Poor form, suspensions and controversy surrounded three Premier League strikers for much of the year. But a dramatic change in fortunes has given each player a chance to claim redemption, in the form of major silverware, as the football season reaches its climax.
Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez took home match balls after hitting hat-tricks on the weekend, while Carlos Tevez continued his Manchester City comeback by starting against his old club in the derby of the year.
The timing of Torres' goal explosion has been impeccable. He has cut a forlorn figure since his £50m arrival at Stamford Bridge in January 2011. However, after going 25 games without scoring, El Niño has seven goals from his last 12 matches. His equalising goal against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final last week was the prelude to a performance reminiscent of the Torres of old against QPR.
His first goal, in particular, wound back the clock as he rounded goalkeeper Paddy Kenny before sliding the ball home with ease.
It was the Spaniard's first hat-trick since September 2009 and his scorching run of form could not have come at a better time for Chelsea: the FA Cup and Champions League finals loom in the next two weeks.