Ahead of the 2015/16 Premier League season, I made 10 bold predictions about what I thought could unfold in that campaign. Here I’ll dissect how well I did and it ain’t pretty.
Disclaimer: These were meant to be “bold" statements, so I was sticking my necking on the line a bit. I didn’t think these were likely outcomes, but definitely possible.
1. Chelsea won’t win the league if Eden Hazard misses 10 games or more
A summary of what I said: This should be the season where Hazard puts himself in the same category as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. If Hazard continues his upward trajectory then 2015/16 could be his version of Ronaldo’s 2007/08. We might not see 42 goals but replicating his last season with Lille — 20 goals and 16 assists in the league — is realistic. The one issue for Chelsea in all of this is that seemed dependent on Hazard last season; when he was off-colour they seemed to lack a spark. Hazard has barely been injured in his career but if he were to go down this season for an extended spell of time it could be enough to knock Chelsea off their throne in what is expected to be a tighter title race.
What happened: Hazard actually played 31 league games for Chelsea, but he only started 25. He missed a spell with a groin injury and only managed four league goals all season, with three assists. Without him on top form, Chelsea put up the worst Premier League title defence in history.
Verdict: Strong start, correct prediction
2. Wayne Rooney will break the 20-goal barrier
A summary of what I said: Rooney has always broken double figures for United and his tally in the past three seasons — 12, 17, 12 — has to do with shifting positions and Robin van Persie. But the stage is now set for Rooney to be United’s central striker and the goals should flow. Louis van Gaal seems likely to play 4-3-3, with Rooney down the middle. United’s transfer business has added creativity to the centre of the pitch and the likes of Juan Mata, Memphis Depay and Ashley Young are there to feed Rooney.
What happened: A long spell on the sidelines and some poor performances on the pitch saw Rooney register his worst goal total (7) for United in the league. His England starting spot for Euro 2016 is now a doubt.
Verdict: Fail, way off the mark
3. Liverpool to finish 25 points off top spot again
A summary of what I said: For all the optimism around Liverpool after a major transfer outlay, it is hard to see where they will make up the ground on their rivals for the Uefa Champions League spots. They have lost their best player for the second consecutive season, in Raheem Sterling, following Luis Suarez the year before, and the influence of Steven Gerrard is gone, too. A central defence which had as many woeful days as it kept clean sheets (12) remains. The biggest unknown for Liverpool is the fitness of Daniel Sturridge. Liverpool would not have splashed out on Christian Benteke without major doubts over Sturridge’s fitness, which is a shame; the England striker is a step above anything else they have. The title race looks set to be extremely competitive and if Liverpool cannot hit the ground running they could be left behind by October.
What happened: Liverpool made a terrible start to the season, Brendan Rodgers was sacked in October and it took time for Jurgen Klopp to have an impact on the squad. They finished 21 points off Leicester, down in eighth place, which is the same distance to Sunderland in 17th.
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