Looking back on 2014, it has been an amazing year in the Premier League. From title races, to tense relegation battles and pulsating storylines building at some of the world’s top clubs, we’ve had it all. Over the next few days at PST, we will be counting down our top 10 moments from the past 12 months in the PL. Here’s numbers 10-6.
***
10. GOAL! Jonjo Shelvey hits one on the screws from near half-field -- The Swansea City man betrays the bald community by cracking a shot from inside that half-circle to catch USMNT and Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan off his line. “And boom goes the dynamite.”
***
9. Merseyside bosses come together to salute the Hillsborough 96 -- It takes a great deal to bring Everton and Liverpool together, but the pair of Premier League bosses gave brilliant tributes at the Hillsborough Memorial service at Anfield in April. Marking 25 years since the horrific disaster, Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers each stirred the souls while showing soccer’s community is greater than rivalry.
[ MORE: Striking images from the Hillsborough Memorial ]
***
8. Ryan Giggs takes an unorthodox final bow at Old Trafford -- One of the greatest players in Premier League history called it a career when he shuffled off into the sunset to end the season at Manchester United. Of course, that he did it as acting manager of one of the world’s biggest clubs somehow fits the bill even more.
[ MORE: Wilson shines in Giggs’ final home match ]
***
7. Cardiff City 3-6 Liverpool -- What. A. Match. Sometimes when considering Liverpool’s drop-off from last season, we forget how often their offense made amends for their defending in the previous campaign. Luis Suarez had a had trick, and the Bluebirds twice led in the first half.
***
6. Alan Pardew head butts David Meyler -- It goes without saying that the Newcastle United boss is lucky to have his job after going forehead to face with the Hull City player during a match. A lengthy ban followed, and Newcastle’s season spun down the drain soon afterward.
[ MORE: Pardew head butts Meyler ]
***