The Premier League has witnessed its fair share of dramatic title races over the years, with some teams suffering heartbreaking collapses that will be etched in memory forever. In this article, we'll rank the five biggest title race collapses in Premier League history, reliving the agony and disappointment of those infamous seasons, according to Sport Brief.
1. Manchester United's collapse in 2011-12 season
Manchester United's collapse in the 2011-12 season is a prime example of how quickly things can go wrong. With a seemingly unassailable lead, United suffered a 1-0 loss to Manchester City and a 1-0 win against Swansea. However, City's dramatic win over Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the season, courtesy of Sergio Aguero's injury-time goal, snatched the title from United's grasp.
2. Arsenal's collapse in 2007-08 season
Arsenal's 2007-08 season was marked by a horrific injury to Eduardo against Birmingham, which seemed to derail their title challenge. A 2-2 draw with Tottenham and a 1-1 draw with Liverpool followed, allowing Manchester United to overtake them and claim the title.
3. Arsenal's collapse in 2002-03 season
Arsenal's 2002-03 season was a case of what could have been. With an eight-point lead over Manchester United, the Gunners suffered a 3-2 loss to Leeds and a 2-2 draw with United at Highbury. This collapse allowed United to pip them to the title.
4. Arsenal's collapse in 1997-98 season
Arsenal's 1997-98 season was a classic case of a team choking under pressure. With a 10-game winning streak, they seemed destined for the title. However, a 1-0 win over Manchester United was followed by a 3-2 loss to Leeds and a 2-2 draw with United at Highbury, allowing United to snatch the title.
5. Liverpool's collapse in 2013-14 season
Liverpool's 2013-14 season was the most dramatic collapse of all. With a 3-2 win over title rivals Manchester City, the Reds seemed poised for their first title in 24 years. However, a 2-0 loss to Chelsea and a 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace dented their hopes, allowing City to claim the title.
These collapses serve as a reminder that the Premier League title race is never over until the final whistle blows. Even the most dominant teams can suffer a dramatic collapse, making the Premier League one of the most unpredictable and thrilling leagues in the world.