Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the long and winding road reaches its destination.
Goodbye season 2012 / 2013. What a season it has been.
Whilst it was always going to be an anti-climatic one due to the magnificent season before (which only comes once in a light blue moon no doubt), the recently concluded season did contain its moments.
Amongst many, the ones that stood out for me was the unearthing of an unlikely goal-poacher called Michu, the former Gunner who scored when he wants for his new employers the Devils (and bagged the Golden Boot yet again, that cheeky Robin), Fellaini showing more than just shielding abilities to bulge nets as well, the great escape by Villa of Wigan-proportions from relegation at the expense of, err Wigan, the rise and rise and further rise of Gareth Bale, the swashbuckling Saints, the resolute and plucky Hammers, the hapless freefall of the expensive flops of QPR and of course, THAT bite from Suarez.
All that and I haven't even begun talkin' bout Chelsea yet. Ahh, good stuff.
As for us, thankfully the season didn't end in a complete disaster. 3rd place finish and crowned champions of Europa League. Some would even call it a good season. However, after winning the Champions League last season, strengthening with Hazard, Oscar, Moses, Azipili and later on Demba Ba, and having both United and City not playing at their blistering best, one may be forgiven for thinking that this ought to have been the season for us to have a serious go at it.
But alas, the tinkering, not of Rafa, but Roman, saw us going through yet another season in transition. Once again, we didn't go through an entire season with just 1 manager.
Now the rebuilding begins. Rafa is as sure as gone. Jose Mourinho, if the Spanish press are to be believed, is as sure as already back. New boy Moyes steps into the shoes worn by Fergie for 26 years. Out goes Mancini and in steps Pellegrini to shape City into a title contenders once more. Spurs, still smarting from their closest of shaves away from the promised land of Champions League, will surely come back stronger with a bale-storm of a vengeance, as will Liverpool and their brand of tiki-taka brought by Rodgers. As for Arsenal, well ... they'll always be there. Always short of becoming the real thing.
So what beckons for us this summer?
Well, simple really. On the assumption that someone from upper management of the club reads blogs, here's what we simply MUST do over summer:
(1) BRING BACK LUKAKU
I said it before last season began and what did I get? A big fat opportunity to shout I TOLD YOU SO. As predicted, Lukaku grew into the beast he was always destined to be and fired his loan-club West Brom into relative respectability. With increased speed, bigger frame, better ball control and another season of English football to acclimatize the man-mountain, it is time to bring him back to be Drogba version 2.
Forget about getting a world-class striker. Contrary to popular belief, we do not need another striker. Lukaku, Ba and Torres are enough to propel us through another season. Torres has grown into an Europe striker, so perhaps keep him there. And the odd big game or two. Let Lukaku and Ba duke it out for Premier League and FA Cup minutes as our battering ram.
(2) SHIFT DAVID LUIZ TO MIDFIELD
The few times when Sideshow Bob was asked to patrol the back four and start attacking forays from the deep, he never disappointed. Perhaps that is his natural position. If he was playing perhaps 30 years ago, he would have suited the libero role in a sweeper formation like a glove. This is the closest to that position that would maximise his abilities. Makes sense for us too since we do currently do not have an enforcer in the engine room.
(3) GET CLASSY DISTRIBUTOR TO PARTNER LUIZ; LEAVE WAVES OF ATTACK "HAZMATCAR"
Thank goodness common sense prevailed and Frank Lampard has been given an extension to his contract. However, even he himself should know the waning of his attacking abilities. It is time for him to adapt or get dropped. Gone are his box-to-box midfielder days. He should now play the cool, calm, classy distributor who can partner the enforcer in midfield to spray passes to our attackers. Which brings me to my next point.
If the demands of Europe may prove too harsh on the worn out legs of Fat Frankie, then perhaps getting a cover in that mould would be priority. Xabi Alonso would be a great acquisition. In any given game, 2 out of 3 of Luiz, Lamps & Xavi would play (depending on opposition).
Amongst the few points I was happy about this season is seeing the maturing and bedding of the machine called the Hazmatcar. Hazard, Mata and Oscar, in long. 3 creative, flair and unpredictable little wizards who has now learnt to blend with each other into a dangerous attacking wave. In any given game, 2 out of 3 of our attackers must be from Hazmatcar. Ramires, Moses & Mikel would play understudies.
(4) GARETH BALE
There would be no better attacker to play behind our lone striker than Gareth Bale. He is as good in creating as he is as good at finishing chances on his own. Imagine what a devastating force we would be if we had David Luiz-Lampard/Xabi Alonso as anchors, Mata & Hazard/Oscar on the flanks and Bale playing through the middle tucked behind Torres/Lukaku/Ba.
Unbelievable.
Roman, if you're going to break the bank, do it for Bale.
(5) COVER AT THE BACK
With Luiz pushed up in front, our back four looks likely to consist of Cole/Bertrand on the left, Cahill/Ivanovic/Terry in the centre, and Azpilicueta/Ivanovic/Ferreira on the right. This group is not strong enough, especially if we are going all out in both Europe and the league. For all his leadership and aura, Terry must realise that he is on the downward curve. He will (or should) only play approx 50-60% of all games next season, even if fully fit. Cahill-Ivanovic pairing seems the safest at the moment, but may not have the tactical nous to face the top clubs in Europe.
To remedy this, we probably need 1 versatile utility player (who can use both feet if possible) to act as cover for any of the back four and 1 solid centreback who has the temerity and calmness to lead from the back (with European background if possible).
Well, still quite a long way till season kicks off again, so until then, let's say goodbye to yet another great season of footie.
