Premiership Team of the Season

Cudicini : Fans of the Premiership are realising what fans of Serie A have known
for a long time, Italian goalkeepers are the best in the World

Ziege : Outstanding going forward, particularly in the early part of the season,
still not so good in defence

Hyppia : Hyppia has established himself as one of the best defenders in the
World. Dangerous from set pieces. World Class

Terry : Tipped for greatness by Arsenal legend Tony Adams this 21 year old
is the perfect defender - strong, quick, a superb tackler and excellent in the air.
World Class potential

Melchiot : Mario Melchiot arrived on a free transfer from Ajax seemingly
finished after struggling with injuries but has slowly, but surely, developed
into the best right back in the league. World Class

Pires : Pires just edges out fellow French international Laurent Robert for
the left midfield spot. A classic winger with an eye for goal. World Class

Gerrard : This amazing 21 year old appears to have curbed a nasty temper
and put a stream of injuries behind him. World Class

Anderton : With a World Cup approaching 'sick note' has, not surprisingly,
regained full fitness. Now playing in central midfield Anderton has developed
into an outstanding playmaker

Solano : Again this was a tough choice but the Peruvian's flair and creativity
earns him a spot ahead of Freddy Ljungberg. Was linked to Real Madrid at
the end of last season after a serious of run-ins with Bobby Robson

Hasselbaink : The Dutch Batistuta has been criticised for his lack of
team play which is ironic given his prolific assists in recent seasons.
The most explosive finisher in World football. World Class

Henry : Quite possibly the most technically gifted player in Europe
today Henry has finally started to deliver for Arsenal in big matches,
particularly impressive in the Champions League. World Class

2001-2002 Season Analysis

NEWCASTLE

Bobby Robson has repaired the damage done by his predecessors
Dalglish and Gullit but no one expected Newcastle to be challenging
for the championship. The club may not have the quality of their rivals
in attack but no team in the league can match the devastating pace and
creativity of Robert, Solano and Dyer in midfield. Shay Given has
performed heroics in front of a suspect defence and the club have
tremendous team spirit as evidenced by their recent victories away
to Leeds and Arsenal.

Key Players : Given, Robert, Shearer
Prospects : Champions/Champions League

ARSENAL

Wenger has once again failed to address the teams defensive frailties
despite the arrival of Sol Campbell. The injuries to 1st and 2nd choice
goalkeepers David Seamen and Richard Wright have proved to be a
blessing in disguise - Ian Taylor has been an excellent deputy. Wenger
hasn't found Henry a strike partner but the French hit man is superbly
supported by Pires, Ljungberg and Vieira in midfield.

Key Players : Henry, Pires, Ljungberg
Prospects : Champions/Champions League

LIVERPOOL

Up until recently Liverpool seemed to be walking away with the
Championship but defeats against Arsenal and Newcastle have saw the
Merseyside giants slip down the table. The team have become too
reliant on the injury prone Owen. Liverpool's chances of a title depend
on if the gamble on Anelka and Barros pays off.

Key Players : Owen, Hyppia, Dudek
Prospects : Champions/Champions League

LEEDS

The early pace setters haven't been helped by off the field problems.
Attacking full backs Gary Kelly and Ian Harte may be providing some
much needed support for Fowler, Kewell and Viduka but they're leaving
huge holes in defence. Harte has been cruelly exposed. O'Leary needs
to tighten up at the back and win more games against their rivals if
Leeds are to win the championship.

Key Players : Kewell, Viduka, Ferdinand
Prospects : Champions/Champions League

MAN UNITED

The reigning champions are falling apart. Selling Stam may prove to be
one of the biggest mistakes in Ferguson's career and Barthez has began
to crack under the pressure of continually having to bail out a horrendous
defence. The midfield, once the best in Europe, has lost it's shape with
the arrival of Veron. One of the few positives of the season has been the
form of Van Nistelrooy and Solskjaer. Man United's chances of retaining
their title remain slim.

Key Players : Van Nistelrooy, Keane, Beckham
Prospects : Champions League/UEFA Cup

CHELSEA

It has taken glamour boys Chelsea half a season to find their form though
that's largely down to coach Claudio's Ranieri's eccentric team selections.
Hasselbaink and Gudjohnsen are the best strike partnership in the league.
The midfield is excellent despite the poor form of Petit but the team's real
strength lie in defence. John Terry and William Gallas are borderline World
Class and Mario Melchiot has been equally impressive at right back. In
Carlo Cudicini, Chelsea have the best goalkeeper in the league. Great
against their title rivals, poor against the also-rans, if Chelsea find some
consistency they'll be champions.

Key Players : Hasselbaink, Cudicini, Dalla Bonna
Prospects : Champions/Champions League

Pires	Gerrard	Anderton	Solano
(Arsenal)	(Liverpool)	(Tottenham)	(Newcastle)

Ziege	Hyppia	Terry	Melchiot
(Tottenham)	(Liverpool)	(Chelsea)	(Chelsea)