And the 2012/13 season has come to an end. The last weekend saw 36 goals, 276 shots, 158 of which were on target, 186 fouls committed, 28 yellow cards and one sending off. Here are the summaries of all ten matches (in alphabetical order), each followed by a quick comparison to last season for each team, short verdict and prediction for next season:
Chelsea's player of the season Juan Mata got the game to a great start scoring the opener within seven minutes against Everton at Stamford Bridge after goalkeeper Tim Howard made a hash of of Demba Ba's attempt and gave the ball away to the Spanish midfielder to hand him his 12th league goal of the season, 18th in all competitions. The Toffees tried to end their season on a high to hand their Manchester-United-bound manager David Moyes a fine farewell and equalised thanks to Steven Naismith scoring his first goal since November. Darron Gibson hit the post and keeper Petr Cech before Fernando Torres scored the winner off free sub Moses with loads of space to play in, the Spaniard's 22nd of the season, first since December. Sub Nikica Jelavic missed three golden chances, Cech making a superb punch-save for the Londoners to hang on to the three points.
- Chelsea: 6th on 64 points to 3rd on 75 points = 3 places and 9 points better off.
- Everton: 7th on 56 points to 6th on 63 points = 1 place and 7 points better off.
=> Verdict: Both clubs will be happy with their finish, Chelsea winning the Europa League and qualifying for next season's Champions League and Everton finishing above their Red rivals again and qualifying for next season's Europa League. But with new managers on their way to both clubs, plenty of changes will be expected.
=> Prediction: Managerial change is nothing new for Chelsea, so I expect to see them in the top four again next season, especially if it will be the Special One returning to Stamford Bridge. For the other side, I think Moyes' exit will hit the blue side of the Mersey hard which may cost them a couple of places.
Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho's header was scrambled off/over the line but nothing was given before the Brazilian's superb strike from outside the box gave the home side the lead against QPR at Anfield. The relegated Rangers hardly threatened throughout the match. Veteran defender Jamie Carragher was denied an absolute screamer, producing a right-foot hammer-shot from distance for the ball to come off the bar. It would have been his first goal in six years and the perfect way to sign off his last game for the Reds and retire from football. Jose Enrique smacked a save out of Rob Green before Loic Remy saw a rare chance for Rangers go wide. It ended a comfortable win for Brendan Rodgers' men, after seeing 20 shots on target, the score could and should have been so much higher, a familiar trend for the Reds thus season.
- Liverpool: 8th on 52 points to 7th on 61 points = 1 place and 9 points better off.- QPR: 17th on 37 points to 20th on 25 points = 3 places and 12 points worse off.
=> Verdict: Harry Redknapp did not hold back criticising his side's lack of quality and commitment, forecasting hard work and lots of changes ahead to produce improvement rather than just expecting it. Short: A season to forget for QPR. Rodgers meanwhile was praising his side's strong finish to the season which he will hope to take forward to the new season, pointing out reinforcements due over the summer, especially with Carragher's retirement and Suarez's suspension and possible exit in mind, i.e. the Reds are good work in progress.
=> Prediction: If Redknapp sticks to his job and word, with QPR's financial backup, I am sure they'll be able to make a swift return to the top league. Liverpool meanwhile will have to sort out their back and front line and find strong replacements for Carra and Suarez, if they want to avoid any more trouble and take advantage of any slips and falls by their rivals and sneak a couple of places further up the table.
The post-Mancini era continued for Manchester City in clumsy fashion against Norwich. Anthony Pilkington took advantage of City's slippery defence and broke the deadlock after a quiet opening 25 minutes leaving Joe Hart totally disgusted. But the home side levelled within three minutes, Jack Rodwell equalising after a fine one-two passing game, breaking through the Norwich defence and sticking the ball into the bottom right-hand corner. The Canaries took the lead again thanks to Robert Snodgrass who produced the perfect delivery from the right for Grant Holt to net his third in as many games. Rodwell then finished off a Yaya-Toure counter to equalise seconds later once again beating Steven Whittaker in speed and slick. Six minutes later Jonathan Howson then ran through City and slid the ball into the corner of the net. Chris Hughton's men hung on to their lead and capped their fine season off with a nice, impressive win.
- Man City: 1st on 89 points to 2nd on 78 points = 1 place and 11 points worse off.- Norwich: 12th on 47 points to 11th on 44 points = 1 place better but 3 points worse off.
