Premier League flashback: Statistical analysis of the 1995-96 season
The 1995-96 season of the FA Premier League saw teams get reduced from 22 to 20. After losing the title by just one point in 1994-95, Manchester United were back to winning ways and lifted their third Premier League honor in four seasons. We take you back memory lane and look at the statistical analysis of that season.
United got back to winning the league
United won the trophy after collecting 82 points from 38 matches. They went on to concede the joint-second lowest goals that season (35). The club also accounted for the best goal difference (+38). They also scored the highest goals that season (80). Man United registered 25 wins, 7 draws and 6 losses.
Alan Shearer registered the highest number of goals
Blackburn Rovers striker Alan Shearer registered the highest number of goals for the second successive season. The Englishman registered a staggering 31 goals in the campaign. The next highest goal-scorer was Liverpool's Robbie Fowler (28). Notably, these two, alongside Les Ferdinand were the only ones to register 25 or more plus goals in the season. For United, Eric Cantona scored 14 goals.
A look at the season stats
Shearer also registered the most hat-tricks that season (5). He achieved the same against Coventry, Nottingham, West Ham, Bolton and Tottenham. Liverpool's Steve McManaman accounted for the most assists (15). Meanwhile, Shearer and Sutton grabbed 13 and 10 assists respectively. Ferdinand bagged the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. United goal-keeper Peter Schmeichel bagged the most clean sheets (18).
EPL 1995-96: A look at the top and relegated teams
United qualified for the Champions League first round after finishing first. Newcastle and Liverpool took the second and third places respectively. Newcastle, Aston Villa (4th) and Arsenal (5th) qualified for the UEFA Cup first round. Whereas, Liverpool made it to the Cup Winners' Cup first round. Manchester City, QPR and Bolton Wanderers were the relegated sides.