There was a time when it was almost a given in England that Manchester United would win the Premier League. With five of six crowns between 1996-2001, and six of eight stretching out to 2003, Sir Alex Ferguson seemed to own the EPL trophy in those days. But things changed after Arsenal and Chelsea stole the thunder the past three years. So, this season’s return to glory at Old Trafford was particualrly satisfying for Ferguson, who proved he’s still got the midas touch. The Red Devils went practically wire to wire, comfortably holding off a Chelsea charge in the late going to claim their first domestic crown in four years. Along the way, Cristiano Ronaldo (right) established himself as the clear favorite to win this year’s Player of the Year honors, with weekly displays often bordering on spectacular.

As for Chelsea, it wasn’t to be the Blues’ year, not with injuries slowing down the momentum, and the weight of fighting to the end in every competition perhaps depleting them further. We tip our hats to Jose Mourinho’s troops, however, for giving it a go and really attempting to win every competition in which it entered. That includes the often-dismissed Carling Cup, which Chelsea secured in February. Even though the Champs League brought more disappointment, Chelsea did get a satisfying win over Man U in the FA Cup final, giving the Blues a nice Cup double this season.

Elsewhere, winds of change could be blowing across the EPL, with new ownership groups moving into the forefront at both Liverpool and Arsenal. The situation to watch could be with the Gunners, where Thierry Henry (left) is making noise about departing Emirates Stadium (perhaps for Barcelona) as Arsenal has slipped from its elite perch of a few years back. Moreover, it’s looking as if Arsene Wenger’s long tenure behind the bench might now have to be viewed in a short-term manner after the departure of head honcho (and trusted ally) David Dein. Arsenal’s famous French Connection, which lost Patrick Vieira two summers ago, could soon be a thing of the past.

Overall, however, the Prem remained a formful place, with the “big four” (Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal) still dominating. Perhaps Everton, under David Moyes, Aston Villa, under Martin O’Neill, Newcastle, under new boss Sam Allardyce, or perhaps Spurs will finally mount something resembling a serious challenge to the big boys next season.