=> Verdict: City caretaker manager Brian Kidd summarised it as an emotional week for the club after losing their title to their bitter rivals and the FA Cup to relegated Wigan, I would summarise it as an absolute joke! Sacking the manager who won them the title and was on the fourth highest winning percentage in the Premier League just leaves you wondering, who and what the hell are they looking for?! Ok, they were in somewhat of a slump this season compared to last, but still ended second and have the potential/players/money to make a comeback and fight back hard against United. No one is perfect, no matter how much you pay! The Canaries meanwhile, much in contrast, are flying high and happy.
=> Prediction: Like Chelsea, money has the last say at City, so I expect them in the top four again, no matter who takes over the coaching part, as long as whoever-it-is gets a chance to put something together before the sack hammer bashes it apart again (Manuel Pellegrini rumoured favourite/done deal)! Norwich should build on their side's stability and aim for the top half of the table next season.
Laurent Koscielny's right-footed shot from very close range to the top centre of the goal following a set piece handed Arsenal a win at Newcastle to guarantee the Gunners Champions League football next season, just like he did on the final day of last season against West Brom. The French defender latched on to Lukas Podolski's header following Theo Walcott's free-kick to score his most important Arsenal goal as they beat bitter rivals Tottenham to fourth spot in the Premier League and the final place in Europe's elite competition.
It was the first time since September 2004 the Gunners have won five successive Premier League away games and completed a perfect turnaround for Arsene Wenger's men after completing eight wins in the last ten games and trailed Spurs by seven points in March. Despite another home defeat, the Magpies finished 16th having secured their Premier League safety against QPR last weekend, and their season finished on a relative high note as the supporters saluted 38-year-old goalkeeper Steve Harper, who played his last game for the club after a 20-year career on Tyneside. 
- Newcastle: 5th on 65 points to 16th on 41 points = 11 places and 24 points worse off.- Arsenal: 3rd on 70 points to 4th on 73 points = 1 place worse but 3 points better off.
=> Verdict: Magpies manager Alan Pardew blamed the Europa League participation and the fixture congestion and stress factor it caused for the free fall of his side, hoping it can only improve next season. Wenger's Gunners meanwhile were more than relieved after ending up in the top four and completing their 18th season in a row ahead of their bitter rivals Spurs.
=> Prediction: Newcastle can only improve as they will be able to focus on just the league next season, so I expect to see them back in the top half of the table. Like the Tyneside club, Arsenal need to back up their young side with more experienced players too if they want to avoid the slumps and chokes of this season and keep themselves in the top four.
Southampton's Rickie Lambert was denied a goal against Stoke City when he was clearly offside before netting a rebound and his 15th Premier League goal of the season to snatch a point for the Saints. The game burst into life in the second half, Peter Crouch opening the scoring with a superb header, his third goal in 2013. Steven Davis and Lambert were both denied by an alert Asmir Begovic, but a simple tap-in levelled the score in the end and the match finished 1-1, Stoke's 15th draw of the season and the Saints' 14th. It was Michael Owen's final appearance before retirement what turned out to be Tony Pulis' last game for the Potters too.
- Southampton: 2nd on 88 points (from 46 matches, promoted from Championship) to 14th on 41 points = Technically 8 places better but 47 points worse off.- Stoke City: 14th on 45 points to 13th on 42 points = 1 place better but 3 points worse off.
=> Verdict: After the shocking sacking of Nigel Adkins, Saints fans were not happy and pressure was on his replacement Mauricio Pochettino. After reaching their aim of safety and overcoming their differences, the Argentine coach can be relieved, but pressure will be on Pochettino to move Southampton forward and upwards next season. At Stoke it is all change as well with Pulis' departure after his seven years at the realm. The Welshman had obviously reached his limits with the club and with Mark Hughes confirmed as his replacement, the fans are left sour.
=> Prediction: Both clubs have made bad headlines behind the scenes this season and both don't enjoy the best relationships between board and coaching staff. Unless they can iron tout heir differences and build their sides up rather than shaking them apart, I can see both sides struggling for safety next season.
