Top 11 best Premier League matches of all time
Unforgettable Premier League matches of all time
In the rich tapestry of the Premier League's storied history, certain matches stand out as true spectacles. These top encounters summarize the essence of the league – the drama, the skill, and the unscripted moments that define the beautiful game.
From the electric clash between Tottenham and Arsenal that heralded the dawn of the Premier League era, to the heart-stopping Manchester City triumph in 2012 that culminated in the iconic "Aguerooooo" celebration, these matches showcase the sheer unpredictability and intensity that make the league a global phenomenon.
Each match is a chapter in the ongoing saga of the Premier League, reminding us why we remain enthralled by the world's most watched and beloved football competition. There might be a few games left out but these are the best matches of the Premier League:
11. Arsenal 2-3 Leeds United, May 4, 2003
The match between Arsenal and Leeds United on May 4, 2003, is etched in Premier League history as a captivating encounter that showcased the league's flair for surprises. This clash took place at Highbury, Arsenal's former home ground. The game gained significance due to its timing – Arsenal were the reigning champions, and this was one of their final matches of the season.
Arsenal had to win to keep their title hopes alive and it was important for Leeds to win in order to stay in the league, Leeds took a 2-0 lead which was then converted to 2-2 and the crucial moment came when Dominic Matteo scored a header to give 3-2 lead to Leeds, Leeds won the match and the title went to Manchester United.
10. Portsmouth 7-4 Reading, September 29, 2007
The clash between Portsmouth and Reading on September 29, 2007, remains one of the most astonishing and high-scoring matches in the history of the Premier League. This goal-laden encounter unfolded at Fratton Park, with both teams producing a spectacle that showcased the sheer unpredictability and excitement the league has to offer.
Two pretty average teams in the Premier League at that time gave a contest full of goals, it was an absolute classic with goals all over the place. Neither of the teams has been in the Premier League for years now.
9. West Ham United 5-4 Bradford City, February 12, 2000
This encounter stands as a reminder of the heart and passion that make the Premier League a global sensation. The West Ham 5-4 Bradford City match showcased the league's reputation for delivering captivating drama and end-to-end action. It remains an enduring memory for fans, a vivid illustration of the beautiful chaos that football can offer when two teams are determined to give their all on the pitch.
The crowning moment was without doubt when Jamie Lawrence of Bradford City stepped onto the pitch with bright red hair.
8. Leeds United 4-3 Liverpool, November 4, 2000
The clash between Leeds United and Liverpool on November 4, 2000, stands as a thrilling testament to the captivating nature of the Premier League. This unforgettable match, held at Elland Road, unfolded as a dramatic showcase of skill, determination, and unyielding spirit.
This match saw one of the best individual performances of all time in the Premier League, Mark Viduka scored all four goals for Leeds United in one of the most thrilling matches of all time.
7. Tottenham Hotspur 4-5 Arsenal, November 13, 2004
This fiercely contested North London Derby between Tottenham and Arsenal was held at White Hart Lane, and unfolded as a roller-coaster of emotions, showcasing the intensity and drama that characterize this storied rivalry. From the opening whistle, it was evident that both teams were determined to stake their claim in this high-stakes encounter. The match was a goal fest right from the start, with both sides showcasing their attacking abilities.
The back-and-forth nature of the match is what made it to this list, both halves were filled with entertaining football throughout the 90 minutes. This encounter remains in the memory of football fans worldwide as a breathtaking showcase of attacking football and the electrifying emotions that can only be evoked by a rivalry as fierce as this one.
6. Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham Hotspur, October 29, 2008
The Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham Hotspur match epitomized the essence of the North London Derby – the intense rivalry, the passion, and the unrelenting quest for supremacy. Tottenham sat at the bottom of the table when Harry Redknapp took over the struggling Spurs side, Arsenal on the other hand started their campaign on a good note.
David Bentley stunned the Emirates crowd with an audacious long-range strike to give Tottenham the lead, setting the tone for an enthralling contest. The contest ended with Robin van Persie's equalizer to complete the scoreline 4-4.
5. Tottenham Hotspur 3-5 Manchester United, September 29, 2001
This contest was the epitome of the phrase "a game of two halves." Tottenham started the match with quick goals and went into the half-time with a 3-0 lead, something changed during the half-time, probably the patent Sir Alex's speech.
Sir Alex's side came into the second half with much more intensity and purpose, United scored 5 goals in the second half, winning the match 5-3 at the home ground of Tottenham.
4. Manchester United 4-3 Manchester City, September 20, 2009
This is one the classic Manchester Derby to ever take place. It started off with Tevez signing for City from United. United had to settle down with Michael Owen in their attack. There's always a debate on who rules Manchester, is it City or United, that day United came out on top.
The scoreline was 3-3 heading into the extra-time of the match, Ryan Giggs provided their new addition Michael Owen a perfect ball which was converted into a goal by Owen, United won the match in front of their home ground and their own Stretford End fans.
3. Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal, April 21, 2009
A game Liverpool needed to win to stay in the title race and the second game on the list that includes a player scoring four against them. Talking about four goals, Andrey Arshavin was the main at Anfield netting all the Arsenal goals.
Arshavin thought he won the game for Arsenal but Yossi Benayoun had other plans as he netted the equalizer in the dying seconds of the game. It wasn't enough to keep Liverpool's title hopes alive, and United went on to win the league for the third consecutive time.
2. Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle United, April 30, 1996
Roy Evans’ Liverpool raced before the break, with Steve McManaman, Patrik Berger and Robbie Fowler on target, scoring three goals before halftime. Newcastle started their second half with a scoreline of 3-0, which became 3-1, 3-2 and then in no time, it became 3-3.
Robbie Fowler, legendary Liverpool player and manager scored the winning goal in the 4-3 win for Liverpool. In case you want to witness it, go watch out for what it meant to the club after they scored the winning goal.
1. Manchester City 3-2 QPR, May 13, 2012
Undoubtedly the greatest and most dramatic Premier League game of all time. On the final day of the Premier League, Manchester United won their last match against Stoke and City had to lose or draw in order to help United win the title.
But something happened that nobody expected, City were trailing 2-1 to QPR and then Dzeko scored the equalizer for City but it wasn't enough for City to win the title and then in the dying seconds, Aguero and Balotelli combined for the third goal which is etched in the history of the Premier League. City won the match 3-2 and the Premier League title.
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