The EFL Championship might not be as interesting as the Premier League. However, in terms of suspense and tension, it might just match it. Football fans can never be disappointed, from the early shockers to the occasional Premier League-like football on display to the high-octane playoffs. Every single viewer is sure to get riveted to their screens.
Only some of these sides have gone on to the Premier League to show a measure of competitive quality. However, we have seen miracles happen – ask Leicester City fans. On the other end of the spectrum, we have seen the occasional heartbreak also. For context, please do not ask any Fulham or Norwich City fan to define their Premier League experiences; we repeat, DO NOT. However, all of this still makes for interesting football-watching.
While the playoffs have always been interesting to watch, the best EFL teams rarely need to go through them. Most of them wrap up the league long before then and hope to hit the hallowed 100-point mark. All teams on this list have done that, and kudos to them all.
So, here are the best EFL teams England, and the rest of the world, have seen:
1. Fulham
In the 2000/01 season, Fulham showed the rest of the Championship (and England) how early it was to win the league. They were league leaders and 10 points clear by October WITH A GAME IN HAND; such was their superiority. By their 41st match, they had gained promotion and were poised to hit the 100-point mark. A win over Wolves in their 44th match at Craven Cottage saw them hit 101 points.
Jean Tigana was hired after Paul Bracewell was sacked following the end of the previous season, and he largely exceeded expectations. Fulham conceded 32 goals and scored 90 that same season. All five losses (except one against Stockport County) were one-goal losses, which showed their competitiveness.
2. Leicester City
It says a lot about how tough the Championship can be when Leicester City broke the consecutive match-win record with just nine in the 2013/14 season. They also somehow managed to win the Premier League two years later. However, they were punished that season for breaking FFP rules as they spent above the required amount on wages. Many will feel aggrieved over Leicester paying just 3.1 million pounds after breaching the FFP by over 21 million pounds.
Riyad Mahrez was the superstar signing who dazzled and tormented defenses with his skill and vision. Nigel Pearson was the mastermind behind the team, using players in positions where they over-performed and ultimately ran away with the title.
3. Newcastle
It was not a surprise when Newcastle was relegated from the Premier League in the 2008/09 season. However, it was not also a surprise that they went straight back up the next season and did it unbeaten at home. Solid, yeah?
Andy Carroll, Sola Ameobi, and Kevin Nolan were stars of a team heavily rotated by manager Chris Hughton across the season. Hughton used 33 players across 46 matches that season. Much of that quality ensured they won the league and were promoted immediately.
4. Sunderland
The Black Cats were the best team in the 1998/99 season, and Kevin Phillips was right at the heart of it. They proved this by getting to the League Cup semis, where they lost to Leicester City on aggregate (2-3). Kevin Phillips (helped by Niall Quinn) almost averaged a goal per game in the league. Danny Dichio and Michael Bridges also helped manager Peter Reid as rotation options as injury made Quinn absent for a while.
Sunderland lost just 3 games throughout the season while scoring 91 goals and conceding just 28. Kevin Phillips carried his form into the Premier League, where he scored 30 goals and was named the league’s best scorer. He is the only English player ever to win the European Golden Boot.
5. Reading
The 2005/06 season was memorable for Reading fans, as they smashed the 100-point record and lost just 2 games. This ensured they broke Sunderland’s records. Many would argue they could have shown the strength typical of previous league leaders. However, a record’s still a record, and Reading ensured they topped it soundly, with 106 points bettering Sunderland’s 105.
The Royals’ record is a true testament to the team, fans, and coach, Steve Coppell. Many beautiful goals and plays were displayed with the legendary attacking quartet of Stephen Hunt, Leroy Lita, Shane Long, and Kevin Doyle. They still are the best-attacking quartet to unbiased Championship fans to this day and the love of fans for the team is similar to what you get in the NCAA tournament.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, the best five EFL teams. Only Fulham, Leicester City, and Newcastle are in the Premier League. Additionally, the two sides have been there since their promotion to England’s premier professional football league.
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