2011-12 Season Awards: Part One

After a season in the Premier League described by many as the greatest ever, it's time to take a reflective look on it with an awards ceremony. This is the first of a three part series.



GOAL OF THE SEASON

NOMINATIONS

Robin Van Persie v Liverpool, Peter Crouch v Manchester City, Luis Suarez v Norwich, Papiss Cisse v Chelsea, Hatem Ben Arfa v Bolton, Gareth Bale v Manchester City.

Robin Van Persie vs Liverpool – A brilliant injury time winner from Robin Van Persie as the Dutch genius steals a game in which Arsenal were well outplayed, the only reason they won was RVP’s double. His second in particular, in the 92^nd minute, was an absolute peach. Volleys are hard to get right anyway, but in injury time, in a crucial game, at a near impossible angle, only someone with his talent could pull it off. And boy, he did. Alex Song’s lobbed pass found Van Persie who was marginally onside. The Dutchman made a superb run and volleyed home from an acute angle on that sweet left foot of his, firing past Pepe Reina.

Luis Suarez vs Norwich – The performance throughout the whole game was excellent, and this goal epitomised everything that is Luis Suarez. A crashing 45 yard goal from the Uruguyan to seal his hat trick. No-one saw a goal like this coming, it was reminiscent of Xabi Alonso’s against Newcastle. Suarez collected the ball, and powered home an unstoppable shot into the top corner of John Ruddy’s goal to finish the match. His first two goals were good enough, but to get the perfect accuracy and power took a player with special ability, a world class player. It got one.

Peter Crouch vs Manchester City – This is a goal which is just beautiful. Stoke get a lot of criticism for playing their brand of “ugly” football, but there was nothing ugly about this sensational strike from England’s Peter Crouch against the Premier League champions. It started off with Stoke’s usual route to goal, a long goal kick. A few headers later, the ball has fallen to Crouch at the edge of the penalty area. Somehow he flicked it up and half volleyed it with so much power and precision that it unbelievably smashed past Joe Hart, one of the league’s top goalkeepers, and left the City number one fuming. A simply wonderful goal from Crouch.

Papiss Cisse vs Chelsea – This goal is just on another planet. How is this even possible? Papiss Cisse was a revelation in his first four months in the Premier League at Newcastle, but surely his double against Chelsea is what he’ll most be remembered for. The first was pretty good, but the second is untrue. A long throw came in and was headed on by Demba Ba, to Cisse. As Cisse began his shot Ba walked away, expecting it to go way over the bar. Instead, somehow, and only he knows how, his connection with the ball was perfect, and it made Petr Cech look stupid as it flew past him. Frankly though, twelve goalkeepers wouldn’t have stopped that. Not only did he get his team a vital 2-0 win in the battle for the Champions League spots, he also defied the laws of physics.

Hatem Ben Arfa vs Bolton – In the Premier League’s history, there haven’t been as many solo goals as impressive as this one from “The Geordie Messi.” This is a goal Lionel himself would’ve been proud of as Ben Arfa set his team on their way to a 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers. He collected the ball just behind the centre circle, before brilliantly turning and humiliating the first defender in his way. He outpaced another and avoided a sliding tackle before the momentum continued and he took a stunning touch to get in between two defenders, moving through a gap which looked impossible to get through, and then finally slotted home coolly past Adam Bogdan to score one of the greatest Premier League goals ever. All that in eight seconds.

Gareth Bale vs Manchester City – I’ve been very critical of Bale in the past, I feel he is quite over-rated. But this goal is something special. Bale is passed the ball by Kyle Walker, who has made a brilliant run on the edge of the box, and Bale is around 30 yards out from goal but as soon as he receives it the Welsh wizard fires a stunning first time left footed strike, which curls brilliantly into the net. Joe Hart, one of the best keepers in the league, can do nothing about it, largely down to the beautiful curl Bale puts on the ball.

Winner - Hatem Ben Arfa vs Bolton. In a season where there were an abnormally high number of great goals, this one was just incredible. The run he went on was unreal and the finish as cool as ever. This goal alone is why he ranks so highly amongst players in the Premier League.

GAME OF THE SEASON
NOMINATIONS

Manchester Utd 8-2 Arsenal, Chelsea 3-3 Manchester Utd, Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham, Manchester Utd 4-4 Everton, Manchester Utd 1-6 Manchester City, Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal.

Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal – A very dark day in the history of Arsenal football club as Manchester United hit eight past them in an unbelievable Premier League match. Wayne Rooney got a hat-trick as United completely dismantled a dire Arsenal. Rooney’s treble included two beautiful free-kicks, while Ashley Young got two stunners of his own. It really was a mental match, one that Arsene Wenger won’t forget for a long time. It threatened to derail the rest of Arsenal's season, such was the shock, intensity and weight of defeat thrown on the Gunners.

