A game of two halves: the best comebacks in Premier League history
The 2022/23 Premier League season has already given us several comebacks to savor, including Bournemouth’s win away to Forest and City’s draw away at Newcastle. Here is a look at some of the best to take place in the Premier League in its nearly 30-year history.
Tottenham 3-5 Manchester United (2001/02)
In a season that was eventually won by Arsenal, the award for its best comeback undoubtedly goes to Man United. Finding themselves 3-0 down at half-time at White Hart Lane, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side twice scored early in the second half with Andy Cole and Laurent Blanc. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s 72nd-minute strike sealed an impressive comeback, before goals from Juan Sebastián Verón and David Beckham put the icing on the cake for the Red Devils
In recent times, it is evident that the tides have changed. Spurs, under the management of Antonio Conte, finished the 2021/22 campaign in fourth, and have odds of -187 to do so again on Paddy Power’s selection of Premier League bets. Manchester United, meanwhile, sits lower on the website’s Premier League football tips for Champions League qualification, coming in at +160. New boss Erik ten Hag has got his work cut out if he is to beat the odds stacked against him.
ON THIS DAY: In 2001, Man United came back from 3-0 down at half-time to beat Tottenham 5-3 at White Hart Lane. pic.twitter.com/cfEMXoPygS
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 29, 2015
Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal (2010/11)
Arsenal is flying high at the top of the 2022/23 table, but 11 years ago they let a four-goal lead slip away at Newcastle, which sent the St. James’ Park faithful into raptures. First-half strikes from Theo Walcott, Johan Djourou, and two from Robin van Persie set the Gunners on what they thought would be a routine win, but an Abou Diaby red card on 50 minutes changed the game completely.
Two penalties from Joey Barton either side of a strike from Leon Best put the game within reach for the hosts, before a goal that will live long in the Magpies’ memory. The late Cheick Tioté rifled in a volley from 20 yards with just three minutes remaining, capping one of the Premier League’s finest second-half performances. This season, Newcastle aren’t too far behind their North London counterparts, as they chase European football under their new Saudi ownership.
ON THIS DAY IN 2011: Newcastle Utd became the only side in Premier League history to come from four goals down to secure a point by drawing 4-4 with Arsenal.
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) February 5, 2022
One of the greatest ever games with THAT equaliser from Cheick Tioté! ❤️🇨🇮
📹 @premierleague pic.twitter.com/MdZ79lyUnH
Man City 3-2 QPR (2011/12)
While this result doesn’t quite compare in terms of the deficit recovered, the nature of the win and its significance for the club puts it high on the list of Premier League comebacks. Against the ten men of QPR with just minutes remaining, Man City found themselves 2-1 down and on the brink of letting the title slip to rivals Man United. A 92nd-minute equalizer from Edin Dzeko set the game up for an epic finale.
Few football fans need reminding of what happened next. Balotelli to Aguero, Aguero past Kenny in the QPR goal, Martin Tyler’s infamous commentary. In a matter of minutes, City had gone from falling at the last hurdle to winning their first league title in 44 years. Since that moment, the Sky Blues have never looked back, winning seven more Premier League titles and remaining unbeaten in their opening nine league games of 2022/23.
93:20 – Stoppage time goals from Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero earnt Man City a thrilling 3-2 victory against QPR on the final day of the 2011-12 season to claim their first top-flight title since 1967-68, finishing above rivals Man Utd on goal difference. Bonkers. #OptaPLSeasons pic.twitter.com/FrZDu6qmMb
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 17, 2020
While such comebacks may be hard to come by in recent years, the quality of football certainly hasn’t diminished as a result. The competitive nature of the Premier League may be put into question, however, as teams up and down the country battle it out to try and put an end to City’s dominance.
