The 5 Biggest Failures of Big Clubs in the English Premier League
The EPL has been home to some of the most exhilarating and dramatic moments in football history. However, it has also seen its fair share of monumental failures, where big clubs have stumbled under the weight of expectations.
Today we have a look at 5 shocking Premier League failures of big clubs, covering unexpected defeats, squandered titles and even some relegation worries.
Liverpool’s Slip in the 2013-14 Season
One of the most heart-wrenching moments in recent Premier League history came during the 2013-14 season, when Liverpool came agonisingly close to securing their first league title in 24 years.
Under the management of Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool played some scintillating football, led by the incredible form of Luis Suárez, who scored 31 goals that season. By April 2014, Liverpool were in pole position to win the league.
However, in a crucial match against Chelsea at Anfield on April 27, a costly slip by captain Steven Gerrard allowed Demba Ba to score, leading to a 2-0 defeat. This result handed the initiative back to Manchester City, who eventually clinched the title by two points.
Liverpool’s failure to secure the title after being in such a commanding position remains one of the most significant collapses in Premier League history.
Arsenal’s Late Collapse in the 2002-03 Season
Arsenal, under Arsène Wenger, were on the verge of retaining their Premier League title in the 2002-03 season. By March, they held an eight-point lead at the top of the table and seemed destined to secure back-to-back titles. However, a dramatic loss of form saw them drop crucial points in the final stretch of the season.
A critical moment came on May 4, 2003, when Arsenal faced Leeds United at Highbury. A stunning late goal by Mark Viduka secured a 3-2 victory for Leeds, effectively ending Arsenal’s title hopes.
Manchester United capitalised on Arsenal’s collapse, winning the league by five points. Arsenal’s inability to maintain their lead, despite being in such a strong position, is one of the notable failures in Premier League history.
Manchester United’s Relegation Battle in the 2013-14 Season
Following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, Manchester United appointed David Moyes as his successor. The 2013-14 season was expected to be a period of transition, but few anticipated the extent of United’s struggles. Despite inheriting a squad that had won the league by 11 points the previous season, Moyes’ tenure was marked by poor performances and disappointing results.
The lowest point came on March 16, 2014, when United suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool. The result was the sum of United’s struggles under Moyes, and they ultimately finished seventh, their lowest position in the Premier League era at the time.
Moyes was sacked before the end of the season, and the failure to qualify for European competition for the first time in over two decades was just the icing on a bitter cake for the Old Trafford faithful.
Chelsea’s 2015-16 Title Defence
After winning the Premier League title in the 2014-15 season under José Mourinho, Chelsea were expected to mount a strong defence of their crown in 2015-16. However, the season turned into a nightmare for the Blues. Mourinho’s ‘third season syndrome’ struck, leading to a series of poor performances and dressing room unrest. By December 2015, Chelsea were languishing near the relegation zone, and Mourinho was sacked on December 17, 2015.
The team finished 10th, their worst league position since 1995-1996. The dramatic fall from champions to mid-table mediocrity in just one season was a major failure for a club of Chelsea’s stature and resources.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Title Chase Collapse in the 2015-16 Season
The 2015-16 Premier League season is best remembered for Leicester City’s fairy-tale title win. However, it also featured a significant collapse by Tottenham Hotspur, who were Leicester’s closest challengers. Under Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs had played some of their best football in decades and were in the hunt for their first league title since 1961.
As the season drew to a close, Tottenham’s title challenge faltered. A critical moment came on May 2, 2016, in the infamous “Battle of Stamford Bridge” against Chelsea. Despite leading 2-0, Spurs ended up drawing 2-2, effectively handing the title to Leicester.
Tottenham’s inability to secure a win in their final games saw them finish third, behind Arsenal, despite being in a strong position to challenge for the title. This collapse is considered one of the most significant failures in Spurs’ Premier League history.
Conclusion
The Premier League has provided a stage for both incredible triumphs and spectacular failures. The aforementioned examples highlight that even the biggest clubs, with their vast resources and illustrious histories, are not immune to dramatic downfalls.
These moments, while painful for the fans involved, are an integral part of the rich tapestry of English football, showing us time and again the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the EPL.