This was because the FA Cup third round is traditionally played on the first Saturday in January, which in 2009 fell in the usual spot for New Year's league games.
[4] September saw Manchester City taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group, transforming the football club into one of the world's wealthiest, securing the signing of Robinho for a British record £32.5 million just seconds before the 2008 summer transfer window closed in the process.
[7] The title race was a battle between Manchester United and bitter rivals Liverpool, who beat them 4–1 at Old Trafford on 14 March 2009.
The results meant that Hull City and Sunderland stayed up, despite home defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea respectively.
Sir Alex Ferguson, 67, picked up the Premier League Manager of the Season for the ninth time.
The shortlist for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award was as follows: Goalkeeper: Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United)Defence: Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidić (all Manchester United)Midfield: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs (both Manchester United), Ashley Young (Aston Villa)Attack: Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Fernando Torres (Liverpool) The PFA Young Player of the Year award was won by Ashley Young of Aston Villa.
The Liverpool captain saw off the challenges of Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs and forward Wayne Rooney, who finished second and third respectively.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka won the Premier League Golden Boot award for the first time.
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar collected the Premier League Golden Glove award for the first time.