Was this season the greatest in Premier League history

Last updated : 14 May 2012 By DSG

As the dust starts to settle following yesterdays dramatic ending to the season, many people have branded this season as the greatest in history.

The campaign started with Manchester United demolishing Arsenal 8-2 and Manchester City thrashing Tottenham 5-1, that would highlight the gulf in class between the top two and the third and fourth placed sides.

Following the 6-1 humiliation at the hands of City in October, Manchester United had a long way to go.

On April 8, City lost to Arsenal, causing manager Roberto Mancini to declare the title race as 'over'.

Sir Alex Ferguson's team had taken the advantage, but a loss to Wigan, followed with a 4-4 draw with Everton.

The ball was back in the court of the Citizens after a 1-0 win over United, courtesy of a headed goal by inspirational captain Vincent Kompany.

The twist and turns along the way had set the final day up with the possibility of something spectacular about to happen.

It was not until the 94th minute of Manchester City's decisive game against Queens Park Rangers that the title was finally decided.

Sergio Aguero struck the most important title-deciding goal in Premier League history to snatch the title for City.

A Robin van Persie inspired Arsenal side claimed third place with a 3-2 win at West Brom on the final day and maintained a one point advantage over North London rivals Tottenham.

Harry Redknapp had seen his Spurs side come close to breaking the top-two dominance of the Manchester clubs, but they now must settle for fourth place.

With Chelsea facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, fourth spot may not guarantee European football for Spurs next year.

A win for a rejuvenated Chelsea side under the management of caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo, would ensure they replace Tottenham, despite only finishing in 6th place this season.

5th place was taken by Newcastle, after a superb effort that nearly culminated in Champions League qualification.

Alan Pardew has built a great squad from almost nothing, the likes of Yohan Cabaye, Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba have been a revelation.

Everton finished above their under-achieving rivals Liverpool, who despite a Carling Cup win, have had a largely disappointing season.

Fulham and West Brom rounded-off the top 10.

Martin Jol has enjoyed an impressive first season at Craven Cottage, while Roy Hodgson leaves West Brom as he prepares to take England to Euro 2012.

Newly promoted Swansea and Norwich both enjoyed successful first season's in the top flight.

The Swans have taken the plaudits for their exciting brand of football, while Norwich have been far from pushovers and top scorer Grant Holt could be rewarded with a place in England's Euro 2012 squad.

After the sacking of Steve Bruce, Sunderland turned to Martin O'Neill, who has steadied the ship and looks to have put the club in a good position to build for next season.

Stoke City finished comfortably away from the threat of relegation, while Roberto Martinez continues to surprise people at Wigan as his side hit form at a great time and moved away from the drop zone.

An unpopular choice as manager, Alex McLeish saw his Aston Villa side edge towards relegation and eventually stay up by a matter of three points.

Mixed in with all the drama yesterday, were of course Queens Park Rangers.

Mark Hughes looked to have guided QPR to survival with an extraordinary win over City.

The two late goals from Dzeko and Aguero as well as a red card for the ever controversial Joey Barton could have resulted in relegation if it wasn't for Bolton failing to beat Stoke.

Bolton's final day relegation means they will join Blackburn and Wolves in what is sure to be a highly competitive Championship next season.

Blackburn were relegated after losing to Wigan and despite the fans vocal protests against the club, Steve Kean looks likely to remain as manager next season.

Wolves have struggled all season and removed Mick McCarthy from his job as manager in February, this didn't help as Wolves continued to struggle and finished in 20th place.

It certainly was one of the most dramatic Premier League seasons ever, that finished with a highly entertaining final day.

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Source: DSG

Source: DSG