Champions League Round of 16 - Part One

The very peak of club competition in Europe is back. The UEFA Champions League. The group stage is over and the round of 16 has begun, with four huge games taking place. The Champions of Europe Real Madrid facing off against Paris Saint Germain, or as Spanish publication Marca put it 'Champions vs Contenders.' The two most lethal attacks in England faced off against two giants of their respective domestic leagues. As FC Basel and Porto hosted Manchester City and Liverpool. And Harry Kane faced the task of breaking through one of Europe's most rigid back lines as Italian champions Juventus welcomed Spurs.

Juventus 2-2 Tottenham

Goals -  Higuian 2', 9' (P) - Kane 35' & Eriksen 71'

We'll start in Turin on Tuesday night. The atmosphere was electric for what promised to be a masterclass in defensive football against the in form striker in Europe. But is was the home side which fired first. After Dembele gave away a silly free-kick inside the first 30 seconds 35 yards from goal. The ball was clipped into the channel to the waiting Gonzalo Higuian who expertly took it first time on the volley into the bottom left hand corner. Lloris got a touch on the ball but not enough to keep it out.

Juventus started the game brilliantly, and they continued to cause problems for the visitors. The ball was played in from the left where Federico Bernadeshi beat Ben Davies to the ball and went down in the area. Penalty to Juventus. And much like the first goal, Higuian fired the ball into the bottom left corner. Lloris again getting his right hand to the ball but not enough to make the save. Inside 10 minutes the home side lead by 2.

It took going down by two for Spurs to finally show some signs of life. Harry Kane made a darting run into the box before going down just to the left of the six yard box. The referee however correctly judged it to not be worth a penalty. Then a beautifully played ball into the box by Christan Eriksen found it's way onto Harry Kane's head. Six yards out, he couldn't beat Buffon. The Italian producing an excellent point blank save, when the Englishman really should score. Harry Kane however wouldn't be denied again. Dele Ali played a perfectly waited ball through and Kane took it on his right, past the on rushing Buffon, before slotting it into the empty net with his left. Spurs have a crucial away goal and a way back into the game.

Enter Douglas Costs. The Brazilian made a sublime run down the left, taking two Tottenham players out of the game before being brought down in the box by Aurier, another Penalty. On the stroke of half time Higuian stepped up for his hat-trick, only to be denied by the cross bar after blasting the spot kick down the middle! The half ends 2-1 to Juventus.

As the second half began Juve kept us their masterclass performance, with Bernadeshi cutting in from the right and whipping the ball towards the corner. Hugo Lloris pulling out a big save to keep the deficit to one. But as the half went on Spurs played their way more and more into the game. This time is was Spurs winning a free-kick just outside the penalty area, and up stepped Christian Eriksen. A sublime free-kick, curling it down low, to the right of the wall, wrong footing Buffon and into the corner. The Italian, much like Lloris in the first half, got to the ball, but it still found it's way in. The English side had fought back level.

And that is how the game ended. A brilliant example of Champions League football. All to play for in London in two weeks time. Juve 2-2 Spurs.

FC Basel 0-4 Manchester City

Goals - Gundogan 14', 53' & Bernando Silva 18' & Aguero 23'

We're used to seeing City blow teams away at this point in the season and Basel welcomed the English champions elect with the hopes of stopping them. The first chance of the game actually fell to the home side, a ball over the back to Dimitri Oberlin, the Cameroonian striker beating Ederson to the ball but failing to make any real contact on he ball. This miss would cost the home side as City then turned it on. A corner from City's left was played into the near post, where Gundogan produced a brilliant header, inside the post, no chance for the goal keeper. The away side where one up after 14 minutes.

Less then four minutes later City where doubling their lead. Sterling played the ball across the box where Bernado Silva collected it and played the ball towards the top left hand corner. The Basel keeper made a mess of it, allowing the ball to go through his hand and into the net. City where out to end this tie quickly.

Up stepped EA's Premier League Player of the Month for January, Sergio Aguero to make it three for City five minutes after Silva's goal. Picking the ball up 30 yards from goal, he took one touch to set it before striking the ball into the bottom left corner. Again questions must be asked about the keeper who didn't even move. The Argentine striker is in fine form, and he had put the game beyond Basel inside 23 minutes. The rest of the half played out comfortably for the away side, ending the half 3-0 up.

With all the respect to Basel, City were in a class of their own on the night, as they have been for much of the season. And the goal of the game was to follow, Gundogan getting his second. As he stepped inside a defender and whipped a delicious shot into the bottom right corner. Coolness personified, the tie now surly beyond Basel's reach.

The away side easily could have had more but the game finished 4-0 to the Premier League leaders. A walk in the park for most of the night.

Porto 0-5 Liverpool

Goals - Mane 25', 53', 85' & Salah 29' & Firmino 69'

Portuguese side and hosts Porto have an exceptional home record in the Champions League, and welcomed five time European Champions Liverpool on Valentines day. Both visits to Porto for Liverpool in the past have ended in draws. A record they looked to end on the night. Despite their fierce front line Liverpool always look shaky at the back, and it showed in the opening minutes. A strike from the edge of the box deflected onto the roof of Karius' net with the keeper stranded, however it was a brilliant block by Lovren. However the English side then started to click. Gini Widjnaldum worked his way into the box, and after his shot was blocked he played the ball out to the waiting Sadio Mane. The Senegalese wide man slotted the ball under the goal keeper and into the net. For all their good work at the start of the game the home side were behind.

Porto then looked the side shaking defensively, and they were punished. A poor clearance was picked up by James Milner, who worked his way inside and rattled the post with a curling effort. Only for Mo Salah, the King of Egypt, to pick the ball up on the bounce, flick it over the keeper, then keep it up with his head, committing the defender and tap it into the empty bottom right corner. Quality from the winger, his 30th goal of an incredible debut season for the reds. It was 2-0 to the away side. Porto tried to find their way back into the game throughout the remainder of the half, but with no luck. The half ended with Liverpool in the driving seat.

No team in the world can tear a team apart on the break just like Liverpool, and Porto found that out minutes into the second half. Milner won it back just outside Liverpool's penalty area, and Mane played it into Firmino. A sublime flick out to the right found Mo Salah, who made up 30 yards instantly and played a pass through the defence back into Bobby Firmino. The Brazilian's shot was saved, but Sadio Mane fired in the rebound for his second and Liverpool's third. One foot in the quarter finals.

Liverpool were rolling, and Porto were at 6's and 7's at the back. Mane dispossessing his man in midfield, showing great strength to hold off the challenge before playing a pass into James Milner. The Englishman pulled it back into the on running Roberto Fimino, who mad no mistake this time and fired into the bottom left hand corner. 4-0. Liverpool's front three all on the score sheet. It was getting worse for the home side, the energy really sapped out of the stadium with this goal.

Mane saved the best for last however. A delightful flick over the defender into Danny Ings, the Englishman played it back into Sadio, with all the space in the world. He struck through the ball brilliantly, unstoppable to the keepers left, Mane had his hat-trick, Liverpool had five!

A masterclass from Jurgen Klopp's men who, much like Man City the night before, can almost start thinking about the next round! Porto 0-5 Liverpool.

