As the European footballing season draws to a close in what has been another unforgettable year of drama, we head into the home straight in eager anticipation for both domestic and continental competitions.
Yet, when we skim our eyes over to the fixtures, we see a very drastic change from last season.
In 2010, Internazionale won the treble in an unbelieveable season under the “special one” in Jose Mourinho.
Inter swept all before them in Italy and globally with the Italian supercup and Club World Cup triumphs this season.
Chelsea overcame European disappointment to romp to a maiden English Double after scoring a record 103 goals in the league and missing almost the same amount of chances in the FA Cup Final on their way to 1-0 defeat of Pompey.
In Germany, “FC Hollywood” (Bayern Munich) went all the way in the the Champions League in making their first final since their triumph in 2001 but fell at the last hurdle in what could also have been a treble winning year, as the Bavarian giants did the League and German cup double.
Domestically, and in Europe, these triumvirate of teams dominated, winning nine trophies between them. Almost a year down the track, all three would lying if they didn’t want to rewind the clock to their glorious seasons from 2009/2010.
The Nerazurri, Blues and Bavarians all currently sit in third in their respective leagues with a title challenge all but over after disappointing seasons to say the least.
Even Chelsea at one stage were fighting to make it into the Champions League for next season.
It is truly a far cry from the history that was made last season.
Two managers in Louis Van Gaal and Rafa Benitez have already been given their marching orders while Carlo Ancelotti and Leornado are on the brink of being shipped out.
As clamours grow louder about the end of an era at both West London and the blue and black half of Milan, as well as a revolution being announced in Munich with big changes being mooted for all three in the summer.
This comes after five consecutive Serie A titles for Inter while Chelsea have won three of the last six EPL titles and a hat-trick of FA cup titles to go with five Champions League semi-finals in seven years.
As for the German team, they’ve been the perennial winners in Germany for decades.
Now, as we await the inevitable relinquishing of their titles and the subsequent return to power of some of some of the faded giants and new and hungry challengers in the Rossoneri, Los Blancos and Borussia Dortmund.
We see the continued dominance of Manchester United, and the Blaugrana, it has to be said this year, has involved the changing of the guard and handing over of the baton.
The season has features some telling clashes most notably the 3-1 hammerings handed out by the Gunners and Dortmund over Chelsea and Bayern as well as Inter’s two and three nil lashing as against the Old Lady and Milan.
It suggests that the pretenders of yesterday are now ready to take over from their conquerors.
A big overhaul of the teams are rumoured and that is very much necessary if these fallen titans want to return to the top of the game.
This year has proven once more that there are no certainties in football. One moment you could be on cloud nine while the next you’re barely floating. It is startling how not just one but three champions from last year find themselves in nearly identical positions 12-months on.
To long suffering fans of Dortmund, Tottenham, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Milan, silverware is not far off and big strides have been made in 2011 laying down the foundations for future success.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Bayern Munich scored the only goal to defeat Arsenal 1-nil and progress to the semifinals. Former player Martin Keown says it's disappointing his former…
With his team chasing a vital goal Martin Odegaard was not happy the officials didn't see a touch from the keeper as the ball…
With a certain inevitability, Manchester City are suddenly in charge of the Premier League title race. Arsenal and Liverpool both produced lethargic performances under…
Ten goals flew in across the opening two quarterfinals of the Champions League as honours ended all square in Madrid and London. An incredible…
Match 7 2017. Ask any Arsenal fan what their memories were of that day and you'd get anything but a positive response. Leading 1-0…
Over to you, Liverpool. Arsenal and Manchester City have done their bit in the latest chapter of the English Premier League's tight title race,…
