Premier League 2017-18: A Season Of Upsets
What's up, football fanatics! Let's dive headfirst into the 2017-18 Premier League season, a campaign that had us all on the edge of our seats. This wasn't just any old season, guys; it was a rollercoaster of emotions, surprises, and some truly unforgettable moments. From title races that went down to the wire to shock relegations that nobody saw coming, the 2017-18 Premier League delivered drama in spades. We witnessed tactical masterclasses, individual brilliance, and the sheer grit that makes English football the best in the world. So grab your favorite team's scarf, settle in, and let's relive some of the magic from that incredible year.
The Reigning Champions and Their Title Defense
When we talk about the Premier League 2017-18 season, we absolutely have to start with Chelsea. They were the reigning champions, fresh off a dominant 2016-17 campaign under Antonio Conte. Expectations were sky-high, and everyone expected them to push for another title. However, the 2017-18 season proved to be a stark reminder that in the Premier League, complacency is a killer. Conte’s men struggled to find the same consistent form that had seen them lift the trophy the previous year. There were internal issues, a squad that perhaps lacked the depth to compete on multiple fronts without faltering, and a general feeling that they just couldn't recapture that magic. We saw flashes of brilliance, sure, but the relentless consistency needed to win the Premier League title was just not there week in and week out. Injuries played their part, and the tactical shifts sometimes felt a bit disjointed. It was a tough season for the Blues, and their inability to sustain a title challenge was one of the early storylines that shaped the campaign. It highlighted the intense competition and how quickly fortunes can change at the top level of English football. They ended up finishing 5th, a far cry from their championship form, missing out on Champions League football entirely. This was a huge disappointment for the club and its fans, proving that defending a Premier League title is one of the toughest challenges in club football.
Manchester City's Dominance and Guardiola's Masterclass
On the flip side, the 2017-18 Premier League season was absolutely dominated by Manchester City and their brilliant manager, Pep Guardiola. After a season of adapting to the Premier League in 2016-17, Guardiola's City clicked into overdrive. They played some of the most exhilarating, attacking football we've seen in years. It was all about possession, intricate passing, relentless pressing, and a suffocating defense. They broke numerous Premier League records, including the most consecutive wins (18), most away wins (15), and most points (100) – a truly historic achievement. Kevin De Bruyne was absolutely sensational, orchestrating play with his incredible vision and passing range, often considered the best midfielder in the world that season. David Silva, another magician, provided creativity and guile, while the goals flowed from all areas, with Sergio Agüero and Gabriel Jesus leading the line. Their defense, marshaled by the likes of Vincent Kompany (when fit) and the signing of Kyle Walker, was also incredibly solid. City’s style of play was a joy to behold; it was fluid, dynamic, and simply overwhelming for most of their opponents. They weren't just winning; they were dismantling teams. It was a statement of intent from Guardiola and his squad, showing the rest of Europe what they were capable of. This season cemented their status as a powerhouse and set a new benchmark for attacking football in the league. The sheer consistency and quality they displayed throughout the campaign was almost flawless, making their title win thoroughly deserved and a spectacle for neutral fans to enjoy.
The Title Race: A One-Horse Race?
Despite the incredible performances from other teams, the Premier League title race in 2017-18 ultimately became a procession for Manchester City. While teams like Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool showed flashes of brilliance and fought hard, none could match City's relentless consistency. United, under Jose Mourinho, started the season strongly and looked like they might be City's closest challengers. However, their form dipped in the second half of the season, and they ultimately finished a distant second. Tottenham, known for their attractive football under Mauricio Pochettino, also struggled to maintain the pace, particularly away from home. Liverpool, with their high-octane attacking style, provided some thrilling moments, but defensive frailties and a lack of depth meant they couldn't sustain a title challenge. This meant that for much of the latter half of the season, the title was effectively decided. While the league leaders were breaking records, the focus shifted to who would finish in the top four and secure Champions League places. It was a testament to City's superiority, but it also meant that the traditional end-of-season title buzz was somewhat muted. Still, the battles for European spots and the drama unfolding at the other end of the table kept fans engaged throughout the campaign. The sheer gulf between City and the chasing pack was remarkable, a clear indication of their dominance.
Other European Contenders: United, Spurs, and Liverpool
While Manchester City soared, the Premier League 2017-18 season also saw fierce competition for the other Champions League spots. Manchester United, managed by Jose Mourinho, had a decent campaign, finishing second. They showed they could compete with the best on their day, with Paul Pogba pulling the strings in midfield and Romelu Lukaku providing a potent goal threat. However, their style of play often drew criticism, and they lacked the attacking flair that many fans desired. Tottenham Hotspur, under Mauricio Pochettino, continued to impress with their fluid attacking football and strong performances at Wembley, their temporary home. Harry Kane was in sensational form, scoring goals for fun and solidifying his status as one of the world's top strikers. Despite their impressive play, consistency issues, particularly in the Champions League, hampered their overall success. Liverpool, led by Jurgen Klopp, were exciting to watch, especially with their devastating attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mané. Salah, in particular, had an unbelievable debut season, shattering scoring records and earning him Player of the Season accolades from many. However, their defensive vulnerabilities were often exposed, preventing them from challenging for the title. These teams, along with Chelsea, battled it out for the remaining European places, providing plenty of exciting matches and a reminder of the depth of quality in the top half of the Premier League.
