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lish Premier League or EPL is undoubtedly one of the most popular football leagues worldwide. It is known for its high-intensity matches, world-class players, and thrilling finishes. However, there are some lesser-known facts about this league that can pique the interest of even the most hardcore football fans. Let's take a look at some of those cold, hard facts of the English Premier League in 2017:
1. The most common scoreline in the 2016/17 season was 1-0.
Despite the hype around English football, the most common scoreline of the 2016/17 season was 1-0. This scoreline was repeated 77 times, followed by 2-1 (74 times), and 1-1 (64 times). It appears that we didn't witness too many high-scoring matches that season.
2. Hull City had the lowest pass accuracy in the 2016/17 season.
Possession football is fashionable in modern-day football. Teams are expected to play with flair and accuracy, keeping the ball for long periods. However, Hull City managed to defy the trend, recording the lowest pass accuracy of 70.8% in the 2016/17 season. Interestingly, they weren't relegated, which shows other factors must have compensated for their low pass accuracy.
3. Swansea City had the highest number of own goals in the 2016/17 season.
An own goal can be a devastating moment for any team, and Swansea City suffered this agony on six occasions in the 2016/17 season. Although they didn't manage to avoid relegation, their misfortunes were part of a much larger problem within the team.
4. Manchester City's Raheem Sterling had the most shots without scoring in the 2016/17 season.
Raheem Sterling is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players to watch. Despite his impressive skills, he had an unfortunate 2016/17 season. Sterling managed to have 29 shots at goal that season without scoring a single goal. However, he bounced back in the following seasons, becoming one of City's most consistent performers.
5. Jose Mourinho's Manchester United had the highest number of draws of any team in the 2016/17 season.
Jose Mourinho's return to the Premier League was much-anticipated, and there was much optimism around his Manchester United team. However, his pragmatic tactics bore fruit in the form of the highest number of draws for any team in the 2016/17 season. Manchester United had to settle for a 15- draw record that season, which did little to appease their fans.
In conclusion, English football makes for fascinating viewing, and the Premier League is undoubtedly one of the most exciting leagues. The league's history is littered with some remarkable feats, fantastic players, and harsh realities. Whether a team is competing for the title or fighting relegation, the cold facts show that anything can happen on the pitch.
