sport news Erling Haaland's secret and a Matheus Nunes screamer: DANNY MURPHY gives out ... trends now

This Premier League season has been different with a World Cup sandwiched in the middle, but no less enthralling because of it. 

Who would have thought the three promoted teams Bournemouth, Fulham and Nottingham Forest would all stay up — not me.

Or that Newcastle would finish above Liverpool, Brighton above Tottenham and Brentford above Chelsea.

We’ve had some spectacular moments, crashing disappointments and a Manchester City team for the ages spearheaded by a record-breaking striker. 

This is what I consider some of the highlights, and lowlights, in my personal Premier League awards.

What he’s done is beyond anyone’s expectations. To score more than a goal a game is ridiculous and it’s scary to think he’s only 22 and going to get better.

Besides his obvious qualities, I’m particularly impressed by his in-game discipline.

He always stays high and narrow rather than being tempted to wander if he’s not seeing the ball.

It’s a real sign of maturity for a young player.

He’s also relentless in making runs in behind defenders. Some strikers only do that for certain periods within a match — Haaland is fit enough to keep going for 90minutes.

I plumped for Gary O’Neil on the radio because he’s also been exceptional but on reflection I’m going for Eddie Howe because qualifying for the Champions League is a heftier achievement.

Howe has been able to turn Newcastle into a high-energy, high-tempo team that plays on the front foot, but without sacrificing defensive solidity. That takes a great amount of work on the training pitch and nobody has conceded fewer goals.

Yes, Howe has had new signings to work with but look at the players who were already at the club and have improved under his guidance; Willock, Joelinton, Longstaff, Almiron, Wilson and others.

I would love to have scored his screamer for Wolves against Chelsea. It practically took the net off.

As a footballer, there is no better feeling than catching a volley just right, the ball explodes off your foot. I love team goals too but when you see a strike like

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