Pick and choose: Moments that mattered

The best and worst moments of the Premier League season

Steve Tongue
Saturday 12 May 2012 21:21 BST
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10 WORST

Luis Suarez calls Patrice Evra 'negro'

And Liverpool give him their full backing. It rapidly becomes a PR disaster which puts a fault line through the club's season.

Magistrates delay John Terry's race-row court case until July

And, after a chaotic week, England are looking for anew manager.

Fifa stop England wearing a poppy ontheir kit

But after deeming it a political symbol they are soon forcedto back down.

Wolves sack Mick McCarthy

Then fail to find an experienced successor to secure their Premier League status and promote Terry Connor.

Blackburn don't sack Steve Kean

Although the writing is on the Ewood Park wall from the first day of the season (a home defeat by Wolves). Has there ever been a more painful and drawn-out non-sacking?

Aston Villa appoint the manager of their greatest rivals

Who upsets supporters even more with his attritional style of football. Alex McLeish is firmly on the summerdanger list.

Andre Villas-Boas changes too much too soon

Not least by ditching and alienating too many of Chelsea's senior players. They eventually got their revenge on the Portuguese manager.

Arsenal let Fabregas and Nasri go

"You cannot convince people you are ambitious after that" (said Arsène Wenger one month earlier).

Manchester United go on the defensiveat the Etihad

Needing only a draw, they appear to play for one and forget to have a shot at goal. City took full advantage.

Paul Scholes decidesto retire

A tricky choice to make, proves the wrong one for the player and his club (but see below).

10 BEST

Spurs fan Dr Andrew Deaner runs on to the pitch

The good doctor acts after Fabrice Muamba collapses at Tottenham and helps provide feelgood story of the season.

Goalline technology given go-ahead

Proper trial starts this week in Hampshire ahead of a verdict in July. The need for urgency was shown by last week's FA Cup final when Andy Carroll thought he had scored.

Manchester City bring Carlos Tevez back

Swallowing pride (and, some said, principles) to revive title push. Not a pretty sight, but no denying its effectiveness.

Newcastle signPapiss Cisse

For £9m from Freiburg they get 13 goals in as many games and a chance of Champions' League football.

Spurs refuse to sell Luka Modric

Chairman Daniel Levy puts performance before profit and Spurs finish above Chelsea. But will he stay beyond the summer?

Chelsea put Robertodi Matteo in charge

Too late for the League but inspires charge to two cup finals. One down, another to go next week.

Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestonesell QPR

To someone (Tony Fernandes) who is actually interested in football.

Wigan change to an innovative 3-4-3

After eight successive defeats seem to have doomed them.

Sunderland appoint Martin O'Neill to succeed Steve Bruce

Receiving short-term boost and long-term hope. But what chance Bruce landing another top job now?

Paul Scholes comes out of retirement

Scores on first start in January and looks influential as ever.

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