Explore the most surprising and unforgettable upsets in Premier League history. From underdog victories to title shake-ups, these moments define football.

Premier League’s Biggest Upsets in History

In the world of football , the Premier League stands tall as a battleground where legends rise and giants fall. While it’s known for elite competition and world-class players, some of the most unforgettable moments in its history come from the unexpected — the stunning upsets that defy predictions and make fans believe in the impossible.

These aren’t just games. They’re defining moments that shook the footballing world, inspired underdog stories, and rewrote the script of English football. From relegation-threatened sides toppling title contenders to unthinkable thrashings, here are the biggest upsets in Premier League history.

1. Manchester United 0–1 Sheffield United (2021)

Why it shocked the world:
Bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United stunned Manchester United at Old Trafford. Despite a poor run of form, the Blades showed resilience and tactical discipline to secure an unlikely win.

Key Player: Oliver Burke (scored the winner)

Impact:
It halted United’s momentum during a potential title race, proving once again that no fixture in the Premier League is ever a formality.

2. Manchester City 2–3 Crystal Palace (2018)

Why it shocked the world:
City were unbeaten at home for nearly two years when Palace came to town. Andros Townsend scored an outrageous volley, one of the goals of the decade, to lead the Eagles to a historic win.

Key Player: Andros Townsend

Impact:
This defeat became a rare blemish in Manchester City’s otherwise dominant season and showed their vulnerability against mid-table sides.

3. Chelsea 2–5 West Brom (2021)

Why it shocked the world:
West Brom were deep in the relegation zone and had scored just 24 goals all season. Yet, they smashed five past Chelsea — who had the best defense under Tuchel at the time.

Key Player: Matheus Pereira (2 goals, 2 assists)

Impact:
A wake-up call for Chelsea during their Champions League-winning season, and a memorable highlight for Baggies fans despite eventual relegation.

4. Leicester City 5–3 Manchester United (2014)

Why it shocked the world:
United, with their Galáctico signings like Di María and Falcao, collapsed despite leading 3–1. Leicester’s comeback was electric and foreshadowed the magic to come in 2016.

Key Player: Jamie Vardy

Impact:
Set the tone for Leicester’s future heroics and exposed United’s defensive issues during the post-Ferguson rebuild.

5. Liverpool 0–1 Burnley (2021)

Why it shocked the world:
Liverpool’s 68-game unbeaten home record in the Premier League came to an end at the hands of Burnley. The Reds had just won the league in 2020, making this defeat even more unbelievable.

Key Player: Ashley Barnes (penalty winner)

Impact:
Triggered a mid-season slump that derailed Liverpool’s title defense and reminded fans of the fine margins in EW8 .

6. Manchester City 1–2 Leeds United (2021)

Why it shocked the world:
Leeds played half the game with ten men and still managed to beat City at the Etihad. Stuart Dallas scored twice in a heroic counter-attacking display.

Key Player: Stuart Dallas

Impact:
Leeds showcased their fearless football under Bielsa, even against the best in the league.

7. Arsenal 1–2 Hull City (2008)

Why it shocked the world:
Newly promoted Hull City, written off before the season began, defeated the mighty Gunners at the Emirates with a worldie from Geovanni and resolute defending.

Key Player: Geovanni

Impact:
Marked Hull’s arrival in the top flight with authority and highlighted Arsenal’s vulnerability at home.

8. Wigan Athletic 1–0 Manchester United (2012)

Why it shocked the world:
Battling relegation, Wigan beat title-chasing Manchester United for the first time in their history. The win was crucial in their fight for survival.

Key Player: Shaun Maloney

Impact:
United eventually lost the title to City on goal difference, making this upset even more significant in the grand scheme.

9. Norwich City 3–2 Manchester City (2019)

Why it shocked the world:
Newly promoted Norwich outplayed defending champions Manchester City in a high-octane match at Carrow Road.

Key Player: Teemu Pukki

Impact:
This early season upset put Liverpool firmly in the driver’s seat for the 2019–20 title race.

10. Blackburn Rovers 1–0 Manchester United (2011)

Why it shocked the world:
Blackburn were bottom of the table. Manchester United were top. Yet, Rovers pulled off a dramatic win at Old Trafford, thanks to Yakubu and defensive resilience.

Key Player: Yakubu

Impact:
One of the biggest shock wins in the Premier League’s festive period history.

Why These Upsets Matter in Football

Upsets are the beating heart of the Premier League. They embody everything that makes football thrilling — unpredictability, drama, and hope. For underdogs, they are moments of immortality. For giants, they’re reminders that dominance isn’t guaranteed.

Every time a struggling team pulls off a win against a title favorite, it reinforces the idea that heart, effort, and belief can outshine money and fame.

What Makes an Upset So Special?

David vs Goliath Narrative
Everyone loves an underdog story — and the Premier League has them in abundance.
Emotional Shock Value
It’s not just about the scoreline, but the context — the records are broken, the streaks ended, the legacies impacted.
Fan Connection
Fans remember upsets more vividly than routine wins. These moments live on in club folklore forever.

Honorable Mentions

Sunderland beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (2010)
Bradford City defeating Arsenal in the League Cup (though not PL, it was seismic)
Southampton’s 6–3 demolition of Manchester United (1996)
Bournemouth’s comeback against Liverpool (4–3 in 2016)

Final Thoughts

The Premier League’s biggest upsets show us that in football , the impossible is always possible. These games are more than just shock results — they’re emotional milestones that remind us why we love the sport.

So whether you’re backing the champions or the bottom-placed battlers, remember: every match could be a story for the ages.

Which Premier League upset still gives you chills? Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a neutral who loves a good shock, these games show us why we can’t take our eyes off football .

Support your favorite teams, cherish the unpredictability, and stay tuned for the next legendary twist. Because in the Premier League, the next great upset is always just 90 minutes away.

Keep supporting football — where legends fall and heroes rise.⚽