Stoke City's 2017/18 Season: A Deep Dive
Hey guys, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit Stoke City's 2017/18 season. It was a rollercoaster, to say the least, filled with ups, downs, and a whole lot of drama. This was a season of change, with a new manager, new faces, and a sense of optimism that, unfortunately, didn't quite translate into the results we all hoped for. So, grab a brew, settle in, and let's dissect what went wrong, what went right (if anything!), and what the key takeaways were from this tumultuous campaign. We'll be looking at everything from the key signings and the tactical approaches to the individual player performances and the overall impact on the club. This season was a turning point, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the Potters. It was a year of transition, and understanding the nuances of this season is crucial to appreciating the journey the club has been on since.
The Pre-Season Buzz and Expectations
Going into the 2017/18 season, there was a feeling of cautious optimism among the Stoke City faithful. Mark Hughes was still at the helm, and the club had made some interesting additions to the squad. The pre-season hinted at potential, with some encouraging performances and a sense that the team was ready to push on and improve on the previous season's mid-table finish. The signings, while not necessarily headline-grabbing, were seen as solid additions that would strengthen the squad's depth and provide Hughes with more tactical options. There was a belief that with a few tweaks and some luck, Stoke could challenge for a top-half finish. The fans were eager to see what the new season would bring and were hoping for a more consistent and exciting brand of football. The expectation was that Stoke would continue to build on its established Premier League presence and solidify its position as a competitive team in the league. However, as we all know, football can be unpredictable, and the reality of the season didn't quite match the pre-season hype.
Key Signings and Squad Dynamics
Let's talk about the new faces that arrived at the bet365 Stadium. Stoke City brought in a few players who were expected to make a significant impact. Darren Fletcher arrived on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion, bringing experience and leadership to the midfield. Kurt Zouma joined on loan from Chelsea, adding some much-needed steel to the defense. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting came in on a free transfer from Schalke 04, adding some attacking flair to the team. These signings were seen as a positive step, adding quality and depth to the squad. However, the integration of these new players into the existing squad didn't always go smoothly. The team struggled to find the right balance, and the new signings didn't always gel with the existing players as quickly as hoped. There were also questions about the squad's overall strength, with some fans feeling that more significant investment was needed to truly compete at the top end of the table. Despite the new arrivals, the squad still had a core group of experienced players who were expected to lead the team, but the team's dynamics struggled to take off.
Tactical Approaches and Game Plans
Mark Hughes had a reputation for being tactically flexible, but during the 2017/18 season, Stoke City's game plans often seemed to lack clarity and consistency. The team would often switch between different formations, struggling to find a system that suited the players and delivered consistent results. The team's defensive vulnerabilities were a recurring issue, with the side often conceding soft goals. The attacking play, while sometimes showing glimpses of promise, often lacked creativity and cutting edge. Stoke struggled to break down teams that sat deep and defended resolutely. The team's reliance on individual moments of brilliance rather than a cohesive tactical approach was evident. The failure to establish a clear tactical identity was a major factor in the team's struggles. The tactical inconsistency was a major talking point throughout the season, as Hughes struggled to find the right formula to get the team playing to its potential. The tactical issues were further complicated by the fluctuating form of key players and the lack of a settled starting XI.
Individual Player Performances: Hits and Misses
Now, let's dive into some individual performances. Some players shone, while others struggled to find their form. Xherdan Shaqiri was a standout performer, providing moments of magic and scoring some spectacular goals. He was often the team's main creative outlet and a constant threat to the opposition. Jack Butland continued to impress in goal, making crucial saves and keeping Stoke in games. Joe Allen was a consistent performer in midfield, always giving his all. However, other players didn't live up to expectations. Saido Berahino struggled to find the net, and his impact on the team was minimal. Mame Biram Diouf showed flashes of brilliance but was often inconsistent. The team's overall performance was hampered by the fluctuating form of key players. The lack of consistency across the board made it difficult for Stoke to string together a run of good results. The performances of individual players were a microcosm of the team's overall season, with moments of promise often followed by periods of disappointment. The pressure to perform was on and the players needed to step up, but they just couldn't deliver.
