Freak season?

[BromleySpur]

It seems to be received wisdom that this was a freak season, and one look at Leicester City at the top of the table appears to support that theory. We finished 3rd with 70 points, and the average for the top 4 is 72 points, the lowest average since the 2000-01 season. Since 2004-05, the average has ranged from 77 to 83 (apart from 2010-11, which was 73).

So, my question is this? Was this a freak season in terms of the low number of points won by the top 4, or is it the first sign of a flattening out, whereby the increased spending power of the 'lesser' teams, and their concurrent ability to sign players hitherto out of their reach (e.g. Cabaye, Shaqiri) makes them, and by extension the league, more competitive?

 

[Dougal]

I think the league is missing Fergie. We knew where we stood then. Man United dominated every couple of seasons and some other clubs popped up every now and then. Chelsea and Man City are built on dodgy foundations, small clubs inflated by lottery wins. Arsenal are doing the same thing as always because they have the same guy in charge as always. Weaker teams are stronger but without a clear dominant force in the division suddenly everyone fancies their chances.

 

[thinktank]

No, just shit ending.

 

[Neon_Knight_]

Was this a freak season in terms of the low number of points won by the top 4, or is it the first sign of a flattening out, whereby the increased spending power of the 'lesser' teams, and their concurrent ability to sign players hitherto out of their reach (e.g. Cabaye, Shaqiri) makes them, and by extension the league, more competitive?

I would say a bit of both. I fully expect Man City and Chelsea to be more competitive next season, and for Leicester to drop off significantly.

Assuming Leicester manage to keep all of their key players (a tall order), they are likely to struggle with balancing CL and PL fixtures. Opponents will know more what to expect against them and will rise to the occasion a bit against the reigning champions. Also, at risk of it sounding like sour grapes, I really do think they had more than their share of luck this season.

 

[JUSTINSIGNAL]

Don't think it's a freak season. The league has got a lot more competitive now the increased TV revenue is coming in and that is only going to increase next season. The days of the top 4 stockpiling all the talent have gone and it is now spread a bit more evenly around the league. It will be much the same next season I reckon, although I can't see Leicester even making the top 4.

 

[Danfunkel]

No. The league has changed, and for the better. No one team will ever dominate the Premier League again, those days are long gone with the smaller teams having so much more money. We just need to be prepared to challenge along with it.

Welcome to the new world order.