christian Benteke scored the only goal of the game.
Raheem Sterling opened the scoring for Manchester City before goals from Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony gave the home team a 3-0 half-time lead. Kevin de Bruyne added a fourth. Fabio Borini scored a consolation goal for Sunderland.
Sung-Yueng Ki scored the only goal in the match between Swansea City and West Brom. The result snapped the Swans' 7 games winless streak.
Tottenham defeated Norwich 3-0 with two first half goals from Harry Kane and another by Jonathan Howson in the second period.
A late goal by Tom Cleverley ensure Everton leaves St. James Park with all three points.
Southampton inflicted Arsenal's heaviest defeat of the season. Cuco Martina opened the scoring with a brilliant goal. Shane Long added a second before Jose Miguel Fonte punished the Gunners sloppy defending from a corner. Long rounded off the scoring with his second of the night.
Top five performing team *
Arsenal: 7.09
Leicester: 7.03
Tottenham: 7.01
Man City: 6.99
Everton: 6.92
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.26
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): 7.86
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 7.69
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 7.68
Dimitri Payet: 7.68
* all statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Monday, 7 December 2015
Leicester goes top while Chelsea lost at home again
Marko Arnautovic scored twice within the first 15 minutes to condemn the Manchester City to their second defeat in three games.
Joel Campbell put the host ahead but Olivier Giroud's own goal ensure both teams went into half time on level time. The Frenchman scored on the right end to put Arsenal ahead and Aaron Ramsey ensure the victory.
When Manchester United hosted West Ham, it was the third best home record versus the third best away record. The result was both side cancelling each other out in a 0-0 draw.
Southampton was held to a 1-1 draw at home against Aston Villa. Joleon Lescott put the away team ahead before Oriol Romeu equalised in the second half.
Leicester moved to the top of the table with a 3-0 victory over Swansea City. Riyad Mahrez scored all three goals.
The match between two newly promoted teams saw the home team grabbing all three points. Troy Deeney put the home team ahead and Odion Ighalo added a second in the 90th minute.
FT West Bromwich Albion 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur
Spoils were shared between West Brom and Tottenham. Dele Alli put the visitors ahead but were held back when James McClean equalised for the home side.
Chelsea's dreadful season continues as they slumped to another home defeat, their fourth this season. Glenn Murray scored the only goal of the game.
Newcastle grabbed a much needed victory to move above cross-town rival Sunderland in the league table. Martin Skrtel put through his own net before Georginio Wijnaldum confirmed all three points.
Crystal Palace went ahead through Scott Dann before in-form striker, Romelu Lukaku, equalised for the home team.
Top five performing team *
Arsenal : 7.14
Leicester: 7.04
Tottenham: 7
Manchester City: 6.99
Everton: 6.94
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.33
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): 7.86
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 7.82
Mousa Dembele (Tottenham): 7.72
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 7.68
* all statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Joel Campbell put the host ahead but Olivier Giroud's own goal ensure both teams went into half time on level time. The Frenchman scored on the right end to put Arsenal ahead and Aaron Ramsey ensure the victory.
When Manchester United hosted West Ham, it was the third best home record versus the third best away record. The result was both side cancelling each other out in a 0-0 draw.
Southampton was held to a 1-1 draw at home against Aston Villa. Joleon Lescott put the away team ahead before Oriol Romeu equalised in the second half.
Leicester moved to the top of the table with a 3-0 victory over Swansea City. Riyad Mahrez scored all three goals.
The match between two newly promoted teams saw the home team grabbing all three points. Troy Deeney put the home team ahead and Odion Ighalo added a second in the 90th minute.
FT West Bromwich Albion 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur
Spoils were shared between West Brom and Tottenham. Dele Alli put the visitors ahead but were held back when James McClean equalised for the home side.
Chelsea's dreadful season continues as they slumped to another home defeat, their fourth this season. Glenn Murray scored the only goal of the game.
Newcastle grabbed a much needed victory to move above cross-town rival Sunderland in the league table. Martin Skrtel put through his own net before Georginio Wijnaldum confirmed all three points.
Crystal Palace went ahead through Scott Dann before in-form striker, Romelu Lukaku, equalised for the home team.
