The Most Dramatic Relegation Battles in Premier League History
Since its inception in 1992, the English Premier League has been celebrated for its intense competition, not only at the summit but also at the foot of the table. The battle to avoid relegation has produced some of the most thrilling and nerve-wracking moments in football history.
Today, EPLNews takes a trip down memory lane to look at some of the best relegation battles, highlighting the drama and unpredictability that make the Premier League so captivating.
2004–05: West Bromwich Albion’s Great Escape
The 2004–05 season introduced the term “Survival Sunday” to the football lexicon. On the final day, no team had been relegated, and four clubs—Norwich City, Southampton, Crystal Palace, and West Bromwich Albion—were all in danger of the drop.
West Bromwich Albion, who began the day at the bottom of the table, achieved a 2–0 victory over Portsmouth. Simultaneous failures by their relegation rivals to secure wins meant that West Brom climbed out of the relegation zone, making them the first club in Premier League history to survive after being bottom at Christmas.
2006–07: Tevez Inspires West Ham’s Survival
The 2006–07 season’s relegation battle was marked by controversy and legal disputes. West Ham United, struggling for most of the season, found inspiration in Argentine striker Carlos Tevez.
Tevez’s crucial goals, including a final-day winner against Manchester United, secured West Ham’s Premier League status. However, the club faced fines due to irregularities in Tevez’s transfer, leading to legal challenges from relegated Sheffield United.
2007–08: Fulham’s Miraculous Comeback
Fulham’s escape from relegation in the 2007–08 season is often termed miraculous. With five games remaining, they were six points adrift of safety. Under the guidance of manager Roy Hodgson, Fulham secured four wins in their final five matches.
A decisive 1–0 victory over Portsmouth on the last day ensured their survival, edging out Reading and Birmingham City on goal difference.
2010–11: Five Teams, One Point
Matchday 38 is probably what we would show to any football fan who never cares about the relegation drama (if there is any).
The climax of the 2010–11 season was unprecedented, with five teams—Blackburn Rovers, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Birmingham City, Blackpool, and Wigan Athletic—separated by a single point on the final day. The results were a rollercoaster, with teams moving in and out of the relegation zone throughout the matches.
Ultimately, Birmingham City and Blackpool faced the drop, while the other three secured their Premier League status by the narrowest of margins.
2011–12: QPR’s Last-Minute Heartbreak
The 2011–12 season is often remembered for Manchester City’s dramatic title win, but the relegation battle was equally intense. Queens Park Rangers faced Manchester City on the final day, needing a result to ensure survival.
Despite a valiant effort, QPR lost 3–2 due to two stoppage-time goals. However, Bolton Wanderers’ failure to win their match meant QPR survived, highlighting the fine margins that define relegation battles.
2014–15: Leicester City’s Great Escape
Before their fairy-tale title win, Leicester City were embroiled in a relegation scrap during the 2014–15 season. Rooted to the bottom for much of the campaign, Leicester won seven of their final nine matches under manager Nigel Pearson, completing a remarkable turnaround to finish 14th.
This escape laid the foundation for their historic Premier League triumph the following season.
2019–20: Aston Villa’s Narrow Survival
The 2019–20 season saw Aston Villa secure their Premier League status on the final day. A 1–1 draw against West Ham United, combined with Watford and Bournemouth’s failures to win, ensured Villa’s survival by a single point.
Captain Jack Grealish’s late goal in the penultimate match against Arsenal proved pivotal in their successful bid to avoid relegation.
2021–22: Leeds United’s Last-Day Drama
Leeds United faced a tense final day in the 2021–22 season. Needing to better Burnley’s result to avoid relegation, Leeds secured a 2–1 victory over Brentford, with Jack Harrison scoring a stoppage-time winner.
Burnley’s loss to Newcastle United meant Leeds survived, capping a dramatic end to a challenging season.
Conclusion
The Premier League‘s relegation battles epitomise the league’s unpredictability and excitement. For the clubs involved, the stakes couldn’t be higher, with financial implications and club legacies hanging in the balance. These dramatic escapes and heartbreaking demotions contribute to the rich tapestry of English football, ensuring that the fight for survival remains as compelling as the race for the title.