The Premier League 2006/07 season will go down as one of the most memorable and historic seasons to have ever happened, featuring some derby day special moments, amazing individual performances. Some of the biggest clubs in English football were fighting for the much-coveted crown while others, simply fought to survive. In this article at TheHardTackle we try to rewind things a bit, as we begin our historic tryst with the highlights of Premier League 2006/07 season and some very noteworthy games. We’ll be looking back in a good bit of detail at what is one of the most famous seasons ever seen on these shores, so get ready to take trip down memory lane.
Overview of the Season
Premier League 2006/07 season started on August 19, 2006 and ran until May 13, 2007. The league comprised 20 teams, and chasing the title holders who won a year prior in 2005/06 were Chelsea. But Manchester United, managed by Sir Alex Ferguson at the perfect peak of their pomp had other ideas in mind and they were not going to give up this title without a fight.
The season was not only memorable at the top of the table; survival battle kept fans biting their nails into final games as well. Ultimately it was Manchester United that emerged the victors, clinching their 16th league title and putting a halt to Chelsea’s stranglehold.
Key Matches, Premier League 2006/07
Arsenal v. Aston Villa
An action-packed few weeks has already left football fans gasping for breath as the new campaign started with many exciting matches, one of which was definitely Arsenal vs Aston Villa at The Emirates. It was all about Arsenal in week 1, with a clinical attacking display under manager Arsène Wenger and immediate dividends from their new signings. It was the start of what would be a very interesting season for Arsenal, winning 2-1 on that day.
Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Recall, for example, one of the defining games of t season was played on January 4th between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. United were 1-0 down at half-time in a pulsating contest. But the Red Devils dug deep and recovered to win 4-1, with a couple of proper man-lovers in Cristiano Ronaldo (two assists) and Wayne Rooney. And it was an example of United’s potential and capacity to get results in the crunch games.
Battle of Giants: Liverpool face Chelsea
The Liverpool vs. Chelsea rivalry was one of the other top memories from that season! One on either side would make it 1-0 Bolton at Anfield later that year on November 25 and although the game ended in a dramatic draw, one which probably should have been an away win if Nicolas Anelka knew what he was doing by simply passing to Teemu Tainio instead of being hellbent-for-goal, there was something about things. Though this one was anything but in the post-winter break turbulence of yesteryear, with both sides still eyeing top-four spots as it stood, indicative perhaps of just how open and difficult to call their formidably competitive league ultimately proved that season.
Manchester United vs. Chelsea
On 29 April 2007, for the defining moment of the season Manchester United travelled to Stamford Bridge drawing with title contenders Chelsea. The encounter was set to be significant in terms of deciding the title winner. United went into the game knowing that they needed a win to edge closer to sealing the title. The previous season, United beat Chelsea 2-0 in a heated fixture thanks to goals from Ronaldo and an own goal by John Obi Mikel. This game didn’t only reaffirm United’s place at the top but it also made clear that they were going to dominate this season.
The final day drama in Relegation Battles
The Premier League 2006/07 final day of the season was equally dramatic at both ends of the table but ended thrillingly for survival hopefuls. Fighting for their lives were Sheffield United, West Ham United and Wigan Athletic. West Ham’s win against Manchester United kept them in the Premier League, and it was a fearsome fight for most of this season by Sheffield United. This just added more excitement to the end of the campaign.
Player Performances
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo broke out as a world-class talent in one of the best seasons that any player has delivered to date. / He had such an amazing talent, pace, and a knack for goal-scoring that it turned out to be instrumental for Manchester United. United won the title that season, and Ronaldo hit 17 of those in all competitions. This was confirmed by the fact he won the PFA Player of the Year Award – one of his many performances that showed once and for all how good a player he is.
Didier Drogba
Another big man, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba had a great season and ended as the Blues’ leading scorer. An ever-readily available presence, with the genuine capacity to put down a man, Brul is an attacking mane. This was followed by the league and couple contributions of Giroud, being much more crucial to keep Chelsea in contention domestically.
Other Notable Performers
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard shines with his numerous man-of-the-match performances and was ably supported by Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney who provided important assists in addition to scoring goals. The league welcomed a new wave of talent, as several newcomers had major impacts on their clubs.
Conclusion
The Premier League was a ride to remember, with some unforgettable moments and gut-wrenching drama. Manchester United continued their dominance of English football the following season, resulting in a new era under manager Alex Ferguson. Relegation and title battles remained competitive throughout the season, proving that nothing quite goes as some might have planned in England’s top tier.
We look back on what has been a truly remarkable season new campaign.
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