Every Title Winner Who Wasn’t in the Top Four at Christmas

Manchester City’s defense of the Premier League title has weakened recently, dropping them to seventh in the standings at Christmas.

Their chances of winning a fifth consecutive title are dimming fast, with a 12-point gap to leaders Liverpool, having played one more game. Historically, only four teams have claimed the title after being outside the top four at Christmas.

Teams that won the Premier League after being outside the top four at Christmas

Manchester United (Fifth in 1996/97)

During the 1996/97 season, Manchester United struggled early on, drawing three of their first four matches and facing three straight losses, including a 5-0 defeat to Newcastle. Their fortunes changed after the new year, and they moved to the top position by late January, maintaining that lead to finish seven points ahead of Newcastle.

We’ve had plenty of fruitful trips to Merseyside down the years…

Who remembers Pally’s Anfield double in 1997? 🤩 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/P1SLvgVkcG

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 19, 2019

Arsenal (Sixth in 1997/98)

Arsene Wenger guided Arsenal to a domestic double in the 1997/98 season, despite a shaky start where they lost four times in six games. At Christmas, they were sixth and seemed unlikely to contend for the title. However, Arsenal found their stride in the latter half of the season, going on an 18-game unbeaten run, which included ten consecutive wins, clinching the title with two matches remaining.

Would you believe it? 🤯

🗓️ On this day in 1998, Tony Adams did this! 👏 pic.twitter.com/s7b23V5gZ0

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 3, 2024

Manchester City (Eighth in 2020/21)

In the 2020/21 season, Manchester City turned things around after being eighth on December 25th to ultimately win the title. After a slow start, they delivered an impressive performance post-Christmas, winning 21 consecutive matches across all competitions, including 15 straight Premier League victories. Ilkay Gundogan played a key role, helping the team to a 4-1 victory against Liverpool at Anfield.

Manchester City (Fifth in 2023/24)

Last season, Manchester City again climbed from outside the top four to secure the Premier League title. After being six points behind Arsenal but with a game in hand, they succeeded in the title race. City went unbeaten from December 6th and finished the season with nine consecutive wins. Phil Foden, named PFA Player of the Year, scored twice in the decisive match, a 3–1 win over West Ham that confirmed the title.