Top five performing team *
Arsenal : 7.14
Leicester: 7.04
Tottenham: 7
Manchester City: 6.99
Everton: 6.94
Top five performing players *
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): 8.33
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal): 7.86
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): 7.82
Mousa Dembele (Tottenham): 7.72
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 7.68
* all statistics provided by WhoScored.com
Sunday, 6 September 2015
Home comfort no longer an advantage
Whether the club is fighting for the title or fending off relegation, home results are important. With familiar surroundings and the home crowd roaring the team on, the home team certainly has the advantage.
But is this the case? Not, if one look at the results from the first 40 games in the Premier League. It reads, played 40, 9 wins, 14 draws and 17 defeats.
Among the casulties, Chelsea and Stoke City, who have gained a reputation of being hard to beat at home. Between them, they have garnered just a single point.
So, did the teams performed better away from their comfort zone?
Let us take a look at the statistics, provided by WhoScored.com
Shots per game / Possession (%) / Pass Success (%) / Aerials Won / Rating
Manchester City
[home] 18 / 53.2 / 87.9 / 12 / 7.31
[away] 18 / 58.4 / 88.5 / 14 / 7.29
Swansea
[home] 14 / 50.5 / 84.0 / 12.5 / 7.10
[away] 18.5 / 53.8 / 81.8 / 19 / 6.90
Arsenal
[home] 20.5 / 60.8 / 85.4 / 26 / 7.03
[away] 21 / 62.5 / 88.7 / 14 / 7.05
Leicester
[home] 16 / 42.6 / 70.8 / 16 / 7.00
[away] 7 / 40.9 / 65.7 / 20.5 / 6.85
Watford
[home] 14.5 / 55.3 / 79.5 / 21 / 6.93
[away] 9 / 40.9 / 79.7 / 16 / 6.77
Manchester United
[home] 14.5 / 56.6 / 86.1 / 10.5 / 6.91
[away] 10 / 57.7 / 84.0 / 20 / 6.80
Southampton
[home] 20 / 56.0 / 84.9 / 18.5 / 6.90
[away] 14 / 47.9 / 77.2 / 22.5 / 6.99
Aston Villa
[home] 13 / 52.2 / 82.5 / 20.5 / 6.88
[away] 9 / 47.4 / 78.6 / 22 / 6.94
Tottenham
[home] 16.5 / 50.8 / 82.9 / 16.5 / 6.86
[away] 14 / 55.4 / 82.3 / 18 / 6.69
Crystal Palace
[home] 13.5 / 46.8 / 79.8 / 19.5 / 6.75
[away] 12 / 40.7 / 74.0 / 11.5 / 7.04
Chelsea
[home] 18.5 / 55.1 / 82.2 / 17.5 / 6.74
[away] 12.5 / 53.1 / 82.1 / 18.5 / 6.58
Everton
[home] 10 / 53.8 / 81.3 / 15.5 / 6.69
[away] 9 / 48.6 / 81.6 / 14 / 7.06
Sunderland
[home] 8 / 43.1 / 68.6 / 15.5 / 6.63
[away] 9 / 47.9 / 76.3 / 23.5 / 6.68
Liverpool
[home] 15.5 / 56.7 / 83.7 / 20 / 6.60
[away] 11.5 / 45.5 / 75.8 / 25 / 7.10
Newcastle United
[home] 5 / 42.7 / 79.9 / 11.5 / 6.57
[away] 5.5 / 37.1 / 75.4 / 10 / 6.62
Norwich
[home] 18.5 / 51.6 / 80.9 / 10.5 / 6.56
[away] 12 / 48.0 / 76.7 / 16.5 / 6.64
Bournemouth
[home] 8 / 54.9 / 80.0 / 21.5 / 6.52
[away] 14 / 49.6 / 74.5 / 22 / 6.78
Stoke
[home] 10 / 48.0 / 78.8 / 14 / 6.46
[away] 10.5 / 52.1 / 82.8 / 11.5 / 6.75
West Ham
[home] 10 / 54.7 / 78.1 / 23 / 6.45
[away] 10 / 40.9 / 72.1 / 16.5 / 7.28
West Brom
[home] 12 / 40.6 / 78.6 / 11 / 6.43
[away] 10.5 / 45.4 / 79.4 / 18 / 6.96
Looking at the numbers, this is definitely so, with only 7 teams managed a better average home ratings.
Why is this so? A theory is that the home teams have to take the game to the oppositions and in the process, exposed themselves to the counter-attack which the away teams usually deployed.
But whatever the reason, one can be sure that as the season progress, it will be business as usual.
But is this the case? Not, if one look at the results from the first 40 games in the Premier League. It reads, played 40, 9 wins, 14 draws and 17 defeats.
