I can't call this year a success or a failure. Before the beginning of the season, everyone had expectations to best last year's 5th place finish. But after a horrific start, multiple injuries, and that whole Jolean Lescott fiasco, an 8th place finish does not sound nearly that bad.
So how did we get of to such a terrible start? Injuries and Joleon Lescott. Lescott leaving to Manchester City and the injuries to Jagielka and Neville threw the back four into disarray. Distin and later Heitinga came in, but lack of chemistry and depth destroyed the first four months.
Did it work out in the end? Yes.
Distin ended up being great. Heitinga has been phenomenal. And we now have plenty of depth. The lesson with the Lescott affair is that there is a price for everyone. No matter how good Lescott was for us, selling him ended up being great for us. Lescott ended up having a mediocre campaign at Man. City while the Toffees ended up getting a plethora of players with talent.
2010 was when everything turned around for the club. The defense shook away its chemistry problems. Our midfield controlled the ball, and our team in general fought hard for the club.
As weird as it sounds, I think we are in a better position this off season than last off season. We have greater depth, confidence, and talent. I'll post on what and who we need to move forward, later this weekend.
Best Player: Steven Pienaar
I was tempted to say Cahill, but Pienaar was just a game changer. Saha would have been here if he hadn't tailed off towards the end of the year. Fellaini should also be mentioned because he was outstanding and would probably be in the discussion if not for his injury.
Best Signing: John Heitinga
This one was close too, between Heitinga and Distin. Heitinga ultimately shines because he minimized mistakes while Distin was seemed vulnerable a few times. Almost all of Moyes' signings were hits. I say almost because...
Worst Signing: Jo
Not even close. Huge disappointment. He didn't score a single goal, had character issues, and was just painful to watch on the pitch. The only bad signing by Moyes.
Best Young Player: Jack Rodwell
Should I even explain. Looked like he was born to be on the pitch. He changed games, scored goals, passed well and didn't show any glaring weaknesses. The scary thing is that he doesn't look like he is close to his potential. God I hope we don't lose him.
High Point of the Season: Beating Manchester United and Chelsea
I should really say all of 2010, but these two games meant a lot. They showed that we can beat the two best teams in the Prem League and built our confidence.
Low Point of the Season: First game against Arsenal
I want to say the whole first half of the season, but this match was just plain painful. All my hope for the season was pretty much shattered with this game. It's not good to start of the season losing 6-0 for our worst home loss in the Premier League.
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