As we go into the World Cup, I thought I'd make a quick comment or two on the Premier League season. As hoped but maybe not expected, Arsenal managed to outlast Manchester City down the stretch to take the Premier League cup. I saw at least one sour-grapes headline about how VAR saved Arsenal's season, but judgment calls will always be judgment calls. So congratulations to the Gunners.
(And may I once again add that penalty kicks are a lousy way to finish a major championship, but I don't think they will ever go away, given how much bettors must love them. I still think a 9-on-9 overtime (8 players and the goalkeeper) would be a LOT more interesting, and give the star players a chance to shine. But nobody listens to me about that. Eze, formerly of Crystal Palace, tried to be way too cute in the Champions League final.)
Crystal Palace started really hot, but ended up where they are usually expected to be, in 15th. They flirted with relegation, but managed to win what they needed to win. Their manager, Oliver Glasner, is moving on, probably to a major club. So next year will probably be like this year -- just hanging on.
The other big stories down the line to the end were the collapse of Chelsea, the resurgence of Manchester United (who is their star player, by the way?) and the survival of Tottenham Hotspur. As others have noted, West Ham United in the Championship puts many smaller teams on the big stage of their massive stadium.
OK, so how do I finish it? How about the Goal of the Season?
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