Highlights of the 2009/10 season

The 2009-10 season was packed with the usual highs and lows, as well as a number of incidents surrounded by controversy.

BEACH BALL GOAL

Sunderland's winning goal against Liverpool back in October 2009 came from an unusual source. Darren Bent started the season in great goalscoring form but could not believe his luck when his first-half strike was deflected past Jose Reina by a beach ball.

Ironically, the ball was part of a 'Liverpool beach set' and was thrown onto the field of play by a young Liverpool fan. As a result the item was removed from the shelves in the club shop and the poor child will no doubt have faced a tough few weeks in school.

MANCINI TO MAN CITY

Many expected Mark Hughes' reign at Eastlands to end prematurely, but it was the way it all happened which came as a shock. Rumours were circulating before the Welshman's side even took to the field against Sunderland last December.

The game finished 4-3 in Hughes' favour but he was still sacked after the full-time whistle. It was later revealed that the club had already lined up Roberto Mancini as his successor.

THE HAND OF HENRY

Diego Maradona famously used his hand to score against England in the 1986 World Cup, but this time it was Thierry Henry who used his hand to quash Irish World Cup hopes. With the qualification play-off between France and the Republic of Ireland in extra-time, the former Arsenal striker used his outstretched hand to keep the ball in play before supplying William Gallas to score the winner.

An unsuccessful Irish appeal failed to see the game replayed as Les Bleus were handed a place in South Africa, although their subsequent implosion at the tournament will have cheered Irish supporters to an extent.

THE TERRY AFFAIR

In January reports were published concerning an affair between Chelsea defender John Terry and the ex-girlfriend of former team-mate Wayne Bridge.

Terry and Bridge had been friends at Stamford Bridge before the full-back's move to Manchester City and they had been part of the England squad together. Terry was stripped of the England captaincy and Bridge made himself unavailable for England selection.

THE SNUBBED HANDSHAKE

With Chelsea facing Manchester City just weeks after the allegations regarding Terry were made public, the main interest was on whether the two players would shake hands, as is customary before every Premier League match.

Bridge failed to acknowledge Terry's outstretched hand as City went on to win the game 4-2. Tempers flared between Terry and Carlos Tevez before Craig Bellamy took a swipe at the Chelsea skipper in the aftermath.

RAMSEY SUFFERS HORRIFIC INJURY

Arsenal youngster Aaron Ramsey suffered an horrific broken leg after a tackle from Stoke's Ryan Shawcross. The Potters defender was sent off following the challenge which angered Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who claimed that opponents are often over-physical against his side.

A tearful Shawcross was clearly disturbed by the incident and later protested his innocence as well as apologising to Ramsey.

DISAPPOINTMENT FOR LIVERPOOL

A seventh-place finish proved to be the end of the road for Rafael Benitez at Anfield. Liverpool fans began the season with high hopes after finishing the previous campaign as runners-up, but their title dreams failed to materialise and they missed out on a place in the Champions League for the coming season.

To make matters worse, an extra-time Diego Forlan goal halted their charge to the Europa League final.

FULHAM FALL JUST SHORT OF GLORY

Despite Liverpool's European exit, England still had representation in the Europa League final in Hamburg. Roy Hodgson led his Fulham side to the showpiece occasion by beating holders Shakhtar Donetsk, Italian giants Juventus and hosts Hamburg on their way.

However, Atletico Madrid ended the Cottagers hopes of glory with yet another extra-time winner. Hodgson then left Fulham to become Liverpool boss in the summer.

PORTSMOUTH REACH FA CUP FINAL

Pompey ended a season of doom and gloom with another trip to Wembley Stadium. The south coast club finished bottom of the Premier League in a season dominated by financial struggle.

An FA Cup final appearance came as a reward for the fans who saw their team docked nine points for entering administration. Avram Grant worked wonders to raise team morale but they fell short against Chelsea in an entertaining final.



BLACKPOOL REACH THE PREMIER LEAGUE
The Seasiders defeated Cardiff 3-2 in a thrilling play-off final at Wembley.to reach the top flight for the first time since 1971. Ian Holloway's men twice came from behind before Brett Ormerod's strike deep in first-half injury time sealed promotion for the Lancashire club.

Blackpool started the 2009-10 season as favourites to be relegated and no doubt will be again for the forthcoming top-flight campaign.

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