5 Times the Title Was Won Earliest
The Premier League has seen several dominant teams clinch the title well before the season’s end. These early victories reflect the sheer dominance and consistency of these teams over their competitors.
Below are the five earliest Premier League title wins, ordered by the number of games remaining in the season when the title was secured.
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5. Arsenal – 2003/04 Season (The Invincibles)
– Title Clinched: April 25, 2004
– Games Remaining: 4
– Points: 90
– Second Place: Chelsea (79 points)
Arsenal’s 2003/04 season is legendary, known as “The Invincibles” season due to the team’s unbeaten run throughout the league campaign. Arsène Wenger’s squad secured the Premier League title with four games left to play, finishing the season with 90 points.
Thierry Henry led the charge with 30 goals, while the defence conceded just 26 goals all season. This achievement of going an entire season unbeaten is a rare feat in football, making this title win one of the most celebrated in the history of the Premier League.
4. Manchester United – 2012/13 Season
– Title Clinched: April 22, 2013
– Games Remaining: 4
– Points: 89
– Second Place: Manchester City (78 points)
Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season as Manchester United manager culminated in the team securing the title with four games to spare. The Red Devils finished the season with 89 points, 11 ahead of rivals Manchester City.
The signing of Robin van Persie from Arsenal proved crucial, as the Dutch striker finished as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals, playing a key role in United’s march to their 20th league title and Ferguson’s 13th and final Premier League triumph.
3. Manchester United – 1999/2000 Season
– Title Clinched: April 22, 2000
– Games Remaining: 4
– Points: 91
– Second Place: Arsenal (73 points)
The 1999/2000 season was another dominant display from Manchester United. They secured the title with four games remaining, ending the season with a remarkable 91 points, 18 points clear of second-placed Arsenal.
The team was powered by an impressive midfield and a lethal strike force, ensuring that United were never seriously challenged for the title. This season further established Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominance in English football, as United secured their third consecutive Premier League title.
2. Manchester United – 2000/01 Season
– Title Clinched: April 14, 2001
– Games Remaining: 5
– Points: 80
– Second Place: Arsenal (70 points)
The 2000/01 season saw Manchester United dominate the league once again, this time securing the title with five games remaining. The team finished with 80 points, 10 clear of Arsenal.
This victory marked United’s third consecutive Premier League title and the seventh under Sir Alex Ferguson. The season was characterised by a balanced team effort, with United having both the best attack and defence in the league.
1. Liverpool – 2019/20 Season
– Title Clinched: June 25, 2020
– Games Remaining: 7
– Points: 99
– Second Place: Manchester City (81 points)
Liverpool’s 2019/20 title win is the earliest in Premier League history, clinching the championship with a record seven games to spare. Jürgen Klopp’s side dominated the league, finishing the season with 99 points, 18 points clear of Manchester City. Liverpool’s campaign was marked by incredible consistency, with only three defeats all season.
This title was Liverpool’s first in the Premier League era, ending a 30-year wait for the English top-flight crown.
Conclusion
The early title wins by these teams reflect periods of dominance that are etched in Premier League history. From Arsenal’s unbeaten season to Manchester United’s repeated successes and Liverpool’s record-breaking triumph, these victories demonstrate the exceptional quality and consistency required to secure the league title with games to spare. Each of these seasons is not just a story of winning but a tale of footballing excellence.