The most dramatic races to the Premier League title
We all love a dramatic end to the season
Let's explore some of the best and most iconic title races in the history of English football. Will the 2024 race for the title match any of those listed below?
Leicester City, Tottenham and Arsenal in 2016
An odd one to choose perhaps, but this was a fascinating title race. It was a two-horse race for a period, but Spurs finished third. Leicester won the title that season thanks to the form of former Non-League player Jamie Vardy. Many described it as the greatest-ever sporting achievement.
Following this title win, Leicester players struggled to match what they achieved during that season. They were even relegated in 2023. They quickly recovered to win the Championship in 2024, once again being inspired by Vardy.
Liverpool and Arsenal 1989
Throwback to 1989 when Arsenal managed to clinch their 9th league title at Anfield in the most dramatic night in club history
— Throwback Arsenal (@ThrowbackAFC) August 22, 2019
pic.twitter.com/YSqyids0H9
Arsenal faced Liverpool in the last game of the season and needed to beat the Anfield side by two goals to win the league. They managed this at the last minute. What a moment. This is the only one before the Premier League but we're sure there are many other dramatic title races from the Division One era.
Blackburn Rovers and Man United in 1995
A crazy season. This race also went to the last second of the season. Amazingly, both Blackburn Rovers and United failed to win on the final day with Blackburn eventually taking the title by a point. It had been a dramatic season throughout.
The ending matched everything that had come before it. United had the chances to beat West Ham in their match but it finished 1-1. Amazingly, Liverpool beat Blackburn Rovers and almost gave their great rivals the title.
Like Leicester City two decades later, Blackburn never again reached these heights. Again, like Leicester, they were even relegated only a few years after Premier League success. All that being said, no Blackburn fans will ever regret what they achieved during that crazy end to the season.
Man United and Newcastle United in 1996
"I will love it if we beat them, love it!"
Twelve months after losing the title to Blackburn Rovers, Man United faced another dramatic title race. This time, it was against Newcastle United.
Despite being at the top for most of the season, Newcastle eventually dropped to second place. On the last day of the season, the Geordies were two points behind the Red Devils. For them to win their first title since 1927, they had to beat Tottenham and hope local rivals Middlesbrough beat their Mancunian rivals. The Premier League title went to Old Trafford as Manchester United won 3–0, Newcastle could only manage a 1–1 draw with Tottenham.
Man United and Arsenal in 1999
United won The Treble in 1999 but it could have easily been an Arsenal double that grabbed the headlines at the end of that season. The title race again went to the final day. It was United that came out on top.
Liam, a Manchester United fan, told us: "I was only young at the time but that day where we clinched the title against Spurs is my favourite ever match. The tension and sheer relief were just amazing. Who will ever forget what happened in the following two matches."
Man United and Chelsea in 2008
Another dramatic season. United won a Premier League and Champions League double. However, it could have been Chelsea winning the same trophies. Only Goal Difference separated the sides going into the final game of the season. United came out on by two points and would beat the Stamford Bridge side a week and a half later in the Champions League final.
This match against Arsenal in April 2008 played a key part in United's success. Footage below is from Sky Sports Premier League.
Man City and Man United in 2012
Josh, a United fan from Middleton in Greater Manchester, said: "I still can't believe that day happened. We were so close to winning the league that day. City went into the day top on Goal Difference but struggled on the final day against relegation-threatened QPR. Two goals in stoppage won the league for City.
