Time for some end of season scores:
Krul - 8.5 - Fantastic breakthrough season, where he's played every league game and won us many, many points. Old Trafford was his best match but for me, his performances in the tighter games (Villa home, Norwich home, Swansea away) have been where he's been most valuable.
Simpson - 6 - Individually very poor for large parts of the season, although he has shown some form in fits and starts and the goalline clearances stat is simply nowt short of incredible. I'd like to see him moved on and improved on (TV Burp Poooooeeetttrrrryyyy Coooooorrrrnneeeer) for next season, as I feel his lack of ability with the ball and suspect positioning does cost us at times.
Perch - 7.5 - Amazing turnaround, hard to remember him having any bad games. Has fulfilled so many functions really well - left-back, right-back, centre-back (he was superb against Liverpool and Suarez), and the destroyer role in centre midfield. I used to like him coming on to see out the game if Tiote or Cabaye had a knock or were tired, he was dead effective in that role. Well done, hope we keep him.
Santon - 7 - Taken a while to find his feet but overall has shown some good promise. His season has mirrored Enrique's first at the club - initially struggling to get in the side and posting a few shaky performances but showing signs that he will come good and be a cracking player. Would love to see him get an extended stint at right-back.
Raylor - 7 - Over the wall was one of my favourite moments, and the criticism has been over the top. At times he outshone Simpson despite playing in an unfavoured role. A useful squad player and clearly a good pro; he's a useful utility player and he's also found a place in the centre of the park at times, which is just another string to his bow.
Colo - 9.5 - Can barely remember a single really bad error or rick all season, he's been absolutely superb and exceeded his incredibly high standards. Be nice if he could have scored a few this season but that goes for all our defenders - goals in the Coca Cola Cup apart (copyright Pards 2011), none of our defenders have scored this season which is a bit shite, really.
Williamson - 7- Came back into the team maybe earlier than ideally necessary, and showed some good form initially and also at the back end of this season. He did have a bit of a rough spell in the middle, but he's posted some excellent showings (Liverpool, Man City and Man U at home are all good examples of him stepping up against bigger sides). Would like him to stay but not as a first eleven player.
Saylor - 7.5 - Was doing really well, shame he got injured.
Obertan - 4 - full of shit. There is literally no reason, no reason at all, that this goon should be in our starting side. He cannot pass the ball, his retention of possession borders on embarrassing and he has scored one goal, one, all season after an extended run in the side. He's an absolute dirt footballer, complete shite and I hope we peddle the big nosed fucker.
Ben Arfa - 8 - similar season to Santon; struggled to get in the team, looked a bit lost, then found his feet and has been excellent for us. Some cracking goals and performances, we just have to hope that a full, uninterrupted pre-season will get him performing to an even higher level after hopefully doing well for the Frogs in the Euros.
Cabaye - 7.5 - midfield terrier with a classy (FTM) edge. I like Cabaye, his eye for a pass is excellent and that free-kick against Man U was absolutely super. I think he'll do well for France in the summer and come back and have a much better season. As Otter and many others said though, the 4-4-2 does limit his influence somewhat. He shines in the 3, that game against Stoke showcased what he can do if we allow for him to push up a bit.
Tiote - 7 - A steady season where he's been in and out mainly due to injury (instead of suspensions this time!) and the African Interruption Cup. He's posted some masterful displays (Man U at home being the stand-out one) but has also looked out of sorts and a bit rusty at times. Hopefully this puts off teams with megabucks from buying him in the summer.
Gosling - 4 - Needs a loan somewhere for 6 months, I have faith he'll come good one day.
Guthrie - 7 - Came in and did a great job whenever one of the first choice central midfield players were missing. His substitute performance against Wolves at home was officially the worst performance from any player this season as a substitute, though. If he moves on, best of luck and he'll get more regular games for a lower half side.
Jonas - 8 - I love him, he's now learned to play in the centre to greater effect which is dead useful. He helped Sad Taylor when he was uncomfortable at full-back and has chipped in with some nice goals and assists. It's just a shame Wolves are relegated cos he saves his best for against them usually!
Sammy - 6 - Did areet, nice goal at Scunny. Some promising cameo performances and he can build on these maybe next season, either with us or out on loan somewhere.
Ferguson - 6 - Has coped manfully when involved and I hope we see more of him next season. He changed the game against Bolton at home, Ben Arfa might have scored a worldie (Merson is a cunt) but he created loads more room by attacking down his left flank.
Vuckic - 5 - Needs a run without injury and another short-term loan.
Abeid - 5 - Did okay, quite like the look/sound of him. Another one who might require a short-term loan if possible.
Marveaux - 6 - Looks good, just needs to stay fit. Potentially will be class.
Ba - 8 - Goals in the first half of the season were varied, numerous and very welcome. He's suffered from the arrival of Cisse and I really hope he doesn't dwell on his barren run too much this summer. Would love him to stay (obvs) but unsure if he will atm.
Cisse - 9.5 - absolutely excellent signing and there aren't really any words. He's one of the best two or three goalscorers in this league (Aguero and RvP being the other couple rivalling him currently) and I fucking love him.
Shola - 7- Finally found his niche as a super sub (SHOLA TIME!), nice assist for Ba's goal against Man U at home too. Often still shite when he starts the game though, QPR away was the worst. Loved his goal against the Mackems too, as is now customary.
Best - 7.5 - goal drought was clouding his excellent all-round play which got so much out of Ba. I'd like to see him and Cisse have a pop together if we insist with the 4-4-2, and unless we get an offer of £5-6m or above we should look to keep hold of Leon. The second goal vs Fulham at home was mint.
Lovenkrands - 4 - Thanks for the Championship season, Pistol Pete. Not good enough for this level and this was reflected by lack of minutes. I wish him well.
