Nicolas Anelka’s stunning goal for Chelsea in their 3–2 win at Sunderland on the final day of the Barclays Premier League season not only earned him the Golden Boot but also secured his place at the top of the Actim Index. The France international ended the campaign with a haul of 751 points, brought about largely by his 19 goals, although 60 shots on target and seven assists also helped. Anelka ended the season two places clear of Chelsea team–mate Frank Lampard who missed the final day of the season through injury and was unable to improve on his total of 653 points.
Lampard’s misfortune was to Dirk Kuyt’s gain as the hardworking Liverpool forward crept in to overtake the England playmaker and steal second place. The 28–year–old figured in all 38 of his side’s games and earned 25 points for his role in the win over Tottenham, seeing him end up two points clear of Lampard on 655 points. Kuyt also managed to outshine his high–profile strike partner Fernando Torres, with the Spaniard ending the season in 54th, although he did only manage 24 appearances in an injury–hit season.
While Kuyt’s team–work has earned him the plaudits, Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher and goalkeeper Jose Reina also deserve credit for their work in helping Rafael Benitez’s side to a second–placed finish. Carragher ended the campaign as the highest scoring defender, with his 552 points seeing him finish in ninth overall. The 31–year–old’s consistency is highlighted by the fact his highest score was only 26, but only seven players spent more minutes on the pitch than him. Spain international Reina finished in sixth with 573 points, making 159 saves and, more interestingly, providing two assists.
Across Stanley Park at Everton, a season–high score of 52 from midfielder Leon Osman was one of the reasons behind a 2–0 win at Fulham which earned David Moyes’ highly-regarded side a top-five finish. Osman himself managed to finish the year in 38th place, a ranking bettered by five of his team–mates. Joleon Lescott led the way in 18th with 458 points – a tally good enough to earn him a place in the Team of the Season.
Lescott is joined in that side by Anelka, Lampard, Reina and Carragher as well as Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea) and Gareth Barry (Aston Villa). With Sir Alex Ferguson’s side winning the Barclays Premier League with a week to spare, it is surprising to see only two of their players in the season’s best XI, although classy striker Dimitar Berbatov did finish fourth in the overall index with 586 points – his 652 passes bettered only by seven others, most notably Lampard’s 945.
Lampard is one of three of England’s midfield regulars to feature in the top 10 of the index, with Liverpool captain Gerrard and Villa skipper Barry joining him. The trio scored 33 goals between them, while Lampard and Gerrard registered over 100 shots at goal. Barry’s efforts in defence (28 clearances) and the accuracy of his left foot (70 crosses) helped him keep parity with the pair. England starlets Ashley Young and James Milner also enjoyed successful seasons finishing inside the top 10 midfielders.
