10 Closest Title Race Finishes In Premier League History
The Premier League has delivered some of the most thrilling and nail-biting title races in football history. From last-minute goals to dramatic twists and turns, these seasons have kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
This article delves into the ten closest title race finishes in Premier League history, highlighting the seasons where the championship was decided by the narrowest of margins. Relive the excitement of these unforgettable moments as we explore the intense battles, iconic matches, and pivotal goals that defined each of these remarkable campaigns.
Here are the ten closest title race finishes in Premier League history.
10. 2023-24 season: Manchester City vs Arsenal
Winner – Manchester City
Margin – 2 points
Manchester City proved too good for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and completed their 4th Premier League title in a row. Manchester City went into the final day 2 points ahead of Arsenal but with a worse goal difference, knowing that anything but a win against West Ham could see the title slip away from them. However, City won the game relatively easily with a 3-1 scoreline, while Arsenal also won their game against Everton 2-1.
9. 2007-08 Season: Manchester United vs. Chelsea
Winner – Manchester United
Margin – 2 points
Arsenal had been ahead for much of the season, but they lost first place to title rivals Chelsea following several draws. That allowed United and Chelsea to overtake, with both sides taking the race to the final day, when the Red Devils’ win over Wigan Athletic secured another title for United. Manchester United finished with 87 points to Chelsea’s 85.
8. 2013-14 Season: Manchester City vs. Liverpool
Winner – Manchester City
Margin – 2 points
Liverpool had won ten straight games and was leading by five points with three games remaining. But a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea and a 3-3 draw to Crystal Palace effectively ended their title hopes. This was the season of that in-famous Gerrard slip. Manchester City finished with 86 points, two ahead of Liverpool, securing the title with a win on the final day.
7. 2009-10 Season: Chelsea vs. Manchester United
Winner – Chelsea
Margin – 1 point
Chelsea’s thrilling triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford, when Didier Drogba scored the game’s winning goal although offside, was a major factor in the season’s close finish. Chelsea won the title with 86 points, one more than Manchester United.
6. 1997-98 Season: Arsenal vs. Manchester United
Winner – Arsenal
Margin – 1 point
There was no suspense on the last day of this particular title battle because the Gunners would steer clear themselves and seal the title with two games to spare. Arsenal finished with 78 points, just one ahead of Manchester United, clinching the title with a strong finish to the season.
5. 1998-99 Season: Manchester United vs. Arsenal
Winner – Manchester United
Margin – 1 point
Two rivals squared up in an amazing championship race. Arsenal needed to defeat Aston Villa and required rivals Spurs to beat United on the final day of the season. Les Ferdinand gave Tottenham the lead in a thrilling match, but United scored twice to secure the necessary victory. Manchester United secured the title with 79 points, just one ahead of Arsenal. It is one of the closest title race finishes in Premier League history.
4. 1994-95 Season: Blackburn Rovers vs. Manchester United
Winner – Blackburn
Margin – 1 point
Both sides went into the final day with a difference of just two points while United had a better goal difference, meaning one more slip-up could let the champions back in. Blackburn’s thrilling last-minute loss to Liverpool on one of the most memorable final days in Premier League history was academic as United failed to overcome a resolute West Ham team at Upton Park, with goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko making a series of outstanding saves to keep the score tied.
Blackburn won the title with 89 points, despite losing their final game. Manchester United’s draw on the last day left them one point short.
3. 2018-19 Season: Manchester City vs. Liverpool
Winner – Manchester City
Margin – 1 point
This was one of the most closest title battles this country has ever seen with Manchester City and Liverpool relentlessly pushing each other to the wire. Manchester City finished with 98 points, narrowly beating Liverpool who had 97 points. It is beyond doubt, one of the closest title race finishes in Premier League history.
2. 2021-22 Season: Manchester City vs. Liverpool
Winner – Manchester City
Margin – 1 point
City needed a final-day win against Aston Villa to win the Premier League title. With less than 15 minutes remaining, City found themselves behind 2-0, exposing their tendency for some late-season drama. After a wild five minutes, Rodri and an Ilkay Gundogan brace finished the comeback in record time. Manchester City secured the title with 93 points, just one ahead of Liverpool’s 92 points.
1. 2011-12 Season: Manchester City vs. Manchester United
Winner – Manchester City
Margin – 0 points (+8 goal difference)
With six games remaining, United had an eight-point lead, and City’s title ambitions appeared to be over. However, the Red Devils would only manage four points from their subsequent three games.
Vincent Kompany’s header in the derby had the title heading to Eastlands – with City now equal on points with a better goal difference. Yaya Toure’s excellence got City past against sturdy Newcastle in the penultimate game of the season.
City just needed a win on the final day against QPR, but they found themselves 2-1 down heading into stoppage time, but what followed next is etched in Manchester City’s and Premier League history. Dzeko equalises off David Silva’s corner before Sergio Aguero’s goal sent the Etihad into raptures. They say, and I agree, you’ll never see anything like this ever again.