A Different League's Review of 2012
With 2012 now consigned to the history books and 2013 upon us, a few of the A Different League team have taken a look back at the players, managers, moments and teams that made last year of the Premier League and elsewhere memorable, and what we might expect from the next 12 months.
Scott Johnson
Player of 2012: Sergio Aguero
A seamless transition from La Liga to the Premier League with 26 goals, including the strike that decided the title. I don’t think Premier League enthusiasts appreciate how lucky we are to be witnessing a genuine superstar in his prime.
Manager of 2012: Roberto Di Matteo
He came, he saw, he conquered, then he was no longer required. Exceeded all expectations, delivered the FA Cup, Champions League and aesthetically pleasing football. Has significantly enhanced his reputation and Chelsea’s lost will be someone else’s gain.
Team of 2012: Swansea City
Impressed everyone last season with their passing and discipline, lost their manager and key players in the summer and have managed to maintain their high standards. Well run on and off the pitch, Laudrup and Michu have proven to be inspired additions.
Moment of 2012: Sergio Aguero’s title winning goal
You don’t win the title in injury time every season, it would be churlish to not select Sergio Aguero’s winner against QPR.
Disappointment of 2012: The managerial merry-go-round
After so many managerial changes in the last twelve months, it was disappointing that David Moyes was again overlooked. Paul Lambert’s puzzling sideways move has been a disaster. The potential demonstrated at Norwich has evaporated at Villa, where he has been staggeringly naïve.
Prediction for 2013:
Man City to significantly improve but Man Utd to win the league comfortably. Roberto Mancini, Brendan Rodgers, Paul Lambert and Alan Pardew to lose their jobs, while the pursuit of Pep Guardiola becomes increasingly undignified. QPR to implode and Cardiff City to be promoted as champions.
Oli Coates
Player of 2012: Lionel Messi
Impossible to look beyond the feats of the Argentinian having found the net an unbelievable 91 times in 2012. Now considered one of the world's greats, brings much more to the game than just his phenomenal goal scoring.
Manager of 2012: Andre Villas-Boas
Having been sacked by Chelsea in March, Villas-Boas has made an excellent return to the Premier League with Spurs, guiding them to the Champions League places at the turn of the year with one of the most exciting sides in the league.
Team of 2012: Real Madrid
Reached 100 league points and scored 121 goals in winning the Spanish title by nine points over one of the greatest teams the world has ever seen in Barcelona, a titanic achievement in itself.
Moment of 2012: Gary Neville's reaction to Torres goal in Nou Camp
Neville's outpouring of pure ecstasy encapsulated Chelsea's joy at overcoming the might of Barcelona to reach the Champions League Final, whilst laying bear English football's most insightful pundit's sheer passion for the game.
Disappointment of 2012: The plight of Blackburn Rovers
Relegated from the top division in May and now languishing in 15th in the second tier of English football, a club once run through Jack Walker's love for the game and the town has become a laughing stock.
Prediction for 2013:
Manchester United to reclaim the Premier League title following the disappointment of last season, Mancini to be sacked at Manchester City, and Barcelona to continue their domination of Europe with Champions League success and the return of Pep Guardiola.
Mushtaq Quraishi
Player of 2012: Robin van Persie
The Dutchman ended last season with a remarkable tally of 30 Premier League goals for Arsenal, convincing Manchester United to part with £24m to sign him. Van Persie has carried that form into this campaign and is leading the charts with 14 top-flight goals.
Manager of 2012: Arsene Wenger
The Frenchman has been under intense pressure, yet despite recording a low net-spend, the Gunners achieved a superb third-place top-flight finish last term - a feat Wenger will be looking to repeat again this season while guiding Arsenal through the Champions League knockout stages.
Team of 2012: Swansea City
The promoted Welsh side stunned the Premier League by sealing an impressive 11th place finish while playing some superb football under Brendan Rodgers last season - and the Swans are currently sitting in the top-half despite a change in management.
Moment of 2012: Sergio Aguero’s title-winning goal
“Balotelli, he’s got it through, it’s Sergio Aguerooooo,” boomed the BBC commentator as the Argentine striker sealed Manchester City’s Premier League title win in the most incredible manner. It was a truly unforgettable moment and a famous victory.
Disappointment of 2012: Fans’ treatment of reputable managers
Arsene Wenger has delivered three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and Champions League football season after season with Arsenal, yet is shown little respect by some. The Chelsea fans’ continued poor treatment of La Liga and Champions League winner Rafael Benitez is equally disappointing.
Prediction for 2013:
More goals, more diving and less respect for referees in the Premier League. Expect Chelsea to keep the pressure on the title-chasing Manchester sides. Southampton will survive the drop, while Swansea and West Ham should push for top-half finishes. I believe Arsenal will finish in the top-four once again, leaving Wenger’s critics looking foolish.
See what the expert tipsters are tipping on OLBG
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