A football season which saw Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson lock horns in a titanic Premier League title race and ended in David Beckham being demonised by a nation, has been identified as the greatest of them all in a new study published today.‘The Ultimate Season’ Football Fever report, produced by statisticians at The New Football Pools, has pinpointed 1997-1998 as the most entertaining, dramatic and memorable season since 1966, when English football was at the pinnacle of the world game.

With this year’s season shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in years, the report questions whether Benitez’s ‘Fact’ spat, Bournemouth’s relegation Houdini act and the Liverpool-Manchester United title race, will live as long in the memory as some seasons past.

Statisticians at The New Football Pools, and footy experts including legends such as Alan Hansen, Gordon Banks and John Barnes, helped compile the report by analysing every season since 1966 against the criteria and ingredients which make for a perfect season. From goals scored and title/relegation thrillers, to increased attendances and the impact of star players - no stone was left unturned.

The enthralling 1997-1998 season topped the study as it had it all. Arsenal overcame a 12-point deficit at the turn of the year to pip Manchester United to the title, whilst Spurs and Wimbledon’s titanic relegation tussle went to the final day.

Today’s richest club in the world, Manchester City, were sensationally relegated to the third tier of English football - proof that anything could happen in football during that season. Fans saw some cracking games, including Manchester United’s 5-3 FA Cup win at Chelsea and Charlton’s 7-6 win on penalties after a staggering 4-4 draw with Sunderland in an amazing Division One play-off final. After such a spectacular domestic season, it was fitting that England’s ‘France 98′ World Cup dream should end in high drama, with Michael Owen scoring ‘that’ wonder goal to burst on to the world stage and David Beckham sent off as England eventually lost on penalties to Argentina.

What do you think of this choice? Do you have an opinion in what season was best? Let’s hear your views.

Read the full ‘Ultimate Season’ Report detailing the best 5 seasons for each of the 92 English league clubs. Click here to read>>

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