Sulky strikers, bizarre bans and a managerial merry-go-round – just another season in the Chinese Super League
Carlos Tevez, Andre Villas-Boas and Big Phil Scolari all had their own part to play in a season that was packed with incident on and off the pitch
Here’s a look back at the winners, losers and some great goals from a season that generally showed more growth than a certain South American striker’s waistline.
Guangzhou Evergrande
The now seven times champions of China were a shoo-in for the title before the season began and they did not disappoint. They did not win it in as much style or by as big a distance as in seasons past but still, seven-in-a-row is a remarkable achievement.
They might not have it all their own from now on, though. Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has walked away and Big Phil leaves big shoes to fill after delivering the last three titles and the 2015 AFC Champions League trophy.
The Brazilian could not guide his charges to another continental success, falling in the quarter-finals over a truly bizarre two legs against Shanghai SIPG. It finished 5-5 on aggregate and the Shanghai side progressed on away goals, while they also got the better of the champs in the FA Cup.