I Stoke City: A Look Back At The 2017-18 Season

Hey guys! Today, let's dive deep into a season that Stoke City fans probably want to forget – the 2017-18 season. Buckle up, because it's going to be a rollercoaster of emotions, missed opportunities, and ultimately, disappointment. We'll dissect what went wrong, who shone (if anyone!), and what lessons could be learned from this tough chapter in the club's history. So, grab your favorite Potters scarf, and let’s get started!

The Premise of Promise: Hopes Before the Storm

At the beginning of the 2017-18 season, there was a sense of cautious optimism around the bet365 Stadium. Stoke City, under the management of Mark Hughes, had established themselves as a Premier League mainstay, known for their grit, resilience, and occasional moments of brilliance. The summer transfer window saw some shrewd acquisitions, aimed at bolstering the squad and adding a touch of flair. Players like Kurt Zouma (on loan from Chelsea) and Maxim Choupo-Moting were brought in to inject quality into the defense and attack, respectively. The existing core of players, including Joe Allen, Ryan Shawcross, and Xherdan Shaqiri, provided a solid foundation of experience and talent. The pre-season friendlies offered glimpses of a team capable of competing in the top half of the table, with fluid attacking movements and a well-organized defense. Fans dreamt of a season where Stoke could challenge for a European spot or at least secure a comfortable mid-table finish. The management and players spoke of ambition and a desire to push the club to the next level. However, as the season unfolded, these hopes gradually faded, replaced by the harsh reality of a team struggling to find its identity and ultimately succumbing to the pressures of the Premier League. The early matches provided a mixed bag of results, with flashes of brilliance interspersed with frustrating performances. It became evident that the team was lacking consistency and a clear tactical direction. Injuries to key players further hampered the team's progress, disrupting the team's rhythm and forcing Hughes to constantly shuffle his lineup. Despite the challenges, there was still a belief that the team could turn things around. However, as the losses mounted and the performances deteriorated, the optimism slowly turned into despair, setting the stage for a season of turmoil and disappointment.

The Unfolding Disaster: Key Moments and Matches

The 2017-18 season was filled with a series of pivotal moments and matches that ultimately defined Stoke City's fate. Early on, a 1-0 victory against Arsenal in the second game of the season provided a glimmer of hope, showcasing the team's ability to compete against the top sides. However, this victory was followed by a string of inconsistent results, including a heavy 4-0 defeat against Chelsea and a disappointing 2-1 loss to Bournemouth. These results highlighted the team's defensive vulnerabilities and lack of firepower upfront. As the season progressed, the pressure mounted on manager Mark Hughes, with fans growing increasingly frustrated with the team's performances. A particularly damaging run of form in December and January, which included a 5-1 thrashing by Tottenham Hotspur and a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United, ultimately led to Hughes's dismissal. The appointment of Paul Lambert as his replacement brought a brief respite, with an initial improvement in results. However, Lambert struggled to implement his own tactical vision and arrest the team's slide. Key matches against fellow relegation candidates, such as West Ham United and Crystal Palace, ended in disappointing defeats, further diminishing the team's chances of survival. A late-season resurgence, including a 1-1 draw against Liverpool and a 3-0 victory against Swansea City, offered a glimmer of hope. However, it proved to be too little, too late. The decisive moment came in the penultimate game of the season, a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, which confirmed Stoke City's relegation to the Championship after ten years in the Premier League. This match encapsulated the team's struggles throughout the season, with defensive errors, missed opportunities, and a lack of clinical finishing ultimately costing them dearly. The final game of the season, a 2-1 victory against Swansea City, was a bittersweet moment, as it marked the end of an era for Stoke City.

The Culprits and the Shiners: Player Performances

Analyzing player performances during the 2017-18 season reveals a mixed bag of contributions, with some players failing to live up to expectations and others providing glimpses of quality amidst the turmoil. Xherdan Shaqiri emerged as one of the few bright spots, showcasing his creativity, dribbling skills, and ability to score spectacular goals. He finished the season as the club's top scorer with eight goals, often providing moments of inspiration when the team needed it most. Joe Allen also demonstrated his value in midfield, providing energy, tackling ability, and a willingness to contribute both defensively and offensively. However, other key players struggled to maintain consistency and impact the team's performances positively. Ryan Shawcross, the club captain, endured a difficult season, with his defensive performances often coming under scrutiny. The likes of Jese Rodriguez and Kevin Wimmer, who were brought in with high expectations, failed to make a significant impact, struggling to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League. The goalkeeping position also proved to be a source of concern, with both Jack Butland and Lee Grant experiencing inconsistent form. Overall, the lack of consistent performances from key players contributed to the team's struggles and ultimately sealed their fate. While there were individual moments of brilliance, the team lacked the collective effort and cohesion needed to compete effectively in the Premier League. The failure of new signings to integrate seamlessly into the team and the inconsistent form of established players further compounded the challenges faced by the management.

