Stoke City's Rollercoaster Ride: 2017/18 Season Deep Dive

Hey guys, let's dive into the Stoke City 2017/18 season, a year that was nothing short of a wild ride! From the initial hopes of Premier League stability to the eventual descent into the Championship, it was a season packed with drama, change, and a whole lot of head-scratching moments. This article will break down every aspect of that tumultuous campaign, from the players and their performances to the tactical shifts and the managers who tried to steer the ship. Buckle up, because it's going to be a bumpy ride through a season that Stoke fans would probably prefer to forget, but one that's undeniably fascinating to revisit!

The Premise: High Hopes and Familiar Faces

Alright, so let's set the stage. The 2017/18 season began with a sense of cautious optimism. Stoke City, under the guidance of Mark Hughes, were aiming to consolidate their position in the Premier League. They'd become known for their physical style of play and their ability to upset the big teams at the Britannia Stadium (later the bet365 Stadium). The squad, while not filled with household names, had a decent blend of experience and established Premier League talent. We had familiar faces like Jack Butland in goal, the ever-reliable Ryan Shawcross marshalling the defense, the midfield grit of Joe Allen and Darren Fletcher, and the attacking flair of Xherdan Shaqiri and Peter Crouch. The summer transfer window saw some notable additions as well, including the arrival of Kurt Zouma on loan, a move that was meant to bolster the defensive ranks. However, as the season unfolded, it became clear that this team, despite its potential, was struggling to find consistency. The hope was that Mark Hughes could build on the previous seasons, where Stoke was a tough nut to crack, but unfortunately, things didn't go as planned.

Early Season Struggles and Tactical Tweaks

The early part of the season proved to be a harbinger of things to come. Stoke struggled to string together consistent results. While there were flashes of brilliance, particularly from Shaqiri, the team often looked disjointed and lacking in attacking creativity. Mark Hughes experimented with different formations and tactics, trying to find the right formula to unlock the team's potential. He tried to move away from the direct style of play that had become synonymous with Stoke, attempting to incorporate more possession-based football. However, the players didn't seem to fully grasp the new approach, and the team often looked confused on the pitch. Defensively, they were also vulnerable, conceding soft goals and struggling to contain opposing attacks. The reliance on individual moments of brilliance, rather than a cohesive team performance, became a recurring theme. The pressure started to mount on Hughes as the losses piled up, and the fans began to voice their concerns. The early optimism quickly faded, replaced by a growing sense of unease and a feeling that something needed to change drastically to salvage the season. The tactical decisions, or lack thereof, became a major point of contention, with many fans questioning Hughes' ability to adapt and inspire the team.

Key Players and Their Impact

Looking back, some players had a more significant impact than others during the 2017/18 season. Jack Butland, despite the team's struggles, remained a standout performer in goal, consistently making saves to keep Stoke in games. His shot-stopping ability and commanding presence were crucial to keeping the scorelines respectable. Xherdan Shaqiri was arguably the team's most creative outlet, providing moments of magic with his dribbling, set-piece delivery, and long-range goals. However, his inconsistency and tendency to disappear in some matches were a source of frustration for the fans. Joe Allen worked tirelessly in midfield, providing energy, tackling, and linking play. His versatility and work rate were valuable assets, even if he wasn't always at his best. Peter Crouch, the veteran striker, continued to be a threat in the air and a useful target man, but his goalscoring form wasn't as prolific as in previous seasons. On the other hand, the loan signing of Kurt Zouma brought a measure of stability to the defense, although his form was also inconsistent. Other players like Erik Pieters and Mame Biram Diouf had their moments, but they struggled to maintain a high level of performance throughout the campaign. Overall, the individual performances were a mixed bag, with some players shining while others underperformed, reflecting the team's overall inconsistency.

The Mid-Season Managerial Change: A New Hope?

As the losses continued to mount, the inevitable happened. Mark Hughes was relieved of his duties in January 2018. The decision was a difficult one, but the club's board felt that a change was necessary to arrest the slide and avoid relegation. The appointment of Paul Lambert as the new manager brought a sense of fresh optimism, a hope that he could inject some life into the team and steer them away from danger. Lambert, known for his no-nonsense approach and his previous experience in the Premier League, was tasked with a monumental job: to turn around a struggling team in a short amount of time. The change in management brought about a noticeable shift in the team's tactics and mentality, with Lambert focusing on defensive solidity and a more direct style of play. He also sought to instill a sense of discipline and organization that had been lacking under Hughes. However, the impact of Lambert's arrival was not as immediate as many fans had hoped. While there were improvements in some areas, the team still struggled to score goals and often looked toothless in attack. The remaining matches were crucial, and Lambert had to make the most of the limited time he had to prepare the team. The pressure was on to secure enough points to avoid relegation, a task that proved to be extremely challenging.

Lambert's Tactics and Impact

When Paul Lambert took over, he implemented a more pragmatic approach. His primary focus was to shore up the defense, which had been a major weakness under Hughes. He introduced a more compact formation, emphasizing defensive organization and discipline. He also encouraged a more direct style of play, utilizing the team's physical attributes and targeting Peter Crouch as the focal point of the attack. While Lambert's tactics did bring about some improvements in terms of defensive solidity, they also made the team less exciting to watch. The lack of attacking creativity and the reliance on long balls frustrated some fans who were hoping for a more adventurous approach. The team struggled to score goals, and their chances of winning matches were often slim. Lambert also had to contend with the challenges of managing a squad that was clearly lacking in confidence. The players appeared to be carrying the weight of the previous season's struggles, and it was a difficult task to rebuild their morale. The limited time available to him also hampered his ability to implement his ideas and make significant changes. Despite his best efforts, Lambert was unable to fully turn the tide, and Stoke City's relegation was ultimately confirmed before the end of the season. His tenure was a short one, and the impact he had on the team was limited, however he did bring a certain level of defensive stability that was absent earlier in the season.

