The Top 8 Greatest Relegation Battles in Premier League History

7. 1999/2000

Teams involved: Derby, Bradford, Wimbledon

Bradford City's return to the top division after an absence since 1922 was marked by a dramatic survival story in the 1999/2000 Premier League season. On the final day of the campaign, Bradford secured their place in the league with a stunning 1-0 victory over Liverpool. This result not only ensured their survival but also denied Liverpool a coveted Champions League place. Meanwhile, Wimbledon, who had enjoyed 14 years of top-flight football, faced relegation.

Throughout the season, Bradford's unpredictability was a defining characteristic, and their triumph over Liverpool encapsulated this perfectly, with David Wetherall's decisive header sealing the victory. Additionally, Bradford relied on Southampton defeating Wimbledon, which happened, igniting jubilant celebrations in Yorkshire as fans stormed the pitch in sheer ecstasy. It was a moment of unforgettable joy for everyone present at the ground.

6. 2007/2008

Teams involved: Bolton, Fulham, Reading, Birmingham

The 2008 Premier League season witnessed a razor-thin margin separating the teams vying to avoid relegation, with just two points between the sides positioned from 16th to 19th place. The tension was palpable for fans of each club, but it was Fulham who emerged as the jubilant victors.

Under the stewardship of Roy Hodgson, Fulham secured four crucial victories in their final five matches, culminating in a crucial 1-0 win over Portsmouth on the last day of the season. This victory ensured their survival in the top flight and sparked wild celebrations among the Fulham faithful. Remarkably, just two years later, Fulham found themselves competing in the Europa League final, a testament to their remarkable journey.

Meanwhile, on the final day, Reading secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Derby County, while Birmingham City emerged victorious against Blackburn Rovers. Despite these results, both Reading and Birmingham City were relegated due to Fulham's crucial win, highlighting the high stakes and dramatic twists of the relegation battle.

5. 2021/2022

Teams involved: Everton, Leeds, Burnley

In the nail-biting relegation battle of 2022, two iconic English football clubs, Everton and Leeds United, found themselves fighting to maintain their top-flight status. Everton's fate hung in the balance until the final moments of their last home game, where they secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace. The win sparked scenes of jubilation among the Everton faithful, as they celebrated their team's narrow escape from relegation.

Meanwhile, Leeds United faced a daunting challenge, starting the final day of the season in the bottom three. However, they displayed resilience and determination, with Raphinha propelling them into the lead against Brentford. In a heart-stopping finale, Jack Harrison's sensational goal from outside the box secured a vital victory for Leeds. Despite their triumph, their fate remained uncertain until the conclusion of Burnley's match against Newcastle.

Ultimately, Burnley's 2-1 defeat dashed their hopes of survival and ensured Leeds United's Premier League status under the stewardship of manager Jesse Marsch. The dramatic conclusion to the season left fans on the edge of their seats and highlighted the unpredictable nature of the relegation battle in English football.

4. 2004/2005

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

The 2004/2005 Premier League season stands out in history as the only time when the relegation battle remained unresolved until the final day. West Bromwich Albion entered the crucial afternoon at the bottom of the table, trailing behind Southampton, Crystal Palace, and Norwich City.

Despite spending much of the season languishing at the foot of the standings, West Bromwich Albion staged a remarkable turnaround when it mattered most. They secured a vital 2-0 victory over Portsmouth at the Hawthorns, while defeats for Norwich City against Fulham and Southampton against Manchester United, coupled with Crystal Palace's draw with Charlton Athletic, ensured their survival. The dramatic turn of events saw West Bromwich Albion miraculously escape relegation.

Bryan Robson, the legendary former England and Manchester United player, was at the helm during this remarkable feat and hailed it as the pinnacle of his illustrious career. The Great Escape of West Bromwich Albion remains etched in Premier League folklore as a testament to the unpredictable nature and drama of football's relegation battles.

3. 2006/2007

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

The 2004/2005 Premier League season stands out in history as the only time when the relegation battle remained unresolved until the final day. West Bromwich Albion entered the crucial afternoon at the bottom of the table, trailing behind Southampton, Crystal Palace, and Norwich City.

Despite spending much of the season languishing at the foot of the standings, West Bromwich Albion staged a remarkable turnaround when it mattered most. They secured a vital 2-0 victory over Portsmouth at the Hawthorns, while defeats for Norwich City against Fulham and Southampton against Manchester United, coupled with Crystal Palace's draw with Charlton Athletic, ensured their survival. The dramatic turn of events saw West Bromwich Albion miraculously escape relegation.

Bryan Robson, the legendary former England and Manchester United player, was at the helm during this remarkable feat and hailed it as the pinnacle of his illustrious career. The Great Escape of West Bromwich Albion remains etched in Premier League folklore as a testament to the unpredictable nature and drama of football's relegation battles.

2. 2010/2011

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

The 2011 Premier League relegation battle unfolded with a flurry of twists and turns, culminating in a dramatic final day where five teams found themselves teetering on the brink of relegation. Ultimately, Blackpool and Birmingham succumbed to the drop.

In a rollercoaster of emotions, Blackpool briefly dared to dream as they took the lead away to Manchester United. However, despite their spirited performance, they ultimately fell short, succumbing to a 4-2 defeat. Birmingham faced a similar fate, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, with a late strike from Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko sealing their fate. Meanwhile, Blackburn Rovers secured their top-flight status with a crucial victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Wigan Athletic narrowly edged past Stoke City to ensure their survival.

1. 2011/2012

Teams involved: Aston Villa, QPR, Bolton, Blackburn

The final day of the 2011/2012 Premier League season will forever be remembered for Sergio Aguero's last-minute heroics, clinching the title for Manchester City in dramatic fashion. However, amidst the euphoria, there was a gripping subplot involving Queens Park Rangers (QPR) that unfolded in parallel.

Under the stewardship of Mark Hughes, QPR faced the looming threat of relegation. Their fate hung precariously on the outcome of their final match against the title contenders, while Bolton Wanderers' clash with Stoke City added another layer of tension. As QPR surged ahead at the home of the title challengers, hope flickered unexpectedly. Meanwhile, Bolton held a crucial lead away at Stoke, edging towards a lifeline.

Yet, as the clock ticked down, the narrative took a dramatic turn. Jonathan Walters' late penalty for Stoke City shattered Bolton's aspirations, condemning them to relegation in heart-wrenching fashion. Despite conceding two stoppage-time goals and witnessing Manchester City snatch the title, QPR emerged from the chaos unscathed, securing their Premier League status for another season.