Premier League Footballer of the Week, Gameweek 38

• Iron Man 2 and Mother’s Day
• Champions FC

Football played second fiddle this weekend to Mother’s Day and Robert Downey Jr. & Co. running around saving the world from a Russian villain. Quite the opposite event played out across England as another Russian, this time Roman Abramovich and not Mickey Rourke, emerged from the rubble and ashes of 38 Premier League matches as victor. Unless you spent the weekend underneath a large rock, you’ll have heard Chelsea football club emphatically trounced Wigan 8-0 to win the league for the first time in three years. So, I’d like to devote the final Premier League Footballer of the Week to the players of CFC as they truly look the part of Champions and continued to impress throughout the course of the season.

Chelsea were a team on a mission this season as Carlo Ancelotti’s men scored 103 goals to claim the club’s fourth title and still have a chance to complete a league and cup double this week, a feat so grand it even eluded the Special One. Manchester United played it close and kept it tight as they saw off Stoke City 4-0 to finish runners up by just a point. Steven Gerrard shoved a fan and this author grows oh so tired of watching scenes of unruly fans coming close to “kicking off” – events that have marred the last few weeks of football across the country.

Nominees –

Frank Lampard, Champions FC– What a resurgence Frank’s had in the last few months, and most importantly, at the right time of the season. The England midfield man will now look to keep top form for country but will enjoy this title as his contributions with goals, passing, leadership and overall presence will see him end his season as one of the top midfielders in the world. A natural, smart leader, Lampard showed poise in not allowing Didier Drogba to take Chelsea’s penalty in the 31st knowing the title for Chelsea was more important to the team than to risk personal gain for Drogba. Not that it mattered in the end.

Didier Drogba, Champions FC– The Golden Boot winner scored a huge hat-trick to help Chelsea cruise to an 8-0 demolition of Wigan and claim the title with no drama needed. Obviously unhappy after being denied the opportunity to score Chelsea’s second, Drogba rebounded from his mental funk to score three goals and claim the crown for most goals scored this season. Drogba remains one of the most feared and deadly strikers in the world  – even after that Vanity Fair cover.

Florent Malouda, Champions FC– Maybe the player mentioned on this post most consistently throughout the season, Malouda has had a breakout campaign with Chelsea and solidifies his name for most improved player and player of the year this season in my book. The attacking left-sided midfielder has fit in at Chelsea greatly and has thrived under Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical acumen. He’s got pace, links up well with forwards and can score goals. Chelsea will look to build on the success of this season next year as they defend their title and chase European glory – Florent Malouda will be key in their success.

Branislav Ivanovic, Champions FC– He set up Anelka’s second in the 56th when the affair was settled, but Ivanovic has been key to Chelsea’s championship winning season as a rock at the back. The strong right-back can be counted on for his consistency in defence and has the ability to push forward and support attacks. He’s a good crosser of the ball as we witnessed on Sunday when he found Anelka. He’ll partner Nemanja Vidic for Serbia at the World Cup and looks set to remain a vital ingredient to Chelsea’s back line for years to come.

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Author’s Note: Thanks to all the EPL Talk readers who have read this column, voted in the polls or left comments. As we end this Premier League season and head into the World Cup, know that your participation and feedback has been appreciated and look for the column to return again next season.