Real Madrid 3-1 PSG

Goals - Ronaldo 45' (P), 83' & Marcelo 86' - Rabiot 33'

The last side the lift the famous trophy hosting many peoples favourites to be the next. The former most expensive player on the planet versus the current. Real Madrid taking on PSG. Out of form in the League, Madrid's season relies 100% on this competition. And the French league leaders would love nothing more then to end that season. The opening stages played out mostly in midfield, with the first chance coming for the home side. Kroos curling a left footed shot to the goalkeeper's right. The save was made easily enough, only for Marquinios to almost knock the ball into his own net. The ball luckily for PSG went behind for a corner, which came to nothing.

The home side continued to press, Marcelo looking brilliant from left back, and he darted down the left before playing a brilliant ball to the right for Cristiano Ronaldo to run onto. But the man on 99 Champions League goals for Madrid couldn't beat Areola in the PSG goal. Despite their early chances it was Madrid who found themselves behind just after the half hour. A ball played in by Mbappe was poorly dealt with by the Madrid defence, Neymar with a deft flick behind into the onrushing Frenchman Rabio. Who dispatched brilliantly to put the away side ahead.

The goal didn't do much to knock Madrid's attitude to the game, Ronaldo blazing over with his left when he really should have done better. And with minutes to go until half time a cleverly whipper left footed strike from Benzema was denied brilliantly by Areola down to his right. However from the resulting corner Kroos went down under a challenge from Meunier, too easily perhaps, but the referee pointed from the spot. For CR7 to fire expertly into the bottom corner for Madrid's equaliser and his 100th Champions League goal for Los Blancos. Capping off the half at 1-1.

Conceding right on the break seemed to light a fire under the away side, who came out flying in the second half. Mbappe firing across goal from right to left, forcing Navas into a good save. Dani Alves then arrived a fraction of a second too late to turn a cross into the net for his side, PSG were on top in the Bernabeu. However much like when they scored against the run of play in the first half, the hosts hit right back in the second. Substitute Marco Asensio made his way down PSG's right hand side and drilled in the cross. Areola at fault for the first time all game, parried the cross to the one man you don't want a ball to fall to in your box, Ronaldo. Who turned the ball off his knee with seven minutes to play for the holders to take the lead.

Marcelo who was sublime all night then put the nail in the coffin for PSG. Playing the ball down the left, first into Kroos then to Asensio, he struck a first time shot straight at the keeper. But a deflection off of a Paris Saint Germain defender made it unstoppable for Areola. The ball lifted past him and into the net, Madrid had struck twice in four minutes to put the tie massively in their hands. 3-1 to the holders.

There was time for a late Neymar chance, for the Brazilian to blaze over with the last kick of the game. The 12 time champions of Europe have a huge advantage going to Paris in two weeks time. But Rabiot's away goal means that the tie is still very much alive. Real Madrid 3-1 Paris Saint Germain.

All in all week one of the Round of 16 was an example of the elite level of European football. Liverpool and Manchester City both blowing away their opponents away from home. Spurs showing they can hang with the elite, and they don't come much more elite then Juventus. And Real Madrid answering their critics the only way they know how, winning in Europe. Onto week two.

Coming up -

Bayern Munich vs Besiktas

Chelsea vs Barcelona

Sevilla vs Manchester United

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Roma.

Liverpool 2-2 Spurs - WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

A game of two halves, two screamers, and two hugely contentious decisions. When Mo Salah jinked his way through two challenges inside the Tottenham penalty area and poked the ball over Lloris the game looked won. Before, following a knock down from a long throw into the box, Lamela threw himself down following a Van Dijk challenge. Referee Jon Moss waved it off, very confidently. Before the linesman rose his flag, calling for a penalty. Moss changed his decision, awarded the Penalty, and Harry Kane stuck away his second penalty to snatch a point.

Before going into the decisions, let's look at game that preceded them.

The game couldn't have gotten off to a better start for Liverpool. After a long ball forward by Karius, the ball bounced around the Tottenham defence. Eric Dier tried to play a pass back to his goal keeper, and paid the price. Top scorer Mo Salah latched onto the pass, racing through, before squaring up Lloris and calming slotting it into the bottom corner. 1-0 to the home side.

Anfield's crowd was in full voice for this encounter, and were nearly rewarded with a second goal after a James Milner shot was deflected, looped over the French goal keeper but just wide of the mark. Moments later a brilliant Alexander-Arnold cross found it's way onto Firmino's head, but he arrived on the scene a fraction too late and failed to gain the right contact.

 A few feisty tackles started to fly in down Liverpool's right. First from Ben Davies on Trent AA, which saw no decision given. And later in the half a flying Alexander-Arnold caught Davies in a very similar way, but was given a yellow card. The home crown started to get on the referee's back, Jon Moss, who infamously sent of Sadio Mane away at Manchester City earlier in the season.

The rest of the half went by without incident. A long range shot from Dembele forced a decent save from Karius; holding onto the shot down to his right. A late flag from the linesman could have lead to serious injury for both Lloris and Firmino, but the Brazilian brushed it off. At the break is was the home side ahead, and increasing their lead over Spurs in the table to five points.

Into the second half and Spurs came flying out of the blocks, and to the credit of the heavily criticised Liverpool defence, they looked organised, drilled and focused. A factor that has been overlooked by the main stream coverage of this match *SKY* was Virgil Van Dijk's leadership. You can hear him a mile away. His presence makes as big an impact on the Liverpool back line as his defensive qualities do. Even Karius heeded the screams from the big Dutchman, charging off of his line at a call to deny Son Heung-min at close range.

As Spurs dominated possession, Liverpool attempted to play on the break. Salah bursting away down the right, with an overlap on both sides to choose from. But a poorly laid pass lead to the attack breaking down, the best chance Liverpool had for the majority of the second half. The constant pressure from the North London side lead to a chance as Dele Ali broke into the area, before going down and being booked for diving. Drawing cheers from the Liverpool fans in the Kop, who had felt hard done by so far by the officials.

Then came goal of the season contender, number one. A ball was played in from Tottenham's left, attacking the Kop end. Karius met the cross, punching 30 yards from his goal. Before Victor Wanyama ran onto the loose ball and struck the most venomous of shots. Striking across the ball, causing it to start outside the post, and fly into the top corner. After the game Harry Kane joked that Wanyama's team mates had asked him to stop shooting from range. I'm sure those voices will have been silenced. Unstoppable springs to mind. A very much deserved equaliser for the away side, 1-1.

Spurs were bossing the ball, and any attempt at an attack from Liverpool was snubbed out by the Lilywhite's back line. Jan Vertonghen in particular who was sublime (again a performance ignored by mainstream coverage of the match.) What followed was talking point number one. Dele Ali won the ball in midfield and played a ball through to Harry Kane. The pass was under hit and made it's way to Dejan Lovren, when a bobble took the ball over the swinging foot of the Croatian to Harry Kane. Who latched onto the loose ball, rounded Karius and went down. Penalty. Upon second viewing you can see Harry Kane is a yard offside when the ball is played, and the contact from Karius is minimal. Now I am under the impression that the ball must actually be played by an opposition player, for an attacking player in an offside position to become active in the game again. Lovren did not play the ball. And once Kane rounds Karius, the 6ft2 English striker starts to go to ground way before any 'contact' is even made. Once the sleeves of the goal keepers jersey touches Kane's boot he goes down. The argument here is that any contact, no matter how slight, will knock a player running at full flight off balance. Kane was not at full flight. He has accelerated from 6 yards away, taking roughly five steps, before taking the touch around the goal keeper. I can see why the offside was not given, but Kane 100% dived.

