The Premier League boasts a reputation as the world’s most acclaimed football division, a title well earned. However, it’s also been a tough ground for certain teams, experiencing difficult spells and certain clubs enduring exceptionally tough seasons.
Sheffield United 2023/24
Let’s begin in the now, and Sheffield United stands out. Returning to the Premier League after a hiatus, they tragically lost their key players, Sander Berge and Iliman N’Diaye. With a paltry ten points, from twenty-two games, Sheffield United is having a rough season, has been underlined by the latest sports betting odds on them being relegated.
Derby County 2007/08
When mentioning the Premier League’s underperforming teams, Derby County tops the list. In other words, they were the worst. In swift succession, they soared under Billy Davies but were ill-prepared. Despite a flurry of player acquisitions, their season ended with a disastrous eleven points, hence a record for all the wrong reasons.
Sunderland 2005/06
Sunderland had a place in history with their unfortunate losing streak in the 2002/03 season. Just when you’d think it couldn’t get more dire, well, it did. Mick McCarthy managed to get Sunderland to the English Premier League on a second attempt. However, the 2005/06 season was catastrophic. New signings flopped, another losing streak ensued, and Sunderland wound up at the bottom with a mere three wins all season.
Huddersfield Town 2018/19
David Wagner, the German manager, did amazing things for Huddersfield Town. His arrival stabilised the club. He took them to the Premier League, a major achievement. Wagner’s leadership kept them there in their first season. But then, things took a turn for the worse in the second season, with Huddersfield having a tough time. Wagner said goodbye and Jan Siewert took over in January. They only gained five more points after Christmas, leading to relegation.
Aston Villa 2015/16
For a long time, Aston Villa was a fixture in the Premier League. However, on the precipice of the 2015/16 season, they needed Tim Sherwood’s guidance to secure their place. Sherwood did wonders, but was let go in October of the subsequent season. Remi Garde took the reins, but could only lead the team to two victories and a string of eleven losses. The team was relegated as a result.
The Premier League offers an exciting spectacle but doesn’t forgive mistakes. Many teams have learned this the hard way. The 2007/08 Derby team sets the bar low in terms of performance, and for a while, some teams this season seemed eager to challenge it.