Among the casulties, Chelsea and Stoke City, who have gained a reputation of being hard to beat at home. Between them, they have garnered just a single point.
So, did the teams performed better away from their comfort zone?
Let us take a look at the statistics, provided by WhoScored.com
Shots per game / Possession (%) / Pass Success (%) / Aerials Won / Rating
Manchester City
[home] 18 / 53.2 / 87.9 / 12 / 7.31
[away] 18 / 58.4 / 88.5 / 14 / 7.29
Swansea
[home] 14 / 50.5 / 84.0 / 12.5 / 7.10
[away] 18.5 / 53.8 / 81.8 / 19 / 6.90
Arsenal
[home] 20.5 / 60.8 / 85.4 / 26 / 7.03
[away] 21 / 62.5 / 88.7 / 14 / 7.05
Leicester
[home] 16 / 42.6 / 70.8 / 16 / 7.00
[away] 7 / 40.9 / 65.7 / 20.5 / 6.85
Watford
[home] 14.5 / 55.3 / 79.5 / 21 / 6.93
[away] 9 / 40.9 / 79.7 / 16 / 6.77
Manchester United
[home] 14.5 / 56.6 / 86.1 / 10.5 / 6.91
[away] 10 / 57.7 / 84.0 / 20 / 6.80
Southampton
[home] 20 / 56.0 / 84.9 / 18.5 / 6.90
[away] 14 / 47.9 / 77.2 / 22.5 / 6.99
Aston Villa
[home] 13 / 52.2 / 82.5 / 20.5 / 6.88
[away] 9 / 47.4 / 78.6 / 22 / 6.94
Tottenham
[home] 16.5 / 50.8 / 82.9 / 16.5 / 6.86
[away] 14 / 55.4 / 82.3 / 18 / 6.69
Crystal Palace
[home] 13.5 / 46.8 / 79.8 / 19.5 / 6.75
[away] 12 / 40.7 / 74.0 / 11.5 / 7.04
Chelsea
[home] 18.5 / 55.1 / 82.2 / 17.5 / 6.74
[away] 12.5 / 53.1 / 82.1 / 18.5 / 6.58
Everton
[home] 10 / 53.8 / 81.3 / 15.5 / 6.69
[away] 9 / 48.6 / 81.6 / 14 / 7.06
Sunderland
[home] 8 / 43.1 / 68.6 / 15.5 / 6.63
[away] 9 / 47.9 / 76.3 / 23.5 / 6.68
Liverpool
[home] 15.5 / 56.7 / 83.7 / 20 / 6.60
[away] 11.5 / 45.5 / 75.8 / 25 / 7.10
Newcastle United
[home] 5 / 42.7 / 79.9 / 11.5 / 6.57
[away] 5.5 / 37.1 / 75.4 / 10 / 6.62
Norwich
[home] 18.5 / 51.6 / 80.9 / 10.5 / 6.56
[away] 12 / 48.0 / 76.7 / 16.5 / 6.64
Bournemouth
[home] 8 / 54.9 / 80.0 / 21.5 / 6.52
[away] 14 / 49.6 / 74.5 / 22 / 6.78
Stoke
[home] 10 / 48.0 / 78.8 / 14 / 6.46
[away] 10.5 / 52.1 / 82.8 / 11.5 / 6.75
West Ham
[home] 10 / 54.7 / 78.1 / 23 / 6.45
[away] 10 / 40.9 / 72.1 / 16.5 / 7.28
West Brom
[home] 12 / 40.6 / 78.6 / 11 / 6.43
[away] 10.5 / 45.4 / 79.4 / 18 / 6.96
Looking at the numbers, this is definitely so, with only 7 teams managed a better average home ratings.
Why is this so? A theory is that the home teams have to take the game to the oppositions and in the process, exposed themselves to the counter-attack which the away teams usually deployed.
But whatever the reason, one can be sure that as the season progress, it will be business as usual.
Monday, 22 June 2015
Season 2014/15 in review
Chelsea won the double of League title and cup. Arsenal retained their FA Cup. Hull, Burnley and QPR were relegated to the Championship and Manchester United snatched back their Champions League position.
We look back at the 2014/15 season and give our verdicts on the performances for the teams.
Chelsea - Led the table from day 1 and never relinguish the position, clinching the title with 3 games to spare. Beside the title, the Blues was won the League Cup. Our verdict: Excellent. Whoscored.com rating: 7.28
Man City - As the saying goes, "Winning the title is hard, retaining it is harder". Manchester City season prove just about right. The collective lost of form from the core players like Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero was their achilles heel. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.29.
