The Premier League has witnessed some unforgettable title races, with drama and heartbreak unfolding on the final day of the season. The 2023/24 campaign was one such example, as Manchester City and Arsenal battled all the way to the wire, with Pep Guardiola’s side ultimately securing yet another league crown. However, this season is just the latest chapter in a long history of fiercely contested Premier League title fights. Some races have been defined by a single point, others by dramatic turnarounds, and a few by the heart-stopping moments that only football can provide. Here, we take a look back at the closest finishes in Premier League history since its inception in 1992/93, exploring the pivotal moments that made these battles so thrilling.

10. 2007/08 – Manchester United (2 points)

The 2007/08 season saw Manchester United defend their title in a thrilling three-horse race that ultimately ended in a narrow victory over Chelsea. Arsenal, who had led the table for much of the season, suffered a mid-season slump with a string of draws and a critical defeat to Chelsea, which allowed United and the Blues to close in. In a dramatic final day, Manchester United sealed their title with a 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic, in a dominant era for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, they finished just two points clear of Chelsea, who also won on the last day. Arsenal, who had held top spot for so long, ended up third.

9. 2013/14 – Manchester City (2 points)

The 2013/14 season was a heartbreaker for Liverpool, who were on the brink of their first league title in 24 years. Brendan Rodgers’ team had led the table for much of the season and were in pole position with three games to go. However, a damaging 2-0 defeat to Chelsea and a 3-3 draw against Crystal Palace handed the initiative to Manchester City. City, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, capitalised on Liverpool’s slip-ups and won their final game of the season against West Ham to finish just two points ahead of the Reds, securing the title. Liverpool’s collapse was cruel, as they finished with 84 points, the most by any team to not win the Premier League.

8. 2023/24 – Manchester City (2 points)

In one of the closest title races in recent memory, Manchester City and Arsenal went toe-to-toe for the Premier League title in 2023/24. Arsenal pushed City all the way, refusing to let Guardiola’s side dominate as they had in previous seasons. The race was incredibly tight throughout, with both teams trading victories right up until the final round of matches. Ultimately, City’s relentless form, including a crucial win over West Ham on the final day, saw them finish two points clear of Arsenal. Liverpool, in Jurgen Klopp’s last season, mounted a late challenge but fell short, finishing third.

7. 1994/95 – Blackburn Rovers (1 point)

One of the most dramatic title races of the 1990s occurred in 1994/95, with Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United locked in a battle for the crown. Blackburn, led by Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton, were eight points clear with six games to go, seemingly on course to win their first-ever Premier League title. However, a dip in form allowed United to close the gap, and Blackburn’s final-day loss to Liverpool left them with a nervy wait. United needed a win against West Ham, but despite dominating, they couldn’t break down the Hammers’ defense. A string of saves from West Ham’s goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko kept United at bay, and Blackburn were able to secure the title by just one point.

6. 1997/98 – Arsenal (1 point)

The 1997/98 season saw Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal dethrone Manchester United, ending their run of two consecutive titles. United had been in control for most of the season, holding an 11-point lead at the start of March. However, Arsenal mounted an impressive challenge, which included a crucial win at Old Trafford. With Wenger’s side putting together a record 10-match winning streak to close the season, Arsenal clinched the title with two games to spare. The defining moment came with a 1-0 win over Everton in the penultimate match of the season, securing the title ahead of United by just one point.

5. 1998/99 – Manchester United (1 point)

In 1998/99, Manchester United claimed their second consecutive Premier League title after a thrilling race with Arsenal. Chelsea were also involved, briefly leading the table over the New Year period, but ultimately finished just four points off the top. Arsenal, despite conceding a record-low 17 goals, drew too many games, leaving them to rely on a final-day win against Aston Villa and a favour from Tottenham against Manchester United. Manchester United, needing only a draw, secured a nervy victory at Old Trafford to clinch the title. Arsenal’s remarkable defensive record wasn’t enough to prevent Manchester United’s treble-winning season.

4. 2009/10 – Chelsea (1 point)

The 2009/10 title race was another one that went down to the final day, with Chelsea securing the Premier League crown by a single point over Manchester United. Chelsea’s win over Manchester United in a controversial match at Old Trafford, in which Didier Drogba scored the decisive goal from an offside position, proved pivotal. That victory put them in pole position, and on the final day, Carlo Ancelotti’s men demolished Wigan 8-0 to secure the title. Despite Arsenal briefly threatening to make it a three-way race, Chelsea’s goal difference and superior results meant they clinched the title with 86 points.

3. 2018/19 – Manchester City (1 point)

The 2018/19 season is widely regarded as one of the most intense title races in Premier League history. Manchester City and Liverpool were neck-and-neck throughout the campaign, with both teams playing at an extraordinary level. Liverpool’s quest for an Invincible season was ended by a crucial loss to City at the Etihad, and despite winning 13 of their last 17 games, including nine consecutive wins to end the season, they finished just one point behind City. Pep Guardiola’s side won 14 consecutive matches to finish with 98 points, just ahead of Liverpool, who finished second with 97 points. It was a heartbreaking conclusion for Klopp’s side, who could only console themselves with a Champions League victory later that season.

2. 2021/22 – Manchester City (1 point)

In 2022, Manchester City and Liverpool were at it again, pushing each other to the limits of their abilities. Both teams had incredible campaigns, with City finishing on 93 points and Liverpool just one point behind in second. The final-day drama came as City found themselves 2-0 down to Aston Villa with less than 15 minutes to go. In typical City fashion, they mounted a dramatic comeback, with goals from Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan completing the turnaround and securing the title. Liverpool, despite a valiant effort, finished second once again, with Chelsea a distant third. The next season was even more special for City as they won the treble and confirmed themselves as one of the greatest Premier League teams ever.

1. 2011/12 – Manchester City (0 points)

The most dramatic title race in Premier League history took place in 2011/12. Manchester United led the table by eight points with just six games to go, but a late-season collapse saw them lose ground to City. The title was decided on goal difference, and with both teams level on points, City needed to win their final two games to edge ahead. In a nerve-wracking final day, City found themselves 2-1 down to QPR heading into injury time, only for Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero to score late goals, with Aguero’s iconic last-gasp strike securing the title by a single goal. The 2011/12 season remains the only time in Premier League history that the title has been decided on goal difference, and it remains a benchmark for drama in English football.

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With the 2023/24 season now in the rearview, the Premier League is on the verge of yet another nail-biting finish, and with all the drama in the past, we can only wonder if this year’s race will join these iconic campaigns in the history books. One thing is for sure: the top of the Premier League is never short of excitement, and the title race is always worth watching until the very last whistle.