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

Let's dive deep into Stoke City's 2017/18 season. For Stoke City fans, the 2017/18 Premier League season is one that most would rather forget. Relegation loomed large, casting a shadow over the bet365 Stadium, and the Potters faithful endured a campaign filled with disappointment and frustration. But, hey, even in the toughest times, there are stories to be told and lessons to be learned. Let’s take a comprehensive look back at that season, examining the key moments, the players, and the overarching factors that led to Stoke City's descent from the top flight.

The Pre-Season Hopes and Expectations

At the start of the 2017/18 season, there was a sense of cautious optimism around Stoke-on-Trent. After finishing 13th in the previous campaign, the club aimed to build on that stability and push for a top-half finish. Manager Mark Hughes had been at the helm for four years, and there was a belief that he could guide the team to greater heights. The summer transfer window saw some notable arrivals, including Kurt Zouma on loan from Chelsea, Bruno Martins Indi on a permanent deal, and promising winger Jesé Rodríguez from Paris Saint-Germain. These signings were meant to add quality and depth to the squad, addressing some of the weaknesses that had been apparent in the previous season. The fans were buzzing with anticipation, eager to see how these new faces would integrate into the team and improve their overall performance. However, as the season unfolded, it became clear that the new additions alone wouldn't be enough to turn the tide for Stoke City. The team struggled to find consistency, and the initial optimism gradually faded away, replaced by a growing sense of concern and unease among supporters. The blend of new and established players never quite gelled as expected, and the team's performance on the pitch suffered as a result. Despite the high hopes and expectations that preceded the season, Stoke City ultimately failed to live up to them, setting the stage for a challenging and ultimately disappointing campaign.

Key Moments and Turning Points

The 2017/18 season was riddled with key moments and turning points that ultimately defined Stoke City's fate. One of the earliest setbacks came in the form of inconsistent performances right from the start. Despite the promising summer signings, the team struggled to find a rhythm and string together consecutive wins. This lack of consistency plagued them throughout the entire season, preventing them from gaining any real momentum. A particularly damaging run of results during the winter period saw Stoke City plummet down the table. Defeats against fellow struggling teams compounded their woes and further dented morale within the squad. The pressure began to mount on manager Mark Hughes, as fans grew increasingly frustrated with the team's lackluster displays. The January transfer window offered a glimmer of hope for reinforcements, but the new arrivals failed to make the desired impact. The team continued to struggle both defensively and offensively, and the sense of crisis deepened with each passing week. One of the most significant turning points came with the eventual sacking of Mark Hughes in January. Despite having been in charge for several years, the club's hierarchy felt that a change was necessary to try and salvage the season. However, the appointment of Paul Lambert as his successor failed to provide the spark that Stoke City desperately needed. While there was an initial improvement in performances, Lambert was unable to steer the team away from the relegation zone. As the season drew to a close, a crucial defeat against Crystal Palace effectively sealed Stoke City's fate, confirming their relegation to the Championship. This moment marked the culmination of a season filled with disappointment and regret, leaving fans to reflect on what might have been.

The Players: Standouts and Disappointments

Talking about the players, every team has its stars and underperformers, and Stoke City's 2017/18 season was no exception. Let’s start with the bright spots. Joe Allen consistently put in strong performances in midfield, displaying his tenacity and work rate. His energy and commitment were often a driving force for the team, and he remained a reliable presence in the heart of the pitch. Xherdan Shaqiri was another standout player, showcasing his creativity and flair on the wing. His moments of brilliance provided some much-needed excitement for the fans, and he often proved to be a threat to opposing defenses with his skillful dribbling and powerful shots. However, even their efforts couldn't prevent the inevitable drop. On the flip side, there were several players who failed to live up to expectations. Jesé Rodríguez, who arrived with a lot of hype, struggled to make an impact and was often sidelined due to injuries and off-field issues. His lack of consistency and contribution was a disappointment, considering the initial excitement surrounding his arrival. Kevin Wimmer, signed to bolster the defense, also had a difficult season. His performances were often erratic, and he struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. The defense as a whole looked shaky throughout the season, contributing to the team's overall struggles. Overall, while there were a few individual performances to admire, the team lacked the collective strength and consistency needed to compete in the Premier League. The blend of experienced players and new signings never quite clicked, and the team's performance on the pitch suffered as a result.

