Looking back at the 2016/17 Europa League KO stages:
12 goals scored, 4 conceded against Saint Etienne, Rostov, Anderlecht, Celta Vigo.
3 of the 4 ties decided by a single goal.
This time:
17-5 against Sociedad, Milan, Granada, Roma.
1 tie decided by a single goal, the others all had 4-goal margins
Much, much more impressive, much better results, against much better opposition. The weakest team this time (Granada) is comparable to the strongest from last time (Celta), all 4 are in the big leagues, and 3 of the 4 are in/around the CL spots of their respective leagues.
Really would deserve to win the trophy.