The 10 greatest final days in Premier League history


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Another Premier League season of highs and lows will come to a close on Sunday.

In the final round of fixtures, there are still key games going ahead affecting both ends of the table.

There could still be plenty of drama, as both Liverpool and Manchester City take the title race down to the wire, while Burnley and Leeds United look to avoid dropping down to the Championship.

Here we look at the Premier League’s 10 greatest final day moments.

10. 2002/03: Liverpool miss out on Champions League football after Gronkjaer’s winner

Jesper Gronkjaer of Chelsea celebrates scoring the winning goal during against Liverpool on May 11, 2003 at Stamford Bridge. Getty
Jesper Gronkjaer of Chelsea celebrates scoring the winning goal during against Liverpool on May 11, 2003 at Stamford Bridge. Getty

A Champions League place was up for grabs at Stamford Bridge on the final day of the campaign, when Chelsea secured a 2-1 win over Liverpool, one of the most important victories in their history.

Sami Hyypia nodded home a free-kick to give the Reds the lead as the visitors aimed for a finish in the top four.

However, cash-strapped Chelsea hit back through goals from Marcel Desailly and Jesper Gronkjaer, which ensured the Blues secured Champions League football and persuaded Roman Abramovich to buy the club that summer.

9. 1999/2000: Bradford beat Liverpool to relegate Wimbledon

Bradford goalscorer David Wetherall, right, runs off alongside teammate Andy O'Brien after the victory against Liverpool. Getty
Bradford goalscorer David Wetherall, right, runs off alongside teammate Andy O'Brien after the victory against Liverpool. Getty

Champions League-chasing Liverpool were defeated by Bradford City on the final day, as Valley Parade witnessed arguably its greatest ever match.

The Bantams were destined for relegation in their first season in the English top flight, but Bradford’s David Wetherall headed home to secure a 1-0 win, which caused a pitch invasion at full-time.

It meant Wimbledon were relegated after 14 seasons in the Premier League.

8. The Lasagne-gate scandal which saw Tottenham lose out on Champions League football to Arsenal

Thierry Henry of Arsenal against Wigan Athletic at Highbury on May 7, 2006. It was the last match to be played at Highbury. Getty
Thierry Henry of Arsenal against Wigan Athletic at Highbury on May 7, 2006. It was the last match to be played at Highbury. Getty

Arsenal took on Wigan in the final ever match at Highbury on the last day in 2005/06. Thierry Henry netted a hat-trick to secure victory for Arsene Wenger's side.

Tottenham were facing West Ham, and a win for Spurs would see them pip the Gunners to fourth place.

But many of Tottenham’s players became ill after they ate lasagne the night before, causing suspected food poisoning.

Martin Jol’s side were not at their best, and lost 2-1 at the hands of the Hammers, which resulted in them losing out on Champions League football.

7. 1993/94: Everton survive relegation

Everton players celebrate after beating Wimbledon 3-2. Allsport
Everton players celebrate after beating Wimbledon 3-2. Allsport

A dramatic day saw the Toffees avoid the drop, with a 3-2 victory over Wimbledon at Goodison Park, after coming from two-goals down.

Graham Stuart’s penalty, a strike from Barry Horne, and then Stuart again on 81 minutes turned the match around, as the Blues climbed out of the bottom three. Sheffield United were relegated as a result.

6. 1994/95: Manchester City think they are safe

Manchester City manager Alan Ball. Allsport
Manchester City manager Alan Ball. Allsport

Manchester City manager Alan Ball knew, to remain in the Premier League, his side had to better the result of one of Southampton or Coventry City.

The Sky Blues drew 2-2 at home against Liverpool, and the City manager heard Coventry were losing.

His instructions was to keep the ball near the corner flag, only for substitute Niall Quinn to race with instructions and tell the players they were not getting beat.

However, it was too late to change tactics, and Ball and City were relegated.

