The Premier League is unpredictable by any stretch of the imagination… Even when you think a result is a foregone conclusion, everything can change in the kick of a ball - or a miss of a goal. There are dramatic twists, last-minute scoring, random red cards and controversial decisions that can end up defining the whole season. It’s for this precise reason that Premier League betting online is always so exciting. The result can change in a split second.
There are some moments that have completely changed the fate of the title race, while there are others that have led to unforgettable heartbreaks.
So, with that being said, here are some of the moments that have completely changed the whole Premier League season.
Sergio Agüero’s Last-Minute Winner in 2012
Manchester City’s dramatic 3-2 win over QPR on the very last day of the 2011-12 season is still one of the most iconic moments ever in football history. City needed the win to lift their first-ever Premier League title, but entering the 90th minute, they were 2-1 down. Suddenly, Edin Džeko landed an equaliser in the 92nd minute - right before Sergio Agüero scored a legendary goal in the 94th minute - which sealed the deal for City. This win snatched the championship away from Manchester United, who had already started celebrating the win… before the trophy turned from red to blue.
Steven Gerrard Slips Up in 2014
Liverpool was just a hair's-breadth away from ending their 24-year title drought in the 2013-14 season - until one incredibly costly error changed everything. Facing off against Chelsea at Anfield, Liverpool needed to win the game to keep their lead at the top.
However, just before halftime, Steven Gerrard mis-controlled a pass and slipped - which directly led to Demba Ba racing through… and scoring. Chelsea ended up winning 2-0, and this was just the start of their change of fortune. The team later threw away a 3-0 lead against Crystal Palace in another ride or die match. Manchester City, meanwhile, capitalised on it - and snatched away the title from under their nose.
Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ Survive at Old Trafford in 2003
Arsenal’s unbeaten 2003-04 record might not have been possible without a very dramatic draw at Old Trafford early on in the season. In a nail-biting match against Manchester United, they managed to survive a late penalty scare - as Ruud van Nistelrooy hit the crossbar. This 0-0 was a pivotal moment that went on to lead to Arsenal’s unbeaten run - which continued for the whole season and ended up winning them the title.
Kevin Keegan’s “I Would Love It” Rant in 1996
In what can only be described as one of the most famous title races in Premier League history, Newcastle United had a 12-point lead over Manchester United in the 1995-96 season. However, Sir Alex Ferguson knew how to play mind games - and it all got the better of the then Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan.
In a very passionate post-match interview, he responded to Ferguson’s comments by stating, “I would love it if we beat them.” But alas, this rant only seemed to pile pressure on Newcastle - who started to fall at the final hurdles - so Manchester United ended up taking the title.
The ‘Battle of Stamford Bridge’ in 2016
Tottenham Hotspur was looking to win its first league title since 1961 - but their hopes were dashed after an angry clash against fierce rivals Chelsea. Needing the win to at least stay in the race, they were leading 2-0 at halftime. But Chelsea fought back and Eden Hazard scored a cracking equaliser to make it 2-2.
This result ended up crowning Leicester City as the Premier League winners - in what is one of the most exciting underdog Premier League stories ever. The game was filled with bookings and fights and earned itself the title of The Battle of Stamford Bridge - which ended up conquering Spurs’ title hopes.
The Famous Beach Ball Incident of 2009
It wasn’t necessarily a title-deciding match, but it was a very bizarre moment that had a huge impact on Liverpool’s overall season. During a game against Sunderland, Darren Bent’s shot ended up being deflected off a beach ball that was thrown onto the pitch by a Liverpool fan, which ended up wrong-footing Pepe Reina - and led to a goal. Liverpool then lost the match 1-0 - which was another contribution to their failure to challenge for the title that season.
There you have it - those famous moments that made - and broken - Premier League hopes and dreams.
