With Arsenal and Liverpool now locked on 71 points, goal difference could play a vital part in the title race – has the Premier League ever been decided on goal difference?
Has the Premier League ever been decided on goal difference?
In the 2011/12 season, Manchester United and Manchester City began the final day on 86 points. City were ahead because of their superior 8+ goal difference, and little did they know that the most iconic Premier League final day was about to unfold.
Manchester United travelled down to Sunderland whilst Manchester City hosted QPR. Both teams got off to a flyer as Wayne Rooney put Manchester United 1-0 up and Pablo Zabaleta responded by making it 1-0 Manchester City.
Disaster soon struck for City as Djibril Cisse and Jamie Mackie turned the game around against all the odds.
Edin Dzeko equalised for City in the 92nd minute but it wouldn’t be enough as the full-time whistle came at the Stadium of Light and Manchester United had completed their mission.
After a well worked move by Manchester City, the ball fell kindly to Sergio Aguero, who rounded the defender and slammed the ball into the back of the net to spark pandemonium at the Etihad.
Manchester City were crowned champions despite both teams finishing the day on 89 points. It was City’s title – their first ever in the Premier League era – which came courtesy of goal difference.
Could there be a repeat of that day between Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City this season?
Could the Premier League be decided on goal difference?
Following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw to Manchester United, the Premier League table now favours Arsenal as they’re ahead on goal difference.
The Gunners have blown teams away this season, meaning they hold a comfortable nine-goal advantage over the Reds.
Of course, Manchester City are still in the title race – just a point off Liverpool and Arsenal. Statistically speaking, Manchester City also have the easiest run in leading up to final day.
It is now Arsenal’s to lose, and with trips to Old Trafford and the Tottenham Hotspur stadium to come, their sternest tests are yet to come.
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