An EPL season to savour

THE curtain comes down on yet another captivating season of the English Premier League (EPL) on Sunday night when all 20 clubs play their 38th match of a quite enthralling campaign.

There won't be as much drama and tension on the final day as in previous seasons, however. This year's champions, Chelsea, were crowned a fortnight ago and the identities of the other three Champions League qualifiers - Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United - confirmed last Saturday.

All eyes will be on the bottom of the table as the battle to avoid relegation reaches boiling point. Burnley and Queens Park Rangers are already going down to England's second division next season, and either Hull City or Newcastle United will join them after Sunday's action.

BT Weekend looks back at the past nine months and hands out the honours to the most outstanding performers, while not forgetting those who have failed to live up to expectations.

Best player - Eden Hazard

This was a no-brainer. The Belgian maestro has been the catalyst for Chelsea's relentless march towards a fifth league title. He already has two Player of the Year prizes in his pocket, one each from the Professional Footballers Association and the Football Writers Association.

Hazard blasted in 19 goals in all, many of them spectacular match-winners. It's scary to think that this talented winger is still only 24 years old and yet to reach his peak in the sport.

With him in the starting line-up, the Blues don't lose that many games and they would do well to hold on to their prized star for as long as possible.

Best manager - Jose Mourinho

Love him or hate him, Chelsea's Portuguese manager stands head and shoulders above his peers this season, and deservedly so. The London club have lost just three of their 37 matches so far, largely due to Mourinho's relentless desire for victory, no matter the opponent. The self-proclaimed "Special One" now has three EPL champions medals in the bag, and you can be sure he's already busy plotting how to win a fourth come next May.

Biggest flop - Radamel Falcao

There were quite a few disappointments to speak of, but the nod for this dubious honour goes to Falcao for his largely forgettable loan spell at Manchester United this season.

The 29-year-old Colombian, so lethal in front of goal during his previous stints at Porto, Monaco and Atletico Madrid, has been a shadow of his former self in the EPL, netting just four times in 29 appearances for the Red Devils.

Of course, a serious knee injury before last year's World Cup has slowed him down somewhat, but Falcao has done little to justify his massive wages at Old Trafford, believed to be around £265,000 (S$550,870) per week. It would be a surprise if he is still in Louis van Gaal's first-team squad next season.

Fastest red card - Steven Gerrard

Liverpool's captain let himself, his club and his fans down on March 22. Down a goal to arch rival Manchester United at Anfield, Gerrard came on as a second-half substitute but was sent off in disgrace after just 38 seconds on the pitch. Referee Martin Atkinson showed him a straight red card for a nasty stamp on United midfielder Ander Herrera.

Liverpool lost the match 2-1, and Gerrard issued a public apology for letting his side down just when they needed him the most.

Most improved team - Southampton

Despite seeing most of their star players move to Liverpool last summer, Southampton have defied the early predictions that they would be stuck in a relegation battle.

Quite the opposite, actually. The Saints are sitting pretty in seventh position in the league, and could even book a place in next season's Europa League if results on Sunday go their way.

It's a testament to how manager Ronald Koeman has brought out the best in his team, with the likes of Sadio Mane, Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic punching well above their weight.

Best goal - Charlie Adam

There were many breathtaking goals to savour but Charlie Adam's jawdropping 66-metre strike against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in April will top the list for many fans.

Stoke City were trailing 1-0 when the Scottish midfielder blasted the ball from inside his own half, completely outfoxing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois at the other end.

The Potters eventually lost the match 2-1, but that amazing goal by Adam is one that will be replayed in the memory for years to come.

Most exciting match - Leicester City 5, Manchester United 3

On a chilly afternoon last September, it looked to be business as usual for Manchester United as they cruised to a 3-1 lead at the King Power Stadium with less than half-an-hour to play.

No one bothered to tell Leicester that the game was over, however. The Foxes amazingly roared into life, firing four goals in the space of just 21 minutes to send their fans into raptures. Leicester more than deserve their place in England's elite, and this was just one of the many eye-catching results of their remarkable season.