Steve Cooper a manager of the season contender
The Premier League manager of the season nominees were announced prior to the weekend games and Steve Cooper wasn't included. But after keeping Forest up he should be a contender for the LMA Manager of the season award. Not being considered for the Premier League award is understandable when you look at the names mentioned for that award. But after keeping Forest up and the job he's done with them this season, he's got to be up there for the LMA award.
Forest signed over 20 players in the summer before adding a few more in January to bring their total number of signings up to 30. Signing that amount of players is difficult for any manager as he's got to try and keep them all happy and fit them into the team. Forest were a team of individuals during the opening stages of the season as Steve Cooper was trying to figure out what his best team was and bed in all his new signings.
Cooper's job was even under threat on a couple of occasions this season during the opening stages and towards the end. Forest were on a poor run of form on both occasions and they could've easily sacked Cooper like most clubs would've done had they been in that kind of form. But the club decided to stick with him as they offered him a new contract which he later signed and he later repaid the faith the club had in him.
With the pressure he was under and the amount of signings he had to fit into his team, Steve Cooper deserves a huge amount of credit for the job he's done. Forest were written off by many at the start of the season because of the amount of signings they made among other things. For Cooper to keep them up after all he's had to deal with is a fantastic achievement and it's why he should be mentioned for the LMA Manager of the Season award.
Lack of depth was what cost Arsenal
Arsenal were leading the way for most of the season up until they let their lead slip at the crucial stage of the season. A number of things let them down or cost them this season during their title challenge with a lack of squad depth arguably being the main one.
In order to win a title, you need to have some squad depth so you can go the full distance. Man City under Pep have had squad depth as too did Man United under Alex Ferguson. Both managers had top quality players on their benches who could come on and make an impact and players in their squad who would step up if needed. Arsenal didn't quite have this season this season and will no doubt need to address it this summer if they're to go again.
They had a very good 11 who have been outstanding for most of the season. But they didn't have the quality on their bench to impact games later in the season. Man City under Pep have had this for the last few seasons and Man United under Ferguson definitely had this as both sides went on to win many titles.
Losing William Saliba to injury was a massive blow for Arsenal as they missed his influence and presence in their backline. One reason why they struggled without him is because no one was able to step up in his absence and in order to challenge for a title you need back up players who are willing to step up in the absence of others. Arsenal didn't have enough of those of players and especially in defence.
Top four race finished
Liverpool's draw with Aston Villa and Man United's win at Bournemouth increased the gap between the two sides to three points. With Man United having a game in hand against Chelsea in midweek it's fair to say that the race for a top four finish is good as over.
United could still lose to Chelsea on Thursday to keep the race for fourth alive going into the last day of the season. But they would still have the advantage going into the last day as they currently hold that all important final Champions League spot. Liverpool do have a superior goal difference but United still have the upper hand as they hold that 4th spot.
The game in hand against Chelsea is what gives United the upper hand in the race for fourth and especially as they're currently in 4th place. They should win that game and they'll expect themselves to win it as they're at home and are having a much better season.
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