Premier League 17/18 Table: Top Teams & Final Standings
Hey guys! Let's dive into a blast from the past and revisit the Premier League 2017/2018 season. It was a year of unforgettable moments, thrilling matches, and, of course, the crowning of a champion. In this article, we're going to break down the final standings, highlight the top teams, and reminisce about some of the key storylines from that season. Whether you're a die-hard fan looking to relive the glory or a newcomer wanting to learn about Premier League history, you're in the right place. So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's get started!
The Reign of Manchester City
When you think about the 2017/2018 Premier League season, one team immediately comes to mind: Manchester City. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, City played an absolutely dominant season, setting numerous records along the way. They clinched the title with a staggering 100 points, becoming the first team in Premier League history to reach that milestone. Their attacking prowess was simply breathtaking, with players like Sergio Agüero, Raheem Sterling, and Kevin De Bruyne tearing defenses apart week after week. But it wasn't just their attack that was impressive; their defense, led by the likes of Vincent Kompany and Nicolás Otamendi, was equally solid. This combination of attacking flair and defensive resilience made them virtually unstoppable. They finished the season with a +79 goal difference, highlighting their dominance. It wasn't just about winning; it was about winning in style. City's performance that season set a new benchmark for Premier League excellence, and it's a season that will be remembered for years to come. The tactical innovations brought by Guardiola were evident, and the players executed his vision flawlessly. It was a masterclass in football management and a joy to watch for any neutral fan. Manchester City's triumph in the 2017/2018 season wasn't just a victory; it was a statement of intent, signaling their arrival as a true force in English football.
Top Four Race and Champions League Qualification
The race for the top four and Champions League qualification in the 2017/2018 Premier League season was fiercely contested, as always. Securing a spot in Europe's premier club competition is crucial for any top team, both for prestige and financial reasons. After Manchester City ran away with the title, the battle for the remaining Champions League spots was intense. Manchester United, under José Mourinho, finished second, securing their place in the Champions League. While they were some distance behind City, finishing as runners-up was still a significant achievement. Tottenham Hotspur, led by Mauricio Pochettino, continued their impressive run, finishing third and showcasing their consistent quality. Liverpool, with their dynamic attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Roberto Firmino, finished fourth, completing the Champions League lineup from England. The competition for these spots was incredibly tight, with Chelsea and Arsenal narrowly missing out. Chelsea, the defending champions, had a disappointing season by their standards, finishing fifth and having to settle for Europa League football. Arsenal, in Arsène Wenger's final season, finished sixth, also missing out on Champions League qualification. The battle for the top four is always one of the most exciting aspects of the Premier League, and the 2017/2018 season was no exception, providing plenty of drama and nail-biting moments for fans.
Europa League Qualification
Beyond the Champions League spots, the battle for Europa League qualification also provided plenty of drama in the 2017/2018 Premier League season. Finishing in the top six or seven could guarantee a place in Europe's second-tier club competition, depending on who won the FA Cup and League Cup. As mentioned earlier, Chelsea finished fifth, securing a Europa League spot. Arsenal, finishing sixth, also qualified for the Europa League, adding some consolation to Arsène Wenger's final season. Burnley, under Sean Dyche, had an outstanding season, finishing seventh and earning a well-deserved place in the Europa League. Their solid defense and tactical discipline allowed them to punch above their weight and compete with the bigger clubs. Everton, Leicester City, and Newcastle United all had decent seasons but ultimately fell short of Europa League qualification. The Europa League can be a valuable platform for clubs to showcase their talent on the European stage and provides an opportunity to win silverware. For teams like Burnley, qualifying for the Europa League was a significant achievement and a reward for their hard work and dedication throughout the season. The competition for these spots adds another layer of excitement to the Premier League, with several teams vying for a chance to compete in Europe.
Relegation Battle
At the other end of the table, the relegation battle in the 2017/2018 Premier League season was as intense and dramatic as ever. Three teams faced the dreaded drop to the Championship, and the fight to avoid relegation went down to the wire. Stoke City, after ten seasons in the Premier League, were relegated, ending their long run in the top flight. West Bromwich Albion also suffered relegation, despite a late surge in form under caretaker manager Darren Moore. Swansea City were the third team to be relegated, after a disappointing season that saw them struggle to find consistency. Several other teams were involved in the relegation battle, including Huddersfield Town, who managed to survive in their first season in the Premier League. Southampton also narrowly avoided relegation, securing their Premier League status on the penultimate weekend of the season. Crystal Palace, under Roy Hodgson, had a remarkable turnaround after a disastrous start to the season, eventually finishing comfortably above the relegation zone. The relegation battle is always a tense and emotional affair, with clubs fighting tooth and nail to preserve their Premier League status. For fans of the relegated clubs, it's a heartbreaking experience, while for those who survive, it's a cause for celebration.
Key Stats and Top Performers
The 2017/2018 Premier League season was filled with outstanding individual performances and impressive statistics. Mohamed Salah of Liverpool had a record-breaking season, scoring 32 goals and winning the Golden Boot. His incredible form not only helped Liverpool secure a Champions League spot but also earned him numerous individual accolades. Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur continued his prolific goal-scoring record, finishing second in the Golden Boot race with 30 goals. Sergio AgĂĽero of Manchester City also had a fantastic season, scoring 21 goals and playing a key role in City's title-winning campaign. Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City was the playmaker of the season, providing numerous assists and dictating the tempo of City's attacks. David Silva, also of Manchester City, had another outstanding season, showcasing his creativity and technical ability. In terms of clean sheets, David de Gea of Manchester United led the way, highlighting his importance to United's defense. The season saw numerous other standout performances from players across the league, making it a truly memorable year for football fans. These individual achievements added to the excitement and drama of the Premier League, with players pushing themselves to the limit to achieve personal and team success.
Memorable Moments
The 2017/2018 Premier League season was packed with memorable moments that will live long in the memory of football fans. Manchester City's dominant title win, with their record-breaking 100 points, was undoubtedly one of the defining moments of the season. Mohamed Salah's incredible goal-scoring record and his numerous stunning goals were also highlights. Liverpool's Champions League run, inspired by their dynamic attacking trio, captured the imagination of fans around the world. Arsène Wenger's departure from Arsenal after 22 years was an emotional moment for everyone involved with the club. Crystal Palace's remarkable turnaround under Roy Hodgson, after a disastrous start to the season, was one of the great survival stories. There were also numerous thrilling matches and dramatic comebacks throughout the season, providing endless entertainment for fans. These memorable moments are what make the Premier League so special and why it's watched by millions of people around the world. The combination of drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments ensures that the Premier League remains one of the most popular and competitive leagues in the world.
Final Thoughts
The 2017/2018 Premier League season was a truly unforgettable one, filled with drama, excitement, and outstanding performances. Manchester City's dominant title win will be remembered for years to come, as will Mohamed Salah's record-breaking goal-scoring season. The battles for Champions League and Europa League qualification provided plenty of excitement, as did the relegation battle at the bottom of the table. The season was also marked by memorable moments, such as Arsène Wenger's departure from Arsenal and Crystal Palace's remarkable turnaround. Overall, the 2017/2018 Premier League season was a testament to the quality and competitiveness of English football, and it provided fans with countless memories to cherish. Whether you're a fan of one of the top teams or a supporter of a smaller club, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The Premier League continues to captivate audiences around the world, and the 2017/2018 season was a prime example of why it's considered one of the best leagues in the world. So here's to reminiscing about those glory days and looking forward to more thrilling seasons ahead! Cheers, guys!
