2013-2014 season end wrap-up, AKA let's see just how wrong we were.
Time again for the season end wrap-up. Overall, I'd say I had a pretty good handle on certain things but when I was wrong? Boy, was I ever wrong.
Here's what we said at the start of the season. What follows below is what actually panned out. Original predictions in italics.
Things you're excited for in the season ahead:
RM: A complete lack of drama. Honestly, that's all I want. I'd love to if RM won the league, but can this season be more about what's happening on the pitch than off of it? Also, enjoying the glut of young talent that the team's scooped up.
Three cheers for Carlo for keeping a tight lid on things drama-wise. I can't really remember anything major going on off-the-pitch, save for the Ozil exit back in August. But that seems like ancient history now and we've proven ourselves to be a better squad without him, honestly. As for young talent coming good - Isco, Bale and Carvajal especially - I'd say they definitely showed their mettle.
SPURS: Champion's league qualification, consistency in form and results, the Bale drama to end one way or another ASAP. I could also do with 75% fewer injuries this year.
Oh Christ. My expectations for this season were so far from what panned out, it's unreal. First off, I have no qualms admitting my bias here - I'm on team AVB. Whatever happened in December -- whether he left at his own behest or the board's -- I was devastated to see him go. I really believed he was building an actual system, and something like that was going to take time. Despite some blips (West Ham, City, Liverpool), we had an actual defensive strategy - and tactics, in general! And I really liked the look of our football. The less said about Sideshow Sherwood, the better. Best of luck to the next guy! (HEY THERE, HANDSOME. Won't you come in for a while?)
Things you're not so excited for in the season ahead:
RM: Defensive weaknesses.
We really didn't want the treble, did we?
SPURS: A lack of fullbacks that make smart choices (I'm looking at you, Walker); chewing my nails to the quick as I wait for games to be decided at the very last minute.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. My sincerest apologies, Kyle Walker. You were actually one of the bright spots this season! In retrospect, those last minute winners weren't so bad after all.
Your team's most crucial player:
RM: This is pretty obviously Cristiano, but after him I'd rate Xabi Alonso. The midfield just doesn't work as well without him.
Xabi Alonso is the way, the truth and the life. And, apparently, our clutch striker - Sergio Ramos. My how you've grown, Pony. Also, Modric: You're as spectacular as ever.
SPURS: Um... Luka Modric? HAHAHAHAHA. No really. Spurs have been without a consistently creative attacking midfielder since Modric went to Madrid, so here's hoping Paulinho can work his magic.
An heir to Modric at last! Christian Eriksen, you are a revelation! Paulinho, I fully believe in your ability to thrive, given the right guidance and formation; you were excellent at the start of the season.
Flop of the season:
Alan Pardew? Sigh. Newcastle make me so, so sad.
AND THEY HADN'T EVEN PLAYED A SINGLE GAME WHEN I WROTE THIS! AND HAD YET TO TRADE THEIR BEST PLAYER WITHOUT A THOUGHT OF REPLACEMENT! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Celebratory headbutts all around for my foresight!
For more on flops of the season, see the first item below!
Breakthrough player of the season:
SPURS: Soldado is going to go on a tear this year.
I don't suppose repeatedly tearing oneself a new one in frustration and gormlessness would happen to count, would it? I had such high hopes for you, Bob. Stick around and see if you can't put this season behind you and show us all how wrong we were for ever doubting you.
RM: Isco is the obvious choice here.
I'm not actually sure about this one. As far as new signings go - Isco and Bale both had shiny moments of greatness but lacked consistency. I'm not sure the answer to this question, which is kind of fabulous in a way because it means the team as a whole was really cohesive and everyone had their chance to shine. Pepe, you were a beast. And Marcelo, kudos on reinventing yourself as a game-changing substitute.
Otherwise: Can someone please buy Hatem Ben Arfa and give him a team that plays to his strengths? Precluding that, Ricky Lambert. Score on, son.
Still true about Hatem Ben Arfa! As far as Ricky Lambert? Well... right team, wrong player. Much like the rest of the world, I was totally floored by Adam Lallana.
Most underrated player:
SPURS: AARON LENNON. No. Really. Pace and class, even if he suffers from occasional bouts of brain freeze. Top player.
This could have been true had Lennon not spent most of the season injured. Instead, I'll say Michael Dawson. Laugh all you like, but when he's in form, Dawson is fierce. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention JERMAIN DEFOE. I'm still upset over this one. Little man sure does know how to find the back of the net.
Drama of the season:
RM: Casillas spends most of the season on the bench as Diego Lopez continues to showcase how amazing he is. Mourinho gloats, loudly and endlessly, from afar.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Mourinho wasn't gloating - at least not in public - but I, for one, was glad to see him vindicated. I really love you, Iker, for your leadership and bravery, but all this time on the bench has truly done a number on your choices and your confidence.
SPURS: It's currently unfolding and its name is Gareth Bale.
COULD I POSSIBLY HAVE BEEN MORE MISTAKEN? I SINCERELY DOUBT IT. Concussiongate, AVB out, Tactics Tim and the plight of the English manager, The Beatles failing to chart... Need I go on? And on and on...
What you think your team(s) will have achieved by the end of the season:
RM: I think they'll take the league and make it to the CL Finals.
LA DECIMA YO! But we certainly know how to throw a league away, don't we? Not once, not twice, but THREE times!
SPURS: Definite CL qualification. I predict they'll take 3rd in the league, and come home with the Europa League trophy. (I'm ambitious, I know.)
IT'S A GOOD THING THIS IS THE LAST ITEM BECAUSE I NEED TO GO NOW AND DIE OF LAUGHTER.