IStoke City's Rollercoaster 2017/18 Season: A Deep Dive
The 2017/18 season was nothing short of a rollercoaster for Stoke City fans. From moments of brilliance to stretches of frustration, it was a year etched in the memory of every Potters supporter. Let's dive deep into the key events, pivotal players, and ultimately, the unfortunate outcome of that campaign.
A Season of High Hopes and Early Stumbles
At the beginning of the 2017/18 season, optimism was in the air at the bet365 Stadium. After several seasons of establishing themselves as a solid Premier League team, there was a belief that Stoke City could push on and challenge for a place in the top half of the table. Manager Mark Hughes had assembled a squad with a good blend of experience and talent, including seasoned campaigners like Ryan Shawcross, Joe Allen, and Peter Crouch, alongside exciting attacking players like Xherdan Shaqiri and new signing Jesé Rodríguez. The pre-season friendlies had gone reasonably well, and there was a genuine sense of anticipation as the Potters prepared to kick off their Premier League campaign.
However, the early weeks of the season brought a harsh dose of reality. Despite the positive vibes surrounding the club, Stoke struggled to find consistency. While there were flashes of brilliance, such as the impressive 1-0 victory over Arsenal at home, these were often overshadowed by disappointing defeats and lackluster performances. The team seemed to lack a clear identity and struggled to string together a run of positive results. The attacking players, despite their individual quality, often failed to click as a unit, and the defense looked vulnerable at times. As the weeks passed, the initial optimism gradually began to fade, and questions were raised about the team's direction and the manager's tactics. The pressure began to mount on Mark Hughes as Stoke City found themselves languishing in the bottom half of the table, struggling to replicate the form that had made them a Premier League mainstay in previous seasons. The early stumbles set the tone for a season of struggle, and it became clear that Stoke would need to find a way to turn things around quickly if they were to avoid a relegation battle.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The 2017/18 season was punctuated by several key moments that ultimately defined Stoke City's fate. One such moment was the arrival of Jesé Rodríguez, the highly-rated Spanish forward, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. His arrival was met with great excitement by the fans, who hoped that he would add some much-needed firepower to the team's attack. Jesé made an immediate impact, scoring a stunning goal on his debut against Arsenal. However, his form soon faded, and he struggled to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League. His loan spell was ultimately cut short, and he returned to PSG having failed to live up to the initial hype. Another key moment was the defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium in December. Stoke were thrashed 5-1, and the performance was widely criticized by fans and pundits alike. The defeat highlighted the team's defensive frailties and raised serious questions about their ability to compete against the top teams in the league. This loss seemed to further erode confidence within the squad and put even more pressure on Mark Hughes. Then, there was the FA Cup third-round defeat to Coventry City, a League Two side. This embarrassing loss proved to be the final straw for the Stoke City board, who decided to sack Mark Hughes shortly after the game. The defeat was a clear indication of the team's decline and the urgent need for a change in management. These key moments, both positive and negative, played a significant role in shaping Stoke City's season and ultimately contributed to their relegation.
The Paul Lambert Era: A Brief Resurgence
Following the dismissal of Mark Hughes, Stoke City turned to Paul Lambert in an attempt to salvage their season. The appointment of Lambert was met with mixed reactions from the fans, but there was a hope that he could bring some much-needed stability and organization to the team. Lambert's arrival did bring about an initial improvement in Stoke's form. He focused on tightening up the defense and instilling a greater work ethic within the squad. There were some encouraging results, including a valuable win against Huddersfield Town and a hard-fought draw against Leicester City. However, the resurgence proved to be short-lived. Stoke struggled to maintain their improved form, and the goals continued to dry up. Despite Lambert's best efforts, the team lacked the quality and creativity needed to consistently win games. As the season drew to a close, Stoke found themselves in a desperate situation, needing to win their remaining games to have any chance of survival. The task proved to be too great, and Stoke's relegation was confirmed with a defeat to Crystal Palace in their penultimate game of the season. The Paul Lambert era, while initially promising, ultimately failed to prevent Stoke City from dropping out of the Premier League after a decade-long stay.
Standout Players and Disappointments
Despite the overall disappointment of the 2017/18 season, there were a few standout players who shone for Stoke City. Xherdan Shaqiri was undoubtedly the team's most consistent performer, providing moments of magic and scoring some spectacular goals. His creativity and attacking flair were a constant threat to opposing defenses, and he was often the one player who could unlock a tight game. Joe Allen also had a solid season, providing energy and steel in midfield. His work rate and commitment were always evident, and he was a valuable asset to the team. However, there were also some notable disappointments. Jesé Rodríguez, as mentioned earlier, failed to live up to the hype and struggled to make an impact. His lack of form and fitness was a major setback for the team. Kevin Wimmer, who had been signed for a significant fee in the summer, also struggled to adapt to the Premier League and often looked out of his depth. His defensive errors cost Stoke valuable points throughout the season. These standout players and disappointments highlighted the inconsistencies within the Stoke City squad and contributed to their overall struggles.
The Aftermath: Rebuilding in the Championship
Relegation to the Championship was a bitter pill to swallow for Stoke City fans. After a decade of Premier League football, the club faced the challenge of rebuilding and attempting to bounce back at the first attempt. The summer of 2018 saw a significant overhaul of the squad, with several players leaving and new faces arriving. Paul Lambert departed, and Gary Rowett was appointed as the new manager. The aim was to assemble a team capable of competing for promotion, but the transition proved to be difficult. Stoke struggled to adapt to the Championship, and Rowett was eventually sacked after a poor run of results. The club continued to struggle in the Championship in the years that followed, failing to mount a serious promotion challenge. The 2017/18 season served as a stark reminder of the challenges and uncertainties of football, and the importance of building a strong and cohesive team. For Stoke City, the road back to the Premier League has been a long and arduous one, and the memories of that fateful 2017/18 season continue to linger.
In conclusion, guys, the 2017/18 season for Stoke City was truly a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows, but ultimately ending in disappointment. From the initial optimism to the managerial changes and the eventual relegation, it was a season that Potters fans will not soon forget. It serves as a crucial chapter in the club's history, highlighting the need for careful planning, strong leadership, and a united team to achieve success in the ever-competitive world of football. Hopefully, the club will learn from these experiences and work towards a brighter future, aiming to return to the Premier League stronger and more resilient than ever before. Keep the faith, Stoke fans!