The Relegation Battle: A Nail-Biting Fight to Survive
As the title race was largely settled, the Premier League relegation battle in 2017-18 was anything but. The fight for survival was incredibly tight, with multiple teams battling it out until the very last day of the season. This is where the true grit and determination of the Premier League often shines through. Teams like Swansea City, Crystal Palace, and Everton were all involved in the scrap at various points. Crystal Palace, under new management and after a disastrous start to the season, went on an impressive run under Roy Hodgson, climbing out of the relegation zone and securing their safety. Swansea City, despite their struggles, managed to find crucial wins at key moments, with their experienced players stepping up when it mattered most. The drama was immense, with every goal, every point, and every result carrying huge significance. It’s these intense, nail-biting battles that remind us why the Premier League is so captivating. The pressure on these players and managers is immense, and seeing them navigate it successfully is always compelling viewing. The fight for survival is often as compelling as the title race itself, showcasing the passion and the stakes involved in top-flight football.
Shock Relegations and Surprising Survivors
Speaking of survival, the 2017-18 Premier League season had its fair share of shock relegations and surprising survivors. While teams like West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City, established Premier League clubs, found themselves tumbling down to the Championship, others managed to defy the odds. Huddersfield Town, for instance, were widely tipped for immediate relegation after their promotion. However, under David Wagner, they played with immense spirit, organization, and a never-say-die attitude. They secured crucial home wins and battled their way to safety, much to the delight of their passionate fanbase. Their survival was a testament to their hard work, tactical discipline, and the incredible atmosphere they created at the John Smith's Stadium. Conversely, the fall of clubs like West Brom and Stoke was a harsh reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in this league. They had periods of promise but ultimately couldn't sustain their performances or find the consistent form needed to stay afloat. This mix of unexpected triumphs and disheartening falls is a hallmark of the Premier League, keeping us all guessing right up until the final whistle.
Individual Brilliance and Record-Breaking Feats
Beyond the team triumphs and struggles, the Premier League 2017-18 season was also a stage for incredible individual brilliance. Mohamed Salah was, without a doubt, the star of the show. His debut season for Liverpool was nothing short of sensational. He scored a remarkable 32 goals in 36 league appearances, breaking the record for the most goals in a 38-game Premier League season. His pace, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing were a joy to watch. He deservedly scooped up the PFA Players' Player of the Year award, among other individual accolades. Harry Kane also continued his phenomenal goal-scoring form for Tottenham, finishing as the league's top scorer with 30 goals. Kevin De Bruyne was the architect of Manchester City's success, providing an astonishing 16 assists and scoring 8 goals, earning him the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. These players, along with many others like David De Gea, David Silva, and N'Golo Kante, showcased the individual talent that makes the Premier League so special. Their performances not only inspired their teams but also captivated fans around the globe, setting new benchmarks and reminding us of the magic that individual players can bring to the game.
Young Stars and Emerging Talents
While the established stars shone brightly, the 2017-18 Premier League season also provided a platform for emerging talents to make their mark. Players like Marcus Rashford for Manchester United continued to develop, showing glimpses of the world-class forward he would become. Joe Gomez at Liverpool stepped up impressively, filling in at various defensive positions with maturity beyond his years. Trent Alexander-Arnold, another Liverpool youngster, also began to establish himself as a key player, showcasing his attacking prowess from right-back. The league is always a breeding ground for new talent, and this season was no exception. These young players bring energy, fearlessness, and a hunger to succeed, often providing crucial contributions for their teams. Their development is a vital part of the Premier League's appeal, offering fans the chance to witness the rise of future superstars. Seeing these lads break through and perform at the highest level is always exciting and adds another layer of narrative to the season.
Memorable Moments and Talking Points
No review of the Premier League 2017-18 season would be complete without mentioning some of the truly memorable moments and talking points. The sheer dominance of Manchester City was a constant talking point, their record-breaking run becoming the stuff of legend. The dramatic last-day survival of Swansea and the impressive escape of Crystal Palace provided compelling narratives. The sheer volume of goals scored by Liverpool's attacking trio, especially Mohamed Salah's record-breaking spree, was a constant source of awe. There were also incredible individual performances, like De Bruyne's midfield masterclasses and Kane's lethal finishing. The tactical battles between top managers like Guardiola, Mourinho, and Klopp offered plenty of food for thought for football purists. Even the moments of controversy, the unexpected results, and the passionate fan celebrations added to the rich tapestry of the season. It was a campaign filled with talking points, from the sublime to the dramatic, ensuring that fans had plenty to discuss throughout the year and long after the final whistle.
The Impact of VAR (or lack thereof)
It's interesting to reflect on the Premier League 2017-18 season in the context of refereeing decisions and the introduction of new technologies. While VAR (Video Assistant Referee) was starting to be trialed in other leagues, it wasn't yet fully implemented in the Premier League during the 2017-18 campaign. This meant that decisions were still being made in real-time, leading to the usual share of controversial moments, debates, and passionate reactions from players, managers, and fans alike. For some, this added to the raw, unpredictable nature of the game. For others, the missed calls and contentious decisions were a source of frustration. The absence of VAR meant that the drama often unfolded without the safety net of instant replay review, leading to more post-match discussions and replays of questionable incidents. It's a fascinating point to look back on, considering how much VAR has changed the game since its widespread adoption in subsequent seasons. The 2017-18 season represents a period where traditional refereeing, with all its inherent flaws and dramatic consequences, was still firmly in place, making every decision feel even more critical.