5. 2010/11: Blackpool and Birmingham drop into Championship, as Wolves and Wigan stay up

Stephen Hunt of Wolves scores to make it 3-2 against Blackburn Rovers at Molineux. Getty
Stephen Hunt of Wolves scores to make it 3-2 against Blackburn Rovers at Molineux. Getty

The final day of the 2010-11 season saw five clubs drop in and climb out of the bottom three.

Blackpool lost against Manchester United, and Birmingham suffered defeat at Tottenham, results that went in the favour of Wolves, Blackburn and Wigan, who all stayed up.

Stephen Hunt netted in a 3-2 defeat for Wolves against Blackburn that meant Mick McCarthy's side stayed up on goal difference, while Hugo Rodallega’s late winner against Stoke ensured the Latics remained in the top-flight, just weeks after they looked dead and buried.

4. 2007/08: Fulham’s late escape, as Manchester United win Premier League

Roy Hodgson’s Fulham looked destined for the drop only to survive. The Cottagers needed a victory against Portsmouth at Fratton Park to ensure they remained in the Premier League.

Danny Murphy’s header on 76 minutes ensured they stayed up, with both Reading and Birmingham City heading to the Championship in their place.

Manchester United were also crowned Premier League champions after a 2-0 win over Wigan, with Chelsea drawing with Bolton at Stamford Bridge – meaning the Red Devils won the league by two points.

3. 2004/05: West Bromwich Albion avoid relegation

West Brom produced a great escape after a 2-0 victory at home against Portsmouth.

The Baggies, who were in and out of the bottom three on the afternoon, were locked in a battle with Southampton, Norwich and Crystal Palace.

Southampton lost at home to Manchester United, Norwich were thrashed 6-0 at Fulham and Crystal Palace could only earn a draw at Charlton, meaning the West Midlands club were safe.

It resulted in fans rushing on to the pitch at the Hawthorns.

Blackburn owner Jack Walker with Alan Shearer after winning the title in 1995. AFP
Blackburn owner Jack Walker with Alan Shearer after winning the title in 1995. AFP

2. 1994/95: Blackburn lose to Liverpool under Kenny Dalglish but still win the league

Former Kop idol Kenny Dalglish’s Blackburn travelled to Anfield knowing victory over Liverpool would secure the league title.

Alan Shearer fired Rovers into the lead, but John Barnes equalised for the Reds.

Jamie Redknapp netted from a free-kick late on to stun Anfield, and secure a 2-1 win for the home side.

It meant Manchester United would secure the domestic crown with a win, but they could only manage a 1-1 draw away against West Ham. It meant Blackburn got their hands on the trophy and Liverpool fans could breathe a sigh of relief.

Sergio Aguero scores the famous title-winning goal for Manchester City against Queens Park Rangers in 2012. Getty
Sergio Aguero scores the famous title-winning goal for Manchester City against Queens Park Rangers in 2012. Getty

1. 2011/12: Sergio Aguero strikes with the last kick of the game against Queens Park Rangers

When you automatically think of the final day of the season, this is the image that comes to mind.

With Manchester United beating Sunderland 1-0 on the final day in 2012, Manchester City went into stoppage time against Queens Park Rangers needing to win.

Edin Dzeko had levelled earlier for the Sky Blues to make it 2-2, and then absolute bedlam struck.

Sergio Aguero, with almost the last kick of the match, fired past Paddy Kenny to ensure City secured their first top-flight title in 44 years.

“You'll never see anything like it ever again,” were the words of Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler.

The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

French business

France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Married Malala

Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.

The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.

Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.

AndhaDhun

Director: Sriram Raghavan

Producer: Matchbox Pictures, Viacom18

Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, Radhika Apte, Anil Dhawan

Rating: 3.5/5

Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Company name: Play:Date

Launched: March 2017 on UAE Mother’s Day

Founder: Shamim Kassibawi

Based: Dubai with operations in the UAE and US

Sector: Tech 

Size: 20 employees

Stage of funding: Seed

Investors: Three founders (two silent co-founders) and one venture capital fund

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
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  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
Updated: May 23, 2022, 10:05 AM