This time last year, the Premier League was gearing up for its biggest season yet. Sure, there was the obvious influx of talented players to England's shores, as there is every year. So what made it so special then?
Put simply, the greatest number of world-class managers in the one league that football has ever seen.
Guardiola and Conte ventured into unknown territory after successful careers in Spain, Italy and Germany; Mourinho returned to the competition that he has dominated three times before – but this time in the unusual colour of red; and Wenger, Klopp and Pochettino were preparing for another crack at glory.
But now that the embers of the 2016/17 season have turned to dust and all eyes are focused on the 17/18 campaign, how did the top-six managers fare? What did they do wrong? What did they do right? And what can they do to make sure they're champions next May?
Here are all those answers, team by team, in Tribalfootball's Tactical Review.
Tottenham Hotspur
2016/17 summary
Despite failing to win the Premier League last season Mauricio Pochettino could hardly have hoped for a better year.
Their points tally of 86 would have won the title in four of the past eight seasons, making his summer more about consolidation than anything else.
Their ultra-malleable formation and tireless running, combined with the best in-depth tactical coaching in the country, made them almost immaculate throughout the season – and they were only let down by a slump in form following Champions League matches.
Harry Kane had a standout year for Pochettino's side, finishing the campaign as the league's top scorer with 29 goals.
How to improve
One thing missing from the Spurs squad is that element of chaos in the final third.
At times, their tactical organisation is so strong that it becomes a fault, with attacking lines predictable or repetitive; a bit more imagination, mostly in the form of a super-sub, is needed.
But more importantly, Pochettino must ensure that he doesn't waste the summer on below-par signings again.
Moussa Sissoko and Vincent Janssen, signed for £47 million, represent a dreadful waste of money for a team hoping to break into the elite mini-league of wealthy Premier League clubs.
The best way to avoid this is by approaching younger players from the continent, rather than attempting to splash the cash on prime-aged players in England.
From an outgoing perspective, Spurs must ensure they hold onto their prized assets and not let bigger clubs force them to sell.
Source: tribalfootball.com