10 times teams led the Premier League table, and still lost it

As history shows, even the best teams can see a title slip through their fingers. From dramatic collapses to relentless chases by rivals, the Premier League has produced some unforgettable title race heartbreaks.

Here are 10 times teams led the table… and still didn’t lift the trophy.

10. Tottenham Hotspur (2015–16)
Tottenham never quite topped the table, but their title hopes were very real in a chaotic season. Under Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs surged into contention, only to fall away as Leicester City completed one of football’s greatest fairytales. A fiery draw at Stamford Bridge ended their dream before they slipped to third.

9. Norwich City (1992–93)
In the inaugural Premier League season, Norwich led for 129 days despite being outsiders. But Eric Cantona inspired Manchester United to surge past them, leaving the Canaries to finish third.

8. Liverpool (2018–19)
A near-perfect season saw Liverpool amass 97 points. They led for 141 days, but Manchester City were relentless. A crucial defeat at the Etihad — with John Stones making a famous goal-line clearance — proved decisive as City edged them out.

7. Arsenal (2002–03)
Fresh from a title-winning season, Arsenal led for months. But a late surge from Manchester United, powered by stars like Ryan Giggs and Ruud van Nistelrooy, saw the Gunners falter at the finish line.

6. Arsenal (2007–08)
Another painful collapse followed years later. Arsenal spent 156 days top, losing just once by March. But Eduardo’s injury derailed their momentum, and a late-season slump saw them finish third behind United and Chelsea.

5. Arsenal (2022–23)
This one hurt the most. Arsenal led for a record 248 days — the most ever without winning the league. But Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City stormed past them, capitalising on costly draws against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton.

4. Manchester United (1997–98)
United looked certain to win the title, even prompting bookmakers to pay out early. But Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal mounted a stunning comeback, overturning a 13-point gap to snatch the title by a single point.

3. Liverpool (2013–14)
“This does not slip,” declared Steven Gerrard — moments before it famously did. Gerrard’s costly slip against Chelsea allowed City back into the race. A chaotic 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace sealed Liverpool’s fate.

2. Manchester United (2011–12)
United held an eight-point lead with six games to go — then collapsed. The title was snatched away in dramatic fashion by Sergio Aguero’s last-gasp goal for Manchester City, one of the most iconic moments in football history.

1. Newcastle United (1995–96)
The ultimate collapse. Newcastle led by 12 points in January under Kevin Keegan, playing thrilling football. But Manchester United hunted them down, and Keegan’s famous “I will love it!” rant became symbolic of a title that slipped away.

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