Under Artell, Crewe fared marginally better in the 2017–18 season, finishing in 15th position thanks to a strong finish to the season. Crewe had been in 22nd-place in November, leaving Artell to state again that "We have to get out ourselves of the mire. It's win some games, or oblivion". Two months later he criticised his team's game management skills after they lost two games in a row from winning positions – including throwing away a 3–1 lead over Swindon Town to lose 4–3. On 20 February, Crewe lost 2–1 at home to Exeter City despite taking the lead on 88 minutes; Artell again criticised his player's professionalism and said: "That sums us up. Played well, better team, in the lead, snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. That's been us over the course of the season". Crewe's form improved following Exeter though, as ten points from a possible 18 took them over the 40 point mark by 20 March. On 5 May 2018, Artell selected a starting 11 who were all Crewe Academy graduates against Cheltenham Town and was picked as EFL manager of the week after his team won 2–1.