3 of the Biggest Title Collapses in Premier League History

With Arsenal’s recent 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, the Gunners now find themselves a staggering 15 points behind league leaders Liverpool. Just a few months ago, they were tipped as serious title contenders, but their faltering form has all but ended those hopes. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can unravel in the Premier League – where dreams of glory can turn into nightmares in just a matter of weeks.

This isn’t the first time a team has suffered a spectacular collapse in the title race. Over the years, the Premier League has seen some shocking capitulations, where teams once in command ended up throwing it all away. Whether it was pressure, injuries, tactical errors, or just sheer bad luck, these collapses live long in the memory of football fans. So, here are three of the biggest title meltdowns in Premier League history. 

1) Newcastle United (1995-96) – "I Would Love It!" 

No discussion about title collapses is complete without Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United in the 1995-96 season. The Magpies were flying high and seemed destined for their first league title since 1927. By January, they had built up a 12-point lead over Manchester United and were playing some of the most entertaining football the league had ever seen. 

Newcastle boasted an exciting attack led by Les Ferdinand, David Ginola, and Peter Beardsley, playing a free-flowing, attacking style that thrilled neutrals. But as the season wore on, cracks began to appear. A crucial 2-0 defeat to West Ham in February hinted at vulnerabilities, and things unraveled further when they suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Liverpool at Anfield in one of the greatest games in Premier League history. 

As pressure mounted, Keegan’s emotions got the better of him. With Manchester United closing in, he famously lost his cool during a live TV interview, delivering his iconic “I would love it” rant directed at Sir Alex Ferguson, who had been playing mind games. That moment became symbolic of Newcastle’s implosion. Newcastle won just two of their last eight games, allowing Manchester United to overtake them and secure the title. It remains one of the most painful memories for Magpies fans, as they let a golden opportunity slip away. 

2) Arsenal (2002-03) – From Eight Points Clear to Second Place 

Arsenal, under Arsène Wenger, were at the peak of their powers in the early 2000s. Fresh off their 2001-02 title win, they looked poised to defend their crown in 2002-03. By March, the Gunners held an eight-point lead over Manchester United, and with Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Robert Pires in their ranks, they appeared unstoppable. 

But then the cracks began to show. A shock 2-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers in mid-March gave United hope. A few weeks later, Arsenal squandered a 2-0 lead against Bolton Wanderers, eventually drawing 2-2. That result proved to be the turning point. 

Meanwhile, Manchester United, driven by a relentless Ferguson, went on a relentless winning run. Arsenal, on the other hand, struggled with injuries and a loss of confidence. They ended up losing the title race by five points as United stormed to glory. It was a bitter pill to swallow for Wenger and his men, who had let a commanding position slip through their fingers. 

3) Liverpool (2013-14) – The Infamous Slip 

Liverpool’s 2013-14 season was the closest they had come to winning the Premier League in over two decades. Under Brendan Rodgers, the Reds played an electrifying brand of football, tearing teams apart with blistering attacking play. Luis Suárez and Daniel Sturridge were unplayable, scoring goals for fun, while Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling, and Jordan Henderson provided the perfect blend of creativity and energy. With just three games to go, Liverpool were top of the table and needed only seven points to secure their long-awaited league title. Everything seemed to be falling into place. But then came the moment that would haunt Liverpool fans forever. 

It was April 27, 2014, and Chelsea arrived at Anfield with a clear game plan. José Mourinho, never one to pass up the chance to disrupt a rival’s title charge, set his team up to frustrate Liverpool. They sat deep, wasted time at every opportunity, and dared Liverpool to break them down. But despite all the tension, the game remained goalless as halftime approached. Then, in stoppage time, disaster struck. Mamadou Sakho played a routine pass to Steven Gerrard, Liverpool’s captain and heartbeat of the team. But Gerrard, usually so composed, miscontrolled the ball. It rolled just far enough away to allow Chelsea’s Demba Ba to pounce. As Gerrard desperately tried to recover, his foot slipped from underneath him, sending him crashing to the turf. In a split second, Ba was through on goal. Anfield held its breath, but there was nothing Simon Mignolet could do. Ba slotted the ball home, and Chelsea had the lead. 

Gerard had given everything for the club, but in the moment they needed him most, fate had been cruel. Liverpool pushed hard in the second half, but Chelsea’s defensive wall held firm. In the dying moments, Willian added a second, sealing a 2-0 win and dealing a crushing blow to Liverpool’s title hopes. 

Just days later, Liverpool threw away a 3-0 lead against Crystal Palace, drawing 3-3 in a game now known as the “Crystanbul” collapse. That result all but confirmed Manchester City as champions, and what seemed destined to be Liverpool’s crowning moment turned into heartbreak. The 2013-14 season remains one of the biggest “what ifs” in Premier League history, forever remembered for Gerrard’s unfortunate slip and the title that got away.