Their were many big summer signings leading up to the 2004-05 season as Michael Owen left Liverpool to go to Real Madrid, Emile Heskey moved to Birmingham City and Alan Smith moved from newly relegated Leeds to Manchester United. Chelsea once again went on a huge spending spree as they bought Didier Drogba and Arjen Robben to name but few. Arsenal started the season in emphatic form, with a string of successive victories. Arsenal went on an incredible run of 49 matches unbeaten, spanning from mid way through the previous season which ended at the end of October as they controversially lost 2-0 to Manchester United. After that Arsenals form severely dipped and Manchester United improved from their on. The two sides met again in February, this time Manchester United were on top again as they beat Arsenal 4-2 at Highbury.
Chelsea were the team of the season as they only suffered one defeat which came against Manchester City in November. Chelsea were champions and won the league with a 12 point gap over Arsenal. Manchester united could once again only manage 3rd position as they stumbled late on in the season. The surprise team of the season was Everton, despite selling Wayne Rooney to Manchester United; they finished fourth, which was largely helped by their more than impressive start to the season.
Four teams were in the relegation battle, it was between Southampton, Crystal palace, Norwich and West Brom. All teams were in the dog fight till the final day of the season, West Brom survived the battle as they won 2-0, and all other three teams were relegated.
Despite Liverpool finishing 5th position, they were allowed to enter the champion’s league as they beat AC Milan in the final that season. Bolton were in fine form and established them selves as a top six side in the premiership as they finished off the season in 6th position. Newcastle started off the season in poor form, many expected them to be in contention for a champions league place, instead they could only finish 14th in the premiership with only 44 points. Middlesbrough were in fine form as they ended 7th in the premiership and that earned them the final spot in the UEFA cup for the following season.