The Mid-Season Managerial Change
The pressure on Mark Hughes had been building throughout the season, and after a string of poor results, he was eventually relieved of his duties in January 2018. The decision was met with a mix of reactions from fans, with some feeling it was the right time for a change, while others were sad to see him go. Hughes had been in charge for over four years, and while he had achieved some success, the team's form had been in decline. Paul Lambert was appointed as his replacement, tasked with saving the team from relegation. Lambert brought a new tactical approach and a fresh perspective to the team. His impact was immediate, with a renewed focus on defensive solidity and a more direct style of play. However, he didn't have much time to make a significant difference, and the team's fortunes didn't improve dramatically. The managerial change signaled a new era for Stoke City, but the immediate results weren't enough to secure the team's Premier League status.
The Relegation Battle and the Final Nail in the Coffin
The second half of the season was a battle against relegation. Despite the change in management, Stoke City struggled to pick up consistent results and climb out of the bottom three. The team's defensive frailties continued to be a major problem, and the attacking play still lacked the creativity and cutting edge needed to win games. The pressure was on, and the players seemed to struggle to cope with it. The relegation battle was a tense and nerve-wracking experience for fans, and it became increasingly clear that the team was heading for the drop. The final nail in the coffin came with a series of defeats, and Stoke City's relegation was confirmed with a few games to spare. The end of the season was a somber affair, with fans reflecting on the team's failures and looking ahead to the challenges of the Championship. The relegation was a devastating blow for the club, marking the end of a ten-year stay in the Premier League. The consequences of relegation were far-reaching, and the club was forced to make significant changes to its squad and its approach to football.
Key Takeaways and Lasting Impacts
The 2017/18 season was a painful experience for Stoke City fans, but it also provided valuable lessons for the club. Some key takeaways include: the importance of a clear and consistent tactical approach, the need for a strong and settled squad, and the impact of individual player performances on the team's overall success. The season highlighted the importance of making smart signings and integrating new players effectively. The relegation had a lasting impact on the club, forcing it to rebuild and re-evaluate its strategy. The club learned the hard way about the importance of squad unity and player form. The season also highlighted the challenges of competing in the Premier League and the need for constant improvement. Looking back, the 2017/18 season served as a catalyst for change. The club has since undergone a significant transformation, with new players, a new manager, and a new vision for the future. The lessons learned from this season have helped shape the club's approach, and Stoke City are now working to build a team that can compete at the highest level. Though the road has been long, the memories of the season continue to linger, reminding us of the highs and lows of supporting the Potters.
Looking Ahead: The Aftermath and Beyond
Following relegation, Stoke City faced the daunting task of rebuilding the squad and establishing a new identity in the Championship. The club had to make difficult decisions, selling key players and bringing in new faces. The focus shifted towards developing young talent and building a team that could compete for promotion. The transition to the Championship wasn't easy, and the club faced its challenges. Stoke struggled to adapt to the different demands of the league and experienced periods of inconsistency. But the club has worked hard to get where they are today. The club's fans have remained loyal and supportive, showing their love for the club through thick and thin. The future looks brighter, with the club making progress towards its goal of returning to the Premier League. The journey has been long, but the spirit of Stoke City remains strong, and the club is determined to achieve its ambitions. With hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of the fans, Stoke City is poised to build a successful future. The club is now focused on building a solid foundation, developing young talent, and fostering a winning culture. While the 2017/18 season may be a painful memory, it also serves as a reminder of the club's resilience and determination to succeed. The fans have stayed with the team and will continue to do so.
Conclusion: A Season to Forget but Learn From
So there you have it, folks! Stoke City's 2017/18 season in a nutshell. It was a season of disappointment, change, and ultimately, relegation. However, it's also a season that provided valuable lessons and helped shape the club's future. It's a reminder that football can be unpredictable, and success requires more than just talent and individual brilliance. Stoke City's journey through this season has made the team what they are today. The lessons learned, the changes made, and the experiences shared have all contributed to the club's evolution. So, while we may not want to relive the lows of that season, it's important to acknowledge its impact and use it as a springboard for future success. The club must remember to focus on the key takeaways and use them to create a stronger, more resilient team. It's time to put it behind us and look forward to the future of the team.