Key Takeaways
- Arsenal have twice thrown away big leads, in 2007-08 and 2022-23.
- Liverpool’s 2014 slip and Newcastle’s 1996 rant live long in fans’ memories.
- Manchester United’s eight-point lead vanished in 2012, letting City snatch glory.
When Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal saw their cushion sliced from twelve points to three, Kenyan fans asked the old question: which English clubs have suffered the worst title meltdowns? Below are five cases study of dreams that died on the run-in.
1. Arsenal 2022-23 – 248 days on top, no trophy
The Gunners sat first for 93 % of the season, losing only once in 21 matches. A home defeat to Everton started the wobble; draws with Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton finished it. Manchester City won their third straight crown.
2. Arsenal 2007-08 – Eduardo’s injury, Gallas’s tantrum
Five points clear and unbeaten in ten, Arsenal drew 2-2 at Birmingham after Eduardo’s horrific leg break. Captain William Gallas kicked an ad-board and sat on the pitch in protest. The team took only two points from the next five games and finished four behind champions Manchester United.
3. Manchester United 2011-12 – Eight points, then Sergio Agüero
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men led City by eight in April. A loss at Wigan and a 4-4 draw with Everton opened the door. City’s 6-1 win at Old Trafford gave them the goal-difference edge, sealed by Agüero’s last-second strike against QPR on the final day.
4. Newcastle United 1995-96 – Keegan’s “I will love it” rant
Kevin Keegan’s entertainers were twelve points ahead in January. Alex Ferguson’s mind-games worked; Newcastle drew with Nottingham Forest and Tottenham while United won every match. The Magpies finished four points short and have never come that close again.
5. Liverpool 2013-14 – Gerrard’s slip, Palace’s three-goal comeback
Two points clear with three games left, captain Steven Gerrard told his team, “We don’t let this slip.” Days later he literally slipped, allowing Demba Ba to score at Anfield. A 3-0 lead at Crystal Palace became 3-3; City took the title by two points.
Arsenal will hope the 2023 pain is not added to this list come May. For Kenyan supporters, these tales are a reminder that a lead in England can disappear faster than a Nairobi shower.
