Current Value

$ %
Click here for full rankings...

All time Rating

$ %
Click here for full rankings...

The Five Greatest Comebacks in Premier League History

Updated on December 5, 2015

By tonmoy54, Contributor for Soccerjury

2
7849

Comeback matches are treasured by football supporters.

All fans will recall a special game where their team makes a Lazarus-style recovery, and replace the feeling of inevitable humiliation with unbridled jubilation.

After trawling through the archives, we've selected and ranked the five best fight-backs in Premier League history. Video highlights are also included.

Comeback games are special for fans and players alike (Getty/Mirror)


5. Wolves 4 - 3 Leicester City (Molineux, October 25th, 2003)

Wolves fight for Premier League survival was about to suffer a massive setback as they trailed 3-0 against Leicester City in a bottom-of-the-table clash. Leicester made a blistering start after two early headers from Les Ferdinand and a strike from Ricardo Scimeca gave them a commanding lead at half-time. But Wolves roared back through a brace from Colin Cameron before Alex Rae equalised with a header midway through the second-half.

And then in the 86th minute, a Denis Irwin cross was steered into the net by Henri Camara to seal a famous win. Unfortunately both teams were relegated later that season.

A Colin Cameron inspired comeback handed Leicester their fifth consecutive league defeat (YouTube)


4. Manchester United 3-3 Liverpool (Anfield, January 4th, 1994)

Premier League champions Manchester United allowed a three goal lead to slip against their fiercest rivals. Earlier in the game, the Red Devils made a flying start as Steve Bruce, Ryan Giggs and Denis Irwin all found the target within the first 23 minutes.

Kop fans were shell-shocked and fearing the worst. But their team refused to lie down, as a brace from midfielder Nigel Clough gave them hope before half-time. And then late in the game Neil "Razor" Ruddock scored a nodded header to the delight of Liverpool fans.

Liverpool thwarted United's hopes of sealing a famous win at Anfield (YouTube)


3. Tottenham Hotspurs 3-5 Manchester United  (White Hart Lane, Sep 29th, 2001)

The Red Devils were being completely outplayed by Glenn Hoddle's team, and losing 3-0 at half-time. But United summoned their indomitable spirit and "never-say-die" attitude during the interval. Sensationally, United hit five in the next 45 minutes, as Andy Cole, Laurent Blanc, Ruud Van Nistlerooy, Juan Sebastian Veron and David Beckham all got on the scoresheet. And somehow snatch all three points.

 United came back strong after being dominated by Tottenham (Youtube)


2. Arsenal 4-4 Newcastle (St. James Park, February 5th, 2011)

Arsenal had started the match trailing league leaders Manchester United, and a win would have narrowed the difference to just two points. Conversely, Newcastle were shorn of confidence after losing to strugglers Fulham in their prior game and from selling star player Andy Carroll to Liverpool.

And it showed, as Newcastle were blown away in the opening ten minutes with Arsenal finding the net three times. After the interval it got even worse for the Magpies, as Robin Van Persie scored a fourth. The Gunners were cruising.

But the tide turned after Arsenal's Abou Diaby was shown a red card. In a space of just nineteen minutes the Toon Army witnessed a special fight-back. Two Joey Barton penalties sandwiched a Leon Best strike, before Cheikh Tiote unleashed a 25 yard screamer. 

Arsene Wenger and his team stood shell-shocked, while St. James Park rocked as if it was Christmas in 1995. This four goal comeback narrowly misses out as the greatest fight-back in the Premier League.

Tiote's equaliser was a thing of beauty for the Toon Army (YouTube)


1. Manchester City 3-2 Queens Park Rangers  (Etihad Stadium, May 14th, 2012)

The stakes had never been higher in a Premier League match. 

It was the final game of the season, and City found themselves 2-1 down and chasing the game in the dying minutes against the ten men of QPR. The home fans could barely watch as a first English league title since the 67/68 season agonisingly slipped from their grasp. Only a victory would do as rivals Manchester United were closing in on a 1-0 win over Sunderland - a result that would end City's title hopes - unless the Sky Blues could conjure a win.

Edin Dzeko equalised from a corner deep into stoppage time to provide a glimmer of hope. Then with seconds remaining Sergio Aguero burst into the penalty box to fire in a sensational winner, and write himself into City folklore.

And seal the greatest comeback ever in the Premier League.

Euphoria from City fans as Aguero secures the title (YouTube)

Rate this article: 1 Vote Up Vote Down 0

Current Rating: 6.05

All Comments (2)

User's photo
Robbie Ackerman

Was there for the 4-4 against Arsenal. Amazing day.

December 5 at 3:06am Reply | Flag

Click to rate: 0 Vote Up Vote Down 0

User's photo
ashfaqul alam tonmoy

bet you didn't see that coming wink

January 18 at 5:19am Reply | Flag

Click to rate: 0 Vote Up Vote Down 0

No comments to display.
No comments to display.
Premier League Flashback: Man City 3-2 QPR

Greatest finale ever to an English league season

Article Image
How did Wales become so good?

Tournament outcasts to European heroes

Article Image
Leicester City crowned Champions of England

The fairy-tale is complete

Article Image
Flashback: Keane's Horror Tackle on Haaland

United captain's vengeance

Article Image
The Meteoric Rise of 'little' Leicester City

Relegation fighters to title favourites

Article Image
Why are United struggling?

Analysis of their passing and shooting efficiency versus EPL teams

Article Image
London United XI

A Premier League Dream Team combined from the City's Clubs

Article Image
Faustino Asprilla: Flair, controversy and cult hero status

Signed for Newcastle twenty years ago

Article Image
Top 10 Strikers in World Football Today

Barca forwards dominate inaugural rankings

Article Image
Turbo-charged Liverpool Dismantle City

Red letter day for Anfield Club

Article Image
15/16 European Champions League Draw

Mixed fortunes for English teams

Article Image
Euro 2016 Draw - As it happened

England and Wales to face each other

Article Image
Legendary teams: Hungary 1950-56

The Mighty Magyar's remembered

Article Image
Mourinho: Charting his fall from grace

But does an opportunity exist?

Article Image
Most Astonishing FIFA Rankings Ever

Belgium secure top spot and other ranking surprises

Article Image
Before Sergio There Was Georgi

A tribute to a Man City hero in the club's darkest era

Article Image
Liverpool Sack Manager Brendan Rodgers

Klopp favourite to fill vacant positon

Article Image
How not to stretcher a player from the field!

Comedic scenes in Greek Second Division game

Article Image
Arsene Wenger: Charting the Highs and Lows

Gunners manager enters 20th year at Arsenal

Article Image
Tony Yeboah's Iconic Goal Remembered

Leeds cult hero's wonder strike 20 years ago

Article Image
Are Celtic Too Good for Scotland?

A Hoops fan's verdict to the great debate

Article Image
The day a legend announced himself to the world

Beckham's wonder goal against Wimbledon

Article Image
Clash of the Titans: Ronaldo vs Messi

Who is the greatest player in the world?

Article Image
Why Benteke £32.5m transfer is a huge gamble

Could define Liverpool's future

Article Image
Man Utd 15/16 Home Shirt Launched

Featuring a 300 style launch video

Article Image
Have you seen the Hulk Smash?

Viral videos of Zenit player showcasing his strength

Article Image
Clash of the Titans: Maradona vs Messi

Who is the greatest Argentinian ever?

Article Image
The Greatest England Team of All Time?

The ultimate dream team

Article Image
The Greatest Ever British & Irish XI

Several controversial omissions

Article Image