Tactical Troubles: Hughes vs. Lambert

Mark Hughes started the season with a tactical approach that aimed to blend solidity with attacking flair. He often deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the intention of providing a solid defensive base while allowing the attacking players to express themselves. However, this approach often lacked a clear identity and struggled to adapt to different opponents. The team's defensive organization was often questionable, with individual errors and a lack of communication leading to costly goals. In attack, the team lacked a cutting edge, often struggling to create clear-cut chances and convert them into goals. The reliance on individual brilliance, particularly from Shaqiri, often proved insufficient against well-organized defenses. When Paul Lambert took over, he attempted to instill a more pragmatic and defensively solid approach. He often opted for a 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing defensive discipline and counter-attacking opportunities. While there was an initial improvement in results, Lambert struggled to implement his tactical vision effectively. The team's attacking play remained largely uninspired, with a lack of creativity and penetration. Defensively, the team showed some improvement, but continued to be vulnerable to individual errors and set-pieces. Ultimately, neither Hughes nor Lambert were able to find a tactical formula that could consistently deliver results. Both managers faced challenges in terms of player availability, form, and tactical flexibility. The lack of a clear tactical identity and the inability to adapt to different opponents contributed to the team's struggles and ultimately led to their relegation.

The Aftermath: Relegation and Reflection

Relegation to the Championship marked a significant turning point in Stoke City's history, ending a decade-long spell in the Premier League. The immediate aftermath of relegation was filled with disappointment, anger, and uncertainty. Fans questioned the club's ownership, management, and player recruitment policies. There was a sense of mourning for what had been lost and anxiety about the future. In the weeks and months following relegation, the club underwent a period of reflection and restructuring. Key players were sold, new players were brought in, and a new manager, Gary Rowett, was appointed. The aim was to rebuild the team and mount a quick return to the Premier League. However, the transition to the Championship proved to be more challenging than anticipated. The team struggled to adapt to the different style of play and the increased physicality of the league. Rowett was eventually sacked, and the club continued to search for a formula for success. The 2017-18 season serves as a cautionary tale for Stoke City, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, clear tactical direction, and effective player recruitment. It also underscores the need for a united front, with players, management, and fans all pulling in the same direction. While the memories of that season may be painful, they can also serve as a valuable learning experience, guiding the club towards a brighter future.

Lessons Learned: What Stoke City Could Have Done Differently

Looking back, there are several key areas where Stoke City could have acted differently to avoid the disastrous outcome of the 2017-18 season. Firstly, the club's recruitment strategy could have been more focused and effective. Instead of bringing in a large number of players who failed to adapt to the Premier League, the club could have prioritized quality over quantity, targeting players with proven experience and a track record of success. Secondly, the club could have been more decisive in addressing the team's tactical deficiencies. The lack of a clear tactical identity and the inability to adapt to different opponents ultimately proved to be a major downfall. A more proactive approach to coaching and tactical development could have helped to address these issues. Thirdly, the club could have fostered a stronger sense of unity and camaraderie within the squad. The lack of cohesion and the presence of disruptive influences within the team contributed to the team's struggles. A greater emphasis on team building and leadership could have helped to create a more positive and supportive environment. Finally, the club could have communicated more effectively with the fans, keeping them informed of the challenges and the plans for the future. A more transparent and honest approach could have helped to maintain fan support and reduce the level of negativity surrounding the club. By learning from these mistakes, Stoke City can hopefully avoid repeating them in the future and build a stronger and more successful team.

So, there you have it – a deep dive into Stoke City's forgettable 2017-18 season. It was a tough time to be a Potter, but hopefully, the club has learned from its mistakes and is on the path to a brighter future. What are your thoughts on that season? Let me know in the comments below! Cheers, guys!