Premier League Winners: Last 20 Years Ranked
The Premier League stands as a beacon of sporty competition, captivating football fans globally with its intensity, drama, and unpredictable nature. Over the last two decades, from the 2003/04 season to the present day (2023/24), the league has witnessed shifts in dominance, financial powerhouses emerging, and underdog stories that have captured the imagination. This ranking delves into those 20 seasons, evaluating each winning team based on a multifaceted criteria: points accumulated, goal difference, goals scored, overall dominance throughout the season, memorable moments, and lasting impact on the league itself. Understanding past glories is key to appreciating the current landscape, and even navigating the world of sporty bet booking code opportunities.
The Dominant Dynasties
These teams haven’t just won titles; they've defined eras, consistently establishing themselves at the pinnacle of English football.
Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign over Manchester United was nothing short of legendary. This period saw the Red Devils consistently challenge and win, driven by a tactical shrewdness and a relentless winning mentality. Key players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Ryan Giggs formed the backbone of a squad that dominated the league. Defining seasons include 2006/07, where they clinched the title with a record-breaking points total, and the dramatic 2010/11 season, pipping Chelsea to the post. Their overall dominance and the lasting legacy of Ferguson solidify their place as giants of the Premier League. If you are looking for premier league result yesterday, understanding their historic record is important.
Manchester City
The arrival of Sheikh Mansour transformed Manchester City from a mid-table club into a global force. A succession of high-profile managers – Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini, and most notably, Pep Guardiola – implemented distinct philosophies, building a team capable of sustained success. The Aguero moment in 2011/12 remains one of the most iconic in Premier League history, while the 100-point season of 2017/18 and the treble-winning campaign of 2022/23 showcased their relentless ambition. Their ongoing dominance and the financial implications of their ownership continue to shape the league's landscape. Interestingly, the sporty bet owner has quite a following amongst City fans.
The Challenging Contenders
These teams have tasted Premier League glory and consistently challenged for the title, providing compelling competition to the dominant forces.
Chelsea
Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Chelsea in 2004 heralded an era of unprecedented success. Built around a core of world-class players like Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, and John Terry, Chelsea played with a tactical discipline and defensive solidity that proved incredibly difficult to break down. Title wins in 2004/05, 2005/06, 2009/10, 2014/15, and 2016/17 demonstrate their sustained competitiveness. Periods of transition and managerial changes followed, but Chelsea remained a consistent force.
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s appointment at Liverpool marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation. He instilled a Heavy Metal brand of football, characterized by high pressing, relentless energy, and attacking flair. The culmination of his project came in 2019/20, when Liverpool finally broke their 30-year title drought, amassing a record-breaking points total. Their subsequent Champions League success and consistent top-four finishes further cement their status as one of the league's elite. Looking back at the premier league winners last 20 years, Liverpool's recent resurgence is a standout story.
The One-Season Wonders & Nearly Men
These teams provided moments of magic and defied expectations, but their success proved difficult to replicate consistently.
Leicester City
The 2015/16 season witnessed arguably the greatest underdog story in sporting history. Leicester City, against all odds, defied a 5000-1 pre-season prediction to win the Premier League title. Key players like Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, and N'Golo Kanté played pivotal roles, while Claudio Ranieri's tactical approach and man-management skills were instrumental. This Miracle Season captured the imagination of fans worldwide and proved that anything is possible in football.
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal revolutionized English football with their stylish, attacking brand of play. The 2003/04 season saw them complete an entire Premier League campaign unbeaten, a feat that remains unmatched. Key players like Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Dennis Bergkamp formed the core of a team that played with flair and creativity. While subsequent seasons brought challenges and near misses, the legacy of The Invincibles endures.
Ranking the Winners
| Rank | Season Won | Points Total | Goal Difference | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017/18 | 100 | +89 | Manchester City's record-breaking season |
| 2 | 2018/19 | 98 | +79 | Manchester City narrowly beat Liverpool |
| 3 | 2019/20 | 99 | +68 | Liverpool's first Premier League title |
| 4 | 2021/22 | 93 | +68 | Manchester City edge out Liverpool again |
| 5 | 2022/23 | 89 | +64 | Manchester City win the treble |
| 6 | 2004/05 | 95 | +65 | Mourinho's Chelsea dominate |
| 7 | 2005/06 | 91 | +52 | Chelsea secure back-to-back titles |
| 8 | 2006/07 | 89 | +62 | Manchester United reclaim the title |
| 9 | 2007/08 | 87 | +54 | Manchester United win Champions League & PL |
| 10 | 2008/09 | 90 | +73 | Manchester United continue dominance |
| 11 | 2009/10 | 86 | +52 | Chelsea win under Carlo Ancelotti |
| 12 | 2010/11 | 89 | +49 | Manchester United edge out Arsenal |
| 13 | 2011/12 | 89 | +32 | Manchester City's dramatic title win |
| 14 | 2012/13 | 85 | +42 | Manchester United's last title under Ferguson |
| 15 | 2013/14 | 84 | +43 | Liverpool nearly win, City victorious |
| 16 | 2014/15 | 88 | +49 | Chelsea win again under Mourinho |
| 17 | 2015/16 | 81 | +33 | Leicester City's fairytale season |
| 18 | 2016/17 | 93 | +45 | Chelsea win under Conte |
| 19 | 2003/04 | 92 | +47 | Arsenal's Invincibles |
| 20 | 2020/21 | 86 | +39 | Manchester City win under Guardiola |
Analyzing Trends & The Future of the Premier League
Financial Fair Play (FFP) has attempted to level the playing field, but the influence of wealthy owners remains significant. The growing influx of foreign investment has undoubtedly raised the league's profile and competitiveness. Tactically, the Premier League has seen a constant evolution, with managers adopting innovative approaches to gain an edge. The league's future is likely to be defined by continued financial competition, tactical innovation, and the emergence of new contenders. The increased competitiveness also drives interest in platforms offering sporty insights and betting opportunities.
Conclusion
The last 20 years of the Premier League have been a captivating journey, marked by periods of dominance, underdog stories, and constant change. Manchester United and Manchester City have undoubtedly been the most successful teams, but the contributions of Chelsea, Liverpool, Leicester, and Arsenal have added to the league's rich tapestry. As the Premier League continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the drama, passion, and unpredictability that define this competition will continue to captivate football fans for years to come.
