Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
The 2022-23 Premier League season got here to an finish this weekend, with Leeds and Leicester relegated from the highest flight in a usually dramatic closing spherical of fixtures.
Nearly all of the largest points had already been settled, with Manchester Metropolis pipping Arsenal to the title, Manchester United and Newcastle securing Champions League soccer for subsequent season and Southampton already relegated, leaving Everton to scrap it out with Leeds and Leicester for survival.
Abdoulaye Doucoure’s winner at Goodison meant 2015-16 winner Leicester went down into the second tier, whereas it was no shock that Leeds joined them after a depressing couple of seasons.
101 Nice Objectives has been there at each step of the season, bringing you the newest information, switch rumours, participant scores and betting recommendations on each sport within the English prime flight, so here’s what our crew of writers has to say concerning the thirty first season of the Premier League.
Participant of the season
Josh Barker: There needs to be little debate about who the Premier League participant of the season is. Erling Haaland smashed the Premier League objectives document in 2022/23 regardless of taking part in 4 video games lower than the earlier document holders. No person has come near the Norwegian’s stage this marketing campaign.
Jamie Brown: Erling Haaland. Palms up and admit I received this very mistaken suggesting it wouldn’t work out for him at Man Metropolis. 36 league objectives, a Premier League title and two finals remaining, it’s truthful to say that this has been top-of-the-line debut seasons this nation has ever seen.
Proud and humbled to change into the first-ever footballer to win each the Premier League Participant of the Season and Premier League Younger Participant of the Season. Due to my household, followers, teammates and the entire workers for this! 🏆 ➕ 🏆 @ManCity @premierleague pic.twitter.com/nwJC1YTmhs
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) Could 27, 2023
Conor Laird: I actually needed to offer this one to Kevin De Bruyne, because the Belgian supremo stays English soccer’s finest participant so far as I’m involved. However the numbers don’t lie. And Erling Haaland breaking the Premier League’s all-time goalscoring document in his first season in Manchester Metropolis colors speaks for itself. Haaland is the Participant of the Season.
Supervisor of the season
Josh Barker: Pep Guardiola is the apparent alternative for a lot of, however the award ought to go to Mikel Arteta. Sure, Arsenal have ‘bottled’ the league however they have been up towards arguably the most effective crew in English historical past. The Gunners would have had the youngest squad and youngest supervisor to win the Premier League had they accomplished so in 2022/23, so taking Metropolis proper to the top was a great achievement in of itself.
Jamie Brown: Gary O’Neil. I’m undecided anybody, aside from Bournemouth’s followers, would have had Bournemouth staying up. Following a horrific begin, together with a 9-0 defeat at Anfield, O’Neil has accomplished a exceptional job turning the ship round and steering them nicely away from hazard.
Ben Browning: Gary O’Neil. Had Arsenal received the Premier League, Mikel Arteta would have been a shoo in for the award, and he and Eddie Howe each run O’Neil shut, however preserving Bournemouth up is a miracle that nobody anticipated, particularly when Scott Parker was sacked following a 9-0 defeat at Anfield.
To maintain them secure with time nonetheless to spare is bordering within the unbelievable, and he deserves loads of credit score for his achievements.
You misspelt Gary O’Neil 😂 https://t.co/jQxw2LWnzi
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) Could 18, 2023
Conor Laird: A reputable case might be made for no fewer than seven managers right here, with all of Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, Eddie Howe, Roberto De Zerbi, Unai Emery, Thomas Frank and Gary O’Neil having overseen excellent seasons with their respective golf equipment. For me personally, although, for his exceptional efforts in guiding the membership to a first-ever season in Europe, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi tops the checklist.
Sport of the season
Josh Barker: Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United
The likes of Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis placing seven previous a crew on the backside finish of the desk isn’t that surprising. Nevertheless, when Jurgen Klopp’s males put seven previous their bitter rivals it was a shock to say the least. What made the sport much more memorable, although, was Man United have been coming off the again of a League Cup closing win and an enormous Europa League victory over La Liga champions, FC Barcelona. This, mixed with the very fact Liverpool really scored six of their seven objectives within the second half make it a serious contender for sport of the season.
Reminder: Liverpool scored S-E-V-E-N objectives towards Manchester United 🎥
(by way of @LFC) pic.twitter.com/yxQ3iB7Jdd
— B/R Soccer (@brfootball) March 5, 2023
Jamie Brown: Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham
My private favorite was the Battle of the Bridge II. An extremely feisty fixture on and off the pitch. On the pitch you had two groups going backwards and forwards with a final minute equaliser from Harry Kane. You then had the bust up after between Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel. A correct derby match.
