20 Best Premier League Comebacks
The Premier League has been a stage for some of the most sensational football comebacks ever witnessed. A classic comeback is more than just a reversal of fortune within the course of 90 minutes; it encapsulates a team’s indomitable spirit and the ability to turn the tide when the odds are stacked against them.
In the current Premier League season, Bournemouth have already produced a comeback for the ages after reversing their game from three goals down at half time to beat Luton Town 4-3, becoming only the third side to do so in the English top-flight.
Going further down memory lane, this article takes a deep dive into the 20 best Premier League match comebacks of all time.
1. Liverpool vs Newcastle United (1995/96)
Dubbed as “The match of the decade” by the British press, Liverpool’s thrilling 4-3 win over Newcastle United was a showcase of attacking football. The lead changed hands several times, but it was Stan Collymore’s last-gasp winner that sealed a historic comeback for Liverpool.
2. Manchester City vs Queens Park Rangers (2011/12)
No Premier League comeback story is complete without mentioning Manchester City’s dramatic last day victory to clinch the title. Trailing 2-1 with just minutes to spare, goals from Edin Džeko and Sergio Agüero in injury time ensured City won their first league title in 44 years, snatching it from the grasp of arch-rivals Manchester United.
Aside from being a memorable comeback, it is also one of the most iconic moments in Premier League history.
3. Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal (2007/08)
The North London derby is always a fiercely contested match, but this encounter was special. Arsenal led 2-0 at halftime, only for Spurs to mount an incredible comeback, drawing the match 4-4, with Aaron Lennon scoring the equalizer in injury time.
4. Newcastle United vs Arsenal (2010/11)
Newcastle United staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in Premier League history, coming back from a 4-0 deficit at halftime to draw 4-4. The late Cheick Tiote’s stunning volley completed the comeback, a goal that will forever be remembered by the Magpies.
5. Leicester City vs Manchester United (2014/15)
Leicester City’s 5-3 win over Manchester United was a sign of things to come. Trailing 3-1 at halftime, the Foxes staged an incredible comeback, scoring four unanswered goals against one of the league’s giants at the time.
6. West Ham United vs Bradford City (1999/2000)
In a remarkable game, West Ham came back from 4-2 down to win 5-4. This match had everything – a hat-trick, a red card, and a last-minute winner. A classic to be remembered.
7. Norwich City vs Middlesbrough (2004/05)
Norwich managed to come back from a 4-1 deficit to draw 4-4 with Middlesbrough. This match is a testament to the never-say-die attitude prevalent in the Premier League.
8. Crystal Palace vs Liverpool (2013/14)
Liverpool’s title hopes were dashed as they let a three-goal lead slip against Crystal Palace. The 3-3 draw was a significant blow to Liverpool’s title aspirations, famously remembered as “Crystanbul”.
9. Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Leicester City (2002/03)
Wolves managed a remarkable comeback from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Leicester, a vital point in their fight against relegation that season.
10. Chelsea vs Arsenal (1999/2000)
Arsenal came back from two goals down to win 3-2 against Chelsea, with Nwankwo Kanu’s hat trick, capped off with a brilliant near-post finish being the highlight of the comeback.
11. Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United (2001/02)
United found themselves 3-0 down at halftime against Spurs. A remarkable second-half performance saw them win the match 5-3, showcasing the fighting spirit synonymous with Sir Alex Ferguson’s teams.
12. Liverpool vs Dortmund (2015/16 Europa League)
Although not a Premier League match, this comeback deserves mentioning for its sheer drama and the involvement of one of the EPL’s biggest teams. Liverpool, trailing by two goals on aggregate, scored four times to win 4-3 on the night and progress in the Europa League.
13. Arsenal vs Leicester City (2017/18)
Arsenal’s thrilling 4-3 win on the opening day showcased the unpredictable nature of the Premier League, with the lead changing hands several times.
14. Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur (2003/04 FA Cup)
Another non-Premier League match, but City’s comeback from 3-0 down to win 4-3 in the FA Cup is a testament to the never-give-up attitude prevalent in English football.
15. Southampton vs Liverpool (2015/16)
Southampton staged a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2, denting Liverpool’s hopes of Champions League qualification at the time.
16. Blackburn Rovers vs Leeds United (1997/98)
Blackburn came back from 3-0 down to win 4-3 in a game that had significant implications for the relegation battle that season.
17. Everton vs Wimbledon (1993/94)
On the final day of the season, Everton came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2, a victory that ensured their survival in the Premier League.
18. Manchester United vs Newcastle United (2012/13)
United’s 4-3 victory over Newcastle was a genuinely thrilling encounter, with Javier Hernandez scoring the winner in the dying moments of the match.
19. Chelsea vs Napoli (2011/12 Champions League)
Yet again a non-Premier League fixture, but Chelsea’s comeback from a first-leg deficit to win 4-1 in the second leg and progress in the Champions League highlighted the quality and depth of the Premier League. It was rather poetic that they went all the way to win the Champions League after this result.
20. Fulham vs Manchester City (2008/09)
Fulham came back from two goals down to win 3-2, a crucial victory in their fight against relegation.
These matches are a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of the Premier League, offering moments of brilliance, despair, and positive vibes as well. They remind us why millions around the globe tune in week in, week out, to watch what is arguably the most entertaining football league in the world.