The Premier League has produced some of the most dramatic title races in football history. While champions are remembered forever, there are also teams who came close but fell short after leading for long periods.
These moments, often described by fans as “slip-ups”, highlight how difficult it is to maintain consistency across an entire season.
As clubs continue to battle at the top, past examples show how quickly fortunes can change.
Calls and Costly Mistakes
Tottenham Hotspur (2015–16)
In the 2015–16 season, Tottenham Hotspur emerged as unexpected title challengers. With several traditional top teams struggling, Tottenham found themselves in a strong position.
However, they failed to maintain their push in the final weeks. A series of dropped points, including a heated draw at Chelsea, ended their hopes. They eventually finished third, as Leicester City completed a historic title win.
Norwich City (1992–93)
During the Premier League’s inaugural season, Norwich City surprised many by leading the table for a significant period.
Despite their strong start, they were unable to keep pace with Manchester United, who gained momentum in the latter stages. Norwich eventually finished third.
Liverpool (2018–19)
Few teams have come closer to the title than Liverpool in the 2018–19 campaign.
They accumulated 97 points and led the table for much of the season. However, Manchester City went on an exceptional run to edge ahead and secure the title by a single point.
Liverpool’s consistency was remarkable, but it was not enough in one of the closest title races ever.
Arsenal’s Repeated Near Misses
Arsenal (2002–03)
Arsenal held a strong position for months during the 2002–03 season. However, a series of draws and dropped points late in the campaign allowed Manchester United to overtake them.
Arsenal (2007–08)
Arsenal once again led the league for a long stretch in 2007–08. But injuries and a dip in form proved costly.
A difficult run of results towards the end saw them fall behind both Manchester United and Chelsea, finishing third despite earlier dominance.
Arsenal (2022–23)
More recently, Arsenal spent a record number of days at the top of the table in the 2022–23 season.
However, a series of crucial draws and a heavy defeat to Manchester City shifted the balance. City went on to win the title, while Arsenal finished as runners-up.
Dramatic Title Losses
Manchester United (1997–98)
Manchester United appeared to be in full control of the 1997–98 season, building a significant lead.
But a loss of form allowed Arsenal to close the gap and eventually take the title, completing a remarkable turnaround.
Liverpool (2013–14)
The 2013–14 season is remembered for its dramatic moments involving Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool were on the verge of winning the title, but a slip during a crucial match against Chelsea proved costly. Further dropped points meant the title slipped away, allowing Manchester City to finish on top.
Manchester United (2011–12)
One of the most iconic finishes in Premier League history came in 2011–12.
Manchester United surrendered an eight-point lead late in the season. In the final moments of the campaign, Sergio Aguero scored a stoppage-time goal for Manchester City, securing the title in dramatic fashion.
The Biggest Collapse
Newcastle United (1995–96)
At the top of the list is Newcastle United’s 1995–96 campaign.
Newcastle held a 12-point lead during the season but were unable to maintain their advantage. Manchester United mounted a strong comeback to win the title.
The season is also remembered for Kevin Keegan’s passionate reaction during the title race, which has since become a famous moment in football history.
Analysis
These examples underline the unpredictable nature of the Premier League. Maintaining a title challenge requires not only strong performances but also consistency, squad depth, and mental resilience.
Even the smallest slip can prove decisive over the course of a long season.
Conclusion
While champions celebrate success, these near-misses remain an important part of Premier League history. They serve as a reminder that in football, nothing is guaranteed until the final match is played.
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