Ranking the 5 Biggest Title Race Collapses in Premier League history

Ranking the 5 Biggest Title Race Collapses in Premier League history

Isaac Darko
updated at April 27, 2024 at 4:03 PM

Jurgen Klopp's last season as Liverpool manager isn't shaping up to be the glorious send-off many had hoped for.

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While winning the EFL Cup and contending for the Premier League title are achievements to be celebrated, there's a sense of missed opportunities in the air.

The hope of claiming an unprecedented four trophies faded rapidly, leaving Liverpool with only the one they already possessed.

Their dreams were shattered first by a heartbreaking defeat to bitter rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup, followed by a shocking but decisive loss to Atalanta BC in Europe.

Liverpool's collapse has also affected their Premier League title aspirations, suffering defeats to Crystal Palace at Anfield and Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. These losses have severely dented their chances of keeping up with the relentless pace set by Arsenal and Manchester City.

That was before their trip to the London Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, when Michail Antonio's late equaliser appears to have hammered the final nail into the coffin of their title dreams.

Following Liverpool's late-season wobble, Sports Brief looks at 5 most dramatic title-race collapses.

Biggest title race collapses in Premier League history

Liverpool (2013/14)

After defeating title rivals Manchester City 3-2, the Reds moved two points clear of Chelsea at the Premier League summit.

Despite City having two games in hand, their defeat at Anfield left them seven points adrift. With 10 consecutive wins propelling them into contention, Brendan Rodgers' rejuvenated Reds eyed their first top-flight title since 1990.

A win against a struggling Chelsea side on April 27 would have all but sealed the title, but a slip-up occurred.

In injury time of a goalless first half, Gerrard's unexpected stumble allowed Demba Ba to capitalize and score, altering the course of the game.

Liverpool's title hopes remained alive, but they inexplicably squandered a 3-0 lead to draw at Crystal Palace.

As the final whistle blew at Selhurst Park, Gerrard found himself consoling a devastated Luis Suarez, though it seemed the captain needed support as much as anyone.

Manchester United (1997/98)

While the name might not be memorable, the face certainly is. During Arsenal's victory over Premier League leaders Manchester United at Old Trafford on March 14, 1998, the camera panned to the crowd, capturing the ecstatic expression of a curly-haired Gooner named Barry Ferst, on the brink of exploding with joy.

His elation was warranted as Marc Overmars' late goal meant Arsenal trailed United by just six points, with three games in hand.

That win at Old Trafford marked the start of Arsenal's 10 consecutive victories, securing the title with two games remaining.

Arsene Wenger then sealed a remarkable debut season in charge by guiding Arsenal to a 2-0 triumph over Newcastle in the FA Cup final, securing only the club's second domestic double.

Arsenal (2002/03)

After defeating Charlton on March 2, 2003, Arsenal held an eight-point lead over Manchester United, albeit having played one more game.

However, their fortunes took a downturn with just two wins in the next seven matches. A shocking 3-2 loss to Leeds on May 4 effectively dashed their hopes of retaining the title.

During this period, they were held to a draw by United at Highbury, with Ryan Giggs securing a 2-2 result. Another 2-2 draw, this time against Bolton, further eroded Arsenal's confidence, leading to their eventual downfall.

Arsenal (2007/08)

Arsenal's lapse at St Andrew's in Feb 2008 was understandable after Eduardo's horrific injury. But William Gallas' late meltdown was unforgivable.

Despite leading 2-1 against 10 men, conceding an injury-time penalty was a shocking turn.

Arriving in Birmingham with a five-point lead, Arsenal's 10-game unbeaten run had them looking strong. But winning only one of their next seven matches saw them slip to third, four points behind champions Manchester United. While Eduardo's injury was detrimental, Gallas' petulant display compounded their troubles.

Manchester United (2011/12)

Even Alex Ferguson, with over three decades of football management, was astonished when Manchester United blew a 4-2 lead against Everton during the crucial 2011-12 title race.

Things worsened as United delivered a cautious performance, losing 1-0 to rivals Manchester City, allowing them to clinch the top spot.

Despite United's late wins against Swansea and Sunderland, City clinched the title in the closest Premier League race ever, sealed by Sergio Aguero's iconic goal.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)