Premier League season review part one: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn and Bolton assessed
To mark the end of one of the most memorable Premier League seasons ever, talkSPORT runs the rule over how each team has fared. In part one we look at the first four teams in the league as sorted by alphabetical order: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bolton and Blackburn.
TEAM: ARSENAL
Final position: 3rd (Champions League group stages)
Player of the season
There's only one choice for this one: Robin van Persie. The Dutchman has finally proven he's one of the best strikers around by keeping himself injury-free and delivering throughout the season, finishing top of the Premier League's scoring charts and almost single handedly dragging Arsenal into the automatic spot for the 2012/13 Champions League. That's not to say he'll even be at the Emirates by the time competition kicks off, though, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Premier League champions Man City sniffing around.
High point
Derby wins are always special, but Arsenal's 5-2 destruction of Tottenham was particularly sweet, as it came in the midst of heavy criticism of Arsene Wenger. Spurs were looking for their first back-to-back league wins at Arsenal in 86 years and after the Gunners went two down it looked like it just might happen. Arsenal responded brilliantly, however, with Bacary Sagna and RVP levelling the tie before Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott's brace completed a famous derby victory over rivals they trailed by 12 points at one stage.
Verdict
Arsenal may tout their third place finish as a success story, but it's a harsh reminder of their standing in football these days. Long gone are the days of 'The Invincibles, and though Arsene Wenger keeps insisting next year will bring a trophy, some kind of silverware is long overdue. Robin van Persie's brilliance has papered over the cracks, but it doesn't hide yet another disappointing year for the North London side.
TEAM: ASTON VILLA
Final position: 16th
Player of the season
It's hard to take too many positives from Villa's season but Shay Given is one of them, and without the Irishman Villa would have struggled to avoid relegation. Top drawer saves like the one in the last minute of a 0-0 draw with West Brom have been the difference between one point and none, which has been crucial considering Villa's inability to win.
High point
Picking a high point for Villa this season is like picking your favourite Justin Bieber song at gunpoint, but for the sake of this category we will. A 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge is probably the best of a bad bunch, with Stephen Ireland doing that thing he does once every six months and playing a blinder.
Verdict
A record low in terms of league points tells the whole story when it comes to Villa. Alex McLeish has struggled with injuries but his lack of attacking ambition contributed to the Scot losing his job.
TEAM: BOLTON WANDERERS
Final position: 18th (relegated)
Player of the season
Bolton's captain and second higest goalscorer this season, Kevin Davies epitomises the club's fighting spirit. The veteran's dedication to his club is second to none, and with the Bolton captain confirming he wants to stay and bring his team back from the Championship next year, his undying loyalty has to be admired.
High point
As bad as Bolton's season has been, the side will value the health of Fabrice Muamba above all. For the Wanderers to turn up and beat Blackburn only a week after Muamba's cardiac arrest is commendable, and surely their performance of the season given the context.
Verdict
Owen Coyle may claim contentious refereeing decisions sealed Bolton's relegation, but in resorting to blaming officials for his side's shortcomings Coyle is also admitting their weakness. Had Bolton conceded less and scored more they wouldn't have needed to rely on referees to seal their fate in the first place. Not a good year for the Trotters, to state the obvious.
TEAM: BLACKBURN Rovers
Final position: 19th (relegated)
Player of the season
If Blackburn's defence was as good as its attack then they'd still be in the Premier League. With 18 league goals this year, Aiyegbeni Yakubu must be wondering what more he could have done to keep his team up. Unlike many of his team mates the Yak can hold his head high, and will surely get a move elsewhere in the summer.
High point
Blackburn's 3-2 win at Old Trafford sums up the best of Steve Kean's side this season. Unfortunately, it was followed by a 2-1 home defeat against Stoke, which conveniently sums up the worst of Steve Kean's side this season...
Verdict
Blackburn have been baffling, frustrating and, on rare occasions like against Arsenal and United, brilliant. Big victories followed by pathetic defeats in bread and butter ties provided little comfort to the Rovers support, and with the complete lack of enthusiasm shown by much of the team, relegation is the players' reward.
Arsenal, Villa, Bolton and Rovers fans, how do you feel about your side's season?