The Biggest Upsets in Premier League History
The Premier League is known for its unpredictability, where even the biggest clubs can fall victim to stunning upsets. Over the years, we have witnessed incredible David vs. Goliath moments, proving that no team is invincible.
From giant-killings to last-minute shocks, these matches have become legendary. In this in-depth guide, we explore the 10 biggest upsets in Premier League history, revisiting moments that left fans in disbelief.
1. Leicester City Winning the Premier League (2015-16)
🔹 Matchup: The entire 2015-16 season
🔹 Upset Factor: 5000-1 odds to win the league
🔹 Final Outcome: Leicester won the Premier League title
When Leicester City started the 2015-16 season, they were expected to battle relegation, not win the league. However, under Claudio Ranieri, they pulled off the greatest shock in football history, finishing ahead of Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham.
🔥 Why It Was Shocking: Leicester had no star players and operated on a fraction of the budget compared to traditional top clubs.
2. Bradford City 1-0 Liverpool (2000)
🔹 Matchup: Relegation-threatened Bradford vs. Liverpool
🔹 Upset Factor: Liverpool had a star-studded squad
🔹 Final Outcome: Bradford avoided relegation with a stunning win
In the final match of the 1999-2000 season, Liverpool needed a win to secure Champions League football, while Bradford needed a miracle to stay in the league. Against all odds, David Wetherall’s header secured a 1-0 victory, ensuring survival for Bradford and denying Liverpool Champions League football.
🔥 Why It Was Shocking: A team on the brink of relegation defeated one of the biggest clubs in England, rewriting Premier League history.
3. Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City (2011)
🔹 Matchup: United vs. City at Old Trafford
🔹 Upset Factor: United were the defending champions
🔹 Final Outcome: City humiliated United in their own backyard
The Manchester Derby has produced many iconic moments, but nothing compared to City’s ruthless demolition of their biggest rivals. Mario Balotelli’s “Why Always Me?” celebration became legendary, as City ran riot with three late goals.
🔥 Why It Was Shocking: This was United’s worst-ever home defeat in the Premier League.
4. Wigan 1-0 Manchester City (2018 FA Cup)
🔹 Matchup: League One Wigan vs. Premier League leaders City
🔹 Upset Factor: City were on course for a historic treble
🔹 Final Outcome: Will Grigg’s goal knocked out City
Manchester City were flying under Pep Guardiola, dominating English football. However, Wigan, a team playing two divisions below them, pulled off a stunning upset, knocking them out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory.
🔥 Why It Was Shocking: A team that cost millions was defeated by a club on a tiny budget, proving the magic of the FA Cup.
5. Chelsea 0-3 Sunderland (2010)
🔹 Matchup: Title-chasing Chelsea vs. struggling Sunderland
🔹 Upset Factor: Chelsea had not lost at home in 8 months
🔹 Final Outcome: Sunderland stunned Stamford Bridge
Chelsea were on top of the league when Sunderland, a mid-table side, arrived at Stamford Bridge. What followed was one of the biggest shocks in Premier League history, as goals from Nedum Onuoha, Asamoah Gyan, and Danny Welbeck secured a dominant 3-0 win.
🔥 Why It Was Shocking: Chelsea’s squad was worth over £250 million, yet they were completely outplayed.
6. Burnley 1-0 Manchester United (2009)
🔹 Matchup: Newly promoted Burnley vs. reigning champions United
🔹 Upset Factor: Burnley had just been promoted
🔹 Final Outcome: Burnley won their first-ever Premier League home game
Burnley had just been promoted and were expected to struggle against defending champions Manchester United. However, Robbie Blake’s stunning volley gave Burnley a historic 1-0 win in front of a deafening Turf Moor crowd.
🔥 Why It Was Shocking: United had a world-class squad, while Burnley were playing in their first-ever Premier League season.
7. Liverpool 0-1 Barnsley (1997)
🔹 Matchup: Relegation-bound Barnsley vs. European giants Liverpool
🔹 Upset Factor: Barnsley were struggling to avoid relegation
🔹 Final Outcome: Barnsley shocked Anfield with a famous win
Barnsley, playing their first-ever Premier League season, faced Liverpool at Anfield and were expected to lose heavily. Instead, Ashley Ward scored a stunning winner, securing a legendary 1-0 victory.
🔥 Why It Was Shocking: Barnsley’s wage budget was a fraction of Liverpool’s, yet they stunned the Reds in their own stadium.
8. Southampton 6-3 Manchester United (1996)
🔹 Matchup: Mid-table Southampton vs. defending champions United
🔹 Upset Factor: United had just beaten Liverpool 4-0 the previous week
🔹 Final Outcome: Southampton embarrassed United with a 6-3 thrashing
After destroying Liverpool 4-0, Manchester United were expected to comfortably beat Southampton, but what followed was one of the biggest shocks in football history.
🔥 Why It Was Shocking: United conceded six goals, showing that even champions can have off days.
9. Crystal Palace 3-3 Liverpool (2014) – “Crystanbul”
🔹 Matchup: Liverpool chasing their first Premier League title
🔹 Upset Factor: Liverpool were leading 3-0 with 15 minutes left
🔹 Final Outcome: Palace staged an unbelievable comeback
Liverpool were on course to win their first-ever Premier League title and needed a big win to secure the trophy. However, after leading 3-0, they collapsed in dramatic fashion, conceding three late goals, which ultimately cost them the title.
🔥 Why It Was Shocking: No one expected a three-goal comeback in the dying minutes of the game.
10. Manchester City 2-3 Crystal Palace (2018)
🔹 Matchup: Unbeatable Man City vs. mid-table Crystal Palace
🔹 Upset Factor: City were on a record-breaking winning run
🔹 Final Outcome: Palace ended City’s unbeaten streak
Manchester City had been unbeatable in the league, dominating every opponent. However, Crystal Palace produced a masterclass performance, with Andros Townsend scoring a stunning volley in a shocking 3-2 win.
🔥 Why It Was Shocking: City had been on course to break records, yet they lost at home to an unfancied opponent.
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Final Thoughts
The Premier League never fails to deliver shocking upsets, proving that anything can happen in football. From Leicester’s fairytale to humiliating defeats, these moments remind us why we love the game.
💬 Which upset shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments!
