As the 2022/23 season gets nearer to its end, Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League title are becoming more distant after three draws in succession. Their eight-point lead over second-placed Manchester City has been reduced to five points at the end of the 32nd match week. More importantly, the Citizens have played two games less than the Gunners, and both sides will meet at the Etihad Stadium on April 26. The momentum is now clearly in Manchester City’s favour to win this season’s league title. As this season’s title race heats up, we take a look down memory lane at teams that have blown big leads in the Premier League title race.
Premier League Title: Teams Who Squandered the Title
Teams That Blew a Premier League Title Lead
Arsenal look set to blow the title this season even after taking a considerable lead with a few games remaining. If the Gunners fail to win the league after a strong run, it will not be the first time; a few other clubs have experienced the same disappointment. Let’s take a look at the past few campaigns when some teams missed out on winning the Premier League title even after taking a lead in the middle of the season.
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In the past three decades of Premier League history, quite a few clubs have disappointingly squandered chances and failed to clinch the title. Here are four teams that disappointed their fans by blowing their Premier League title hopes.
Arsenal (2002/03)
Perhaps Arsenal fans can relate their current campaign to Arsene Wenger’s team in the 2002/03 season. The Gunners had a five-point lead over rival Manchester United after matchday 29 and were considered favourites to win the Premier League title.
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However, momentum completely u-turned after that, as Arsenal only collected 15 points in their last nine matches. Manchester United eventually won the title with five points more than second-placed Arsenal.
Arsenal (2007/08)
Arsenal were so hard to beat and had only one defeat until March. They remained at the top of the table for most weeks of the season but moved down to third place after matchday 32. The Gunners could not recover from that – and finished the season in third place, with four points separating first and third. Arsene Wenger’s side did not have a considerable lead whenever they were in the top spot; therefore, a couple of unfavourable results did all the damage.
Manchester United (1997/98)
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United were nine points clear of Arsenal at the halfway mark of the 1997/98 campaign. However, the red half of North London slowly reduced the deficit in the second half of the season and eventually sealed the title with 78 points, one more than Manchester United. The Red Devils only managed to collect 34 points in the second half of the season, costing them the Premier League title.
Newcastle United (1995/96)
Newcastle United led second-placed Manchester United by ten points at the halfway stage of the 1995/96 season. The Newcastle supporters were hoping to witness their team lift the league trophy for the first time in 69 years. However, the Magpies faltered in the run-in, which allowed the Red Devils to overtake them at the top of the standings. United’s pursuit of the Geordies will always be remembered for Kevin Keegan’s rant at Alex Ferguson.
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“You can tell him now if you’re watching it, we’re still fighting for this title, and he’s got to go to Middlesbrough and get something, and… and… I’ll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them, love it!” Despite all Keegan’s will, Manchester United successfully clinched the Premier League title with 82 points, four more than second-placed Newcastle United.
