10 Times Teams Led the Premier League Table… and Still Lost the Title

The Premier League is famous for its drama, and nothing stings quite like leading the table for months only to see the trophy slip away. From heartbreaking collapses to relentless rival comebacks, these seasons delivered unforgettable title-race agony.

Here are 10 notable cases where a team spent significant time at the top… but ultimately fell short.

10. Tottenham Hotspur (2015–16)

Under Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs produced some of their most exciting football in years and stayed firmly in the title conversation until the final weeks. A fiery 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in the “Battle of the Bridge” effectively ended their hopes, as Leicester City completed one of football’s greatest fairytales. Tottenham finished third.

9. Norwich City (1992–93)

In the very first Premier League season, the Canaries were the surprise package, topping the table for a remarkable 129 days as rank outsiders. Eric Cantona’s arrival sparked Manchester United’s charge, though, and Norwich eventually slipped to third.

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8. Liverpool (2018–19)

Liverpool’s near-perfect campaign brought 97 points — a record for a team that didn’t win the league. They led for 141 days, losing just once all season. But Manchester City’s relentless form, capped by a crucial victory at the Etihad (with John Stones’ famous goal-line clearance), saw City pip them by a single point on the final day.

7. Arsenal (2002–03)

Fresh off their 2001–02 title win, Arsenal dominated for much of the season and led for 189 days. A late surge from Manchester United — inspired by Ryan Giggs and Ruud van Nistelrooy, saw the Gunners falter, finishing second.

6. Arsenal (2007–08)

Arsenal spent 156 days at the summit and lost just once before March. Eduardo da Silva’s horrific leg injury disrupted momentum, triggering a late slump. They ended up third behind champions Manchester United and Chelsea.

5. Arsenal (2022–23)

The most painful modern example. Arsenal led the table for a record 248 days, the longest any team has ever spent top without winning the Premier League. They held an eight-point lead at one stage, but costly draws against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton allowed Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to storm back and claim the title.

4. Manchester United (1997–98)

United looked destined for the title, so much so that some bookmakers paid out early. Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal produced a stunning comeback, overturning a 13-point deficit to snatch the crown by a single point in one of the most dramatic reversals in Premier League history.

3. Liverpool (2013–14)

Steven Gerrard famously declared “This does not slip”… only for it to slip in the most painful way possible. His costly slip against Chelsea handed momentum to Manchester City. A chaotic 3-3 draw at Crystal Palace later sealed Liverpool’s fate as they finished second.

2. Manchester United (2011–12)

With an eight-point lead and just six games remaining, the title seemed United’s to lose. Then came the collapse. Sergio Agüero’s last-gasp goal for Manchester City on the final day delivered one of the most iconic moments in football — and broke United hearts.

1. Newcastle United (1995–96)

The ultimate Premier League collapse. Kevin Keegan’s thrilling “Entertainers” led by 12 points in January and spent 212 days at the top. Manchester United hunted them down relentlessly. Keegan’s emotional “I will love it if we beat them!” rant became symbolic as the Magpies finished second, four points behind Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.