The 2022/23 EFL Championship season was nothing short of a thrilling spectacle, filled with drama, competitive intensity, and surprising twists. Known for its unpredictability and fierce rivalries, the Championship delivered yet another unforgettable campaign. In this article, we’ll break down the final standings, key moments, standout players, and more from one of the most exciting football leagues in the world.
Overview of the 2022/23 EFL Championship
The EFL Championship is the second tier of English football, and every season, it showcases some of the fiercest competition in the sport. Twenty-four teams battle it out for the coveted spots at the top of the table, to earn promotion to the Premier League. Meanwhile, those at the bottom fight to avoid relegation to League One.
In 2022/23, teams like Burnley, Sheffield United, and Middlesbrough were at the forefront of the promotion race, while clubs such as Wigan Athletic, Blackpool, and Reading faced the fear of falling into the third tier.
Burnley – A Class Apart
Under the guidance of Vincent Kompany, Burnley claimed the Championship title with an outstanding 99 points. Their style of football, emphasizing high pressing and fluid passing, was a breath of fresh air in the second tier. Key players like Josh Brownhill, Anass Zaroury, and Nathan Tella contributed to Burnley’s dominant campaign, which also saw them finish with the best goal difference in the league (+48).
Kompany’s tactical innovations helped Burnley not only win games but do so excitingly and attractively, making them one of the standout teams in recent Championship history.
Sheffield United – A Strong Second
Sheffield United, under Paul Heckingbottom, clinched the second automatic promotion spot with 82 points. Despite a difficult period that included losing key player Sander Berge to injury, the Blades showed incredible resilience. Veteran players like Billy Sharp and Iliman Ndiaye led the charge, while John Egan and the defense played a crucial role in securing the team’s return to the Premier League.
Luton Town – Playoff Contenders
Luton Town, managed by Nathan Jones (before his mid-season departure), finished third with 82 points, though their goal difference saw them miss out on automatic promotion. The Hatters’ achievement of finishing in the top three, despite operating with a smaller budget than many of their rivals, is a testament to their excellent management and team spirit. Their journey to the playoffs demonstrated just how far they’ve come in recent seasons.
Middlesbrough – Late Surge Under Carrick
After a slow start to the season, Middlesbrough turned things around dramatically under the leadership of Michael Carrick. The team finished in 4th place with 77 points, clinching a playoff spot. Carrick instilled a more attacking style, with Chuba Akpom emerging as a key player in their late-season push, finishing as one of the league’s top scorers.
Coventry City – Strong Playoff Finish
Managed by Mark Robins, Coventry City secured 5th place with 74 points, ensuring a place in the playoffs. With standout performances from Viktor Gyökeres, Coventry looked strong throughout the season. Their consistency and ability to perform under pressure made them one of the teams to watch in the promotion race.
Sunderland – Playoff Challenge
Sunderland, back in the Championship after a lengthy absence, finished in 6th place with 66 points. Under Tony Mowbray, the team enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, with key players like Ross Stewart and Elliot Embleton leading the charge. However, their playoff hopes came to an end, adding another chapter to their long journey back to the Premier League.
The Playoffs: The Final Push for Promotion
The playoffs, involving the teams finishing 3rd to 6th, are often the most exciting part of the season, and 2022/23 was no exception. After intense semi-finals, only one team from the playoff pack would secure that prized spot in the Premier League. Luton, Middlesbrough, Coventry, and Sunderland all fought hard, but it was the ultimate test of nerves and ability.
The Relegation Battle: Drama at the Bottom
While the battle for promotion dominated the headlines, the fight for survival was just as gripping. At the bottom of the table, Wigan Athletic finished 23rd and were relegated to League One. Their season was marred by financial instability and managerial changes, leaving them unable to avoid the drop.
Blackpool, also battling relegation, finished 22nd and suffered the same fate, while Reading survived by finishing 21st, with a nervy 50 points, just enough to escape the bottom three.
Key Players of the 2022/23 Championship Season
The 2022/23 season saw several players stand out with exceptional performances. Some of the top names to watch included:
Chuba Akpom (Middlesbrough): One of the league’s top scorers, Akpom was pivotal in Boro’s late charge for a playoff spot.
Viktor Gyökeres (Coventry City): A standout forward, Gyökeres was central to Coventry’s success.
Iliman Ndiaye (Sheffield United): The dynamic forward played a key role in United’s promotion.
Josh Brownhill (Burnley): A central figure in Burnley’s midfield, Brownhill helped drive the team to the title.
A Closing Perspective: A Season of Unpredictable Drama
The 2022/23 EFL Championship season was a thrilling and unpredictable journey. Burnley’s dominant title win was the highlight, while Sheffield United, Luton, and Middlesbrough also impressed. The relegation battle at the bottom added its drama, with Wigan, Blackpool, and Reading all fighting to avoid the drop.
For fans of the Championship, this season embodied everything that makes the league so exciting – fierce competition, standout players, and unforgettable moments. As teams prepare for the next campaign, the 2023/24 season promises even more drama, ensuring that the Championship remains one of the most captivating football leagues worldwide.
FAQs:-
What is the EFL Championship?
The English Football League Championship (EFL Championship) is the second-highest division of English football. Teams that finish in the top two positions automatically gain promotion to the Premier League, while the teams finishing 3rd to 6th enter the playoffs to compete for the third promotion spot.
Who won the 2022/23 Championship?
Burnley emerged as the 2022/23 EFL Championship winners. Under the management of Vincent Kompany, they finished top of the table, securing an automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Which teams were promoted to the Premier League from the Championship in 2022/23?
The teams that were promoted to the Premier League from the Championship in the 2022/23 season are:
Burnley (Champions, 1st place)
Sheffield United (2nd place, automatic promotion)
Luton Town (Won the Playoffs)
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