All of the previous argument counts for nothing however. When Harry Kane stepped up, and hit the ball straight down the middle. Only for Liverpool's number one to call his bluff, and bat the ball away. It takes huge, to quote Tory Deeney, 'cajones' to stay in your spot when facing a penalty from the in form striker in the world. The games stays at 1-1.

The next ten minutes went by in a flash until the fourth official announced four added minutes. The penalty save had shot life back into the home side in their push for a winner. Enter, the Egyptian King. Goal of the season contender number two. Salah charged down the right before attempting a cross which cannoned back off of Dele Ali, a potential hand ball. Instead of standing around the league's second highest scorer recovered the ball. Showed great strength to hold off a challenge from Ben Davies; showed power to push off of his right foot, cutting past Vertonghen before having great composure to lift the ball past Lloris into the roof of the net. Anfield erupted and the game appeared won in the 92nd minute. 2-1.

Jurgen Klopp's trademark spring down the line in the bag, Spurs had one final throw of the dice. A long throw in from the right which was challenged for my Llorente and Van Dijk. Neither man got a real purchase on the ball as it dropped to the Dutch centre back. Facing the Kop end he swung to strike it clear. Before Eric Lamala charged in to challenge and went down holding his calf. Referee Jon Moss, who had what appeared to be a clear view, waved it off confidently and Liverpool cleared as the four minutes of added time ticked to a finish. This is when we reached, talking point number two.

The linesman flagged, the same linesman who Moss consulted and went against for the first penalty, swayed the mind of the man in the middle for the second. The view of the linesman was, not only obstructed by Liverpool full back Roberton, but also no greater then that of the referee. Now there is contact between Van Dijk and Lamela, but Jon Moss has 100% bottled the biggest decision of the game. The referee's thought process seems to be, initially, that contact was minimal and Lamela has played for the penalty, which is accurate. So what baffles me is his decision to allow the linesman to over ride the call. From viewing the foul over, you can see the Argentine winger throwing himself into the tackle and to the floor before he is in the vicinity of Virgil Van Dijk. He doesn't con the referee, but he does the linesman (who did also miss Lamela was offside from the initial knock down.)

Despite the cries from the Liverpool players Harry Kane had a second opportunity from the spot, and a second opportunity to join the 100 club for Premier League goals. No mistake second time round. Sticking it in the bottom right hand corner, equalising with the last kick of the game. 2-2.

Man of the match - Mo Salah.

What a game. What an advert for English football. What a goal scorer in Harry Kane. These are what you'll hear coming from the mouths of most pundits following the game. Despite Harry Kane barely having a sniff all night, he was given an extended interview on Sky Sports. Despite brilliant defensive displays by both Van Dijk and Vertonghen they were barely mentioned. A controversial end once again, over shadowed a brilliant game of football. Salah's second goal, which was describes as being a goal only Lionel Messi could score, was shown once on Sky in the analysis of the game. Where as the penalty decisions we're shown over and over again.

Where as I'm fuming with the coverage and analysis, Liverpool fans are fuming at the officials, claiming they cost the red men two huge points. Jurgen Klopp seems to be of the same opinion. certain that the first penalty was offside, and the second the referee was wrong to allow his decision to be overruled. Despite this the German manager was very complimentary of Spurs who came to Anfield and tried to play their game. A sublime game of football between two of the best sides in the country, battling for a place in the Champions League next season. Overshadowed by the officials and this countries idea that Harry Kane is the best thing since sliced bread.

Premier League Predictions - 2017/2018 Season.

With less then two weeks to wait until the start of the 2017/2018 Premier League season, the 20 top flight sides are well underway preparing their squads for the coming 12 months. We have seen huge contrasts across the division so far in terms of transfer activity. Both Manchester clubs have been splashing the cash like there is no tomorrow, and last season's runners up Spurs are yet to make a move. Lower down the table we have seen the likes of Bournemouth bring in a number of top class Premier League players to help their climb up the table, we have also seen however Championship winners Newcastle spend very little, keeping their squad very similar to the one which gained them promotion in May. So I'm going to throw my hat into the ring today, and give my main predictions for the upcoming campaign.

Let's start from the bottom.

20th - Burnley

Turf Moor was a fortress at times last season for Sean Dyche's men, for the first half of the campaign Burnley had one of the best home records in the league but as 2016 turned into 2017 that form appeared to abandon Burnley. Being placed in mid table coming into January, they ended the season in a relegation battle and just managed to scrape survival, reaching just 40 points. I can see Burnley carrying that same poor form into the upcoming season, and the loss of star defender Michael Keane could be a big part of that. The £30 million Burnley received from Everton for Keane is yet to be reinvested in the squad, so now they have an England international shaped hole in their defence and no one what so ever so fill it. Last season Burnley's defence is what kept them up, conceding the least goals out of every side in the bottom half of the table, in stark contrast however they struggled to find the back of the net. The only three sides to score less then Burnley last season all got relegated, and with their star defender no longer at the club, this weak attack will be even more exposed. Now I have little doubt that if Burnley go down, Dyche will find a way to bring them back up, that's just what he does. But their squad simply isn't improving, and I feel like this will be one step too far for the clarets.

19th - Huddersfield

This one pains me to say just a little bit, because towards the back end of last season, I was seriously rooting for Huddersfield to get promoted, and doing it through the drama of the play offs was an incredible story. But despite bringing in as many players as just about anyone in the league so far, (Including Tom Ince from Derby, giving Paul Ince's son another chance to prove he can live up to his family name) I just can't see them staying up any longer then a year. The style of football Huddersfield play is one which certainly drawers the eye, and when you notice their manager David Wagner was the manager of Borussia Dortmund's second team, and was an understudy to Jurgen Klopp during his time there, it is easy to see why. But in a similar vein to Blackpool in the 2010-2011 season, I feel their style of football will gain many plaudits, but will ultimately lead to their relegation. they quite simply aren't strong enough to play an entire season in the way they do, with the players they have, and survive! I feel like this is the prediction I am least confident about, maybe that's me being optimistic as I hope Huddersfield do retain a place in the top flight for years to come, but we'll just have to wait and see.

18th - Swansea

Much like Burnley who I have previously mentioned, Swansea spent the back end of last season in a fight for their lives, but managed to survive in no small part to new manager Paul Clement. The Englishman came in while the Welsh side were in free fall and he managed to get them organised, and keep them afloat. One man who had a huge part to play in the survival was Icelandic play maker Gylfi Sigurdsson who, at the time of writing this, is still a Swansea city player. But that is where I believe the problem lays, with the future of their best player. A £50 million price tag has been slapped onto Sigurdsson, one which has scared of a few potential suitors, but reports suggest Everton have matched the price tag and that the deal will be completed 'within days' as confirmed by Clement himself. This move could have drastic consequences for Swansea, an average squad, probably not strong enough for the Premier League has been being held up by one truly top drawer player. A top drawer player who, in a side which finished 15th with 41 points last time around managed 10 league goals and provided 13 league assists last season, Sigurdsson played a part in HALF of Swansea's top flight goals during the campaign, and without him I can't see a way the Welsh side survive. Even with the £50 million coming in, the climate of this transfer window, and the amount of time remaining in it means it will be harder then ever for Paul Clement to bring in a replacement for his star man. They've become almost a staple of the Premier League throughout this decade, but I feel like this season will be their last for now.