Ben Browning: Manchester Metropolis 3-3 Newcastle United
A sport dubbed as Oil Clasico on social media threw up six objectives, and swung each methods earlier than finally ending all sq.. Capturing out of the blocks, Eddie Howe’s aspect regarded like producing an enormous shock, just for some wonderful Manchester Metropolis soccer to claw it again to 3-3 earlier than some Nick Pope heroics stored it stage for full time.
Conor Laird: Liverpool 4 – 3 Tottenham
Two video games instantly spring to thoughts for me right here, for very totally different causes. First, Liverpool’s historic seven-goal drubbing of arch rivals Manchester United. And second comes my winner, with Liverpool once more centre stage. The Reds’ downing of Tottenham in late-April had every thing – seven objectives, a three-goal comeback, one other ‘celebrated too quickly’ second for Richarlison, and naturally, Lucas Moura’s second of insanity laying on a last-gasp Diogo Jota winner.
Story of the season?
Josh Barker: Brighton have had a merely excellent 2022/23 marketing campaign. Regardless of shedding long-time boss Graham Potter to Chelsea, the Seagulls secured European soccer subsequent time period for the primary time of their historical past. Roberto De Zerbi has are available and improved upon Potter’s basis and can finish the season by beating Brighton’s highest-ever end within the division, which was ninth in 2021/22.
Jamie Brown: Brighton ending in Europe for the primary time ever. After the departure of Potter, Brighton regarded like they might be in free fall. However the easy transition to De Zerbi pays testomony to simply how nicely run Brighton are. Their participant recuperating has been phenomenal with signings like Mac Allister, Caicedo, Estupian and Mitoma. They’ve needed to battle some actual monetary juggernauts to do it, making their achievements much more spectacular.
🗣️ “The way in which they play I’ve by no means seen in 20 years!”
Pep Guardiola is stuffed with reward for Roberto De Zerbi 🤝 pic.twitter.com/RaMfYdAvcQ
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) Could 24, 2023
Ben Browning: Eddie Howe might have had the pleasure of loads of spending within the switch window, however he has nonetheless received probably the most out of the gamers that he already had on Tyneside. And none embody that greater than Sean Longstaff, who has change into a key a part of the Magpies aspect, and can be a Champions League footballer subsequent season. Inform that to most (and even him) two years in the past, and he would have thought you have been taking the piss.
Conor Laird: Till very lately, Arsenal’s odds-defying endeavours en path to mounting a reputable Premier League title bid would have taken taken the cake for me. The Gunners’ expensive late stutter, although, has as a substitute swayed my vote in the direction of Brighton. Amid uncertainty within the aftermath of all of Marc Cucurella, Yves Bissouma, Neal Maupay after which boss Graham Potter shifting on, Roberto De Zerbi’s males clinching a Sixth-placed end is nothing wanting exceptional.
Younger participant of the season?
Josh Barker: While Erling Haaland remains to be eligible for the Younger Participant of the Season award, it appears considerably unfair handy him that on prime of POTS. So, the subsequent best choice is Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal. The Brazilian’s marketing campaign was reduce brief by damage, however he nonetheless scored 15 and assisted 5 within the league. No participant aged 21 or below scored extra.
Jamie Brown: William Saliba. Over the past month or so, the significance of Saliba has been highlighted. The Gunners have regarded a lot extra defensively safe with him within the crew and he was an enormous purpose why Arsenal got here so near their first league title since 2004.
A have a look at how vital William Saliba has been to @Arsenal this season 🧱 pic.twitter.com/phnP0crvit
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 26, 2023
Ben Browning: Erling Haaland is the clear winner for each this and the senior model of the award, however given his robotlike skills, I’m giving it to Bukayo Saka. The Englishman has hit double figures for each objectives and assists this season, and really practically had Arsenal on the right track to win the Premier League.
Conor Laird: Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, previous to Arsenal’s late-season collapse, might have mounted a real case for this one. However, for a similar causes outlined above, Erling Haaland is the undisputed Premier League Younger Participant of the Season.
Spotlight of the season?
Josh Barker: Gary O’Neil was handed the caretaker cost of Bournemouth in August of 2022 after the Cherries’ dismal begin to the season below Scott Parker. Bournemouth spent little or no in the summertime and on paper, had the weakest squad within the Premier League. Nevertheless, regardless of 99% of followers and pundits backing them to go down, O’Neil secured Bournemouth’s survival with three video games to play.
Jamie Brown: As a Spurs fan, there was only a few moments which I’ve loved this season. So no Premier League spotlight for me, I’ll as a substitute choose Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup. The ultimate was in all probability the best sport of soccer I’ve ever seen and produced probably the most iconic second I’ll ever see in my lifetime.