The Final Descent and Relegation

As the season drew to a close, the writing was on the wall. Despite Lambert's best efforts, Stoke City's form did not improve sufficiently to avoid relegation. The team continued to struggle for goals, and their defensive vulnerabilities remained a constant issue. Key matches were lost, and the gap between them and the teams above them in the table grew wider. The fans' hopes were crushed, and the final weeks of the season were a painful experience. The inevitable finally happened, and Stoke City's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed. It was a devastating blow for the club, the fans, and the players. The sense of disappointment was palpable, and the realization that they would be playing in the Championship the following season was a bitter pill to swallow. The relegation marked the end of an era, and the beginning of a new chapter for the club. The focus shifted to rebuilding the team, reshaping the squad, and planning for life in a lower division. The relegation prompted a period of soul-searching, and a commitment to address the issues that had led to the team's downfall. The final weeks of the season were a grim reminder of the challenges that lay ahead, and the hard work that would be required to return to the Premier League.

The Post-Mortem: What Went Wrong?

So, what went wrong during the 2017/18 season? Several factors contributed to Stoke City's demise. The lack of consistency in performances was a major issue. The team struggled to put together winning runs, and their form fluctuated wildly throughout the campaign. The tactical decisions of Mark Hughes were also questioned. His attempts to change the team's style of play often backfired, and he struggled to find the right balance between attack and defense. The squad lacked a clear identity, and the players didn't seem to fully understand their roles and responsibilities. The lack of investment in key areas was another contributing factor. The team's midfield and attacking options were not strengthened adequately, leaving them short of firepower and creativity. Defensive vulnerabilities, including individual errors, also undermined their chances. The failure to address these issues ultimately proved costly. The managerial change was a bold move, but it came too late to save the season. The damage had already been done, and Lambert was unable to turn things around in such a short amount of time. Overall, the season was a combination of tactical flaws, player underperformance, and a lack of squad depth. This, coupled with the inevitable pressures of the Premier League, eventually led to the club's downfall. The lessons learned from this disastrous season would be critical for the club as it prepared for the challenges of the Championship.

Squad Assessment and Key Departures

During and after the 2017/18 season, Stoke City's squad underwent significant changes. Key players like Xherdan Shaqiri, Joe Allen, and Jack Butland remained at the club, but several departures weakened the team. The loan spell of Kurt Zouma came to an end, and he returned to Chelsea. Players like Ibrahim Afellay and Giannelli Imbula were shipped out, as their performances hadn't met expectations. The squad needed a significant rebuild to be competitive in the Championship. There was a clear need to add players in all areas of the pitch, with a focus on improving the team's goal-scoring capabilities. The club also had to address the wage bill to comply with the financial regulations of the Championship. The remaining players were going to be tasked with the responsibility of leading the charge. The departures were a reflection of the team's poor performance and the need for a fresh start. The decisions made during the summer transfer window would be crucial in shaping the team's fortunes in the Championship.

The Aftermath and the Road Ahead

The relegation of Stoke City in the 2017/18 season was a major setback. It meant the loss of significant revenue, a reduction in the club's profile, and a dent in the fans' morale. The club had to reshape its approach, and a new strategy was needed to navigate the challenges of the Championship. The appointment of Gary Rowett as the new manager was the first step in the rebuilding process. Rowett was tasked with assembling a squad capable of challenging for promotion back to the Premier League. The aim was to build a team that was both competitive and entertaining, capable of playing attractive football while also being defensively solid. The season ahead was going to be about rebuilding and regrouping. Stoke City faced a difficult road ahead, but they had the resources and the ambition to bounce back. The fans were still reeling from the disappointment of relegation, but they also recognized the need to support the team as they embarked on a new journey. The club's leadership knew that they needed to learn from the mistakes of the previous season and make the necessary changes to ensure a brighter future. The challenges of the Championship were significant, but Stoke City had the potential to make a positive impact and begin the long climb back to the top tier of English football.

Conclusion: A Season to Forget, But Learn From

In conclusion, the 2017/18 season was a forgettable one for Stoke City, a campaign marked by disappointment, struggles, and ultimately, relegation. It was a season of missed opportunities, poor tactical decisions, and a lack of consistency. While there were a few bright spots, the overall performance of the team was simply not good enough to compete in the Premier League. However, from the ashes of this season, Stoke City could learn valuable lessons. The club needed to reassess its approach, address its weaknesses, and invest wisely in new talent. The challenges of the Championship were significant, but they also presented an opportunity for a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose. The fans, despite their disappointment, remained loyal and supportive, knowing that the club needed their backing to overcome the obstacles ahead. It was a season that no Stoke fan will remember fondly, but it was also a pivotal moment in the club's history. The decisions made in the aftermath of the season would shape the club's future and determine whether they could return to the Premier League and once again compete with the best teams in the country. The 2017/18 season served as a stark reminder of the fragility of success and the importance of adapting and evolving to stay ahead in the ever-changing landscape of professional football. Stoke City, with their proud history and passionate fanbase, had the potential to bounce back and prove their resilience. The journey back to the top would be long and arduous, but the spirit of the club would remain. And with it, the hope of a brighter future.