Friday, 17 June 2016

2015/16 Co-Ord Round-up Part Eight (and last) - 1st to 4th

1st: Claymore Athletic FC (same place as last season)
What I said last season - Now the team by which all others must be judged
What happened - I think that statement still stands. Wrapped up the league with three games to go for the second season running but it would have taken quite a collapse before that. Actually only won two of the last seven with points records in sight. This team can hurt you in all sorts of ways and the addition of Dimitri Payet was a masterstroke. No team has won the title three years running - is that about to change?

Star Player: Sergio Aguero (23 goals)

2nd: Athletico Phoenix (up one on last season)
What I said last season - Were the squad players up to it when they had the chance?
What happened - Much the same really. When Brian's team were hit by injuries or suspension (I'm looking at you, Diego Costa) the replacements couldn't make the same impression. Athletico chased hard and were just three points behind with ten games to go but January to March brought just three league wins. Interesting to see where Brian goes in the market - big-name starters or slight upgrade on the subs?

Star Player: Riyad Mahrez (17 goals)

3rd: The Fabulous Artisans (up eight on last season)
What I said last season - Surely Ben's luck must change soon.
What happened - It changed, but a bit too late. The Artisans were 11th after week 19 but finished with 22 points from the possible last 27. That's title-winning form. So where did it all go right? Patrick can Aanholt chipped in regularly, Roberto Firmino upped his game and even Divock Origi was looking like a player before an unfortunate injury. Is this the platform for a real title thrust?

Star Player: Matteo Darmian (13 cleans)

4th: Fred West Landscape Gardening XI (down two)
What I said last season - Should be thereabouts next year.
What happened - Thereabouts but no better than that. And that despite retaining the FA Cup and beating our champions home and away in the league. Fred tried to offload Jermain Defoe before the season but ended up delighted there were no takers. Looked like being Clive's main challenger at one point but finished with two league wins in the last eight. The 2014/15 Eden Hazard might have made the difference rather than the 2015/16 imposter version.

Star Player: Jermain Defoe (15 goals)

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