2009/10 Premier League Review

The 2009/10 campaign of the English Premier League has drawn to a close. After a four-year absence, Chelsea have lifted the trophy as league champions after a record-setting season which saw the club score 103 goals.

The Blues simply outmatched most of their opponents this year with the attacking prowess of striker Didier Drogba. Drogba notched a tally of 29 goals in 33 appearances, bringing home the Golden Boot award as the top goalscorer in the Premier League. Aside of Manchester United, Chelsea met little resistance throughout the year.

Tottenham Hotspur went out with a bang and shook up the "Big Four." In taking Liverpool's usual place for next season's Champions League qualifying, the boys from White Hart Lane may have started a power shift in England for years to come. Don't look now, but Manchester City is right there with Tottenham in terms of potential. It would be unwise to think that Arsenal are locked into a top-three place for next season.

If Tottenham's ascendancy to a Champions League place was unexpected, then Fulham's late-season run at European glory was unthinkable in the early stages of the season.

Under the reign of manager Roy Hodgson, the Cottagers have unexpectedly progressed to the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid. Even though the team finished 12th in the table, a cup final victory in Hamburg would more than make up for their average performance in the domestic games and have this particular squad go down in Fulham lore.

The Premier League also is cruel; as per usual, three teams are relegated every year. This season, the unlucky supporters of Burnley, Hull City and Portsmouth will be cheering their respective clubs on in the Football League Championship in 2010/11.

Along with Newcastle rejoining the elite after a season in the second division, there will be a lot to look forward to in the next installment of English soccer. Will Chelsea be able to continue their fireworks on offense? Can Arsene Wenger part with some of his built-up cash to strengthen his squad? And will Liverpool right the ship? Stay tuned!