Season review: ArmeniaTuesday 10 November 2009
uefa.com
FC Pyunik’s dominance appears to know no bounds after they added the
Armenian Cup to their ninth successive Bardzraguyn khumb title, while
FC Ulis Yerevan raised eyebrows with a third-placed finish.
Champions: FC Pyunik
Pyunik remain top of the pile after landing their 12th title in 18
years. Pushed hard by eventual runners-up FC Mika for much of the
campaign, they finally asserted themselves by clinching the league on
the penultimate day before seeing off their nearest challengers 4-0 in
the final round of matches.
Cup final: FC Pyunik 1-0 FC Banants
The 20-year-old Genrikh Mkhitaryan became an instant hero with an
added-time winner that secured Pyunik’s double triumph with their
fourth Armenian Cup victory.
Player of the Year: Hrayr Mkoyan (FC Ulis Yerevan)
The central defender was an inspired leader in helping his side to a
third-place finish. Ulis were breached 25 times in the 28-game season
– a defensive record second only to Pyunik – with Mkoyan a towering
figure throughout. The 23-year-old made his international debut
against Belgium in September and already looks to be a mainstay of the
national team.
One to watch: David Manoyan (FC Pyunik)
The Pyunik youngster made his bow in May 2008 at just 17 but this
season came to age, making 23 league appearances and contributing two
goals. However, it is his vision and creative flair which has stood out.
Surprise package: FC Ararat Yerevan
Second in 2008, they were once again among the favourites this
year. However, after collecting a meagre 14 points, they now find
themselves in the second tier.
Leading scorer: Arthur Kocharyan, FC Ulis Yerevan (15)
Number: 9
Pyunik won the league for a ninth successive year.
Quote
"It is very important to have the winning psychology in my team. The
opponents played against my young footballers with double energy and
I’m happy that my team progressed and showed itself as a united group
of players."
Pyunik coach Vardan Minasyan