• 6. 2007/08 Manchester United 87pts (+58 GD), Chelsea 85pts (+39 GD). By the middle of the season, this didn't look set up to be the fifth closest title race in Premier League history: United were cruising with a five-point lead over Chelsea, but the Blues pulled level by beating United at Stamford Bridge in April. On the final day of the season, United needed to only equal Chelsea's result to win the title. United beat Wigan 2-0 while Chelsea could only manage a draw against Bolton. Getty Images
    6. 2007/08 Manchester United 87pts (+58 GD), Chelsea 85pts (+39 GD). By the middle of the season, this didn't look set up to be the fifth closest title race in Premier League history: United were cruising with a five-point lead over Chelsea, but the Blues pulled level by beating United at Stamford Bridge in April. On the final day of the season, United needed to only equal Chelsea's result to win the title. United beat Wigan 2-0 while Chelsea could only manage a draw against Bolton. Getty Images
  • 5. 2009/10 Chelsea 86 pts (+71), Manchester United 85 (+58). You could have forgiven Chelsea for being a little tense going into their final game at home to Wigan Athletic. They needed to win to guarantee they finished top ahead of Manchester United. A lot at stake but Chelsea did more then hold their nerve. They battered Wigan 8-0, with Didier Drogba, pictured, scoring a hat-trick as they finished one point ahead of United in the table as United's 4-0 home win over Stoke City proved in vain. Getty
    5. 2009/10 Chelsea 86 pts (+71), Manchester United 85 (+58). You could have forgiven Chelsea for being a little tense going into their final game at home to Wigan Athletic. They needed to win to guarantee they finished top ahead of Manchester United. A lot at stake but Chelsea did more then hold their nerve. They battered Wigan 8-0, with Didier Drogba, pictured, scoring a hat-trick as they finished one point ahead of United in the table as United's 4-0 home win over Stoke City proved in vain. Getty
  • 4. 1994/95 Blackburn Rovers 89pts (+41 GD), Manchester United 88pts (+49). The first English title in 81 years for Blackburn and their only Premier League crown. Bankrolled by Jack Walker, Blackburn - led by manager Kenny Dalglish in the dugout and Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton in attack - led the league for most of the season, but United kept it interesting by taking the title fight to the last day. United needed to win their final game against West Ham to have any hope of winning the title, but were held to a draw, as Blackburn lifted the trophy despite a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool. Allsport
    4. 1994/95 Blackburn Rovers 89pts (+41 GD), Manchester United 88pts (+49). The first English title in 81 years for Blackburn and their only Premier League crown. Bankrolled by Jack Walker, Blackburn - led by manager Kenny Dalglish in the dugout and Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton in attack - led the league for most of the season, but United kept it interesting by taking the title fight to the last day. United needed to win their final game against West Ham to have any hope of winning the title, but were held to a draw, as Blackburn lifted the trophy despite a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool. Allsport
  • 3. 1998/99 Manchester United 79pts (+43 GD), Arsenal 78pts (+42 GD). In a role reversal of the previous year, it was United who edged out Arsenal on the final day of the season. Arsenal's destiny was taken out of their hands when they lost to Leeds United in their penultimate game of the season. United needed to beat Tottenham on the final day to be assured of the title and had to come back from 1-0 down at half time to win 2-1. United would go on to win the treble. Getty
    3. 1998/99 Manchester United 79pts (+43 GD), Arsenal 78pts (+42 GD). In a role reversal of the previous year, it was United who edged out Arsenal on the final day of the season. Arsenal's destiny was taken out of their hands when they lost to Leeds United in their penultimate game of the season. United needed to beat Tottenham on the final day to be assured of the title and had to come back from 1-0 down at half time to win 2-1. United would go on to win the treble. Getty
  • 2. 2011/12 Manchester City 89pts (+64 GD), Manchester United 89pts (+56 GD). The closest and most remarkable of title race in the Premier League era of the game since 1992. This wasn't just decided on the final day, but in the final few seconds. With superior goal difference, City needed to only match United's final day result to win their first top flight title since 1968. However, Roberto Mancini's side found themselves 2-1 down against 10-man QPR, before Edin Dzeko levelled in the second minute of injury time. Sergio Aguero then struck one of the most important goals in City's history in the fourth minute of injury time to deliver the title in the most dramatic of circumstances. Getty
    2. 2011/12 Manchester City 89pts (+64 GD), Manchester United 89pts (+56 GD). The closest and most remarkable of title race in the Premier League era of the game since 1992. This wasn't just decided on the final day, but in the final few seconds. With superior goal difference, City needed to only match United's final day result to win their first top flight title since 1968. However, Roberto Mancini's side found themselves 2-1 down against 10-man QPR, before Edin Dzeko levelled in the second minute of injury time. Sergio Aguero then struck one of the most important goals in City's history in the fourth minute of injury time to deliver the title in the most dramatic of circumstances. Getty
  • 1. 1988/89 Arsenal 76 pts (+37 GD), Liverpool 76 pts (+37 GD). Up there as one of the greatest finales to an English top flight season ever. First faced second in the final game of the Division One season as Liverpool hosted Arsenal in May 1989. The London side's scenario was simple - win 2-0 and they would be champions by virtue of more goals scored with both sides on the same goal difference. They led 1-0 through Alan Smith at Anfield but there hopes appeared to be running out as the game reached stoppage time. Enter Michael Thomas who ran through to net a dramatic second goal that gave George Graham's side their first league title since 1971. Getty
    1. 1988/89 Arsenal 76 pts (+37 GD), Liverpool 76 pts (+37 GD). Up there as one of the greatest finales to an English top flight season ever. First faced second in the final game of the Division One season as Liverpool hosted Arsenal in May 1989. The London side's scenario was simple - win 2-0 and they would be champions by virtue of more goals scored with both sides on the same goal difference. They led 1-0 through Alan Smith at Anfield but there hopes appeared to be running out as the game reached stoppage time. Enter Michael Thomas who ran through to net a dramatic second goal that gave George Graham's side their first league title since 1971. Getty

Football

Arsenal 1989, Blackburn 1995, Man City 2012: England's best final day title deciders - in pictures

A look back over some of the best finales to seasons in England's top flight over the past 30 years

Jon Turner

May 11, 2019

  • English
  • Arabic

Manchester City and Liverpool have set a relentless pace in the Premier League this season, ensuring the destination of the 2018/19 title will be decided on the final day of the season.

With a one-point lead and set to face 17th-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, City are in pole position to defend the trophy they won in record-breaking style last year. However, Liverpool, who face Wolves, will look to pounce on any slip-up from Pep Guardiola's side.

Ahead of the nail-biting conclusion to this season, we decided to take a trip down memory lane and look at the best final day drama over the past 30 years.

To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or thumbnails, or if using a mobile device simply swipe.

Premier LeagueLiverpool