Stoke City's Tumultuous 2017-18 Season: A Deep Dive

The Stoke City 2017-18 season is a year that fans of the Potters would likely prefer to forget. Marked by inconsistency, managerial changes, and ultimately, relegation from the Premier League, the season was a far cry from the stability and mid-table finishes that had become synonymous with Stoke's time in the top flight. Let's dive deep into what exactly went wrong and explore the key moments that defined this disastrous campaign.

The Pre-Season Expectations

At the start of the 2017-18 season, optimism wasn't exactly sky-high, but there was a sense of cautious hope. Mark Hughes had been at the helm for several seasons, and while Stoke hadn't progressed significantly, they hadn't regressed either. The summer transfer window saw some activity, with players like Kurt Zouma (on loan from Chelsea) and Maxim Choupo-Moting arriving to bolster the squad. Fans hoped these additions would add some much-needed quality and depth. The general expectation was another season of mid-table mediocrity – safe from relegation but unlikely to challenge for European spots. Nobody quite anticipated the dramatic downturn that was about to unfold. The pre-season friendlies offered little indication of the struggles to come, with mixed results and performances that didn't particularly inspire confidence or raise alarm bells. Looking back, perhaps this lack of clear direction in pre-season was a sign of the underlying issues that would plague the team throughout the year.

The Rollercoaster of Results

The season kicked off with a mixed bag of results, typical of Stoke's performances under Mark Hughes in recent years. There were glimpses of promise, such as a surprising victory over Arsenal early in the season, which temporarily lifted spirits and suggested that Stoke might be capable of pulling off unexpected results against the bigger teams. However, these moments of brilliance were often followed by disappointing defeats and draws against teams they were expected to beat. This inconsistency became a defining characteristic of Stoke's season, making it difficult for fans to get behind the team and creating a sense of unease around the club. The lack of a consistent run of positive results meant that Stoke never managed to establish themselves in a comfortable position in the league table, always hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. This constant pressure took its toll on the players and the manager, contributing to the overall sense of crisis that engulfed the club as the season progressed.

Managerial Change: Hughes Out, Lambert In

As results continued to falter, the pressure mounted on Mark Hughes. Despite his long tenure at the club, fans began to lose patience, and the atmosphere at the bet365 Stadium became increasingly toxic. After a particularly dismal run of form, culminating in an FA Cup defeat to Coventry City, the Stoke City board finally pulled the trigger and sacked Hughes. The decision was met with a mixed reaction from fans, some of whom felt that Hughes had been given too long to turn things around, while others believed that he had been unfairly treated and that the problems at Stoke ran deeper than just the manager. The board moved quickly to appoint Paul Lambert as Hughes's replacement, hoping that the Scot could inject some much-needed energy and tactical nous into the team. Lambert's arrival initially sparked a brief upturn in results, with a memorable victory over Huddersfield Town providing a glimmer of hope that Stoke could escape the drop. However, this proved to be a false dawn, as Lambert struggled to implement his ideas effectively, and the team soon slipped back into their old ways.

Key Players and Performances

Despite the overall struggles, a few Stoke players managed to stand out during the 2017-18 season. Xherdan Shaqiri was arguably Stoke's most consistent performer, scoring crucial goals and providing moments of individual brilliance that often papered over the cracks in the team's overall performance. Joe Allen also put in some solid shifts in midfield, working tirelessly to protect the defense and contribute to the attack. However, even these standout performers were unable to prevent Stoke's slide towards relegation. The team's defensive frailties were a major concern throughout the season, with individual errors and a lack of cohesion at the back costing them valuable points. Upfront, Stoke struggled to find a consistent goalscorer, with none of the strikers managing to establish themselves as a reliable source of goals. This lack of firepower further compounded Stoke's problems, making it difficult for them to win games even when they played well.

The Inevitable Relegation

As the season drew to a close, Stoke's fate seemed increasingly inevitable. Despite a late rally, they were unable to claw their way out of the relegation zone, and their fate was sealed with a defeat to Crystal Palace. The relegation marked the end of a ten-year stay in the Premier League, a period that had seen Stoke establish themselves as a solid top-flight team. The sense of disappointment and frustration among fans was palpable, as they struggled to come to terms with the club's dramatic fall from grace. Relegation brought about significant changes at the club, with a number of players leaving and a new manager being appointed to lead the team's attempt to bounce back to the Premier League. The 2017-18 season will forever be remembered as a dark chapter in Stoke City's history, a stark reminder of the consequences of poor decision-making and a lack of direction.

What Went Wrong?

Several factors contributed to Stoke's disastrous 2017-18 season. Firstly, the team's aging squad lacked the energy and dynamism needed to compete in the Premier League. The failure to adequately refresh the squad in previous transfer windows left Stoke with a group of players who were past their peak and struggling to keep up with the pace of the game. Secondly, the lack of a clear tactical identity under Mark Hughes meant that Stoke often looked disjointed and lacked a cohesive game plan. The constant chopping and changing of formations and personnel further contributed to the team's instability. Thirdly, poor recruitment was a major issue, with several of the signings failing to live up to expectations. The failure to bring in players who could make a significant impact on the team further weakened the squad and left Stoke struggling to compete with their rivals. Finally, a lack of leadership on and off the pitch contributed to the overall sense of crisis that engulfed the club. The absence of strong characters who could take responsibility and inspire their teammates left Stoke rudderless and unable to navigate the challenges they faced.

Lessons Learned

The Stoke City 2017-18 season serves as a cautionary tale for other clubs. The importance of squad regeneration, clear tactical direction, effective recruitment, and strong leadership cannot be overstated. Clubs must learn from Stoke's mistakes and ensure that they have the right structures and personnel in place to avoid a similar fate. The season highlighted the need for clubs to be proactive in addressing their weaknesses and to make tough decisions when necessary. It also underscored the importance of maintaining a strong connection with the fans and fostering a positive atmosphere around the club. Ultimately, the Stoke City 2017-18 season will be remembered as a painful lesson in the importance of planning, preparation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.