Ben Browning: Arsenal’s title cost – as an Arsenal fan, it’s unimaginable to not put their rollercoaster season prime of the checklist. Defying all expectations forward of the brand new season, they regarded set to win the Premier League till accidents and kind went towards them, and although it led to bittersweet circumstances, it’s nonetheless a marketing campaign to be happy with.
Conor Laird: Maybe a barely under-the-radar second, however Bournemouth’s David Brooks returning to motion with the Cherries after a full 536 days – on the again of prolonged battles with each most cancers and damage – was actually heartwarming.
Largest disappointment?
Josh Barker: After spending over £300m in the summertime and one other £300m in January, it’s exhausting not to decide on Chelsea as the largest disappointment. The Blues have a plethora of proficient gamers at their disposal, however are set to complete a season within the backside half of the desk for the primary time since 1995/96.
Jamie Brown: The Premier League title race. Every part was shaping up for an epic title race that regarded set to go all the way down to the wire. However simply two wins in Arsenal’s final eight matches have ended up gifting the title to Manchester Metropolis. Metropolis didn’t even need to kick a ball to get the title over the road because the Gunners crashed to a defeat on the Metropolis Floor.
Ben Browning: One other season of VAR dominating the season and leaving each fan feeling like it’s working towards their aspect, and it has to alter. Starting from forgetting to attract the strains to rule out Brentford’s equaliser towards Arsenal, to drawing offside strains on the mistaken participant for Brighton and lacking a number of clear penalties for the Seagulls, it continues to do extra hurt than good within the Premier League.
Conor Laird: No actual argument available right here. Contemplating the cash spent on the membership’s squad by new proprietor Todd Boehly, Chelsea have been nothing wanting a catastrophe this season. A title problem was anticipated, a backside half end adopted. The Premier League’s largest disappointment by a distance.
Laughing inventory?
Josh Barker: After impressing with Luton and taking part in some good soccer early in his Southampton stint, issues got here crashing down for Nathan Jones on the south coast. His closing sport in cost noticed his aspect lose 2-1 at dwelling to a 10-man Wolves. It was his press convention after the match that can go down in infamy, although.
The 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 quotes from Nathan Jones’ press convention 😅 pic.twitter.com/2VQHwaYrfz
— Soccer Day by day (@footballdaily) February 10, 2023
Jamie Brown: Chelsea. Round £600m spent throughout the season and they’re set to complete twelfth, with a minus aim distinction and as many objectives scored as Erling Haaland on his personal. Pochettino has an enormous job on his palms.
Ben Browning: I might have picked all of Tottenham, who’ve had a season that has lurched from good to humorous to tragic, however there’s a particular point out for Richarlison, who arrived for £60m and has managed only one Premier League aim.
In equity, he celebrated it nicely, solely to see his aspect concede a winner moments later and with seconds left within the sport.
Conor Laird: Sorry Tottenham followers, however this one goes to you. Antonio Conte’s now notorious rant, and subsequent dismissal, marked solely the tip of the iceberg in what has been a farcical season on the Lilywhite half of the north London divide. Alternative Cristian Stellini lasting simply 4 video games, a five-goal deficit inside 20 minutes at Newcastle, Richarlison’s shirt-removing antics, arch rivals Arsenal constructing a title contender for years to return… Want I’m going on?
Purpose of the season?
Josh Barker: There have been quite a few very good objectives scored throughout the 2022/23 season, however Matheus Nunes’ effort vs Fulham, which he hit on a half volley, deserves the award because of the tight angel he was in a position to rating from.
Jamie Brown: Julian Alvarez vs Fulham. A vital aim within the title race and an unbelievable strike to beat Bernd Leno, who had been sensible up till that time. The Argentine confirmed nice ft to maintain the ball after which finesse it from outdoors the realm over the top of the German.
Ben Browning: Michael Olise vs Manchester United
Given the circumstances of the sport and the state of affairs, for Olise to search out the highest nook from 30 yards out and snatch a degree in stoppage time needs to be the most effective mixture of state of affairs, approach and execution that we’ve seen this season.
WOW! Michael Olise has simply ROBBED Man Utd of all three factors with an unreal free-kick! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lGysJsPi1L
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 18, 2023
Conor Laird: Particular mentions exit to each Michael Olise & Julio Enciso, however I’m choosing one thing of a rogue reply right here. My aim of the season has little to do with the end, however was as a substitute all concerning the work within the buildup. Alexander Isak’s second of absolute genius in dancing his method into the Everton penalty space earlier than laying on Jacob Murphy at Goodison Park needs to be seen to be believed, and will get its deserved recognition as my choose for Purpose of the Season.