After five straight defeats, Martin Jol's Fulham finished the season on a high beating Swansea 3-0. After the home side went close thanks to Pablo Hernandez sending the ball just wide of Mark Schwarzer, Fulham came back with the perfect response with Emmanuel Frimpong netting a log through-ball with his left foot to make it 0-1. The Cottagers were rallying after the early pressure and Michel Vorm pushed one golden chance onto the bar but the Swans weren't letting off and pressed on in the second half. Schwarzer was at his best with some instinctive saves before Dimitar Berbatov made a fine run clear on goal and doubled the score for the visitors. Alexander Kacaniklic was kept out well by Vorm before Urby Emanuelson netted the rebound to make it 0-3 and a happy end to the season for Fulham. After all the chances and pressure the Swans enjoyed, the game ended just like their season has, on a disappointingly low slump winning only two out of the eleven games since their League Cup final win against Bradford, gaining only nine points out of a possible 33.
- Swansea: 11th on 47 points to 9th on 46 points = 2 places better but 1 point worse off.- Fulham: 9th on 52 points to 12th on 43 points = 3 places and 9 points worse off.
=> Verdict: As Michael Laudrup put it, it was a disappointing end to his first season at the Swans but put into perspective, it is their best ever finish and I am sure the Dane will be able to build on that. Jol conceded disappointment too in where Fulham finished and admitted they require plenty of changes to meet his ambitions of reaching the top six/seven/eight.
=> Prediction: If both managers' wishes are met and required changes and reinforcements are made, I am sure to see both sides in the top half of the table next season.
Tottenham reached their club record Premier League points tally after their 1-0 win against Sunderland. Wycombe was denied from close range by Hugo Lloris, so too Graham in the second half. Tottenham missed chance after chance too, Aaron Lennon hitting the post after a scramble before Gareth Bale was denied by Simon Mignolet. After David Vaughan was sent off for the Black Cats following his second caution of the game, none other than the star man Bale won the game for Spurs with a world-class left-foot strike. The game, goal and win was ultimately meaningless though as bitter rivals Arsenal clinched the fourth spot and with it Champions League qualification.
- Tottenham: 4th on 69 points to 5th on 72 points = 1 place worse but 3 points better off.- Sunderland: 13th on 45 points to 17th on 39 points = 4 places and 6 points worse off.
=> Verdict: Even though Spurs did not end up beating their London rivals for the last Champions League spot, I think Andre Villas-Boas can still be more than satisfied with his side's overall display after reaching their record Premier League points tally, thanks to Bale especially. The Portuguese is right to point out his side can still attract big players, because they will definitely need to if their star man decides to leave (as a Real rumour has it). Paulo Di Canio's antiques and outbursts since replacing Martin O'Neill maybe worked to keep Sunderland save, but whether the explosive Italian can make much out of the side and last long next season is a whole different ball game!
=> Prediction: If Bale decides to leave I feel Spurs will struggle to be anywhere near the top or even qualify for any European competition. If their star man stays, and AVB builds more around him, they will be in it with more than a shout. Sunderland will still be struggling as I cannot see them coming out of the Di Canio show without any bumps or bruises.
Sir Alex Ferguson's last game as Manchester United manager was an unforgettable record 10-goal draw at West Brom. The Red Devils took the lead thanks to Shinji Kagawa's header down and in. Jonas Olsson doubled the score deflecting the ball into the back of his own net before Alexander Buttner made it 0-3 with a fine diagonal shot into the right corner of the goal, the game looking over and out and too comfortable for the champions. But the home side hit back, James Morrison sending the ball through the defence and under United keeper Anders Lindegaard before substitute Romelu Lukaku beat the keeper and squeezed the ball in just about into the right corner of the net to make it 2-3. But United weren't finished, Antonio Valencia handed the ball to Robin van Persie from the right for the Dutchman to net his 30th in a United shirt before Javier Hernandez netted the visitors fifth to make it 2-5. But the Baggies hit back again with three goals in 5:14 minutes. United's defence was nowhere, Youssouf Mulumbu netting one between Lukaku's double which levelled the score 5-5 and completed the Belgian striker's hat-trick thanks to some leaky and clumsy but very entertaining football.
- West Brom: 10th on 47 points to 8th on 49 points = 2 places and 2 points better off.
- Man United: 2nd on 89 points to 1st on 89 points = 1 place better off and equal on points.
=> Verdict: Strictly statistically speaking, United are worse off compared to last season (same on points but -13 on goal difference) and would have lost out to City if they would have reached the same peak as last season. But as their blue rivals slumped, they ended up on top and master mind Fergie can end his reign on a high, after having broken more records than one can think of. The Red Devils looked confident and in control of the game more than ever and only time will tell how the big change at the top will affect the side's records. Steve Clarke meanwhile, after his first season at West Brom, can be more than happy about his side's display and finish and will hope to continue the run and build on it into the next season.
