What happened in English Premier League 2004-05?

Champions: Chelsea
Runners up: Arsenal
Champions League places: Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton, Liverpool
UEFA Cup places: Bolton Wanderers, Middlesbrough (League Cup)
Leading Scorer: Thierry Henry (Arsenal) 25 goals

Barclays began their sponsorship of the Premier League, and in his first season in charge Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho splashed the cash, with the Blues finally ending Manchester United and Arsenal's stranglehold on the trophy. And the most expensive team ever created in England (costing over £250million) did it in style, taking the title with a Premier League record of 95 points. Other records they broke in what was also their centenary year were: most clean sheets, fewest goals conceded, and most victories.

Mourinho announced his arrival in England by claiming, even before the season had started: "We have top players and, sorry if I'm arrogant, we have a top manager."

Arjen Robben's first Premier League goal sent the Blues top after beating Everton 1-0 on 6th November, and they were to remain there for the rest of the season. The title had seemed destined to remain at Highbury as Arsenal continued their astonishing unbeaten run. But the Gunners' charge came to a grinding halt at Old Trafford as Manchester United beat them 2-0. And their season came further unstuck as they won only two of their next seven matches. That result kick-started Manchester United's season as they were to lose only one match until April. The run included a 4-2 defeat of Arsenal at Highbury.

Chelsea swept all before them as they stormed to the title. Manchester City were the only club to beat them, thanks to a Nicolas Anelka penalty. The Blues were confirmed as Champions on 30th April after a 2-0 win at Bolton Wanderers.

The relegation dogfight was one of the closest in years. On the final match day not a single club had been relegated. West Bromwich Albion beat Portsmouth 2-0 to become the first club to be bottom at Christmas and still stay up. Norwich City had staged a mini revival after their shock 2-0 victory over Manchester United, losing only one of their previous six matches. But a 6-0 capitulation to Fulham sent them down. Southampton joined them after losing 2-1 to Manchester United. And Charlton's late equaliser against Crystal Palace saw the Eagles occupy the final spot.

Everton, after only narrowly avoiding relegation the previous year, were the surprise team of the season. Despite the unpopular sale of Wayne Rooney to Manchester United they had only lost three matches by Christmas. And a 1-0 victory over Merseyside rivals Liverpool sent them into second place. They ended the season a highly credible fourth, ensuring Champions League qualification. Their 7-0 loss to Arsenal in the penultimate match saw them finish the season with a negative goal difference - remarkable for a fourth-placed club.

Liverpool finished in fifth but won the Champions League in dramatic fashion. 3-0 down at half-time, they levelled the
scores and took the match to extra time - eventually winning on penalties. They were allowed to defend their crown, which meant that the Barclays Premiership had five representatives in the following season's competition.

Elsewhere, Jonathon Woodgate and Michael Owen became part of the select few English footballers to ply their trade abroad - both joining David Beckham at Real Madrid before the beginning of the season. American businessman Malcolm Glazer completed his takeover of Manchester United, despite vociferous and widespread protest.

FA Cup Winners - Arsenal [Final - Arsenal 0 v 0 Manchester United (aet) Arsenal win 5-4 on penalties]
League Cup Winners - Chelsea [Final - Chelsea 3 v 2 Liverpool (aet)]
Champions League Winners - Liverpool [Final - Liverpool 3 v 3 AC Milan (aet) Liverpool win 3-2 on penalties]
UEFA Cup Winners - CSKA Moscow [Final - CSKA Moscow 3 v 1 Sporting Lisbon (aet)]