Chelsea 3-3 Manchester United – A game in which United demonstrated their fighting qualities and Championship credentials. Andre Villas Boas’ team were in fine form in the first half and it was an own goal which got them the lead. Almost instantly as the second half kicked off, they were two ahead after a stunning volley from Juan Mata. They looked unassailable when David Luiz made it three four minutes late. But United hadn’t given up. They were awarded two penalties in ten minutes, both of which expertly converted by Wayne Rooney, and at 3-2 it was all on. Javier Hernandez levelled the thrilling match with six minutes left but David de Gea had to make two great saves from Mata and Cahill late on.

Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham – The Man United comeback against Chelsea was good, but this was on another planet. A North London derby to really savour. It was a terrible start for Wenger’s side as Louis Saha gave Spurs the lead after just three minutes. It got worse when Gareth Bale went down and a penalty was awarded, which was converted by Adebayor, the former Arsenal striker. But just before half time Robin van Persie inspired their comeback. Bacary Sagna got a goal back and then Van Persie himself scored a sensational goal to level at 2-2. Suddenly Arsenal were in the ascendancy, so much so that Harry Redknapp made two changes at the break. Tomas Rosicky scored a rare goal and a Theo Walcott double rounded off a remarkable comeback and an incredible match.

Manchester United 4-4 Everton – A game which ended up being crucial in the title race. You rarely see a team like Manchester United throw away an almost certain win with barely any time left, but this time they did. United led 3-1 and 4-2 but Everton’s determination was clear as they scored twice in the last seven minutes, which blew the title race wide open. Jelavic had opened the scoring but United came back and with half an hour left led 3-1. They also led 4-2 but Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar scored very late on in a memorable game.

Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City – The day the tide really did turn in Manchester. Even though three of the goals were in injury time, this was a mauling from Roberto Mancini’s side. They were 1-0 up midway through the first half after a Mario Balotelli goal and the result was in an even better position when the Italian scored again and Sergio Aguero made it three. With ten minutes left Fletcher got a goal back, but Ferguson’s side were undone when Edin Dzeko (twice) and David Silva rounded off an amazing match.

Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea - Just 3 days after the FA Cup final between these two, won by Chelsea, and Liverpool produced one of their finest displays in years. In fact, there were many a time they had played to this level over the season, but had failed to convert their chances. The Reds made no mistakes here though. Luis Suarez opened the scoring with a mesmerising run, before a slip from John Terry allowed Jordan Henderson to make it two five minutes later. Daniel Agger headed in after calamitous Chelsea defending. Three goals in nine minutes. Stewart Downing hit the post with a volley and also hit the post with a penalty. Ramires pulled one back for Chelsea before Jonjo Shelvey brilliantly fired into an open net. Andy Carroll played probably his best game in a Liverpool shirt, as the Reds thrashed their FA Cup nemesis.

Winner - Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham. The reason why this game is so special is that the result never looked likely for the first part of the game, as Tottenham raced into a 2-0 lead, and embarrassment for Arsenal was threatened. But the turnaround was incredible. A deserved win from Arsenal on a very special day for the Gunners, and also for the Premier League.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE SEASON
NOMINATIONS

Alex Song, Michael Carrick, Martin Skrtel, Wojciech Szczesny, Fernando Torres, Robin Van Persie.

Alex Song – The Arsenal defensive midfielder has really asserted himself as a top player and a crucial player in Wenger’s team. His passing has been excellent, and he has set up a lot of goals for Arsenal.

Michael Carrick – Some believe that Carrick has been Man United’s best player this season, and he really has controlled the midfield this season. It’s a huge surprise he wasn’t picked in the England squad for Euro 2012.

Wojciech Szczesny – Possibly the best goalkeeper in the league this season. The Pole’s shot stopping has been remarkable, he has made some excellent penalty saves and from being fourth choice keeper not long ago to one of the world’s top keepers now.

Martin Skrtel – Very possibly Liverpool’s best player this season, his consistency was exceptional and the defending was superb, making numerous goal line clearances, which have made him a firm favourite at the Kop.

Fernando Torres – Not the best season, but finally we’ve begun to see some glimpses of the man who was such a success at Liverpool. A hat trick against QPR as well as a huge goal against Barcelona mean that next season will hopefully be much brighter for the £50m Chelsea striker.

Robin van Persie – It’s strange to have him in the most improved section, but he really has. Being given the captains armband at the Emirates has helped him become a leader and a world class striker.

