It’s the cruellest tag in football, the idea of “bottling” a title race. In Premier League history, several teams have watched seemingly unshakable advantages slip away dramatically.
From last-day heartbreaks to record-breaking advantages squandered, here are some of the most famous title race collapses, ranked according to BBC Sport.
10. Tottenham Hotspur (2015–16)
Tottenham were never actually top of the league, but they were firmly in the race for long spells as others faltered.
Mauricio Pochettino’s young side briefly looked like Leicester City’s closest challengers, but a decisive draw against Chelsea in the “Battle of the Bridge” ended their hopes. Spurs then finished third as Leicester completed their fairytale title win.
9. Norwich City (1992–93)
The inaugural Premier League season produced a surprise leader in Norwich City, who topped the table for 129 days.
Despite limited expectations, they stayed in contention deep into the season, but Manchester United’s late surge — powered by Eric Cantona — pushed them down to third by the end.
8. Arsenal (2002–03)
Arsenal led the league for long periods and looked set to defend their title.
But Manchester United hit form late in the season, overtaking the Gunners after key wins and a pivotal 2–2 draw at Highbury. Arsenal faded in the run-in and finished second.
7. Arsenal (2007–08)
Arsène Wenger’s side led the league for much of the season but collapsed after Eduardo’s horrific injury at Birmingham.
A five-game winless run ended their challenge, and they slipped to third behind Manchester United and Chelsea.
6. Arsenal (2022–23)
Arsenal spent 248 days at the top of the Premier League, a record for a team that did not win the title.
Late-season draws, including squandered leads against Liverpool and West Ham, allowed Manchester City to overtake them and finish champions with a dominant final run.
5. Liverpool (2018–19)
Liverpool produced one of the greatest non-title-winning seasons in Premier League history, finishing on 97 points.
But Manchester City edged them by a single point after a relentless title defence. A crucial defeat at the Etihad and a few mid-season draws proved decisive.
4. Manchester United (1997–98)
United were 13 points clear at one stage, and even bookmakers began paying out early.
But Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal surged on a 10-game winning run to overturn the deficit and win the title by one point, leaving United stunned.
3. Liverpool (2013–14)
Liverpool came within touching distance of a first Premier League title.
Steven Gerrard’s slip against Chelsea became symbolic, and a late-season collapse — including a 3–3 draw against Crystal Palace after leading 3–0 — handed Manchester City the trophy.
2. Manchester United (2011–12)
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side led the title race late in the season, but an eight-point swing in the final weeks allowed Manchester City to close in.
It was ultimately decided in stoppage time on the final day when Sergio Agüero scored to win City’s first Premier League title dramatically.
1. Newcastle United (1995–96)
The most famous collapse of all.
Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle were 12 points clear in January and looked destined to win the league. But Manchester United gradually clawed them back.
A mix of dropped points and psychological pressure culminated in United overtaking them, with Keegan’s emotional “I would love it” rant becoming part of football folklore.
Newcastle finished second, and the title was lost.