Arsenal - Poor start means their title challenge was over by November. Put together an amazing run of 9 wins in 11 games towards the end. But gap proved too huge to overcome. Retain the FA Cup in emphatic style. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.38.
Man Utd - The appointment of Louis Van Gaal and new signings like Angel Di Maria, Macros Rojo, Luke Shaw, Danny Blind and Ander Herrara gave the fans plenty of look forward to. But, the Red Devils proved to be very much a team in transition. More importantly, they wrestle back their Champions League spot. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com: 7.20
Tottenham - Touted as the team to break the big four stranglehold but ended up as the bridesmaid yet again. The emergence of Harry Kane was the highlight of their season. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.08
Liverpool - After coming to within a whisker of finally ending their 25 years wait for the league title, Reds' fans started the season with high hopes. But the sale of Luis Suarez and the injuries substained by Daniel Sturridge dashed all hopes. Managed to make it to the semi-finals of both the FA and Capital One Cup but fans expected more. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com: 7.06
Southampton - After the mass exodus of players, many predicted that Southampton will struggle. However, they exceed all expectation and remain in the top four for most part of the early season. Falter towards the end but still, managed to qualify for Europe next season. Surprise team of the season. Our verdict: Excellent. Whoscored.com rating: 7.08
Swansea - A mid table club who is not expected to challenge the big boys. However, they managed to overcome the lost of star striker Wilfried Bony, who joined Manchester City in the January transfer window, to stay in the top half of the table. Our rating: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.03
Stoke - Another of the mid table team, without any high hopes going into the season. Did well to retain their 9th position. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com: 7.04.
Crystal Palace - "One man's poison is another's meat". You can said that about Crystal Palace and Alan Pardew. Much hatred at the St James' Park, Pardew left the Magpies to join a Palace stuck in relegation zone and guided them to 10th position, their highest ever position in the Premier League. Pardew became the only manager to take over a club in relegation zone and eventually guided them to the top half of the table. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.00.
Everton - This is the season whereby we were suppose to see the rise of Ross Barkley after his breakthrough season the previous year. However, he did not really set the league on fire. So too did Everton. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com rating: 6.96.
West Ham - The highlight of an otherwise average season is their qualification to the Europa League first qualifying round after finishing top of the Premier League Fair Play table. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com rating: 7.01.
West Brom - Another of the mid table club who managed to meet what must be their main objective, which is to stay in the Premier League. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com rating: 6.91.
Leicester - Started the season brilliantly but lost their way. Look set for relegation until they went on an amazing run, collecting 22 points out of a possible 30 to secure their survival. Our verdict: Excellent. Whoscored.com: 7.02
Newcastle - Appointed John Carver in January after Alan Pardew left to join Crystal Palace. Under Carver, Newcastle only managed to collective 12 points in 18 games. A win on the last day of the season secured their survival. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.89.
Sunderland - Draw specialist (17) and joint-second lowest goal scoring team, Sunderland spent the entire season hovering around the relegation positions. The club parted way with Gus Poyet and Dick Advocat was named as the replacement. The Blacks Cats eventually did just enough to retain their Premier League status. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.89.
Aston Villa - Joint-second lowest goal scoring team, Aston Villa parted way with Paul Lambert in February. The appointment of Tim Sherwood coincide with an upturn in form. They managed to fend off relegation and made it in the FA Cup. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com: 6.82.
Hull - After the highs of playing in the Europa League as a losing finalist in the 2013-14 FA Cup, Hull was brought back to earth with a heavy landing. After a relatively good start, The Tigers managed only 5 points out of possible 30 during the Nov-Dec period. They tried to fight against the odds but was unable to reverse it, Newcastle's final day victory condemn Hull to the Championship next season. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.92
Burnley - One of the favourites for the drop, Burnley put on a valiant fight but the difference in class was simply too great. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.91
QPR - The London club only managed to get their first away win, and indeed the first away points, in their 11th attempt. With such absyml away record, it is no wonder that they have been around their relegation zone. And their fate was sealed when they got hammered 6-0 by Manchester City. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.91
We look back at the 2014/15 season and give our verdicts on the performances for the teams.
