The launch of the Premier League in 1992 completely changed the landscape in English football.
The league has since become a global phenomenon, with fans worldwide following the fortunes of their favourite teams.
While not busy with the matches in the Premier League, the Sportslens team have been debating which teams have stood out over the last three decades.
Read on as we look at some of the best teams to grace the Premier League since its inception.
Arsenal – 2003/04
Arsenal’s undefeated title-winning campaign in 2003/04 was a remarkable achievement given the strength of the competition.
Their attacking threat was a sight to behold, with Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp proving to be an irresistible force.
The Gunners’ final record of 26 wins and 12 draws was hugely impressive, leaving them 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
‘The Invicibles’ undoubtedly deserve their place amongst the best teams to ever grace the Premier League.
Manchester United – 2007/08
Just four points separated the top three teams at the end of the 2007/08 season, with Manchester United edging home over Chelsea and Arsenal.
The Red Devils’ success was built on solid foundations, with Edwin van der Sar, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic proving hard to beat throughout the campaign.
Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick were influential in midfield, while Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney were a riot in attack.
Ronaldo was particularly unstoppable, bagging 31 league goals on his way to winning the Ballon d’Or.
Chelsea – 2004/05
Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Stamford Bridge in 2004 kicked off a hugely successful period for Chelsea.
His debut season in the Premier League perfectly highlighted his tactical acumen, with the Blues conceding just 15 goals during the campaign.
Chelsea kept 25 clean sheets on their way to winning the title, while Arjen Robben and Damien Duff caused havoc further forward.
The Blues’ title success wasn’t universally welcomed, with many people miffed that it had been fuelled by Roman Abramovich’s wealth.
Leicester City – 2015/16
Leicester’s title win in 2015/16 was hugely unexpected, although it is perhaps not the greatest fairytale in the competition’s history (we’ll explain why later).
What cannot be denied is that Claudio Ranieri’s side completely defied expectations – odds of 5,000/1 at the start of the season highlight that point to perfection.
While the Foxes’ success was built on teamwork, they would not have won the title without individual brilliance from Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante.
Regardless of how they achieved the feat, no-one can deny that Leicester’s title-winning side are one of the greatest teams in the history of the Premier League.
Manchester United – 1993/94
Most fans who watched the Premier League live during its early years would have been enthralled by United’s exploits.
Their 1993/94 team was exceptional, with their midfield pairing of Roy Keane and Paul Ince providing the Red Devils with a superb platform to build from.
Lee Sharpe, Andrei Kanchelskis and Ryan Giggs provided speed out wide, while Eric Cantona and Mark Hughes were a formidable attacking force.
United ended the campaign eight points clear of Blackburn Rovers – but the following season didn’t exactly go plan.
Blackburn Rovers – 1994/95
Leicester’s title win in 2015/16 has been described as the greatest fairytale in Premier League history. It wasn’t.
Blackburn’s success in 1994/95 shocked the football world, with the small-town club edging home against the might of Man Utd.
Manager Kenny Dalglish built a well-oiled machine, with his team geared up to create chances for the prolific Alan Shearer.
Rovers were criticised for ‘buying the league’, but the false accusation does a huge disservice to what the club achieved that season.
Manchester United – 2008/09
United’s 2008/09 title win is sometimes underplayed, but this team thoroughly deserve to be in the conversation as all-time Premier League greats.
While the Red Devils still had Ronaldo this season, the Portuguese forward didn’t quite hit the heights he had during previous campaigns.
However, the addition of Dimitar Berbatov proved to be a masterstroke, and United fended off a strong challenge from Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool.
United’s run of 14 clean sheets from November to late February highlighted their desire and cemented their place as one of the best teams in Premier League history.
Manchester City – 2018/19
Having set a new record for Premier League points the previous season, City had a lot to live up to heading into the 2018/19 campaign.
Injuries to key players didn’t help their cause, with Kevin De Bruyne’s long-term absence widely viewed as a devastating blow to their title hopes.
Despite this, Pep Guardiola’s side defied expectations, winning 32 out of 38 games to fend off a strong challenge from Liverpool.
Sergio Aguero was the star of the show, while Raheem Sterling and David Silva proved to be an excellent supporting cast.
Manchester City – 2020/21
City set new standards during the 2020/21 season, recovering from a slow start to blow away the competition in the Premier League.
They racked up a 28-game unbeaten run in all competitions – a streak that was eventually snapped by Man Utd.
Citys’ hopes of winning the quadruple were ended by Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final, but the treble remains a distinct possibility.
Regardless of the outcome, the 2020/21 City team will go down as one of the greatest in the history of the Premier League.
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