As usual it was a case of "the fewer players used the better" for those teams outside the "big four".
5th placed Everton had 21 different starters during the season, 6th placed Aston Villa just 18 & 7th placed Blackburn 20.
This contrasted with the majority of the other "non-big four" teams - who used at least 26. Only Newcastle (23) & Reading (24) used less - with Derby (perhaps unsurprisingly) having the highest number of different starters - 34. Fulham, Bolton & Tottenham were the next highest - all with 29.
The big difference for Reading with this season compared to last is that last season they managed to get through the season with only 13 players making 10 or more starts - this year it was 18 & I suppose they lacked the strength in depth.
Overall I suppose this is a bit of a chicken & egg question though. What comes first - the bad results that lead to lots of squad tinkering - or too much squad tinkering leading to bad results?
It would be interesting to know what certain managers really think of this. I know any interviewed on TV always say they want "more money" for a "bigger squad" etc. but I'm sure some managers prefer working with a core of quality players who they hope/pray avoid too many injuries during the season.
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Re: Review of the 2007-08 Premier League season
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