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30 Greatest Teams in Premier League History

By Benjamin Taylor

Who will lift this trophy in May and join these 30 teams among the greatest ever to compete in the English Premier League? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Who will lift this trophy in May and join these 30 teams among the greatest ever to compete in the English Premier League? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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23. Blackburn Rovers, 2005-06

LONDON – NOVEMBER 26: Craig Bellamy of Blackburn Rovers in action during the FA Barclays Premiership match between Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers at Highbury on November 26, 2005 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON – NOVEMBER 26: Craig Bellamy of Blackburn Rovers in action during the FA Barclays Premiership match between Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers at Highbury on November 26, 2005 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

Starting XI: B. Friedel (GK); L. Neill, Z. Khizanishvili, R. Nelsen, M. Gray; D. Bentley, R. Savage, S. Reid, Tugay, M.G. Pedersen; C. Bellamy.

Blackburn’s first full season under Mark Hughes was a memorable one. Though inconsistent for much of the first half of the season, the team flourished in the New Year and came close to snatching a Champions League spot, eventually finishing 6th and qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

More than their results, it was the way that Hughes built his team with pace and power that is most memorable. Savage and Tugay formed a steely partnership in central midfield; Morten Gamst Pedersen and prodigious youngster David Bentley terrorised opposing full backs with their speed and ball-striking ability; and Craig Bellamy had a breakout season up front – enough to earn him a move to Liverpool in the summer.

In the years that followed, Bellamy’s success at Ewood Park was replicated by the likes of Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz. But Blackburn never played with quite the same style as in 2005-06, and – as with Bellamy – were never able to hang on to their star players when the bigger clubs came knocking.

Next: No. 22

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