What about a place in mid table obscurity? Mid table in the Premier League is a strange place, for example Southampton ended last season in 8th with 46 points, a tally which was closer to 18th placed Hull then it was to 7th place Everton. It's not really a place anyone wants to be, but at least it's better then being in a relegation scrap! And if you can solidify a place in mid table obscurity for a number of seasons, it gives the club a foundation on which to build and push up the table. So let's have a look at a few of the top contenders.

11th - Leicester City

So that thing I just said about growing? That is both true and very very not true about Leicester. On one hand, they finished 12th last season, so 11th is one place higher, therefore growth right? Well if the 2015/2016 season didn't happen, and there wasn't a time when Leicester were the champions of England anyway. So you can either consider this as the continuation of the bubble bursting for Leicester fans, or an attempt to reach the heights of last year, is your glass half empty or half full, that sort of scenario. If I may be serious for a moment, I feel a place in mid table next season will be a good thing for Leicester. Despite the underwhelming defence of their title last time out, their run in the Champions League meant that the fans had their heads well and truly in the clouds. Finishing in mid table again will hopefully ground the fans, the players and the club into realising where they fit in regards to the Premier League. It sounds like I'm being overly negative so far, I am from Leicester and have sat in a pub, watching City in the Champions League, there is no doubt that the success has done a huge amount of good for the club and the city itself. And I do feel like this season can be a stepping stone towards big things again for the club in the long run. The signing of highly rated defender Harry Maguire from Hull could be the first step towards building a younger, more versatile defence after Huth and Morgan were found out last season. And despite the signing not being completed as of yet, Kelechi Iheanacho is set to complete his move from Manchester City, a move with bags of promise. With 12 Premier League goals to his name despite very few starts, and 6 goals in his only 10 international caps, he has shown he knows where the goal is. Maybe Iheanacho could be the answer to the question, who should partner Jamie Vardy? And with Mahrez reportedly on his way out, the Nigerian striker could fill in with the missing goals. I'm not saying they'll go on the win the league again, but don't expect to see the foxes in a relegation dog fight any time soon.

10th - West Ham United

Now West Ham have had a year to settle in to their new home in the London Stadium, there really is no excuse for West Ham anymore, and despite this I still see the London club finishing mid table. There is no doubt the Hammers have had one of the most successful transfer windows so far by their standards. Bringing in Joe hart on loan, Pablo Zabaleta on a free, Javier Hernandez from Bayer Laverkusen for £15 million, a bargain in the current climate. And finally, a club record signing, £20 million, potentially rising to £25 million for Austrian maverick Marko Arnautovic. So why won't West Ham be able to push up the table? First of all there is the factor that their first three league games will all be played away from home. Due to the World Athletics Championships taking place at the London Stadium, West Ham will start their campaign on the road, which at any other point of the season might not be too bad. But with every other team wanting to start the season of strong in front of their home fans, it could be a very tough beginning to the season for West Ham. Then, a complete opposite argument. Once West Ham return home, I can't see it getting any better, purely because no matter what happens, West Ham can't seem to adjust to their new home. The lack of atmosphere seems to drain energy from the side, and no amount of new signings can change that. So I can see their season starting off poorly, losing away from home, and then getting worse when they return. I'm not saying it will stay like this, they simply will have too good of a side to be involved in a relegation battle come 2018, and I do believe they will eventually learn to win games at home, leading to a finish which could have been a lot worse, mid table once again.

9th- Bournemouth

Eddie Howe and his side just seem to go from strength to strength at the moment. The smallest club in the league by quite some distance managed to chalk up a very impressive 9th place finish last season, and I'm backing them to match it this time around. For a club the size of Bournemouth, 9th is not only a respectable finish, but a very impressive one. The owners have proven they are not shy about backing the club, and the additions of Asmir Begovic and youngster Nathan Ake, both coming in from Champions Chelsea prove that the sea side club are trying to breed a winning mentality into the side. Also proven goal scorer Jermain Defoe has joined on a free from Sunderland, and with the World Cup in 2018 to earn a spot in, Defoe will be out to prove he still has it in the coming campaign. With everything pointing towards Bournemouth improving again in the coming campaign, why have I got them remaining in 9th position. Simple, the glass ceiling. Maybe they could reach 8th at a push, battling it out with Southampton for the crown of 'best of the rest' but the top 7 of English football right now is effectively a league of it's own, as I mentioned earlier, more points separated 7th from 8th, then separated 8th from 18th, the gap is huge. The only way, seemingly, to break into that group seems to be massive spending! That is how Manchester City joined the party almost a decade ago, and Everton have been steadily spending big to stay on the fringes, still on the outside looking in. Bournemouth, despite being heavily backed by their owners, simply aren't a big enough club to push on any higher. It does happen, Leicester defied the odds and broke their way in, but it was short and sweet as they failed to keep up with the spending power of the top 7. And this is why I can't see Bournemouth finishing any higher next season, not because they won't impress, because I'm certain they will, but because to get any higher, the league would have to change course dramatically.

Not quite Europe's elite -

6th - Arsenal

What's that saying about London busses? You wait forever for one and then two come along at once. For 20 straight years Arsenal finished in the top four of the Premier League, last season Liverpool beat them to the post on the last day of the season and this time around I think they'll go one better (Well technically one worse) and I think they'll drop another place into 6th. Now Arsenal fans, calm down. Yes you signed Lacazette, a huge signing, a world class striker, something you haven't had since RVP. But what's even worse, is this wasn't your biggest problem. With the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil, Oliver Giroud, Arsenal have never struggled to score goals. Now yes, Lacazette is a better natural striker then anyone on that list, but to spend a club record amount on a player who shouldn't have been their top priority, that is cause for concern. For years it's been obvious that a leader, a strong midfielder, has been what Arsenal needs, and with their defence looking more and more frail by the day, they needed serious back up in front of Cech. Other then Lacazette they have signed one player, Kolasinac, a full back on a free from Schalke. Now the young defender has shown potential, but he certainly isn't the answer. They will still have far too strong of a team to fall any lower in the table, and with a month left of the season they could still bring in reinforcements but everyone they're being linked (Including Monaco winger Thomas Lamar) with fall into the same category as Lacazette, world class, but not what they REALLY need. Plus there's the fact Alexis looks all but certain to be on his way out, which much really suck for Arsenal as he is potentially the best player in the league, and if he goes to, like the rumours suggest, Manchester City then that would feel like a real kick in the teeth. Truth be told I feel like it will be more of the same at Arsenal, a group of incredibly talented attackers, made to look stupid by a mediocre back line, and a manager who is scared of change. If they hold onto Sanchez, they might challenge for a top four place, but without him, I can't see them getting close.

