Manchester City welcome Arsenal to the Etihad this weekend in what could prove an early title decider. Just a single point separates the two in the Premier League, and far more than just three points is up for grabs.
Over the years, top of top-of-the-table clashes have played a pivotal role in deciding where the title goes. We’ve taken a look back through the history books at some iconic matches that have defined a season.
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Agueroooooooo – 2011/12
There is only one place to start. With Manchester United beating Sunderland and City needing two goals with no time left on the clock, it seemed impossible.
Trailing 2-1 against QPR, the tension was palpable. The clock ticked away, as did City’s hopes of clinching their first Premier League title.
But then, Edin Dzeko stepped up, nodding home a crucial equaliser and igniting a spark of hope among the City faithful.
With time running out and the fate of the Premier League title hanging in the balance, Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli orchestrated a mesmerising sequence of play in the dying seconds.
Their combination play culminated in Aguero’s iconic goal, a moment etched forever in the annals of Premier League history.
It was a testament to City’s resilience, determination, and unwavering belief, proving that in football, anything is possible until the very last second.
Arsenal Win at White Hart Lane – 2003/04
The Gunners embarked on a short journey across North London, fully aware that securing just a single point would be sufficient to clinch victory in the title race.
Their mission got off to a flying start as Patrick Vieira found the back of the net after a mere three minutes, tapping home into an empty net to give Arsenal an early lead.
In the 35th minute, Arsène Wenger’s side extended their lead to 2-0, firmly in control thanks to a goal from Robert Pires. The Gunners seemed to be cruising towards victory, dominating the match with their attacking prowess.
However, after the half-time break, Spurs fought back, with Jamie Redknapp pulling one back for the home team. The momentum shifted and Arsenal found themselves under pressure as Tottenham rallied.
The tension heightened as the clock ticked away, and in the dying moments of the match, Robbie Keane calmly converted a penalty to level the score.
It was a dramatic turn of events, leaving both teams locked in a fiercely contested battle until the final whistle. But it was a historic day as Arsenal lifted the trophy at the home of their bitter rivals.
The Battle of the Bridge – 2015/16
Tottenham faced a pivotal clash against rivals Chelsea, knowing that only a win would keep them in contention for what was shaping up to be one of the most unusual title races in Premier League history.
Initially, things seemed to be falling into place for Spurs as goals from Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son propelled them to a commanding 2-0 lead.
Yet, the second half took an unexpected turn as Chelsea clawed their way back into the game, finding a lifeline through Gary Cahill before Eden Hazard equalised late on.
The dramatic finale at Stamford Bridge set off jubilant scenes not only in West London but also in Leicester, where City supporters celebrated wildly.
This unexpected result handed the Foxes their maiden Premier League title, marking an extraordinary achievement in football history.
The intensity of the match spilt over onto the pitch, with nine Tottenham players receiving bookings throughout the game. Tempers flared further in the tunnel after the match, culminating in a heated scuffle as emotions ran high on both sides.
Newcastle Fall Short – 1995/96
In what many still regard as one of the most thrilling seasons in Premier League history, Newcastle faced a crucial fixture against Liverpool at Anfield, knowing that only a victory would keep them in the title race alongside Manchester United.
The stakes couldn’t have been higher as the Magpies entered enemy territory. However, their hopes took a blow early on when Robbie Fowler put Liverpool ahead with an early goal.
Undeterred, Newcastle showed remarkable resilience and mounted a stunning comeback, turning the tide with three quickfire goals to lead 3-2 by the 57th minute.
Yet, the rollercoaster of emotions continued as Liverpool’s Stan Collymore dashed Newcastle’s dreams, first levelling the score moments later, and then delivering a heart-breaking winner in the 92nd minute.
The late collapse inflicted a devastating setback on Kevin Keegan’s side, from which they struggled to recover. Ultimately, Newcastle fell short in their pursuit of the title, finishing four points behind Manchester United.
The crushing defeat at Anfield marked a turning point in their season, leaving a lingering sense of what might have been for the Magpies.
Gerrard Lets It Slip – 2013/14
During the 2013/14 Premier League season, Liverpool, led by Brendan Rodgers, came tantalisingly close to ending their title drought.
With stars like Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling, and club icon Steven Gerrard, they dazzled fans with their attacking flair.
However, their dreams were shattered in the final stretch, leaving a painful mark on Anfield. It was finally their chance to win a Premier League title. They had it all set up.
In a crucial match against Chelsea, with the match delicately poised at 0-0, captain Gerrard’s slip became the defining moment of their collapse.
A routine pass from Mamadou Sakho somehow eluded his control, sending him tumbling to the ground and gifting possession to Chelsea’s Demba Ba.
In an instant, Liverpool’s title hopes were dashed as Ba seized the opportunity, racing through on goal unopposed.
The incident not only cost them the title but also subjected Gerrard to enduring ridicule from rival fans, a reminder of the fine line between victory and heartbreak in football.
With the infamous slip, Manchester City went on to lift the title and break Liverpool fans’ hearts.
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