The sound of the final whistle at Etihad filled the air, transactions ringing through the stadium marking the conclusion of a fantastic season, a fourth in a row for the Citizens. However, it was a season filled with actions and surprising outcomes, as Arsenal fluffed in the penultimate game than graced the oncoming parade, and the likes of Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town contended relegation.
It was labeled the most competitive title race in the last decade, with three teams, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal, all going for the crown. Meanwhile, the relegation race was underwhelming as well, with all three newly-promoted teams going down for the first time in 26 years.
Even the best script writers at any prestigious essay writing service couldn’t fathom the mighty Red Devils finishing eight on the table: their lowest league position with the second-worst points tally in the top flight era.
It’s only right to recap the entertaining 23/24 season with defining moments and award alternative awards to deserving teams and players.
23/24 Overview
We’ve been treated to some festival of goals, with the EPL smashing the record for scoring in a single campaign: 1246.
The Citizens won their sixth title under Guardiola against all odds after tearing down the barricades on the final day. Arsenal, meanwhile, attained their highest points tally since the Wenger era, with a 29-1-8 record, 89 points, 91 goals, and 28 wins. Aston Villa, meanwhile, shattered its previous EPL campaign record by totaling 69 points to finish fourth on the log.
Is It Still the Best?
A common social media debate is crowing the EPL as the epitome of football pedigree. The high-octane action, silverware, dominance, and the ability to attract players worldwide have made it the most-watched football league.
Nonetheless, it has become quite an unimpressive season on a European note. After two back-to-back series losses to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Arsenal did not get to the Champions League final. Liverpool did not show a spectacular level of play in the Europa League, losing to Atalanta 0-3 at Anfield. Aston Villa also did not manage to defeat Olympiacos in an attempt to win the Conference League.
The season wasn’t shy of VAR controversies, with Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and other teams feeling hard done by poor officiating. Also, remember the sage with a points deduction for both Everton and Nottingham Forest that had them battling against relegation?
Relegation Race
In our 26 years of existing in the division, we have seen sides come up from the Championship and immediately make their presence felt in the division. However, the same could not be said about this season. Luton Town, Sheffield United, and Burnley faced the axe on the final day.
English fancied Burney earned their promotion while enjoying an impressive 101 point season in the EFL under Vincent Kompany’s stewardship. However, the same could not have been said about league life. The grounding was too competitive as they slipped into the champion’s twilight zone for the better parts of the campaign.
When seeking promotion, selling your best players, Iliman Ndiaye, Sander Berge, Enda Stevens, and John Fleck, is a recipe for doom that Sheffield United can testify. The Blades held the worst defensive record in the top flight, conceding 104 goals.
Luton Town was the best pick of the bunch but in the relegation struggle but may not the best pick of the bunch. At times, they turned up, playing well against the traditional Big Six opponents. Moreover, they collected wins against Bournemouth, Brighton, Crystal Palace, and Everton. Nonetheless, with point deductions done to both Everton and Nottingham Forest, they didn’t beat the mark.
VAR Debate
Another year, another bunch of controversy surrounding VAR and PGMOL. The highest point of such a position was reached with Wolve’s official letter to abolish VAR. The essence of this letter was that its legal utilization artificially changed the true spirit of football. The same argument can be applied to the semi-automated VAR and referees.
The ultimate decision on the future of VAR remains to be made since, to adopt a corresponding decision, 14 out of 20 EPL clubs must vote against it.
There’s been a major uproar, with VAR controversies topping worldwide sites like https://www.metrotimes.com/sponsored/want-to-buy-essay-online-top-10-trusted-writing-services-to-go-for-30728421. The most notable one was the wrongly disallowed Liverpool goal against Tottenham.
Nottingham Forest had a fair share of VAR decisions against them after two penalty shouts were turned down. In total, there’s been 110 overturns by VAR this season. PGMOL head Howard Webb remains confident about applying VAR with minor incidents.
Traditional ‘Big Six’
The traditional ‘Big Six’ is something that only the most elite clubs in top-flight history have as an honor. Nonetheless, it appears that points are relocating, and brand-new faces are falling while new access raises. The largest non-traditional side in the league this period is Aston Villa, which finished in the top four in advance of Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
Last season also had Newcastle secure a top-four finish to take Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea’s place in the traditional top six due to competitive play. Moreover, the other competitive play was the UEFA Conference League that ensured non-traditional teams also played in European football.
Our Season Awards
After the penultimate game, the PL awarded its regular awards, including Golden Boot and Glove, to Erling Haaland and David Raya, respectively. Phil Foden walked away with the Player of the Season, and Cole Palmer with Young Player of the Season. Here are our alternative awards:
Most Improved Team: Chelsea
It sounds wild to award a billion-pound team with the most improved, but given the circumstances, Chelsea deserves it. From battling mid-table clashes to finishing sixth in European football is a major haul for Mauricio Pochettino.
Most Underwhelming Team: Manchester United
Achieving your lowest finish in top-flight football in your history is a major disappointment for Erik Ten Hag and the Red Devils.
Breakthrough Season Award: Dominic Solanke
It’s easy to shout at Cole Palmer, but Dominic Solanke, under Indani Iraola, has been an unsung hero this season, racking up 19 goals.
Purple Patch Player Award: Rodrigo Muniz
The exit of Alexander Mitrovic at the beginning of the season resulted in Fulham being short of more than a quarter of their goals and Raul Jimenez failing at the last point. In addition, striker Carlos Vinicius never sank. However, Muniz’s stunning close with eight goals, having scored four goals in March, and a double against Spurs.
