The 8 Most Epic Relegation Battles in Premier League History

The Premier League has seen numerous thrilling relegation battles, frequently extending to the last day of the season.

By: Anna Ciao

04/11/2024 07:45

As the Premier League season nears its conclusion, much attention is typically focused on the title race, where top teams vie for the prestigious trophy with intense drama and excitement. However, amidst this spotlight, the relegation battle often lurks in the shadows, quietly brewing its own brand of captivating drama.

While the quality of play may not match that of the title contenders, the relegation battle offers its own unique allure. Characterized by unpredictability and high stakes, it keeps fans on the edge of their seats week after week. With teams fighting tooth and nail to avoid the drop, every match brings its share of surprises and tension.

In the midst of the 2023/2024 Premier League season, with clubs like Nottingham Forest, Everton, Brentford, and Luton Town locked in a heated relegation battle, Betimate has delved into the archives to revisit eight of the most memorable relegation battles since the league's inception in 1992. These stories are filled with heart-stopping moments that have left fans across the country on an emotional rollercoaster.

Ranking Factors:

Number of teams involved: The more teams featured, the more exciting the relegation battle was, as it indicated a tight competition with higher stakes.
Final day drama: Events on the final day of the season often epitomize the intensity and significance of the entire relegation battle, making it a crucial factor in assessing its excitement.
Frequency of position changes: While not essential, frequent changes in teams' positions throughout the season can add to the entertainment value, showcasing the unpredictability and competitiveness of the relegation battle.

8 Greatest Premier League Relegation Battles
Rank	Season	Teams Involved
1.	2011/2012	Aston Villa, QPR, Bolton, Blackburn
2.	2010/2011	Blackburn, Wigan, Wolves, Birmingham, Blackpool
3.	2006/2007	West Ham, Fulham, Wigan, Sheffield United
4.	2004/2005	West Brom, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Norwich
5.	2021/2022	Everton, Leeds, Burnley
6.	2007/2008	Bolton, Fulham, Reading, Birmingham
7.	1999/2000	Derby, Bradford, Wimbledon
8.	2014/2015	Leicester, Newcastle, Sunderland, Aston Villa, Hull, Burnley

8. 2014/2015

Teams involved: Leicester, Newcastle, Sunderland, Aston Villa, Hull, Burnley

Leicester City's remarkable Premier League journey is often centered around the unforgettable 2015/2016 season, where they defied 5000/1 odds to claim the title. However, the preceding season was equally impressive.

In a display of resilience, the Foxes won seven out of their final nine matches to secure survival in a dramatic fashion. The tension reached its peak on the final day of the season, with the last spot hanging in the balance. Newcastle United's 2-0 victory over West Ham United at St James' Park, highlighted by a memorable goal from cancer survivor Jonas Gutierrez, sealed their fate. Despite Hull City's goalless draw with Manchester United, they were unable to avoid relegation.

Final Premier League Table
Position	Team	Points
14.	Leicester	41
15.	Newcastle	39
16.	Sunderland	38
17.	Aston Villa	38
18.	Hull	35
19.	Burnley	33
20.	QPR	30

7. 1999/2000

Teams involved: Derby, Bradford, Wimbledon

Making their return to the top division for the first time since 1922, Bradford City secured their Premier League survival in dramatic fashion on the final day of the 1999/2000 season. In a stunning upset, they defeated Liverpool 1-0, a result that not only ensured their own survival but also dashed Liverpool's hopes of securing a Champions League place. Additionally, Wimbledon, after 14 years in the top division, were relegated.

Throughout the season, Bradford City's unpredictability had become legendary, and David Wetherall's decisive header against Liverpool encapsulated that spirit. To secure their survival, the Bantams also relied on Wimbledon losing to Southampton, which indeed happened. This led to jubilant celebrations in Yorkshire, with a memorable pitch invasion marking the occasion—a moment etched into the memories of all who witnessed it.

Final Premier League Table
Position	Team	Points
16.	Derby	38
17.	Bradford	36
18.	Wimbledon	33
19.	Sheffield Wednesday	31
20.	Watford	24

6. 2007/2008

Teams involved: Bolton, Fulham, Reading, Birmingham

In 2008, just two points separated the Premier League teams vying for survival, epitomizing the intensity of the relegation battle. With fans from each club experiencing nail-biting tension, it was Fulham who emerged as the jubilant victors.

Under the guidance of Roy Hodgson, Fulham secured survival by winning four of their final five matches, culminating in a crucial 1-0 victory against Portsmouth on the last day of the season. This remarkable turnaround was a prelude to their subsequent achievement of reaching the Europa League final just two years later.

On the final day of the season, Reading defeated Derby County 4-0, and Birmingham City triumphed over Blackburn Rovers. However, despite these results, both Reading and Birmingham were relegated due to Fulham's crucial victory, leaving the Cottagers and their fans celebrating a hard-fought survival.

