Highs and lows of EPL 2014-15
CHELSEA
High point
The win over Crystal Palace that secured Chelsea's fourth Premier League title was euphoric. It wasn't convincing but Chelsea won't have cared a jot.
Low point
Their Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain. They looked to have done the hard work with a 1-1 draw in France. But against 10 men at the Bridge, they were poor.
Star of the season
Eden Hazard. A breathtaking season from the Belgian. John Terry, too, was phenomenal - but Hazard was a cut above everyone in the Premier League.
Flop of the season
Filipe Luis. Supposed to be Ashley Cole's successor. Hasn't worked out that way. Not £16million well spent. Will head back to Spain this summer.
Signing of the season
Cesc Fabregas, £27m, Barcelona. His exquisite pass to set up Andre Schurrle's goal in the season opener against Burnley set the tone. Truly world class.
Best quote
Jose Mourinho: 'There is a campaign against Chelsea. I don't know why there is this campaign and I do not care.' - The Special One's now infamous rant after a 1-1 draw at Southampton.
MAN CITY
High point
It's hard to remember it now, but City kicked off 2015 with a dramatic 3-2 win over Sunderland which put them level with Chelsea at the top of the league. After a sluggish start to their defence, it appeared as though last year's champions had finally clicked into gear.
Low point
Losing to United used to be something City fans expected but the noisy neighbours have banged down the front door and taken the best spot in front of the telly in recent years. The 4-2 defeat at Old Trafford, a sixth loss in eight outings, saw the old rivals leapfrog them in the table and felt like it could be the end for Pellegrini.
Star of the season
Sergio Aguero. Arguably the greatest player in City's history, a usually-fit Aguero has enjoyed his best campaign. A rhapsody in sky blue, the brilliant Argentine has scored 31 goals in 41 games and deserved better from his teammates.
Flop of the season
Eliaquim Mangala. It was lauded as a coup when City snatched the Porto defender from under Chelsea's noses (albeit a £32m coup) last summer. The young Frenchman, however, has at times treated the ball like a hand grenade and will have to show considerable improvement next season.
Signing of the season
Frank Lampard, free, Chelsea. Hardly any stiff competition for Frank but the veteran has chipped in with seven crucial goals and made 37 appearances. The fact that City kept him for longer than originally intended (at the risk of upsetting their friends in New York) spoke volumes.
Best quote
'Yeah, I usually can't tell but I did with that one. I thought, “Wow”.' A modest Joe Hart relives his flying save at Swansea City with Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman.
ARSENAL
High point
That could still be to come at Wembley this weekend. But so far their FA Cup win at Old Trafford was a landmark moment. Exercising demons - there's no better feeling. Their win at Manchester City comes a close second, though.
Low point
Wojciech Szczesny's infamous cigarette in the Southampton dressing room. Disgraceful behaviour - he's been No 2 ever since. And rightly so. It may have cost him his Arsenal career.
Star of the season
Alexis Sanchez - Where would they be without this guy? Without doubt, £30million well spent. An exceptional debut season in England.
Flop of the season
Wojciech Szczesny. Reckless flouting of club rules meant Wenger had no option but to dump his first choice keeper. His performances weren't up to much either.
Signing of the season
Alexis Sanchez, £30m, from Barcelona. Has carried the Gunners at times this season. A bargain at £30million. Will not suffer from second season syndrome. He's too good for that.
Best quote
Arsene Wenger: 'We've made contact with the embassy.' - the Arsenal manager's peculiar way of revealing talks regarding over a new contract for Theo Walcott have been initiated.
MAN UTD
High point
United fans will still tell you beating Liverpool is the one that matters but April's 4-2 derby win over Manchester City was the result of the year. Their sixth Premier League success in a row took them into third - and a rocking Old Trafford had finally grasped the Louis van Gaal philosophy.
Low point
The 4-0 Capital One Cup drubbing at League One MK Dons on August 26 and Van Gaal's subsequent admission that he was 'not surprised' had Reds wondering if Ed Woodward had chosen the wrong man for the second time in 12 months.
Star of the season
Ashley Young. David de Gea may have picked up the award but we expected what we saw from the superb Spaniard. We did not expect Ashley Young to be in the team, let alone become a consistent performer in a new position.
Flop of the season
Angel di Maria. Just nudges out the equally woeful Radamel Falcao because he came with slightly higher expectations. The break-in at the Argentine's home clearly contributed to his downfall but, at the risk of sounding harsh, looks like a £59.7m mistake.
Signing of the season
Ander Herrera, £28m, Athletic Bilbao. Initially did not hit it off with his manager but the all-action midfielder learned from his mistakes and has been a consistent performer over the second half of the season. He shoots, he scores.
Best quote
'Hello, hello, hey! Pay attention to the manager.' Having already delighted fans with a rousing, rambling speech at the end-of-season do, a seemingly well-oiled Van Gaal takes to the stage once more to demand a round of applause for the saxophone player.
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