Every Time the Premier League Title Race Has Gone to the Final Day

The Premier League title race will be decided on the final day once more following Arsenal’s 1-0 victory at Manchester United, setting up a showdown with Manchester City for the championship. Regardless of City’s result in their game in hand against Tottenham Hotspur, the 2023/24 Premier League champion will be crowned on the final day (Sunday, May 19th).

Out of the previous 32 Premier League seasons, nine have been decided on the last matchday, each filled with drama and iconic moments. With another dramatic finish on the horizon, 24hscore looks back at every instance where the Premier League title race was settled in the final round of fixtures.

Real-time Football scores and highlights.

Premier League top five

1994/95 – Blackburn Rovers/Manchester United

In the third-ever Premier League season, Blackburn Rovers and two-time winners Manchester United battled for the title in the final campaign featuring 22 teams and 42 fixtures. Rovers were the only team preventing United from winning three consecutive titles but lost their final match against Liverpool. However, United’s draw against West Ham meant Blackburn clinched the title despite not winning on the last day. Blackburn’s squad included iconic players like Alan Shearer, who began his record-breaking Premier League career in 94/95 with a formidable partnership with Chris Sutton.

1995/96 – Manchester United/Newcastle

After final-day heartbreak in 1994, United bounced back to win their third title in four years, overcoming a spirited effort from Newcastle. The ‘class of 92’ stars like Gary Neville, David Beckham, and Paul Scholes propelled United to the top. Newcastle, with a 12-point lead in January, faltered, leaving them needing a win against Spurs and a United slip against Middlesbrough. United won comfortably while Newcastle could only draw, securing the title for United. This season also featured Kevin Keegan’s infamous “I would love it if we beat them” rant.

1998/99 – Manchester United/Arsenal

United and Arsenal faced off for the title in 98/99, having lost to Arsenal the previous season. Arsenal needed a favor from rivals Spurs to win, but while they beat Aston Villa, United’s 2-1 win secured their fifth title and the first in a historic treble.

2007/08 – Manchester United/Chelsea

The Premier League title oscillated between London and Manchester, with the 07/08 season seeing a fierce rivalry between United and Chelsea. United’s formidable front three of Tevez, Rooney, and Ronaldo faced Chelsea’s Lampard and Drogba. On the final day, Chelsea needed a win against West Brom and a United slip against Wigan. United won easily while Chelsea drew, handing the title to United, who also defeated Chelsea in the Champions League final days later.

2009/10 – Chelsea/Manchester United

United sought a fourth consecutive title in 09/10, trailing Chelsea by one point. United’s 4-0 win against Stoke was rendered moot by Chelsea’s 8-0 thrashing of Wigan, bringing the title back to London.

2011/12 – Manchester City/Manchester United

City won their first Premier League title in the most dramatic fashion in 11/12, separated from United only by goal difference. United’s win at Sunderland left City needing a win against QPR. Trailing 2-1 with minutes left, Dzeko’s equalizer and Aguero’s iconic last-minute goal secured the title for City.

2013/14 – Manchester City/Liverpool

The 13/14 season saw Liverpool’s collapse, highlighted by Gerrard’s infamous slip and a draw with Crystal Palace. Liverpool needed a win against Newcastle and a City slip against West Ham. Both teams won, handing the title to City.

2018/19 – Manchester City/Liverpool

The 18/19 campaign featured two of the best Premier League teams in history. City and Liverpool, separated by one point, both won on the final day, with City beating Brighton and Liverpool defeating Wolves, securing the title for City.

2021/22 – Manchester City/Liverpool

In 21/22, City and Liverpool’s title battle saw City in the driver’s seat. Liverpool’s win against Wolves required a City slip against Aston Villa. Villa led 2-0, but City’s quick comeback secured the title.

2023/24 – Arsenal or Manchester City?

As the 23/24 season nears its end, City is once again central to the title race. If they win their game in hand against Spurs, they need to match Arsenal’s result on the final day. If they drop points, they need a favor or a significant goal difference swing. City’s experience under pressure sets up another thrilling conclusion to the season.