Managerial Changes: Hughes Out, Lambert In

Managerial changes are always a significant event in any football club's season, and Stoke City experienced one of those pivotal moments during the 2017/18 campaign. Mark Hughes, who had been in charge for four years, was relieved of his duties in January after a string of poor results left the team languishing in the relegation zone. Despite having guided Stoke to three consecutive ninth-place finishes in the past, the club's hierarchy felt that a change was necessary to try and turn their fortunes around. The decision to sack Hughes was met with mixed reactions from fans, some of whom felt that he had taken the club as far as he could, while others believed that he should have been given more time to rectify the situation. His departure marked the end of an era at Stoke City, and the club immediately began the search for a new manager to take the helm. Paul Lambert was appointed as Hughes's successor, bringing with him a reputation for being a motivator and a tactician. His arrival sparked initial optimism among supporters, who hoped that he could inject new life into the team and guide them to safety. Lambert made some immediate changes to the team's setup and tactics, focusing on improving their defensive organization and work rate. While there was an initial improvement in performances, Lambert struggled to maintain that momentum and ultimately failed to steer the team away from the relegation zone. His tenure at Stoke City was short-lived, and he left the club at the end of the season, leaving fans to wonder what might have been had things turned out differently. The managerial changes during the 2017/18 season undoubtedly had a significant impact on Stoke City's fortunes, but ultimately, they were unable to prevent the team's descent from the Premier League.

The Relegation Battle and Final Outcome

The relegation battle is always a tense and nerve-wracking affair for any team involved, and Stoke City found themselves embroiled in a fierce struggle to avoid the drop during the 2017/18 season. Throughout the campaign, the team struggled to distance themselves from the bottom three, and they often found themselves looking over their shoulders, anxiously monitoring the results of their rivals. The pressure of the relegation battle weighed heavily on the players, and it often manifested in nervous performances on the pitch. As the season drew to a close, the situation became increasingly desperate for Stoke City. They needed to string together a series of wins to have any chance of survival, but they struggled to find the consistency needed to achieve that. Crucial defeats against fellow relegation candidates proved to be particularly damaging, as they missed opportunities to gain valuable points and climb out of the drop zone. In the end, Stoke City's fate was sealed with a defeat against Crystal Palace, confirming their relegation to the Championship after ten seasons in the Premier League. The final outcome was a bitter disappointment for fans, who had grown accustomed to seeing their team compete in the top flight. The relegation marked the end of an era for Stoke City, and it forced the club to reassess their strategy and rebuild for the future. The financial implications of relegation were also significant, as the club faced a reduction in revenue and the need to cut costs. Despite the disappointment, Stoke City fans remained loyal and passionate, vowing to support their team as they embarked on a new chapter in the Championship.

Lessons Learned and the Path Forward

The 2017/18 season was undoubtedly a painful experience for Stoke City, but it also provided valuable lessons that the club can use to rebuild and move forward. One of the key takeaways from that season is the importance of squad harmony and team spirit. The team struggled to find a cohesive identity, and the blend of new signings and established players never quite gelled as expected. Building a strong team culture, where players are united and committed to the same goals, is essential for success on the pitch. Another important lesson is the need for astute recruitment. The club's signings during the 2017/18 season were largely underwhelming, and they failed to address some of the key weaknesses in the squad. Moving forward, Stoke City needs to prioritize recruiting players who not only have the talent and ability to improve the team but also the right character and attitude to fit into the club's culture. Furthermore, the club needs to invest in developing young talent through its academy system. Nurturing young players and giving them opportunities to break into the first team can provide a sustainable pathway to success in the long term. The path forward for Stoke City will undoubtedly be challenging, but with a clear vision, a strong leadership, and a commitment to learning from the mistakes of the past, the club can rebuild and return to the Premier League in the future. The support of the fans will be crucial throughout this process, as they provide the passion and belief that can inspire the team to achieve great things.