Final Premier League Table
Position	Team	Points
16.	Bolton	37
17.	Fulham	36
18.	Reading	36
19.	Birmingham	35
20.	Derby	11

5. 2021/2022

Teams involved: Everton, Leeds, Burnley

In 2022, Everton and Leeds United, two clubs steeped in English football history, found themselves embroiled in a relegation battle. Everton secured their Premier League status with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace in their final home game, just days before the season's conclusion, prompting scenes of jubilation and relief at Goodison Park.

With Everton's survival assured, attention turned to Leeds and Burnley, who were locked in a tense fight for survival. Leeds began the day in the bottom three but managed to pull off a dramatic escape. Raphinha put them ahead against Brentford, and a stunning late goal from Jack Harrison sealed a vital victory. However, their fate hinged on Burnley's result. Fortunately for Leeds, Burnley suffered a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, allowing Leeds and manager Jesse Marsch to secure their top-flight status in dramatic fashion.

Final Premier League Table
Position	Team	Points
16.	Everton	39
17.	Leeds	38
18.	Burnley	35
19.	Watford	23
20.	Norwich	22

4. 2004/2005

Teams involved: West Brom, Crystal Palace, Norwich, Southampton

In the 2004/2005 Premier League season, the relegation battle reached its climax on the final day, marking the only instance in league history where none of the relegation places were decided before the last matchday. West Bromwich Albion found themselves at the bottom of the table as the afternoon kicked off, trailing behind Southampton, Crystal Palace, and Norwich City.

Despite spending much of the season rooted to the bottom, West Brom staged a remarkable turnaround when it mattered most. A 2-0 victory over Portsmouth at the Hawthorns propelled them to safety, while defeats for Norwich against Fulham and Southampton against Manchester United, coupled with Crystal Palace's draw with Charlton Athletic, ensured West Brom's survival. The legendary Bryan Robson, former England and Manchester United player, orchestrated West Brom's dramatic escape and regarded it as the crowning achievement of his illustrious career.

Final Premier League Table
Position	Team	Points
17.	West Brom	34
18.	Crystal Palace	33
19.	Norwich	33
20.	Southampton	32

3. 2006/2007

Teams involved: West Ham, Fulham, Wigan, Sheffield United

May 2007 marked a pivotal moment for Carlos Tevez, one of the most revered South American players in English football history, as he endeared himself to the Old Trafford faithful. Tevez played a crucial role in West Ham United's relegation survival, culminating in his solo goal against Manchester United on the final day of the season.

West Ham found themselves in a dire situation, trailing by 10 points from safety following a 4-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in March. However, a remarkable resurgence saw them secure seven wins, ultimately ensuring their top-flight status. Unfortunately for Sheffield United, their fate took a different turn as they succumbed to relegation after a defeat to Wigan Athletic on the final day, narrowly missing out on survival on goal difference.

Final Premier League Table
Position	Team	Points
15.	West Ham	41
16.	Fulham	39
17.	Wigan	38
18.	Sheffield United	38
19.	Charlton	34
20.	Watford	28

2. 2010/2011

Teams involved: Blackburn, Wigan, Wolves, Birmingham, Blackpool

The 2011 relegation battle was a rollercoaster ride, with five teams experiencing the drop zone on the final day of the season. Ultimately, Blackpool and Birmingham faced the harsh reality of relegation.

Blackpool's hopes soared momentarily when they took the lead against Manchester United, but despite their valiant efforts, they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat. Birmingham's fate was sealed with a 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, courtesy of a late goal by Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. Meanwhile, Blackburn's victory over Wolves ensured their survival, alongside Wigan's narrow win against Stoke.

Final Premier League Table
Position	Team	Points
15.	Blackburn	43
16.	Wigan	42
17.	Wolves	40
18.	Birmingham	39
19.	Blackpool	39
20.	West Ham	33

1. 2011/2012

Teams involved: Aston Villa, QPR, Bolton, Blackburn

The final day of the 2011/2012 season will forever be remembered for Sergio Aguero's last-minute heroics that secured the Premier League title for Manchester City. Yet, amidst the drama, there was a compelling subplot involving Queens Park Rangers.

Mark Hughes' side faced relegation if they lost and Bolton Wanderers won away at Stoke City. So, when QPR took the lead against the title contenders in the second half, it sparked unexpected jubilation. Meanwhile, Bolton was leading 2-1 away to Stoke, but Jonathan Walters' late penalty for the hosts dashed Bolton's hopes and sent them down. This twist of fate ensured QPR's safety, despite conceding two stoppage-time goals that ultimately gifted the title to Roberto Mancini's side.

Final Premier League Table
Position	Team	Points
16.	Aston Villa	38
17.	QPR	37
18.	Bolton	36
19.	Blackburn	31
20.	Wolves	25

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Written by: Anna Ciao

Anna Ciao is a sports content contributor at Betimate. Born and raised in a rural village in China, I have had a passion for football and various sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, from a young age. Along with diligent studies, I achieved an IELTS score of 8.0 in the English language, and I have become a content contributor specializing in sports, particularly football, as I am today. I hope that my articles are helpful to readers.