=> Prediction: After reaching their peak with Fergie, it can only go down after his retirement - or that is what their rivals hope! Moyes has a challenge ahead, but could not ask for a more complete side to start the task. It depends whether the oppositions can raise their arms and start a challenge to make the next season more exciting and knock the Red Devils off their thrown. West Brom and Clarke look like a perfect match and I feel their prospects for next season look bright and a European door may open if they can find a good attacking partnership up front and replacement for Lukaku as he returns to Chelsea.
West Ham produced a six-goal thriller with plenty of action for their home fans in their 4-2 win against relegated Reading. Alex McCarthy's clearance off Andy Carroll handed an easy chance and goal for Kevin Nolan to open the scoring for the hosts before Carroll set up Ricardo Vaz Te for a fine diagonal shot to double the score. Garath McCleary fired one goal back for the visitors in off Noble followed by the equaliser smacked in by sub Adam Le Fondre. But the Hammers were rampant and Nolan on fire, the striker controlled and netted a high cross before heading in and completing his hat-trick and the Hammers' win.
- West Ham: 3rd on 86 points (from 46 matches promoted from the Championship) to 10th on 46 points = Technically 13 places better but 40 points worse off.- Reading: 1st on 89 points (from 46 matches promoted from the Championship) to 19th on 28 points = Technically 2 places better but 61 points worse off.
=> Verdict: The Hammers' first season back in the top league could not have ended better. Even the doubters must admit, Sam Allardyce has done a fine job taking the side up into the top half of the Premier League and can only hope he can keep hold of Carroll and build on the sweet finish. Reading meanwhile got a short and bitter-sweet taste of the Premier League and after sacking their saviour and promoter Brian McDermott, the pressure will be on Nigel Adkins to take the side back up.
=> Prediction: I know many Hammer fans won't like what they are about to read, but I feel Allardyce and West Ham are a fine match and will be able to build on their first season's success. I would not be surprised if we find them in the top half of the table again next season. Reading on the other hand, I think will struggle to find it back to direct rebound promotion.
Relegated Wigan drew 2-2 with Aston Villa with some typically scrappy but entertaining football by the FA Cup winners. Darren Bent opened the score for the visitors from the edge of the box before Emmerson Boyce equalised with a powerful header. The home side took the lead when Ben Watson cleared the ball to Nathan Baker who diverted the ball into the back of his own net. Boyce missed plenty of chances, one coming off the crossbar. Ron Vlaar levelled the score in spectacular fashion bouncing the ball over the keeper. James McArthur hit the crossbar late on in the match, the game ending all-level, both teams showing why they struggled this season with some entertaining football but defensive shambles.
- Wigan: 15th on 43 points to 18th on 36 points = 3 places and 7 points worse off.- Aston Villa: 16th on 38 points to 15th on 41 points = 1 place and 3 points better off.
=> Verdict: After eight years in the Premier League, I do feel sorry for Wigan! The Latics were always a good team to watch, always up for a challenge and good at surprises. But maybe it has just been one season too many. After four years at the club, Roberto Martinez has handed in his resignation after being in talks with Everton to replace Moyes and you cannot blame him. It has also been a hard season for Paul Lambert at Villa, but he said he has loved it and is optimistic for the future and the stats speak for themselves on that point.
=> Prediction: Even without Martinez, I hope and feel Wigan will be able to bounce back into the Premier League sooner rather than later. Aston Villa themselves have been walking on a tight rope ever since O'Neill's departure and have to be careful they give Lambert enough time to rebuild the side before they make the mistake of sacking him and shaking the rope which could lead to the drop.
My Predictions => Actual Results:
Chelsea 1-1 Everton => 2-1
Liverpool 3-2 QPR => 1-0
Man City 1-2 Norwich => 2-3
Newcastle 2-1 Arsenal => 0-1
Southampton 2-1 Stoke City => 1-1
Swansea 2-1 Fulham => 0-3
Tottenham 2-1 Sunderland => 1-0
West Brom 2-1 Man United => 5-5
West Ham 2-1 Reading => 4-2
Wigan 2-1 Aston Villa => 2-2
My soccer predictor has mucked that week up, not saving all my predictions and setting them to my auto-result = 2-1.
If you want some more facts and stats on last season, read Martin Tylers picks of statistical highlights of each month of the 2012-13 season or Phil McNulty's summary of each team's season, how their managers' have fared and what their prospects are like for next season.