5th - Spurs

So I know writing this that I am potentially going to be made to look REALLY stupid in a years time, when Spurs have, once again, impressed and have challenged for the title against the odds for the third successive season. But if there is a year where the growth of Spurs will suffer, it is surely this year. At this point in the summer, Spurs have had the worst transfer window out of anyone in the league. They have brought in exactly no one, have been linked with virtually no one, and have lost a member of their first team in Kyle Walker, to title rivals Manchester City. Last season Spurs relied on their consistent side, when a member of that side was out with either an injury or suspension, they struggled to fill the hole. When Harry Kane was out last season, Spurs really seemed to struggle in front of goal, with Jansen failing to step up to the plate, Spurs struggled to pick up points. Kane missed 10 games in all competitions between September and November of last season, Spurs only won four of those outings. These stats surely would have made it obvious that, coming into this campaign, strength in depth would be essential? But no, no additions have been made to the squad, and they could face the same problems they did last season. Despite this however, they still finished second, so why have I placed them in 5th? Well not only do I feel every side around them seems to be improving where as Spurs are making no positive transfers, but they will play their home games next season, at the home of English football, Wembley stadium. Now I go more in detail into this factor in an article I wrote in April, titled 'Spurs to Wembley - is this a good move for anyone?' but to use the highlights, in the 10 years since the opening of the new Wembley, Spurs have won only 2 of their 10 matches there, and after building their success from the last two years off of the back of an incredible home record, which has seen them lose one home game in two years in the league, playing the next season at Wembley, could be a game changer for Spurs. Even if they where to lose just three of their home wins from last season, Spurs would drop into the position I have placed them in today, it is that tight at the top. Like I said, I wouldn't be surprised if they proved me wrong, and once again spent the season fighting at the top of the table, but we'll have to wait and see.

A place among Europe's elite -

4th - Manchester United

Now placing Manchester United down in fourth is very much going against popular belief at the moment. Many people are saying that Jose's men will be up at the top, challenging for the title. They're certainly spending the money to back up those claims as well, £75 million on Lukaku and £40 million on Matic speaks volumes. And as last season went on, record signing Paul Pogba was starting to find his form. Everything is pointing towards a huge improvement on last seasons league performance. But I just feel like something is still missing, I can't quite put my finger on what, but something is missing. I feel like the addition of Lukaku won't be enough to move away from the stagnant, boring style of play we saw from them last season. The Belgian is coming in to try and fill Zlatan's boots, which I don't believe he will be able to. he isn't the finished article, and although on his day, Lukaku is capable of greatness, I don't feel like he will be able to win a game from nothing in the style of the Swedish striker. If Romelu isn't getting the service, he struggles, plain and simple. At times last season Ibrahimovic was feeding off of scraps, and like you need from any world class striker, managed to produce the good from them. Not to say Lukaku wont succeed for the red devils, I'm sure he'll still fire in the goals like he has been for Everton in previous seasons. I just feel like everyone is expecting the big front man to hit the ground running because of his huge price tag, last season we saw where that left Pogba. And not to mention, they still look very questionable at the back. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have proven that they can't be trusted to anchor a defence for an entire campaign, and with new signing Victor Lindelof struggling in pre season so far, it could be another tough defensive season for United. Then there is the elephant in the room with United... no not Ronaldo coming from Real Madrid, but David De Gea going the other way. Now it looks like for the time being that the deal has gone quite, but you never know with Madrid, their spending has been lose for Los Blancos standards, and I wouldn't out money for them coming back in for the Spanish number one before the end of the window. I feel like the slow, boring style of player United portrayed last season was a way to mask weakness at both ends of the field, and I wouldn't be surprised to see more of the same in the coming campaign. If Lukaku fires, Pogba finds his form, they hold onto De Gea and Jose manages to craft a strong defence, then there is no reason they can;t challenge for the title. But until I can see it in action, in the Premier League, I don't see them at the top.

3rd - Liverpool

The five time champions of Europe secured a place in the coming season's Champions League on the last day of last season, and I can see them pushing on and going one place better this time around. The main criticism of Klopp's side last time out was the lack of a plan b, how it seemed that if they weren't firing on all front, that the opposition could find a way through their weak defence. Towards the back end of the season they seemed to find that plan b, winning more games that they would have lost or drawn earlier in the campaign. The front line Liverpool posses is one that would strike fear into any opposition. Coutinho, Mane and Firmino leading the line throughout last season fired in the goals, as despite not have any one attacker featuring in the race for the golden boot, Liverpool finished as the 4th highest scorers in the league. The only problem with this line up was Countinho playing out wide left. The Brazilian has always been a more natural number 10, and despite him settling in on the left with relative ease, you could always see he wasn't quite at his best. In the final two games of the season Philipe moved back into his favoured position and scored three, as well as assisting two in two of his best performances of the season. This was just a glimpse of what could be a full time arrangement this season, with the addition of Mo Salah, to fill the second wide position. The frightening pace of Salah and Mane down the flanks could prove to be very fruitful for their side. With Daniel Sturridge and new signing from Chelsea, Dominic Solanke, looking very sharp in pre season, Liverpool's attack has strength in numbers as well. However with Barcelona sniffing around Coutinho, there is the potential that the star man could be pinched before the season gets under way. Klopp has sternly said that he is not for sale, but with a rumoured £100 million offer in the pipeline, we'll have to wait and see. Liverpool have however failed to address their other major weakness, their defence. As it stands, full back Andrew Robertson is Liverpool's only new addition to their back line, a talented young full back who in the future could answer Liverpool's on going left back problem. But the Scot's signature isn't the final piece to the puzzle. The potential signing of Virgil Van Dijk could be however. Now the controversy surrounding this deal is extreme, Liverpool had been accused of 'tapping up' the Dutchman, a deal between the player and the club appeared to be agreed, before the accusations killed to move. Since then Van Dijk has gone on strike, stating he wishes to leave current club Southampton. The defender was not taken on the clubs pre season trip to France, and has been training alone, it is clear he wants out. Now it appears to be a matter of time before Liverpool come in with an offer, rumoured to be in the range of £60 million, to convince The Saints to part ways with their want away captain. Should this deal go ahead I feel Liverpool will have everything they need to push a potential title challenge, overall however having to fight on four fronts, with a squad considerably smaller then that of the other potential title challengers, it all points towards them falling short. However, 3rd will still show signs of progression, and with potential challenges in Europe and in the cup competitions, Liverpool could continue to impress as they grow.

2nd - Chelsea

And runners up next season will be the current champions of England, Chelsea. Any other year I'd say Chelsea were a certainty to retain their title, they have invested well all over the pitch, they have a manager who knows how he wants his team to play, the fans are optimistic and the players know they're a part of something great. A club record £60 million was spent on Spanish striker Morata, who looks set to become Chelsea's new first choice striker. German centre back Rudiger could turn out to be one of the signings of the summer, the solid defender starred for Germany in the Conflagrations Cup cup this summer, and his £30 million move looks like a bargain when compared to some of the other signings floating around. And then we get to Tiemoue Bakayoko, the French midfielder anchored the Monaco midfield on route to their Ligue 1 win last season, and impressed on route to the Champions League semi finals. he was one of Chelsea's primary targets when the window opened, and slotting in along side Kante could form one of the best central midfield pairings in the country. And it appears the champions aren't even close to done, with rumours linking them to long time target Alex Sandro of Juventus, their defence could get even stronger. There is however a bit of uncertainty towards the top of the pitch with Chelsea. Diego Costa has been told he will play no part in the coming season, leaving the striker in limbo, with no club effectively. Eden hazard is the latest player to be linked with Barcelona, the Catalan giants of course coming into money with the sale of Neymar to PSG all but completed, and with speculation Conte isn't entirely sold on Hazard, the Belgian winger could be out the door. But in reality that is it, there is nothing else to say. All in all Chelsea look very strong from back to front, and they should been seen as one of the favourites to win the title. So why don't I have them as my predicted winners? Well...

