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TF90M's English Football League Correspondent Louis Antonius delivers a round-up of the main football events to occur in 2008. And what a year it was... 2008 saw many changes - a new American president, a new men’s tennis no.1 and even a new X-Factor judge to name just a few...but one thing certainly didn’t change- the outstanding football on show in England’s and arguably the World’s finest league. The club year was dominated by Manchester United who added to their trophy cabinet with trophies on the domestic, European and World front. Individually the year was lit up by one man and one man only- Cristiano Ronaldo who terrorised Premiership and European defences with silky skills and destroyed goalkeepers with right and left foot strikes, headers and of course the “Ronnie Rocket”! The 07/08 Premiership season went right down to the last day of the season with scores to be settled at both ends of the table. A strong end to the season by Avram Grant’s Chelsea, including wins over Arsenal and Man United meant United had to win away at Wigan to secure top spot. They did this and captured the title winning 2-0 win with Ryan Giggs fittingly scoring the winner in his record equalling 758th United appearance. At the other end of the table Derby continued to be embarrassed week after week and were virtually down by the start of 2008. Fulham seemed to be joining them. 3 games left, 2-0 down at half-time away at Manchester City, Fulham were mathematically relegated but a remarkable second half saw them pull off a comeback of epic proportions winning 3-2 and they never looked back completing the great escape on the last day with a 1-0 at Portsmouth which condemned Reading and Birmingham to the Championship. The last game of the season showcased the Premier League in a memorable night in Moscow. Games between the so called “Big Four” often disappoint but the normally tentative chess-like game was swapped for enthralling end to end football. Ronaldo got his 42nd of the season in normal time but missed in the shoot-out. Chelsea had one hand on the cup until John Terry slipped and missed his spot-kick along with Nicolas Anelka allowing United to win their third European title and making sure Red Square didn’t turn blue. Football fans didn’t have long to wait for more action though as Europe’s top footballing countries (minus England of course) took part in a marvellous Euro 2008. Holders Greece couldn’t pull off another miracle and were knocked out in the group stage. France also disappointed hugely with mysterious Raymond Domenech in charge who blamed everyone and everything but himself for the failure. Holland were the most impressive in the group stage making light work of the so called “Group of Death” but peaked too early and were knocked out in the quarter final by their own Guus Hiddink, whose Russian team surprised many. Portugal showed glimpses of brilliance but ultimately should have done better with the World’s best player amongst their ranks. Germany were their conquerors, who themselves never set the World alight, but do they ever? You just could never write the German machine off until they finally succumbed to the might of the Spanish who the tournament belonged to. Flair, fight and a frightening strike force enabled them to end their 44 year long wait for a title. England missed out on Euro 2008 but have a new man in charge that has got England fans expectant. A man with the calibre of Fabio Capello can end England’s long wait of years without a trophy. Fine wins away in Croatia and Germany has only increased the expectation and the Three Lions will look to carry this good form into 2009 and secure their World Cup qualification. The 08/09 looks set to go down in history as one of the most exciting seasons ever with no-one able to yet predict who will go down or who will win the title. The summer transfer window as usual went down to the very last minute. Those who were brought early included stars of the Euro’s Jose Bosingwa, Deco and Luka Modric, but on deadline day in a bizarre turn of events Man City fans were licking their lips when the Abu Dhabi investment group took over their club. Minutes later they were linked with some of the greatest players in the world, Kaka, Buffon and Ronaldo but had to settle with just the one player which still delighted fans as they sang “We’ve got Robinho” into the early hours of the morning whilst on the other side of Manchester United fans celebrated the signing of Bulgarian sulker Berbatov. Liverpool have broke the top two dominance of Chelsea and United, so far surprising many grinding out the results despite Rafa’s rotation policy but United have games in hand due to their exploits in Japan (winning the World Club Cup) which if they win will mean they overtake their local rivals. There is no doubt which club have been the biggest shock. It has been one Hull of a year! The mix of flair and force helped them to wins at the Emirates, White Hart Lane and other grounds. Their attacking style has meant they have been at the wrong end of a beating more than once. 5-0 against Wigan and 6-0 against Man City show they aren’t safe yet and I predict the honeymoon is over for them and it will be a long and tough 2009 for them.
Despite their millions Man City find themselves in danger. Robinho, Wright-Phillips and Ireland have impressed up top but their weak defensive performances mean they’ve leaked too many goals. Spurs were expected to break into the top four but instead face a relegation battle thanks to a poor start which cost Juande Ramos his job. Without Spurs challenging for the 4th spot, it meant Aston Villa took up the mantle for the best of the rest. Fantastic performances by a side packed with English players are a joy to behold and many hope they can finally break the top four resistance. There are so many questions still to be answered and a fantastic 2008 has set it up nicely for 2009 to be one of the greatest footballing years ever.
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