The Premier League has delivered some of the most dramatic and unforgettable title races in football history. Every season, the race for the coveted trophy brings excitement, tension, and heartbreak for players and fans alike.
From Manchester United’s dominance in the early years to Manchester City and Liverpool’s epic battles, the league has witnessed some legendary rivalries that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Let’s take a look back at the greatest title races in Premier League history and relive the drama that defined these seasons.
1. Manchester City vs. Manchester United (2011-12) – The Aguerooooo Moment
The 2011-12 season produced what is arguably the most dramatic ending to a title race in football history. Manchester United and Manchester City were locked in an intense battle throughout the season, and it all came down to the final day.
Key Moments of the Season
- United and City traded the top spot multiple times during the season.
- City beat United 6-1 at Old Trafford, a result that gave them a crucial goal difference advantage.
- Heading into the final day, both teams were level on points, but City had the superior goal difference.
Final Day Drama
United won their match against Sunderland and believed they had secured the title. However, City—who were trailing 2-1 to QPR in stoppage time—staged a miraculous comeback. Edin Džeko equalized in the 92nd minute, and then came the moment that changed history.
In the 94th minute, Sergio Agüero received a pass from Mario Balotelli, skipped past a defender, and smashed the ball into the net, sending the Etihad into absolute chaos. Martin Tyler’s iconic "Agueroooooo!" commentary still echoes in the memories of football fans worldwide.
? Final Standings:
? Manchester City – 89 points
? Manchester United – 89 points (City won on goal difference)
This was City’s first-ever Premier League title and the start of their dominance in English football.
2. Arsenal vs. Manchester United (1997-98) – Wenger’s First Triumph
Before the dominance of Manchester City and Liverpool, the Premier League’s biggest rivalry was between Manchester United and Arsenal. The 1997-98 season saw Arsène Wenger lead Arsenal to their first league title under his management, in sensational fashion.
How Arsenal Pulled Off a Stunning Comeback
- United led the title race by 12 points in February.
- Arsenal went on a 10-match winning streak, closing the gap.
- A 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, thanks to a goal from Marc Overmars, turned the tide in Arsenal’s favor.
Final Standings:
? Arsenal – 78 points
? Manchester United – 77 points
Arsenal completed the double that season, winning the FA Cup as well. This title race marked the beginning of Wenger vs. Ferguson, one of football’s greatest managerial rivalries.
3. Chelsea vs. Manchester United (2009-10) – The Battle for Supremacy
In the 2009-10 season, Chelsea, under Carlo Ancelotti, went head-to-head with Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in a battle that went down to the wire.
Chelsea were attacking powerhouses, breaking the record for most goals in a Premier League season (103 goals), while United had Wayne Rooney in top form.
Key Moments in the Title Race
- Chelsea won 2-1 at Old Trafford, a crucial result in the title race.
- Chelsea also defeated Arsenal twice, proving their dominance.
- The title was decided on the final day, where Chelsea smashed Wigan 8-0 to seal the league.
? Final Standings:
? Chelsea – 86 points
? Manchester United – 85 points
Chelsea not only won the league but also completed the domestic double by winning the FA Cup.
4. Manchester United vs. Newcastle United (1995-96) – The Collapse of the Magpies
The 1995-96 season will always be remembered for Newcastle United’s stunning collapse and Manchester United’s incredible comeback.
Under Kevin Keegan, Newcastle played some of the most entertaining attacking football and at one point held a 12-point lead at the top of the table. But United never gave up.
The Turning Point
- Newcastle lost 12 points in 15 games, including a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool in one of the best Premier League matches ever.
- United kept winning and took over the lead.
- Keegan’s famous "I would love it if we beat them" rant after a win against Leeds showed the pressure Newcastle were under.
? Final Standings:
? Manchester United – 82 points
? Newcastle United – 78 points
This season showed that psychological pressure plays a huge role in title races.
5. Liverpool vs. Manchester City (2018-19) – The 1-Point Heartbreak
The 2018-19 season saw one of the greatest title races ever, with Manchester City and Liverpool producing record-breaking performances.
Liverpool were almost perfect, losing just one game all season, but City were equally relentless.
How City Snatched the Title
- Liverpool had a 7-point lead in January, but City kept the pressure on.
- A crucial 2-1 City win over Liverpool at the Etihad (with John Stones’ famous goal-line clearance) shifted momentum.
- Both teams kept winning, but City finished with 14 straight wins to clinch the title.
? Final Standings:
? Manchester City – 98 points
? Liverpool – 97 points
Liverpool’s 97 points were the most ever by a runner-up, but they made up for it the following season by winning the 2019-20 Premier League.
Honorable Mentions
? Blackburn Rovers vs. Manchester United (1994-95) – Blackburn won their first and only Premier League title, despite United’s late surge.
? Leicester City’s Miracle Season (2015-16) – Though not a classic "title race," Leicester’s 5,000-1 triumph was a story of pure magic.
? Liverpool vs. Arsenal (1988-89, pre-Premier League era) – Arsenal won the league on the final day, beating Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield to snatch the title on goal difference.
Conclusion: The Thrill of Premier League Title Races
The Premier League title race is one of the most exciting spectacles in football. Whether it’s last-minute goals, record-breaking points totals, or historic comebacks, these battles create memories that last forever.
Which title race do you think was the greatest? Can we see another Aguero-style moment in the future?
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