Champions of England -

1st - Manchester City

Because I feel like this will be the year Pep gets it right and the year this Manchester City side finally click into gear. The problem last season was obvious, the players just weren't right to fit the style of play their Spanish manager wanted, so this summer, they have spent big. £50 million on Kyle walker, and £52 million on Benjamin Mendy, two attacking, natural wing backs, a huge part of Pep's style that simply didn't exist at the Etihad last season. Brazilian Ederson has been brought in between the sticks, he could be the answer to City's goal keeping dilemma, a capable keeper with the ability to play out from the back. Manchester City had perhaps the biggest and strongest squad in the league already, but they're even improving on strength in depth this summer. Bernado Silva is the latest player to come to England from Monaco, and the Portuguese midfielder has been turning heads during his time in France. Very good on the ball with an eye for a pass, he also can chip in with a goal too, putting him along side Kevin De Bruyne in the ranks of goal scoring midfielders at City. Not to forget the incredible roster of talent already at Pep's disposal. Gabriel Jesus showed everyone just how good he was during his brief stint last season, scoring goals, providing assists, and asking a huge question of the manager. Jesus or Aguero. The Argentinian is no doubt on the the best strikers on the planet, and if he can stay fit for the entire season, he will no doubt be in the running for the golden boot. Then you have the solid midfield pairing of Yaya Toure, and Fernandinho. (Not Fernando, he's off to Turkey) These two are capable of not only protecting the defence, which as times can be CIty's weak link, bit they are both capable on the ball, both at creating chances and taking them. So City look set, from back to front they can put out arguably the strongest team in the league. And in terms of depth no other side can stand with them, the question now is if the side can buy into Pep's philosophy and produce the goods. History shows that once a Guardiola side gets going, they're hard to stop, and I really can see this year being the year for the blue half of Manchester. The title race this season I think will be very tight, which is a concept Pep won't be used to, but if he is the manager everyone seems to think he is, then he should be able to adapt, and thrive under the pressure. They had the manager, they had the players, now they need to go and win the silverware.

So there we have it, my main predictions for the upcoming Premier League season. Now I could be drastically wrong on a few of these (Just waiting for Spurs to make me look stupid) but I feel whatever happens, we could be in for one hell of a season. The top 6 is ridiculously hard to call, with so many world class talents, managers getting to grips with their teams and money being spent like it;s going out of style. Then at the other end we have plenty of teams set to be for a dog fight to maintain their place in the top flight. I for one can't wait, the opening weekend can't come close enough.

Premier League Review - 2016/2017

The 2016/2017 Premier League season has come to an end, and it's certainly been a season to remember, for both good and bad reasons. I'm going to run through every side and evaluate their season, grading them on their performance and state what I believe they can do to improve. 

Chelsea - Final Position: 1st 

Under the watchful eye of Italian Antonio Conte, the London club secured their 6th English league title and they did it in an impressive fashion. A switch to a wing back system following a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in September is what pushed the eventual champions to find their rhythm and put up a fight to regain the trophy they last won in the season before last. With a revitalised Diego Costa and an in form Eden Hazard leading the line, as well as PFA player of the season N'Golo Kante anchoring the midfield, Chelsea always looked a threat. Along side a defence which kept more clean sheets then any other in the league this season, from back to front Chelsea were simply the best! It's hard to say what will make this side stronger, maybe the inclusion of a few more squad players to allow them to compete both domestically and in the Champions League next season. But as a whole, they've been close to perfect. 

Final Grade: A+

Spurs - Final position: 2nd

Tottenham finished as the league's top scorers and also had the best defence. They also remained undefeated at home all season and had the leagues top goal scorer, Harry Kane, within their side. Their points tally of 86 would have been enough to win the title last season by 5 points, and it's hard to see how they didn't end the campaign as champions. Only the record breaking Chelsea side could hold the North London club back from winning their first Premier League title, throughout the season Mauricio Pochettino and his side surpassed expectations, which includes finishing ahead of closest rivals Arsenal for the first time in the Premier League era. Overall it was a great season for Spurs, and should they hit the ground running in their temporary home of Wembley as well as continuing to strengthen their squad in a similar vein to how they did last summer, they could potentially challenge for the title again next time around. 

Final Grade: A

Manchester City - Final position: 3rd

With the squad City had at their disposal, as well as one of the world's best managers in Pep Guardiola at the helm, this season has to be seen as a failure for the blue half of Manchester. Despite a 3rd place finish and automatic qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League, ending the season with no silverware and failing to put up a serious challenge for the title, City have drastically fallen short. It's no all doom and gloom however, with young start Gabriel Jesus lighting up the Premier League since his debut, and Kevin De Bruyne continuing to prove how big of a mistake Chelsea made by letting him go, a few individuals had very successful seasons. That is however just what Man City are, individuals. To regain the title they need to be a team, a much more well balanced team compared to what we saw this year. A wing back system with now real wing backs within the squad, and a huge goal keeper dilemma are two big factors that lead to City struggling this season. Heading into next season the owners are going to have to dig into their incredibly deep pockets to help build the side Pep needs. An entirely new defence is required, a long with captain Vincent Kompany managing to remain fit. Also the goalkeeper debacle needs to be resolved in order to build a sustainable back line. Holding onto Aguero is also paramount in City's success, the Argentine is simply world class.

Final Grade: C-

Liverpool - Final position: 4th

Securing Champions League football on the final day rounded out the season perfectly for the 18 time English champions. Any Liverpool fan would have taken a 4th place finish if offered to them at the start of the season, however after being 2nd at Christmas and looking set for a title challenge, has it really been a successful season for the reds? Of course it has, England's most successful European club returning to the Champions League is massive, and after a hard couple of seasons it is an achievement that Jurgen Klopp and everyone involved in the club should be proud of. However this season could be seen as a huge missed opportunity for Liverpool after starting off the campaign so brightly, which includes out playing eventual champions Chelsea and coming away with a win at Stanford Bridge. The football being played was one of a fast paced style and most teams we're being blown away. The lack of a plan b ultimately cost Klopp's side, and when player of the season Sadio Mane went away for the African Cup of Nations everything started to collapse, seeing them drop from second to fifth by the end of January. The return of Mane saw Liverpool manage to push back into top four contention and then when injury struck for the Senegalese winger, the Brazilian Philippe Coutinho stepped up to the plate and re-found the form that he had shown at the start of the season. Overall, fourth place feels deserved. On the whole most Liverpool fans seem happy with this season, but what is essential for Liverpool if they are to continue to improve and push up the table is that they must bring in 4 or 5 squad players and players who can make an impact off of the bench. Far too many times this season the opposition has simply set up with a packed defence and stopped the reds from breaking them down, catching them on the counter attack. Also with the 'heavy metal football' Jurgen Klopp plays his players do commonly pick up injuries or fatigue, so a much bigger squad is essential.

