As the year comes to a close, many us will take time to reflect on the last 12 months.As for me well, I'm just grateful I've been able to indulge myself in my passion by watching hours upon hours of football on cable TV.English, Dutch, Italian or Spanish, it doesn't matter to me, I'll watch it all although I have to admit the Premier League is where my heart lies.Having played in England for several years I have a strong connection with the culture of English football and have relished followed the fortunes of those teams that player in the most exciting league in the world over the past year.For me, the emergence of Manchester City as a genuine title contender has been the most intriguing story of 2011, although they have been many equally enthralling plot lines.It's certainly been a tough year for Andy Carroll. The big striker arrived at Anfield for a club-record £35 million with high expectations, but, for whatever reason, it just hasn't worked out for the former Newcastle man.With Luis Saurez unavailable due to suspension, Carroll made back-to-back starts for the Reds since November but struggled once again to make an impact.It's a bit worrying for Carroll because he must make an impact while Saurez is unavailable; if he doesn't then I fear the writing is on the wall for the England international.As for Saurez, I'm just sick and tired of hearing people trying to defend the guy.After all, he was found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra and now quite rightly faces a lengthy ban.I don't think the eight-game ban was overly harsh for Saurez and the cultural difference argument being used as an excuse by some people just doesn't hold water for me.When you go to work in another country you have to respect their ways, and not expect that country to act in accordance to you.And let's be honest, if it isn't wrong to racially abuse someone in another country, it should be.I know it's a bit of a cliché, but I truly believe that you treat people how you would want to be treated; it's a saying I've certainly tried to live by.Hopefully Saurez will learn from this ugly episode and become both a better player and person from it.I'm excited to see Thierry Henry has agreed to rejoin Arsenal on a two-month loan deal from New York Red Bulls.The former Gunners captain, who left the club for Barcelona in 2007, has been training at London Colney during the Major League Soccer off-season and must have impressed Arsene Wenger who is looking for short-term cover while Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh are away on Africa Cup of Nations Duty.I think it's a good move because he can help bring along the young players as well as act for cover for Robin van Persie, who always liable to breakdown.One thing's for sure, Henry certainly wouldn't have forgot how to stick the ball in the back of the net.Manchester United would have been encouraged to see their bitter rivals Manchester City throw away some valuable points against West Bromwich Albion this week, although the Baggies have become very difficult to break down under Roy Hodgson.He seems to have them very organised and have greatly improved since the start of the season.A top-seven finish is probably beyond West Brom this season, but the shape and discipline Hodgson has instilled should be more than enough to ensure they finish comfortably above the relegation scrap.I would love to see Tottenham Hotspur win the title; I believe it would be good for football, but I just don't know whether they have the staying power.They have done fantastic up to now but I don't think they will be able to go all the way.As far as I'm concerned City are still the team to beat.Happy New Year to you all!