01/04/2008
The 2017-18 Premier League season was an absolute spectacle, etched into the annals of English football history for its sheer drama, record-breaking achievements, and captivating narratives. From the dazzling displays of a dominant champion to the nail-biting finishes in the fight for survival, this campaign had everything a football enthusiast could wish for. It was a season that redefined what was possible in the modern game, setting new benchmarks and introducing new legends. Whether you're keen to revisit the glory or understand the significance of this particular year, prepare to journey back through a truly remarkable chapter of the Premier League.
- Manchester City's Unprecedented Dominance: The Centurions
- The Egyptian King's Reign: Mohamed Salah's Golden Boot
- The Race for Europe: Top Four and Beyond
- The Nail-Biting Relegation Battle
- Key Statistics and Figures from the Season
- New Rules and Innovations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the 2017-18 Premier League Season
- Who won the 2017-18 Premier League title?
- Which player won the Golden Boot in the 2017-18 season?
- Which teams were relegated from the Premier League in 2017-18?
- What was unique about the promoted teams in the 2017-18 season?
- When did the 2017-18 Premier League season start and conclude?
- What was a significant rule change introduced in the 2017-18 season?
- Conclusion
Manchester City's Unprecedented Dominance: The Centurions
The undisputed highlight of the 2017-18 season was the sensational performance of Manchester City under the masterful guidance of Pep Guardiola. They didn't just win the league; they dominated it in a fashion never before seen, becoming the first team in Premier League history to reach an astounding 100 points. This 'Centurions' achievement was the culmination of a season-long exhibition of fluid, attacking football that left opponents in their wake.
City's journey began on 11 August 2017 and saw them break numerous Premier League records. They secured the title with five games to spare, a testament to their overwhelming consistency. Their record-breaking run included:
- Most Points: 100 points
- Most Wins: 32 matches
- Most Away Wins: 16 matches
- Most Goals Scored: 106 goals
- Highest Goal Difference: +79
- Most Consecutive League Wins: 18 matches
- Fewest Minutes Behind in Matches: A mere 153 minutes across the entire season
- Biggest Winning Points Margin: 19 points over second place
Their attacking prowess was breathtaking, with a squad depth and tactical flexibility that made them almost unstoppable. While they were confirmed champions after Manchester United's unexpected home defeat to West Bromwich Albion in April, their pursuit of the 100-point mark added an extra layer of excitement right up to the final day. They even set new club and English records for consecutive away (11) and overall (20) victories in all competitions, alongside 28 consecutive games unbeaten in all competitions and 30 consecutive games unbeaten in the league. It was a historic season that firmly established Guardiola's City as one of the greatest Premier League teams ever.
The Egyptian King's Reign: Mohamed Salah's Golden Boot
While Manchester City dominated collectively, the individual brilliance of Mohamed Salah at Liverpool captivated audiences across the globe. In his debut season for the Reds, Salah took the Premier League by storm, scoring an astonishing 32 goals. This incredible tally not only earned him the Golden Boot but also broke the Premier League record for most goals scored in a 38-game season, surpassing the previous record of 31 held by Cristiano Ronaldo, Alan Shearer, and Luis Suarez.
Salah's electrifying pace, clinical finishing, and relentless energy transformed Liverpool's attack, making them one of the most exciting teams to watch. His partnership with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané created a formidable front three that terrorised defences. Liverpool finished fourth for a second consecutive season, securing Champions League football, largely on the back of Salah's sensational form. His impact was immediate and profound, turning him into an instant Anfield legend.
The Race for Europe: Top Four and Beyond
Behind the dominant City, the race for the remaining Champions League spots and European qualification was fiercely contested:
- Manchester United: Under José Mourinho, United finished in second place, achieving their highest finish and points total (81) since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure. While still a significant gap from City, it represented a step forward for the club.
- Tottenham Hotspur: Mauricio Pochettino's Spurs secured third place, continuing their consistent performance at the top end of the league. Their blend of attacking talent and solid defence made them a formidable force.
- Chelsea: The defending champions, managed by Antonio Conte, had a turbulent season. They started badly, losing their opening game at home, and despite a strong run, lacked the consistency of the previous year. They ultimately finished fifth, missing out on Champions League qualification, which eventually led to Conte's dismissal.
- Arsenal: It was a disappointing season for Arsenal, who finished sixth. The campaign was notable for the departure of long-serving manager Arsène Wenger after 22 years at the helm, a monumental moment in Premier League history. Their final home game was a resounding 5-0 victory over Burnley, securing Europa League group stage qualification.
- Burnley: Sean Dyche's Burnley defied expectations, finishing in an impressive seventh place. This was their best finish in English football since 1973-74 and earned them a spot in the Europa League second qualifying round, marking their first competitive European campaign in 50 years. Their disciplined and resilient approach earned them widespread praise.