Winner - Alex Song. From a nobody last season, to a very crucial player and one of the top midfielders in the Premier League this season. What a difference a year can make, and Song has proven that. We have mentioned him setting up a lot of Robin Van Persie's goals and RVP's nomination in the goal of the season category is perfectly set up by Song, sending a floating ball over.

WORLD PLAYER OF THE SEASON
NOMINATIONS

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Manuel Neuer, Neymar, Robin van Persie, Mario Gomez.

Cristiano Ronaldo – At times the talent this person has is ridiculous. He’s been the driving force behind Real Madrid’s La Liga success and has outshone everyone who has come near to him. The Portuguese superstar has finally reached the level he has been ready for for so long: The best. Such was his brilliant season that some are now saying he is the best in the world. A stunning season continued with his performance at Euro 2012 but the highlight for him will surely be getting the winning goal in El Clasico, which was effectively the title decider.

Lionel Messi – Such a long time since the Argentinian God hasn’t appeared on the nominations for the world player of the season, he is only twenty five but the talent he possesses is incredible. We mentioned that Ronaldo has being touted by some as the best in the world, but some have started saying Messi is now the best ever. Messi once again had a free scoring season, including five in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen, in a 7-1 win for his unbelievable Barca side.

Manuel Neuer – The German goalkeeper is seen by many as the best goalie in the world and has firmly asserted himself as up there with the likes of Casillas, Szczesny, Hart and Buffon after a stellar season with Bayern Munich. He has made some incredible saves and his shot stopping ability really is second to none. He also saved a penalty in the Champions League final from Juan Mata and was beaten just twice out of five times in the semi against Madrid – even stopping from the mercurial Cristiano Ronaldo.

Neymar – Pele, possibly the greatest player to ever walk the planet, knows football and when he says you are the best player in the world you know you are doing something right. Neymar was labelled as this by his compatriot and it is some honour. He might not be quite the best in the world right now but he isn’t too far off and if he can continue to produce the type of play he has there’s no reason he couldn’t be the world’s best.

Radamel Falcao - Athletico Madrid won the Europa League for the second time in three years and Falcao certainly helped them on their way to this trophy success. His beautiful goal in the final of this competition highlights what a talent he has, using the dragback technique perfectly to stun the Athletic Bilbao defenders. It is no wonder that Manchester City have expressed a real interest in the Colombian striker.

Mario Gomez – This boy is all about goals, goals and more goals. The German striker has never stopped scoring and has been a constant threat, playing brilliantly in the Bayern Munich team and leading them to the Champions League final with his goals and brilliant play. Up there with the best strikers in the world right now.

Winner - Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo's season has been on a totally different planet this year. Yes, Messi was incredible too. But such was the brilliance of Ronaldo's season that many now see him as good as, or even better, than the Argentinian. The Real Madrid star got 46 goals in La Liga and was also the joint top scorer in Euro 2012, lifting his average side to the semi finals.

CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYER OF THE SEASON
NOMINATIONS

Adam Lallana, Ian Harte, Adam Federici, Rickie Lambert, Peter Whittingham, Ricardo Vaz Te.

Adam Lallana – Lallana has created everything that the promoted Southampton did, from either the attacking midfield or the wing, he has been excellent for them. One to watch in the Premier League next 

season for sure.

Ian Harte – One of the most consistent and reliable players in the whole of the championship. Reading’s defender has been crucial to their Championship victory. He has been the heartbeat of their team and was in the PFA Championship team of the year.

Adam Federici – Reading’s Australian goalkeeper has had another consistent and excellent season in the Number One jersey at the Madejski Stadium. Reading conceded just 41 goals, the fewest of any Championship team.

Rickie Lambert – What to say about the constant goal threat that is Rickie Lambert? Probably the main reason that Southampton have been promoted, with an incredible 27 goals this season.

Peter Whittingham – They’d have preferred to have been promoted to the Premier League, but reaching the Carling Cup final was a huge achievement for Cardiff and yet again Whittingham was their star man, creating everything they did.

Ricardo Vaz Te – West Ham fans have a saying “forget RVP, we have RVT. He might not have Van Persie’s talent but he certainly has the goalscoring ability, contributing heavily to West Ham’s attacking football as well as the winning goal in the play-off final.

Winner - Rickie Lambert. It's rare that any division, never mind the Championship, sees someone as prolific as Rickie Lambert. The Southampton striker bagged 27 goals, being the division's top scorer by five goals, so he was well clear of the opposition. Lambert's performances all season were lethal, bagging an unbelievable four hat tricks. Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Millwall and Watford were the victims. Lambert is such a good player that most Southampton fans think that with him they will cope in the Premier League, without him it's a pointless idea. That is how important he is.

Part Two and Three will be posted in due course. We hope you enjoyed this set of awards. Please do comment your views and opinions. Do you agree with us? Do you disagree?


Daniel