Premier League flashback: Statistical analysis of the 1996-97 season
Manchester United showed composure and steel to seal the 1996-97 FA Premier League title. The Red Devils sealed a second successive honor and a fourth in five Premier League seasons. The likes of Newcastle United, Arsenal and Liverpool followed suit with 68 points each. We take you back memory lane and look at the statistical analysis of that season.
Manchester United won a fourth Premier League honor
United won the trophy after collecting 75 points from 38 matches. They went on to concede the fifth-lowest goals that season (35). The club also accounted for the second-best goal difference (+32). They also scored the highest goals that season (76). Man United registered 21 wins, 12 draws and 5 losses.
Alan Shearer registered the highest number of goals
Alan Shearer registered the highest number of goals for the third successive season. The Englishman registered 25 goals in the campaign. He had moved to Newcastle United from Blackburn Rovers. The next highest goal-scorer was Arsenal's Ian Wright (23). Notably, these two were the only ones to register 20 or more plus goals in the season. For United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer netted 18 goals.
A look at the season stats
12 players scored a hat-trick each that season. However, Robbie Fowler's four goals against Middlesbrough stood out. Manchester United's Eric Cantona accounted for the most assists (12). Shearer bagged the PFA Players' Player of the Year award, whereas, Juninho won the maiden Premier League Player of the Year award. Leeds United goal-keeper Nigel Martyn bagged the most clean sheets (19).
EPL 1996-97: A look at the top and relegated teams
United qualified for the Champions League first round after finishing first. Newcastle qualified for the Champions League second qualifying round. Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa qualified for the UEFA Cup first round. Whereas, Chelsea made it to the Cup Winners' Cup first round. Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest were the relegated sides.
