It is one of the harshest labels in football. To lead a title race and not win it. The margins are thin at the top, but history shows that even the strongest positions can unravel under pressure.
These are the most notable Premier League title collapses. Moments where control slipped, momentum turned, and titles were lost.
10. Tottenham Hotspur 2015/16
Tottenham were Leicester’s closest challengers during one of the most unpredictable title races in Premier League history. While they never fully controlled the race, they were well positioned to capitalise if Leicester slipped.
A heated draw at Chelsea ended their momentum, and defeats in their final two matches saw Spurs fall away to third.
Key Takeaway
Opportunity alone is not enough without control.
9. Norwich City 1992/93
Norwich led the inaugural Premier League season for 129 days, far exceeding expectations after finishing near the bottom the year before.
Manchester United surged in the second half of the campaign, overtaking them as Norwich faded to a third-place finish.
Key Takeaway
Early-season momentum must be sustained to the finish.
8. Arsenal 2002/03
Arsenal looked set to retain the title after leading the league for long periods. Their position appeared strong heading into the closing stages.
Manchester United found form at the right time, overtaking Arsenal as dropped points proved costly.
Key Takeaway
Timing of form is everything in a title race.
7. Arsenal 2007/08
Arsenal spent much of the season top of the table and played with consistency and control under Arsene Wenger.
A late drop in form saw them overtaken by Manchester United and Chelsea, eventually finishing third.
Key Takeaway
Sustained pressure exposes any weakness late in the season.
6. Liverpool 2018/19
Liverpool produced one of the strongest seasons in Premier League history, finishing on 97 points.
Despite that level, Manchester City’s consistency left no room for error. Liverpool narrowly missed out in a race defined by perfection.
Key Takeaway
At the highest level, near-perfect is sometimes not enough.
5. Manchester United 1997/98
Manchester United held a commanding lead during the season and looked in full control of the title race.
Arsenal surged late with a decisive winning run, overturning the deficit and securing the title.
Key Takeaway
Momentum shifts outweigh early dominance.
4. Liverpool 2013/14
Liverpool entered the final weeks of the season in control after a strong run of victories.
A defeat to Chelsea followed by a late collapse against Crystal Palace turned the race, allowing Manchester City to take advantage.
Key Takeaway
Late-season composure defines champions.
3. Arsenal 2022/23
Arsenal spent 248 days at the top of the table, the most by any side that did not win the title.
Dropped points in key matches allowed Manchester City to close the gap and take control in the final stretch.
Key Takeaway
Consistency under pressure separates contenders from winners.
2. Manchester United 2011/12
Manchester United led the league by eight points with six games remaining and looked certain to secure the title.
Dropped points reopened the race, and Manchester City completed the turnaround with a stoppage-time winner on the final day.
Key Takeaway
No lead is safe without control of the run-in.
1. Newcastle United 1995/96
Newcastle held a 12-point lead in January and were in complete control of the title race.
Manchester United gradually closed the gap as Newcastle’s form declined, eventually overtaking them to win the title.
Key Takeaway
Sustaining performance across a full season is the ultimate challenge.
Why These Moments Matter
Title races are defined by fine margins. Form, pressure, squad depth and mentality all play a role. These examples show that control is never permanent and that timing is often more important than position.
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