The Nail-Biting Relegation Battle
Perhaps one of the most compelling narratives of the season unfolded at the bottom of the table, where the relegation battle went down to the wire. What made this season unique was that all three promoted clubs – Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Huddersfield Town – managed to avoid the drop, a rare occurrence in Premier League history (only the third time since 1992).
The teams that ultimately faced the heartbreak of relegation were:
- Stoke City: They were the first team confirmed for relegation, losing 1-2 to Crystal Palace in their penultimate game. Despite being only three points from safety, the fixture list meant they couldn't catch both Southampton and Swansea.
- West Bromwich Albion: Despite a late five-game unbeaten run, West Brom's fate was sealed on 8 May 2018, following Southampton's away win against Swansea.
- Swansea City: Their 1-2 defeat to Stoke on the final matchday confirmed their relegation, completing a dramatic end to the season for the Welsh club.
This intense fight for survival showcased the unforgiving nature of the Premier League, where every point truly matters.
Key Statistics and Figures from the Season
The 2017-18 season was rich in statistical detail, painting a clear picture of the league's competitive nature:
Final Premier League Table (Top 6 & Relegated)
| Pos | Club | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester City (C) | 38 | 32 | 4 | 2 | 106 | 27 | +79 | 100 |
| 2 | Manchester United | 38 | 25 | 6 | 7 | 68 | 28 | +40 | 81 |
| 3 | Tottenham Hotspur | 38 | 23 | 8 | 7 | 74 | 36 | +38 | 77 |
| 4 | Liverpool | 38 | 21 | 12 | 5 | 84 | 38 | +46 | 75 |
| 5 | Chelsea | 38 | 21 | 7 | 10 | 62 | 38 | +24 | 70 |
| 6 | Arsenal | 38 | 19 | 6 | 13 | 74 | 51 | +23 | 63 |
| ... | |||||||||
| 18 | Swansea City (R) | 38 | 8 | 9 | 21 | 28 | 56 | -28 | 33 |
| 19 | Stoke City (R) | 38 | 7 | 12 | 19 | 35 | 68 | -33 | 33 |
| 20 | West Bromwich Alb (R) | 38 | 6 | 13 | 19 | 31 | 56 | -25 | 31 |
(C) = Champions; (R) = Relegated
Goal Distribution
Across the 380 matches played, a total of 1018 goals were scored. The distribution of goals by half and venue provides an interesting insight:
| Category | Total Goals |
|---|---|
| 1st Half Goals | 425 |
| 2nd Half Goals | 593 |
| Home Goals | 582 |
| Away Goals | 436 |
Match Outcomes Summary
| Outcome Type | Total Matches |
|---|---|
| Home Wins | 174 |
| Draws | 99 |
| Away Wins | 107 |
| Total Matches | 380 |
New Rules and Innovations
The 2017-18 season also introduced a couple of notable changes to the Premier League landscape:
- Sleeve Sponsorship: For the first time, club strips were permitted to feature sleeve sponsorship, with sponsors' logos appearing on the left sleeve, replacing the traditional Premier League patch. This opened up a new revenue stream for clubs.
- Deception by Simulation Rule: A significant rule change was implemented to combat diving. A three-man panel, consisting of a former player, manager, and match official, would independently review video evidence after games. Any player unanimously decided to have deceived the referee to win a penalty or get an opponent sent off would be charged with "Successful Deception of a Match Official" and receive a two-match suspension. Everton striker Oumar Niasse became the first Premier League player to be punished under this new rule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the 2017-18 Premier League Season
Who won the 2017-18 Premier League title?
Manchester City won the 2017-18 Premier League title, becoming the first team to reach 100 points in a single season.
Which player won the Golden Boot in the 2017-18 season?
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool won the Golden Boot, scoring 32 goals, a new record for a 38-game Premier League season.
Which teams were relegated from the Premier League in 2017-18?
Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, and Swansea City were relegated to the EFL Championship.
What was unique about the promoted teams in the 2017-18 season?
All three promoted clubs – Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Huddersfield Town – successfully avoided relegation, which was only the third time this had happened in Premier League history.
When did the 2017-18 Premier League season start and conclude?
The season started on 11 August 2017 and concluded on 13 May 2018.
What was a significant rule change introduced in the 2017-18 season?
The season saw the introduction of a new rule to punish players for "Successful Deception of a Match Official" (diving), carrying a two-match ban.
Conclusion
The 2017-18 Premier League season was a truly unforgettable campaign, defined by Manchester City's unprecedented dominance and record-breaking achievements. It showcased the individual brilliance of players like Mohamed Salah, the strategic genius of managers like Pep Guardiola, and the relentless competitive spirit that permeates every level of English football. From the top of the table to the thrilling relegation battles, this season delivered an abundance of memorable moments, cementing its place as one of the most significant and exciting chapters in Premier League history. It was a season that truly had it all, leaving a lasting legacy for fans and future generations to admire.
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