Introduction:
The 2023-24 Premier League season has come to an end, with Manchester City securing their fourth consecutive top-flight title. However, there were many other noteworthy performances and achievements throughout the season that deserve recognition. In this article, we will delve into some alternative Premier League awards to highlight teams and players who may have been overlooked by the mainstream awards. From the most improved team to the best shot-stopper, we will explore the statistics and insights behind these alternative accolades.
Most Improved Team Award: Chelsea
The most improved team award goes to Chelsea, who experienced a significant jump in their points tally compared to the previous season. Under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea finished 19 points better off this season after a chaotic 2022-23 campaign. Despite facing difficulties, Chelsea’s young squad has shown promise and laid foundations for future success.
On the other hand, Brentford experienced the biggest drop-off this season. With 20 points fewer than the previous year, Thomas Frank’s side underperformed and finished in 16th place, a stark drop from their ninth-place finish last season. This disappointing performance highlights the importance of consistency and performance in maintaining a strong position in the league table.
The Importance of Early Points:
The final league table closely resembled the positions after 10 games, emphasizing the significance of accumulating points early in the season. While it may not be possible to win the title in the autumn, it provides a good indication of which teams are likely to compete for the top positions.
The Dyche Award for Services to Set Pieces: Sean Dyche
Set pieces played a significant role in this season’s Premier League, with a total of 247 goals scored from dead-ball situations. Amongst all teams, Everton emerged as the most potent attacking unit from set pieces, scoring 7.6 goals per 100 set pieces. Manager Sean Dyche’s emphasis on delivery, intent, and desire to score goals have contributed to Everton’s success in this area. Additionally, their strong defensive performance, conceding just 3.4 goals per 100 corners, further solidifies their set piece dominance.
The xG Overperformer Award: Phil Foden
Phil Foden of Manchester City claims the xG overperformer award, having scored 8.7 more goals than his expected goals (xG) would suggest. Foden’s ability to consistently find the back of the net, particularly from outside the penalty area, sets him apart from other players in the league. His preferred zone to shoot from, to the right of the penalty arc with his favored left foot, has been instrumental in his goal-scoring success.
On the other end of the spectrum, Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton receives the award for the biggest underperformance in front of goal. Despite getting into favorable positions, Calvert-Lewin has struggled to convert chances, contributing to Everton’s overall profligacy in front of goal.
The Benefits of Consistency: Arsenal
Consistency in team selection has been a significant factor in Arsenal’s success this season. They named an unchanged lineup on seven occasions, second only to Crystal Palace, who had nine unchanged lineups. The ability to field their key players regularly has allowed Arsenal to compete until the very end of the season, a luxury they did not have in the previous campaign.
In contrast, Brighton and Manchester City heavily relied on rotation throughout the season. Brighton made an average of nearly four changes per game, while Manchester City did not name an unchanged XI for any match. Despite their rotation strategies, both teams faced challenges and failed to maintain consistency in their performances.
The Best Shot-Stopper Award: Arijanet Muric
Burnley’s Arijanet Muric emerges as the winner of the best shot-stopper award, based on the “goals prevented” metric. Muric, who took over as Burnley’s number one goalkeeper midway through the season, has shown excellent shot-stopping abilities. His contributions have been crucial in preventing goals and ensuring Burnley did not fare even worse in their challenging season.
The Highest Defensive Line Award: Manchester City
Manchester City’s commitment to a high defensive line has been notable this season. With an average line of 33.3 meters, City has pushed up the most among all teams. This aggressive defensive approach allows City to suffocate the opposition and regain possession in advanced areas. Their effectiveness in pressing high up the pitch is evident from their frequent regains of possession in the final third.
The Variety of Goals Award: Aston Villa, Brentford, and Liverpool
Aston Villa, Brentford, and Liverpool share the award for the most varied goal contributors. These teams have scored goals from various situations, including open play, corners, direct and indirect free kicks, penalties, throw-ins, and counter-attacks. This diversity in goal-scoring demonstrates the versatility and creativity of these teams’ attacking strategies.
The High-Scoring Season:
The 2023-24 Premier League season witnessed a remarkable increase in goals scored, with an average of 3.28 goals per game. This figure surpassed the previous record set in the mid-1960s and highlights the attacking prowess of teams in the league. Factors such as additional time, poor defending, new tactical approaches, and weak promoted teams contributed to this high-scoring season.
Sheffield United’s Defensive Struggles:
Sheffield United’s defensive performance this season was historically poor. They conceded 104 goals at a rate of 2.74 per game, surpassing the record set by Swindon Town in 1993-94 for the most goals conceded in a single season. Chris Wilder’s side struggled to keep opponents at bay, and their defensive woes have been a significant factor in their disappointing campaign.
The Age Equilibrium Award:
Games featuring players from similar age groups are worth celebrating, as they provide a more equal playing field. Matches between Aston Villa and Bournemouth, featuring nine players born in 1997, and Everton and Chelsea, with nine players born in 2001, exemplify these generational line-ups. These encounters showcase the talent and potential of young players in the Premier League.
The Best Midfield Protector Under Pressure Award: Rodri
Manchester City’s Rodri receives the award for the best midfield protector under pressure. His ability to retain possession in tight spaces and execute Guardiola’s demands has been vital to City’s success. With a ball retention rate of 92% under pressure, Rodri has proven himself as one of the most impactful players in European football this season.
Conclusion:
While Manchester City’s dominance in the Premier League cannot be denied, it is important to recognize the achievements and performances of other teams and players throughout the season. Chelsea’s improvement, Everton’s set-piece prowess, Phil Foden’s goal-scoring exploits, Arsenal’s consistency, and Arijanet Muric’s shot-stopping abilities are just a few examples of the alternative awards presented in this article. The 2023-24 season will be remembered for its high-scoring games, defensive struggles, and the emergence of young talents in the league.