Final Grade: B

Arsenal - Final position: 5th

For the first time since Wenger took over Arsenal back in the 1990's the Gunners failed to finish inside the top four. This is huge for the club as during a decade which has seen the club win only two pieces of silverware, a Champions League place felt like the season wasn't a failure. This season however can go down as nothing but. With the top players showing a poor attitude throughout and a group of individuals not putting in the performances that their huge contracts should justify, you can not blame the fans for being outraged at this campaign. However the fans are also part of the problem, by flying 'Wenger out' banners over matches all they're doing is making themselves look bad, disrespecting a true club legend and wasting their money. Alexis Sanchez's goals may have pushed Arsenal to within one point of the top four but one man is never enough over the course of a season and that was exactly the case this year. The club needs a huge overhaul if it is to reach the expectations the fans have, an entire new squad needs to be prepared, one with the fire and the passion that so many of the current crop don't seem to posses. Arsenal also simply need to hold onto Alexis. He may at times show a poor attitude but he is a world class player and one who could be the difference maker for Arsenal next season. Of course the big decision is Wenger in or Wenger out? In my opinion it doesn't matter anymore if the Frenchman stays or goes, the whole situation is such a farce that the club is going to suffer regardless of what happens, so the sooner an announcement is made, the better.

Final Grade: D+

Manchester United - Final position: 6th

£89 Million on Paul Pogba and United finished 6th. A club record 25 game undefeated streak and United finished 6th. Jose Mourinho in charge and United finished 6th. This season's league campaign can be seen as nothing but disastrous for Manchester United. At the started of the season the talk for the title was United vs City, and much like their cross city rivals United failed to deliver. When you look at the money was spent in the summer there is really no excuse as to how they failed to challenge for the title, and the fact that they finished 6th is incredible. A Europa league final win on the 24th May could still see the red half of Manchester qualify for the Champions league but that shouldn't hide the fact of how poor they've been in the league. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the only real stand out player this season, throughout the Swedish striker was sublime and showed the world that he really can do it everywhere. It's hard to think of what United need to do to improve for next season. After spending the money in 2016 it shows that spending doesn't guarantee success. Jose has had a year now to settle in and you imagine a performance like this next season would see the special one out of a job. I feel like, much like Arsenal, a major overhaul needs to take place. Far too many egos are apparent in this side and some players need to come in and show the passion that players of the past showed and which lead them to success. 

Final Grade: D+

Everton - Final position: 7th

Ronald Koeman's side have had a pretty successful season this time around. A 7th place finish which may as well be titled as 'the best of the rest' with Everton finishing 15 points ahead of 8th. This is largely down to Belgian striker Lukaku who, up until the last couple of games, was the league's top goal scorers. Everton managed to make Goodison Park a fortress throughout, losing just two home leagues games all season and beating sides such as Manchester City and Arsenal on home turf. The major worry from this campaign however is one which is yet to come, the transfer window. His form has seen Lukaku linked with a lot of the world's top clubs, including Spanish champions Real Madrid and his former side Chelsea. Also home grown Ross Barkley looks set to leave, with his contract running down he has refused an extension and is yet to announce his future plans. You'd imagine Everton will receive £60million+ for the two men, and how they reinvest that money will be huge in deciding how next season works out. 

Final Grade: B

Southampton - Final position: 8th

Teams from 8th down to 13th only had 2 points separating them and for most of them the same ruling applies, a position in mid table obscurity. Southampton have once again, had an acceptable season after offloading their top stars in the summer before. This has been common as of late with Claude Puel's best players leading them to a good league finish, before being signed by a bigger club for huge sums of money. After losing Sadio Mane to Liverpool last summer it was the same story, and it looks set to happen again, with centre back Vigin Van Dijk a target for both Liverpool and Chelsea. If Southampton can, once again, replace a top player successfully and maintain a lot of their spine I can see next season being more of the same. 

Final Grade: C+

Bournemouth - Final position: 9th

Eddie Howe has once again proved how he is the ready made next England manager by leading minnows Bournemouth to a 9th place top flight finish, the highest finish in the clubs history. Now referring to Bournemouth as 'minnows' is not without context. With by far the smallest ground in the league and as a whole have one of the smallest fan bases, The Cherries have continued to exceed expectations given to them from when they gained promotion during 2015. Despite the small size of the club, Eddie Howe is not short on money to spend on transfers. Owner Maxim Demin has proven he is not against throwing money into the club and this alongside the TV money the club will own from this season, strengthening the sides first team, including a stand out star, the same role Jake Wilshere failed to fill this season, will go a long way to continuing the incredible growth of Bournemouth.

Final Grade: B+

West Brom - Final position: 10th

Tony Pulis's West Brom side are guilty of downing tools this season 100%. After a very impressive first half of the season which saw them reach 8th in the table, from the start of February until the final game of the season West Brom managed only one win and only 7 points. During games the players, who knew they were safe from relegation, seemed to already 'be on the beach' and let certain games simply pass them by. It's typical of Tony Pulis to lead a team to 40+ points but never over 50, and I can see it happening again next season. West Brom have a solid team both in attack and defence, they can afford to go through this summer without many major changes and still have a strong showing next season. The addition of a new goal scorer however should be top of the agenda should Pulis be looking to improve on this seasons 10th place finish, as West Brom ended the campaign as one of the leagues lowest scorers. 

Final Grade: C-

West Ham - Final Position: 11th

This season was a weird one for West Ham. Last season was such a success that any finish below they heights they met last time out would be seen as a failure, despite out stretching expectations drastically last season. With the addition of playing in their new stadium during this campaign it was guaranteed to be an interesting year for West Ham. Sadly for the fans of the Hammers the side failed to settle in at home quickly and struggled early in the season, looking like relegation fodder throughout. With the sale of talisman Payet in January it looked as if West Ham where in for a very long end to the league season. However the team started to gel, picking up points at home, and with Payet out of the side everyone on the pitch appeared to be a part of a much more coherent squad, one without the huge ego the Frenchman developed. This season was one with huge potential that wasn't quite met, despite spending big in the summer of 2016. Hopefully for West Ham they will have the budget again to strengthen their squad, and much like plenty of other sides in mid table, a consistent goal scorer would go a long way to pushing West Ham to the heights they met last season. 

Final Grade: C

Leicester City - Final Position: 12th

Last years champions split opinions this season in regards to how they dealt with the sacking of Claudio Ranieri. I've given my opinion on this matter a lot in the past but when you look at the facts, following the departure of the Italian Leicester managed to escape relegation comfortably and secured a mid table finish. However for the champions of England to be battling relegation is nothing short of disastrous, and a late flourish of form will do nothing to hide this fact. A successful run in Europe will go a long way for a lot of people to forget Leicester's poor attempt to defend their league title. Their defence which received rave reviews last time out was this season found out. Stars Vardy and Mahrez never even got close to the form they showed in Leicester's title winning season and it was incredibly obvious how much they missed Kante. For Leicester to push on next season they have to find their style. From Ranieri to Shakespeare, the way the champions have played this time around has changed far too often and they need a style in which the club can be based around. Whether it's the same style that won them the title or one based on possession football, the players they bring in have to be in aid of that. 