Chelsea - Led the table from day 1 and never relinguish the position, clinching the title with 3 games to spare. Beside the title, the Blues was won the League Cup. Our verdict: Excellent. Whoscored.com rating: 7.28
Man City - As the saying goes, "Winning the title is hard, retaining it is harder". Manchester City season prove just about right. The collective lost of form from the core players like Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero was their achilles heel. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.29.
Arsenal - Poor start means their title challenge was over by November. Put together an amazing run of 9 wins in 11 games towards the end. But gap proved too huge to overcome. Retain the FA Cup in emphatic style. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.38.
Man Utd - The appointment of Louis Van Gaal and new signings like Angel Di Maria, Macros Rojo, Luke Shaw, Danny Blind and Ander Herrara gave the fans plenty of look forward to. But, the Red Devils proved to be very much a team in transition. More importantly, they wrestle back their Champions League spot. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com: 7.20
Tottenham - Touted as the team to break the big four stranglehold but ended up as the bridesmaid yet again. The emergence of Harry Kane was the highlight of their season. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.08
Liverpool - After coming to within a whisker of finally ending their 25 years wait for the league title, Reds' fans started the season with high hopes. But the sale of Luis Suarez and the injuries substained by Daniel Sturridge dashed all hopes. Managed to make it to the semi-finals of both the FA and Capital One Cup but fans expected more. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com: 7.06
Southampton - After the mass exodus of players, many predicted that Southampton will struggle. However, they exceed all expectation and remain in the top four for most part of the early season. Falter towards the end but still, managed to qualify for Europe next season. Surprise team of the season. Our verdict: Excellent. Whoscored.com rating: 7.08
Swansea - A mid table club who is not expected to challenge the big boys. However, they managed to overcome the lost of star striker Wilfried Bony, who joined Manchester City in the January transfer window, to stay in the top half of the table. Our rating: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.03
Stoke - Another of the mid table team, without any high hopes going into the season. Did well to retain their 9th position. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com: 7.04.
Crystal Palace - "One man's poison is another's meat". You can said that about Crystal Palace and Alan Pardew. Much hatred at the St James' Park, Pardew left the Magpies to join a Palace stuck in relegation zone and guided them to 10th position, their highest ever position in the Premier League. Pardew became the only manager to take over a club in relegation zone and eventually guided them to the top half of the table. Our verdict: Good. Whoscored.com rating: 7.00.
Everton - This is the season whereby we were suppose to see the rise of Ross Barkley after his breakthrough season the previous year. However, he did not really set the league on fire. So too did Everton. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com rating: 6.96.
West Ham - The highlight of an otherwise average season is their qualification to the Europa League first qualifying round after finishing top of the Premier League Fair Play table. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com rating: 7.01.
West Brom - Another of the mid table club who managed to meet what must be their main objective, which is to stay in the Premier League. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com rating: 6.91.
Leicester - Started the season brilliantly but lost their way. Look set for relegation until they went on an amazing run, collecting 22 points out of a possible 30 to secure their survival. Our verdict: Excellent. Whoscored.com: 7.02
Newcastle - Appointed John Carver in January after Alan Pardew left to join Crystal Palace. Under Carver, Newcastle only managed to collective 12 points in 18 games. A win on the last day of the season secured their survival. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.89.
Sunderland - Draw specialist (17) and joint-second lowest goal scoring team, Sunderland spent the entire season hovering around the relegation positions. The club parted way with Gus Poyet and Dick Advocat was named as the replacement. The Blacks Cats eventually did just enough to retain their Premier League status. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.89.
Aston Villa - Joint-second lowest goal scoring team, Aston Villa parted way with Paul Lambert in February. The appointment of Tim Sherwood coincide with an upturn in form. They managed to fend off relegation and made it in the FA Cup. Our verdict: Average. Whoscored.com: 6.82.
Hull - After the highs of playing in the Europa League as a losing finalist in the 2013-14 FA Cup, Hull was brought back to earth with a heavy landing. After a relatively good start, The Tigers managed only 5 points out of possible 30 during the Nov-Dec period. They tried to fight against the odds but was unable to reverse it, Newcastle's final day victory condemn Hull to the Championship next season. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.92
Burnley - One of the favourites for the drop, Burnley put on a valiant fight but the difference in class was simply too great. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.91
QPR - The London club only managed to get their first away win, and indeed the first away points, in their 11th attempt. With such absyml away record, it is no wonder that they have been around their relegation zone. And their fate was sealed when they got hammered 6-0 by Manchester City. Our verdict: Poor. Whoscored.com rating: 6.91
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