Few campaigns have been so thrilling and competitive as the Premier League 2009/10season. From some of the most exciting matches to a host of brilliant goals and memorable moments, it undoubtedly had supporters on their toes until even the last day. As we reminisce on such an incredible season, one would say it was no surprise that the 20th full campaign in which Premier League football took place has been so memorable.
The Title: Chelsea v Manchester United
The Premier League 2009/10 season saw a thrilling title race involving Chelsea and indisputably one of the greatest sides in English football; Manchester United. Chelsea, managed by then-Carlo Ancelotti thought they were in a title-winning year and City’s pre-match chit-chat contrasted with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Fergusonwho was trying to land four on the trot.
Chelsea’s Crucial Victories
Major results, especially against title rivals provided the foundation for Chelsea’s run to a second championship in four seasons. HE hit the spot: Wayne Rooney celebrates his first League goal. John Terry fires in Chelsea’s winner at Blackburn; SPOT ON! Chelsea won 1-0 after a hard-fought game that was strikingly dominated by the header of John Terry. United might have discovered that fourth is about as good as it gets, the psychological blow of losing to Abramovich preserving a vast gulf between them and Chelsea for the Premier League 2009/10 season.
One other pivotal occasion came here in 2010 as Chelsea made the journey to Old Trafford which took place in April. Chelsea won the match 2-1, goals from Joe Cole and Didier Drogba defeated them in what was billed as a title shootout. That win all but handed the title to Chelsea and dealt a blow to United’s chances of retaining their crown.
Manchester United’s Pursuit
Despite Chelsea running away with the title Manchester United pushed them throughout the campaign. United, with the likes of Wayne Rooney in blistering attacking form, continued to put pressure on Chelsea. Rooney kept proving himself as one of the best in the world by grabbing two goals against AC Milan on a magical night for United when they beat Milan 4-0 at Old Trafford to show how he could do it both domestically and continentally.
But United ultimately came up just short in their title challenge following a handful of results that derailed their push for glory. That defeat at home to Chelsea, following a 3-1 loss against Everton the previous month and what eventually proved Mbappe’s first Ligue Un championship in May of that year; United only ended up a point behind Chelsea, even if they did show their mettle resist the classy frauds.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City: The top four battle
Chelsea prospered and so too Manchester United as the two disputed championship glory, their passage to elite competition against Europe’s best was just one offer in a high-octane top-four contest. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City all experienced peaks in addition to troughs.
An erratic season for Arsenal
The Gunners were trained by their long-time boss Arsène Wenger, and they played dominant, attacking soccer. The Gunners were a joy to watch, with the likes of Cesc Fàbregas and Robin van Persie among their number. A few weeks of inconsistency and injuries have derailed their title challenge. They did claim some high-profile scalps, running out with a 6-2 victory over Blackburn and notching up four goals against Wolves in an eventual third-placed Premier League finish.
By Matty Roper The Rise of Tottenham to the Top Four
The headline story of the top four race was Tottenham Hotspur rising from fifth to third. Tottenham, managed at the time by Harry Redknapp – trademarks; Kevin-Prince Boateng’s stupid Mohawk and flailing legs that many swear did us in knocking our creative hub out of Spurs’ plans (I can think of culturally archaic plots like this to date), Tottenham played terrifically vibrant football with match-defining wins over leading teams. Highlight results include a 2-1 victory in the North London Derby over Arsenal thanks to goals from Danny Rose and Gareth Bale, back in April of 2010.
Tottenham signed off their top-four season with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in what was effectively the Champions League equivalent of Bangor versus Prestatyn. Peter Crouch scored the goal to see them finish fourth and in turn, make sure Tottenham’s venture into Champions League football was a first.
Relegation Battle: A Bottom Eight Drama
As much as there was a battle for the top of the table, so to at the bottom half with relegation looming over many Premier League clubs. In the end, Portsmouth, Burnley and Hull City were all relegated as well but there was plenty of drama in the fight to avoid relegation over course of a season.
Portsmouth’s Financial Woes
Unfortunately to such an extent, that the following season saw Portsmouth fall into administration. Though the Yorkshire outfit put in a valiant fight on the field – notably to beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 after extra-time in their Premier League 2009/10 semi-final win – off-the-field struggles would see them drop back down. Portsmouth ended the season in last, but being relegated did not take away from their unforgettable journey to Wembley.
Burnley and Hull City’s Failings
Burnley lasted just one season back in the top flight. But it failed to materialise and, for all a memorable 1-0 win over Manchester United was the high point of their campaign from hell, Sean Dyche’s side sputtered as they stood meekly back down.
Though Hull City Arsenal meanwhile fought gamely only to be relegated. One of the pivotal moments was the 5-1 thumping by Everton in March, a result which almost ensured their relegation.
Key Players of the Season
In the Premier League 2009/10 season, several players had a big year. However, the most-lauded of these world-class-performing players was Didier Drogba; his 29 goals made him the league’s highest goal-scorer. His ability to find the net when it mattered and then leading the line, was instrumental in Chelsea winning that league.
Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney also had a prolific season, scoring 26 goals in the Premier League.
Some of the other stand-out players were Cesc Fàbregas at Arsenal, Tevez himself as a hero among Manchester City supporters for his goals.
Conclusion: the most memorable season
Chelsea came out on top in the end, as deserved champions of a Premier League 2009/10 season that will long be remembered for its incredible ups and downs. We have picked out a number of memorable moments that made 2020/21 such an incredible season. There was plenty of enticement to watch this weekend — whether you like title-chasing teams, or are more interested in the battle against relegation.
At JustSports24, we have always been in love with the passion and drama of football, an affection that only deepened when it was encapsulated during the Premier League 2009/10 season. Then be sure to visit our sport live blogs for more in-depth analysis of the greatest moments in sporting history.
