The True Reason Why The Premier League Is Europe's Most Exciting Competition

Yesterday like most, I woke up in anticipation of the final day of the Premier League season. Being a Brentford fan, and thus, having no ties to the top tier of English football, I was looking forward to spectating as as a neutral on all the days events. It was on days like yesterday that made me realise just how fantastic the Premier League can be. While the league title became a two horse race, I found it interesting that the relegation battles as well as the battle for third place were just as important as taking the championship.

For those fans of Manchester City, and Arsenal, I say congratulations, as your clubs went in with specific goals yesterday and, albeit making it difficult on themselves, they pulled through. And in essence that is what truly separated City from United this year, as well as what separated Arsenal from Tottenham. Arsenal, though having a torrid time at the beginning of the season, turned everything on its head at the beginning of the year and put in some excellent performances, and bought back their 'never say die' attitude. With a massive assist to Robin Van Persie, the only thing Arsenal fans will be asking is what could have been had they replicated the second half of their season in the first. Sure they had some slip ups during that time, but overall it was a massive improvement.

 Tottenham on the other hand had a completely opposite season to their North London rivals. A truly remarkable start from the beginning, I was starting to think that they were challenging City for the title at one point, but then low and behold, after all the ruckus caused by Harry Redknapp, his trial and the vacant England job, seemed to take the air out of the sails. They have finished strongly this year but they will be asking the same question that Arsenal fans are, and I can only hope that this spurs them on (no pun intended) to try and become more consistent as next season approaches.

 The big question that both clubs will be asking themselves now though is whether or not they will be able to retain their top stars. The likes of Van Persie, and Van De Vaart will be talking points, especially towards the opening of the transfer window, and as always, it is up to the players, and the players alone whether or not they believe silver wear is just around the corner.

 Newcastle United are deserving of an honourable mention, as quite frankly they surprised even me with their quite astonishing performance this year. The last two results aside, a victory and clean sheet at Stamford Bridge, by itself is enough to merit a real pat on the back, and even though they missed out on the Champions League, they are big contenders next year for the Europa League if they can hang on to their big players. Tip of the hat to you Mr Pardew.

 Bolton fought in vain to get the upper hand away to Stoke City, and were, unfortunately sent back down to the Championship. After everything Owen Coyle's men have been subjected to towards the end of this season, I know that many were hoping for the sake of one Fabrice Muamba that they could do the unthinkable and survive. Alas, it was not meant to be and they will inevitably push themselves into the dog fight for the Championship next year, and I for one, will be watching closely.

 And finally to Manchester, where the red and blue armies both had a lot to laugh, and cry about over their respective 90 minute games. United scored, and stubbornly stuck to their one goal lead at the Stadium of Light, and my heart was in my mouth at times, as Sunderland did put up quite a fight at times. But it was at the Etihad Stadium that had my total attention. After what was a blunderous bit of goalkeeping by poor Paddy Kenny, City found themselves one up at half time, but not looking at all comfortable. Shortly after the break, my fears for the City back line were confirmed when a terrible header back from Joleen Lescott let in the one man City had to be weary of, Djbrill Cisse for what was an easy finish to level the score. Joey Barton was sent off shortly after, for something I don't think merited a red card, but considering the raucous caused after card was given, it became a necessity to get him off the pitch. Then the unthinkable happened. A diving header from Mackay gave the visitors the lead, and at this point my heart was in my mouth. Of all the games City could screw up, this was not the one. It was a tense half after that, City throwing men forward in drones, coming close a number of times, before finally on 91 minutes, Eden Dzeko popped up from a corner and headed City to 2-2. For me, this was the end of the game. I had conceded that Manchester United had won their 20th league title. And then came the miracle. Who else but Sergio Aguero to perform one of the defining moments in Premier League history by very coolly placing the ball past Paddy Kenny with left than a minute left of stoppage time to send the Etihad stands into a glorious rapture.

 Anyone that questions the passion of those associated with the Premier League need only put Sunday 13th May 2012 in their diaries to be reminded exactly why we love football as much as we do.