It was a season to remember in the Premier League, as European places, as well as the relegation battle was not decided until the final round. English teams dominated in Europe, picking up both the major titles, and with the World Cup looming, the English national team should be in good shape to compete for the title.
A year to remember for the Gunners, as they won a massive 5 titles. For the second year running, Arsenal can call themselves champions of Europe as they battled to victory in one of the most entertaining Champions League finals we have ever seen. The 4-4 draw with Schalke was decided on penalties, with the London club coming out on top. In the league, Arsenal won their first title in 14 years, but were matched closely by Man Utd.
Star man: Lionel Messi; 43 goals in 56 games in his first season at the club. Won the Champions League best player as well as FWA Player of the Year.
After last year's surprise 7th place, Cardiff took a small step backwards with a 13th place finish this year. It is still a respectable position, as the Welsh club looked safe from relegation throughout the year. Exits in the Quarter Final of the Capital One Cup, as well as the 3rd round of the FA cup, meant a year where focus was on building a squad for the next, perhaps, with a few key signings, Russel Slade can take his team back towards the European Spots next year.
Star Man: Charlie Austin; 24 goals in 38 games meant Austin was 3rd in the BPL Golden Boot award. Surprisingly the striker is yet to recieve an International callup, but perhaps he could be a wild card for a World Cup spot?
It was a year to forget for Chelsea fans. Despite massive investments in the summer, nothing went right during the season. They lost out to Besiktas in the playoff for Champions League, which meant Thursday Night football for the whole year. A Quarter Final exit to Bayern Munich, meant no European success to add to a 5th place finish. Europa League next season as well could make for a tricky year under the new leadership of Antonio Conte.
Star Man: Eden Hazard; 58 games and 18 goals for the Belgian magician, who had an avg rating of 7,63.
Another solid year for the London club, but only 2 points away from relegation means that perhaps a change in the lack of investment into the squad is needed. Palace have had a stable squad for several seasons, but for Gary Bowyer to improve on this year's 15th place finish, there could be a need for stronger squad depth.
Star Man: Kenedy; The Brazilian scored 18 goals in 38 starts, and could be seeing interest from other clubs during the summer.
Tipped by many for relegation, Everton had a very solid season, finishing in 10th place. A difficult economic situation meant Everton had to start the season by selling some of their top players, but a turnaround in that area saw a large investment made in January. This should mean an exciting time ahead for the Everton faithful.
Star Man: Gerson; the Man City loanee had a brilliant year, pulling all the strings. Several Young Player of the Month awards saw him rise to one of the most promising young talents in the league. It remains to be seen if Man City give him a shot next season, or if he'll have to spend another year out on loan.
Another mid-table finish for the foxes, who have established themselves away from the relegation zone. Early exits in both cups meant the focus was on building for the next year, and defensively, Leicester look solid. However, with the top scorers only netting 9 goals, perhaps some focus on improving the offence could be on the cards this summer.
Star Man: Marcos Rojo; a very solid year for the Argentine, starting 39 games and having an avg rating of 7,09.
A transitional year for the Reds, who were also left in a very difficult economic situation. Sales of some key squad players in January meant a uninspiring 9th place finish. Jürgen Klopp was hired in mid-season, but released at the end of the season. Scotsman Derek McInnes now has a big challenge to bring Liverpool back towards European places.
Star Man: Roberto Firmino; 14 goals in 32 starts is an impressive tally for an attacking midfielder. It remains to be seen if Liverpool can keep hold of him without European football in sight.
Another unconvincing year for Man City saw the end of Josep Guardiola as City manager. A 4th place finish, Champions League group stage exit, Europa League semi-final defeat to Spurs and Capital One cup win was not enough to keep the job. A new manager is yet to be named, but a lot of big names are mentioned. We have a big summer ahead at the Etihad.
Star Man: Sergio Aguero; 30 goals in 45 starts for the Argentine, who had a season without major injuries for the first time in a long while. If he remains fit, City should be up challenging for the title with a few adjustments to the squad.
Man Utd's tally of 80 points meant an impressive league campaign, but 8 losses were a few too many to grab the title. A good 2nd place finish though, for the most consistent team over the last few years. It was a year of almosts, as they were defeated in the semi-finals of the Capital One cup, and quarter-finas in the Champions League. Summer usually means loads of cash to burn for the Red Devils, so we can be sure of investments to make a title-winning squad again.
Star Man: Falcao; the Columbian has found his former self, as he netted 31 goals in 45 starts. 15 goals in 11 international appearances signals that Columbia will be a force to be reckoned with at the World Cup this summer.
A season of much encouragement from the Magpies, as Newcastle fans once again can start to dream of a return to the side they saw in the 90's. Newcastle are exciting to watch again and Slavisa Jokanovic has really gotten the most out of the summer investments. An impressive 6th place finish in the league means European football next year, and deep runs in both cups, with a heartbreaking FA cup final penalty loss as the biggest moment, should leave Newcastle fans very excited about the squad's chances moving forward.
Star Man: Paco Alcacer; What a first season for the Spaniard. 31 goals in 42 starts, and only beaten by Lionel Messi in the fight for the Golden Boot. Paco could be an outsider for a striker spot for Spain this summer, despite not recieving an international call-up yet.
Part 2 will include chairman of the year, signing of the season as well as worst signing of the season awards.