There’s no denying that there are few moments more exhilarating in football than watching a team make a dramatic comeback against all odds. These moments from Premier League live with fans long after the final whistle has blown, and they have the power to inspire future generations of players.
Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal (February 2011)
In 2011, Newcastle staged an incredible comeback against title contenders Arsenal after being down 4-0 at St James’ Park. The Gunners
were already 3-0 ahead within the first 10 minutes, and Robin van Persie scored their fourth goal. Later, Joey Barton converted two penalties around a goal from Leon Best. However, Cheik Tiote’s screamer of an equaliser in the 87th minute salvaged a point for Newcastle. The result left Arsenal and their supporters stunned.
Manchester City 3-2 Queens Park Rangers (May 2012)
Manchester City needed a home win against relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers to secure the Premier League title over their fierce city rivals Manchester United based on goal difference. However, City suffered an early collapse in the second half
, and QPR took a 2-1 lead in the 66th minute. With Man United leading their own game against Sunderland, City had to win to secure the title.
But in a remarkable twist, Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero scored in the dying minutes of stoppage time, producing a result that no Hollywood screenwriter could have scripted. This stunning comeback snatched the title from right under the noses of Sir Alex Ferguson and his team, who believed they had won it by the full-time whistle of their own game.
Crystal Palace 3-3 Liverpool (May 2014)
In 2014, Liverpool’s hopes of winning the league title were dashed when they lost to Chelsea at home. Despite this, they had a slim chance of winning the championship based on goal difference until they faced Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
In a match known as ‘Crystanbul’, Liverpool took a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time. However, the home side staged a remarkable comeback, and the game ended in a 3-3 draw. Luis Suarez and the rest of Liverpool were left in tears by the end of the fixture.
Leicester 5-3 Manchester United (September 2014)
During the game where Jamie Vardy announced himself to the Premier League, Manchester United lost a 3-1 lead at the King Power Stadium. A Robin van Persie header and a spectacular Angel Di Maria chip had put the visitors ahead.
Although Leonardo Ulloa’s header reduced the scoreline, Ander Herrera’s backheel extended United’s lead to 3-2. However, Leicester mounted an incredible comeback. Leicester fought back with a penalty by David Nugent and an Esteban Cambiasso goal before Vardy scored to take the lead. Finally, Ulloa converted a penalty to secure the win
for Leicester.
Chelsea 3-3 Manchester United (February 2012)
At Stamford Bridge, Manchester United found themselves three goals down before half-time. Nevertheless, they staged an incredible comeback thanks to goals from Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez.
Chelsea squandered their three-goal lead on home turf, and the Red Devils earned a well-deserved point. Jonny Evans scored an unfortunate own goal, while Juan Mata and David Luiz scored the opening strikes for Chelsea.
Norwich 4-5 Liverpool (January 2016)
During the 2015-16 season, Norwich and Liverpool engaged in a thrilling nine-goal encounter.
Roberto Firmino opened the scoring for Liverpool, but Dieumerci Mbokani equalised for Norwich. Neither side could hold on to the lead for long, as the other team would score almost immediately.
Sebastien Bassong scored a late equaliser deep into injury time, making it 4-4. The match looked to be heading for a draw, but Adam Lallana scored in the 95th minute to finally determine the outcome of the rollercoaster ride.
Bournemouth 4-3 Liverpool (December 2016)
Bournemouth fought back against the visiting Merseysiders after being 2-0 down at half-time and 3-1 behind with just 15 minutes remaining. Nathan Ake’s winner in the 93rd minute sealed an iconic win for the Cherries.
The game marked the beginning of the end for Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius, who conceded four goals despite his team leading 2-0 heading into the break. Bournemouth’s victory also ended Jurgen Klopp’s 12-game unbeaten run.
Tottenham 5-4 Leicester (May 2018)
On the last day of the 2017-18 season, Tottenham secured third place by defeating Leicester 5-4 at Wembley after being 3-1 down just after the break.
Harry Kane and Erik Lamela scored two goals each, helping Spurs to a dramatic victory. Kane scored the winning goal in the 76th minute, cancelling Jamie Vardy’s equaliser that levelled the scoreline at 4-4 in the 73rd minute.
