Shearer Says: “Nobody can argue that Chelsea have been the most outstanding team”

Managers

Antonio Conte has rightfully received a lot of plaudits for the way he has led Chelsea to the title. He has got all the big decisions correct and they have ended up winning it comfortably. I do think we also have to mention Eddie Howe at Bournemouth and Sean Dyche at Burnley. They have done a great job to keep their sides in the league never-mind anything else. Maybe if they weren’t English they’d actually get a lot more credit for what they have achieved.

Disappointments

In terms of disappointments, I’d have to say Paul Pogba, purely down to the transfer fee which was paid for him. When you splash out a world transfer record of over £80 million like United did, you have to expect performances which make a difference most weeks. I know he is young and the fee shouldn’t make a difference, but I just feel we have not seen his true potential yet. Maybe United will get a lot more from him next season, where he could be joined at the club by a number of leading stars.

Referees

The two best referees this season have been Martin Atkinson and Michael Oliver. It is no coincidence that they have refereed a lot of the big games. In the main they have done very well. I’ve said a number of times, I would not be afraid to search wider for the best referees from around Europe. We have some of the finest players and managers so why not attract the best officials.

Final Thoughts

Overall, nobody can argue that Chelsea have been the most outstanding team. Spurs have definitely improved, but I am sure they will be disappointed at falling short. Manchester City have had a disappointing season because of the hype around Pep Guardiola. He said it himself, if he was at a Bayern Munich or Barcelona he might have been fired. Manchester United’s season can be considered a success, having won the won two trophies and qualified for the Champions League, as well has winning the League Cup and Charity Shield. The same can be said about Liverpool, they’ve secured a Champions League place, having been out of the competition for a number of years now.

It is going to be fascinating to see this summer how much the other clubs spend to try and challenge Chelsea next season. I expect the champions to add a couple of big hitters themselves as you have to do that when you win the league. It’s already something to look forward to and we haven’t even completed this season yet.

I’d give this season a marking of 8/10.