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The new Premier League season is upon us and football fans have seen already that this year could result in another thrilling title race, with Manchester City, Arsenal, and even Liverpool winning their opening games. While City are reigning champions, looking for their fifth title in a row under Pep Guardiola, the Premier League betting odds can change regularly as the season progresses.
Arsenal ran City close for the second successive season last time out, but Mikel Arteta’s men, despite enjoying their highest points tally in Premier League history, just fell short of City on the final day. While they have strengthened their squad, City has begun strongly – usually dropping points in the opening weeks and picking up the slack towards the business end of the campaign.
The last few years have demonstrated how important the fine margins are in the Premier League title race. Since its inception, England’s top flight has held some memorable title races, with teams falling short and claiming success through the closest results.
In this article, we reflect on some of the best title races in Premier League history, and what was required to lift the title on the final day of the season.
Manchester City vs Liverpool (2018/19)
The 2018/19 title race between City and Liverpool is one of the closest in Premier League history, with both teams finishing with some of the highest points totals ever recorded.
Both teams pushed each other to extraordinary heights, with City edging out Liverpool by just one point. A crucial 2-1 victory for City in January, highlighted by John Stones’ goal-line clearance and Leroy Sané’s winner, proved decisive.
Vincent Kompany’s stunning long-range strike against Leicester late in the season kept City in the driving seat, and they ultimately secured the title with 98 points. Liverpool, despite finishing with 97 points, bounced back the following season to win the Premier League and the 2019 Champions League against Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid.
Manchester City vs. Manchester United (2011/12)
The 2011/12 season saw Manchester City and Manchester United locked in a fierce battle for the title, with City aiming to dethrone their “noisy neighbours.”
The race went down to the final day, with United looking set to win the title against the odds as City trailed QPR. However, City staged a dramatic comeback, with Sergio Agüero’s iconic stoppage-time goal securing a 3-2 win and the title on goal difference— a first in Premier League history.
This victory marked City’s first league title since their 2008 takeover, shifting the power balance in Manchester. United won just one more league title in 2013, while City now has eight.
Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea (2007/08)
The 2007/08 season featured a thrilling three-way title race between Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea. United, powered by the formidable trio of Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, and Cristiano Ronaldo, were chasing their first title since 2003.
Chelsea, winners of the previous two titles under Jose Mourinho, went on an 18-game unbeaten streak to stay in the hunt, while Arsenal remained close behind. United’s consistency and firepower eventually secured the title, signalling their return to dominance in English football. They would win the Champions League the next season, as well as win the next two league titles.
Blackburn Rovers vs. Manchester United (1994/95)
The 1994/95 title race between Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United delivered final-day drama at its finest. Blackburn, led by the prolific strike partnership of Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton — who scored 49 goals between them in that season — were in the driver’s seat but faced a tough challenge away at Anfield.
Despite losing 2-1 to Liverpool due to a late Jamie Redknapp goal, Blackburn’s title hopes hung in the balance as they awaited the result of United’s match against West Ham. United failed to secure a win, drawing 1-1, and Blackburn were crowned champions for the first time since 1914, to the delight of Jack Walker.
