Emeka Nweze
The 2018/2019 Premier League season is set to go down the wire this weekend with only one point separating Manchester City and Liverpool. Both teams have been excellent this season, making others look like farmers, and whoever comes out victorious on Sunday will definitely be a worthy winner.
That said, here is a look at other title races that dragged till the final day.
1. 1994/95 – Blackburn Rovers
94/95 season – PL table heading into final day
| Club | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackburn Rovers | 41 | +42 | 89 |
| Manchester United | 41 | +49 | 87 |
Blackburn were pursuing their first top-flight title in 81 years, but Manchester United kept them company at the top until the final day.
On the last day, Blackburn lost 2-1 to Liverpool at, but they held on to their slim advantage and lifted the tittle as United drew 1-1 away to West Ham.
2. 1995/96 – Manchester United
95/96 season – PL table heading into final day
| Club | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 37 | +35 | 79 |
| Newcastle | 37 | +29 | 77 |
in the 95/96 Premier League season, Newcastle blew a 12-point lead at the top, allowing Manchester United catch up with them and eventually win the trophy after beating Middlesbrough 3-1. Newcastle could do nothing about United’s victory after being held 1-1 in their final game against Tottenham.
3. 1998/99 – Manchester United
98/99 season – PL table heading into final day
| Club | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 37 | +42 | 76 |
| Arsenal | 37 | +41 | 75 |
Only one point stood between Manchester United and Arsenal, going into the final day of 1988/1999 Premier League season. Arsenal went into game day hoping that rivals would do them a favour against Manchester United, but even spurs could not stop United’s treble winning season as goals from Les Ferdinand, David Beckham and Andy Cole sealed the victory for Alex Ferguson’s men.
4. 2007/08 – Manchester United
07/08 season – PL table heading into final day
| Club | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 37 | +56 | 84 |
| Chelsea | 37 | +39 | 84 |
Nothing except United’s superior goal difference separated Manchester United and Chelsea on the final day the 07/08 Premier League Season. Both teams were tied at 84 points each and went into the last game oping either might make a mistake.
The day eventually went the way of United as they defeated Wigan while Chelsea against Bolton at home.
5. 2009/10 – Chelsea
09/10 season – PL table heading into final day
| Club | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | 37 | +63 | 83 |
| Manchester United | 37 | +54 | 82 |
Manchester United and Chelsea were at it again at the 09/10 Premier League season. Chelsea went into the final day just one point ahead of United and needed to beat Wigan at home to make sure of the title.
Chelsea went on to lift the trophy after thumping Wigan 8-0, making united’s 4-0 victory over Stoke inconsequential.
6. 2011/12 – Manchester City
11/12 season – PL table heading into final day
| Club | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | 37 | +63 | 86 |
| Manchester United | 37 | +55 | 86 |
In what was one of the most dramatic conclusions to a Premier League season, United had the initial upper hand after defeating Sunderland, and City were trailing QPR 2-1 going into extra time.
Things took an unexpected and dramatic turn late in the game as last-gasps goals from Edin Dzeko and Kun Aguero turned the game around and gave City the tittle, edging United on Goal difference.
7. 2013/14 – Manchester City
13/14 season – PL table heading into final day
| Club | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | 37 | +63 | 83 |
| Liverpool | 37 | +50 | 81 |
Steven Gerard’s slip against Chelsea gave Man City a two point advantage heading into the final day of the season. On game day, both teams recorded victories and City went on to lift the trophy.