Final Grade: D

Stoke City - Final Position: 13th

Stoke have became the masters of just about reaching the 40 point mark and staying in the Premier League. This season was no different, despite Mark Hughes not deploying the same philosophy of Tony Pulis during his time at the club, another very same season has gone by at the Britannia. They scored few goals but when compared to the sides around them they held a pretty solid defence. Much like many other sides the players appeared to be 'on the beach' once they were safe and there isn't much else to be said. The former Manchester United player Mark Hughes is trying desperately to pull stoke away from the defensive style of football which Pulis pushed in his time in charge and they now play a slightly more attractive game. If the Welshman is to progress Stoke then before the start of next season big moves will need to be made in order to continue to push that style. 

Final Grade: C-

Crystal Palace: Final Position: 14th

When Big Sam took the palace job what happened was inevitable. The London team were struggling down the bottom of the table and looked to be in a relegation battle. And despite this battle still going on heading towards the league's climax, Big Sam did what he always does, get his team over the line. Wilfred Zaha was the star of the show for much of the season, particularly in the show victory away at Standford Bridge. Christian Benteke found his form at Selhurst Park and his goals played a big part in Palace staying up, as did Liverpool loanee defender Sahko in the second half of the season. However on the eve of 23rd May, the Crystal Palace manager has just resigned which means once again the club will go into the Premier League season under doubts about their future. It's not a question of signing which will dictate Palace's immediate future, it's whether or not they can get the right man in and set up a long term strategy for how to take the club forward.

Final Grade: C-

Swansea City: Final Position: 15th

When Paul Clement came in following Bob Bradley's poor time in charge it looked like the Premier League's only Welsh club was destined for the drop. During Clement's time in charge Swansea picked up the 8th most points in the time flight, a very impressive accomplishment which saw them survive the drop and revitalise both the club and the fans who were equally underwhelmed during the American Bradley's reign. What is no surprise is that Icelandic Gylfi Sigurdsson was the star man for Swansea and the one key factor which will dictate the Welsh sides season next time around is simple, keeping hold of Sigurdsson. He is one of the most under rated players in the league and it's only a matter of time before someone sees that.  

Final Grade: D+

Burnley: Final Position: 16th

In a very similar vein to West Brom, Burnley's season fizzled out after a decent start. Burnley boasted the second best home form in the league coming into 2017, however their form at Turf Moor was not repeated on the road, where Burnley registered just one away win all season. Sean Dyche's side also had the worst goal scoring record in the league outside of the relegation zone, despite have the 2nd best defensive record in the bottom half, the Claret's stumbled to a 16th place finish and if the season had continued for another few games you could see them being dragged into the relegation zone. There is a very strong foundation at Burnley, if they can hold onto Micheal Keane in the summer, and talented young striker Andre Gray can fire for the entire season, there is no reason Burnley can't look for a top half finish in the 2017/2018 season. 

Final Grade: D-

Watford: Final Position: 17th

The Hornets this season simply could not get a run of form going and that is what lead to them finishing just one place ahead of the relegation zone. Now former manager Walter Mazzarri came in under dubious circumstances and never managed to win over the fans which lead to, on the last game of the season, the fans chanting 'off off off' at their gaffer while his side were being humbled by Manchester City and went on to lose 5-0 at home. Watford started the season looking like an okay side, with Etienne Capous in particular staring. However too many of the previous seasons big players failed to perform, with captain Troy Deeney under performing from the start, which lead to him being dropped and a fall out with the manager. There is a lot for Watford to do if they are to stay up next season. A team commendatory needs to be former and whoever is appointed as the Hornets new boss needs to make this number 1 on his agenda. During the summer transfer window Watford need to focus on bringing in a few game changers to shake up the side, a side which has under performed drastically this season. 

Final Grade: E+

Hull City - Final Position: 18th

At the start of the season if you told me Hull would go down I wouldn't have argued with you. No doubt the worst prepared team heading into this years Premier League, the side then led by Mike Phelan actually got off to a decent start, beating then reigning champions Leicester City on the opening day. Phelan only had the job in a caretaker capacity at the start of the season as well as a squad of only 14 fit players. However after their impressive start Phelan got the job on a permanent basis during October but from then it all went down hill which lead to him also being fired only three months after taking the job. The loss of top goal scorer Robert Snodgrass in January to West Ham was a massive blow, the Scottish international actually finished the season as Hull's top scorer despite leaving mid way through the campaign, demonstrating their lack of goals. Portuguese manager Marco Silva came in an attempted to save the club which, despite Silva's Hull ending the season with a very impressive home record, ultimately failed and Hull were relegated on match day 37. Marco looks set to take the managers job at Porto so Hull will once again have to look for a new man to take the helm heading into their season in the championship, and he has a big job on his hands. Should they manage to retain a lot of their current squad Hull should have enough to fight for promotion next season, however with the financial future of the club reportably struggling, I wouldn't be surprised if a number of players leave in the near future and Hull will have to rebuild before we see them back in the top flight. 

Final Grade: F

Middlesborough - Final Position: 19th

Boro last season finally gained promotion back to the Premier League with a team based on a solid defence. This season they demonstrated that defence to great effect, and with the signing of former man City striker Negredo up front they looked set to consolidate their place in the league. However they finished as the lowest scoring team in the league and despite having the best defence in the bottom half this wasn't enough to keep them up. Boro weren't necessarily one of the worst sides in the league throughout the season, they just simply didn't score enough goals to stay up. A lack of an attacking desire or threat is what caused their relegation. Out of the three relegated sides I'd say Middlesborough have the best chance of coming straight back up, and if they can sort out their attack I don't see why we won't see them during the 2018/2019 Premier League season. 

Final Grade: E-

Sunderland - Final Position: 20th

When your manager agrees his squad of players is 'pathetic' you know you never stood a chance. After staying up by the skin of their teeth last season, this year always looked like a unwinnable battle for the black cats. David Moyes was in charge after being fried from his last two jobs and he came into Sunderland during a very sensitive time, that was problem number one. Number two was that during both of the transfer windows in which Moyes was in charge, he failed to bring in anyone who would have an effect on the team. The Sunderland side was simply not good enough, but unlike last season where their manager believed in them and rallied the troops to keep them up, Moyes didn't even look like he wanted to try. The Scotsman seemed more occupied with threatening reported then fighting to keep his team up, the team which he said he thought had no chance of avoiding relegation from day one. Sunderland have averaged a home crowd of over 40,000 this season, incredible when you think just how poor they have been, the fans deserve better then what they've been given. While their arch rivals Newcastle won the Championship this season, Sunderland are the most likely side in years, in my opinion, to go through the divisions. If this is to be avoided big changes have to be made. On 22nd May 2017 Moyes resigned as manager to, i'm sure, the delight of the fans but top goal scorer Jermaine Defoe looks set to leave when his contract expires on July 1st. With young goal keeper Jordan Pickford the target of plenty of Premier League clubs it looks like Sunderland are going to lose plenty of their bigger players which may not be a bad thing seeing how poorly a lot of them have performed this season. It's hard to say what could prevent Sunderland from dropping into obscurity, but consistency is essential first of all. A manager who not only believes in the club but is willing to stick it out to ensure his side can grow and progress back to the Premier League.

Final Grade: F

It's been an interesting season, with plenty of sides under performing and just as money proving better then many of us thought they where. How will the remaining sides and those promoted from the EFL Championship get on next season? I'll write up my predictions closer to the time but for now we can just wait and see.