The
English Premier League, also known as the EPL, has been one of the most-watched and highly competitive football leagues in the world. Since its inception in 1992, the league has seen several surprises, upsets, and record-breaking performances. In this article, we will take a look at some of the cold facts and lesser-known trivia surrounding the 2007 season of the EPL.
The 2007 EPL season was filled with excitement and drama, with Manchester United ultimately emerging as the champions. However, there were many other interesting aspects of the season that are worth exploring.
One of the most remarkable and record-breaking moments of the 2007 EPL season was the number of penalties awarded to teams. A staggering total of 110 penalties were awarded throughout the season, which broke the previous record of 106 penalties set back in the 1999-2000 season. Interestingly, of the 110 penalties, 91 were successfully converted, with Cristiano Ronaldo contributing to 10 of them.
Speaking of Ronaldo, the 2007 season was arguably one of his best. Not only did he help Manchester United secure their ninth league title, but he also became the league's top scorer with an impressive 31 goals. His exceptional performances throughout the season also earned him the prestigious PFA Players' Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year awards.
Another lesser-known fact about the 2007 season is that several teams made their debut in the EPL. Teams like Derby County, Sunderland, and Birmingham City earned promotion to the league for the first time in their respective histories. However, while Birmingham City managed to secure a mid-table finish, Derby County and Sunderland were unable to hold on to their Premier League status and were eventually relegated.
The 2007 season also saw some memorable games, including a match between Tottenham Hotspur and Reading that ended in a thrilling 6-4 victory for Tottenham. The game featured ten different goal scorers, which is still a record in the Premier League.
Aside from the noteworthy achievements and events of the 2007 EPL season, there were also some controversies. One of the most contentious moments was during a match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Chelsea defender Ashley Cole was accused of diving to win a penalty, which led to a heated argument between the two camps. Referee Graham Poll later admitted that he had made a mistake in awarding the penalty, which Tottenham's goalkeeper saved.
In conclusion, the 2007 EPL season was filled with many amazing, surprising and unforgettable moments. The sheer number of awarded penalties and goal scorers in one match, the record-breaking season of Ronaldo, the debut of new teams, and the controversies surrounding some decisions made by the referees make this season one of the most interesting in the history of the league.