Ranking top five Premier League matches of all time

Ever since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has provided countless memorable encounters. Certain games transcend football from mortal to immortal with these defining careers, seasons, and club histories. Some of the extraordinary games have seen drama, skill, controversy and emotions of players and fans. From the deciders in the dying embers of the game to come back classics that defy belief, the Premier League has seen it all. Each of the following games tells a compelling story of the human factor on the pitch. On the biggest stage, these games saw individual brilliance meeting the collective efforts of the side. 

Here are the top five Premier League matches of all time:

1) Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle United - 1996, Anfield 

The Anfield thriller remains one of the best Premier League games ever after close 20 years. Liverpool staged a comeback even after being 3-1 down with the club showing their attitude of never losing before the final whistle. In pursuit of the title, Newcastle United looked destined for a crucial victory when Asprilla’s two goals and Ginola’s goal gave them the commanding lead. 

Robbie Fowler scored the brace to get Liverpool back into the game. Collymore scored the third goal to equalize, but it was his goal in the last minute of the game to help them win the fixture. The win helped Liverpool to improve their chances of finishing in the top four, whereas Newcastle United’s hopes were dashed.

2) Manchester City 3-2 Queen Park Rangers - 2012, Etihad Stadium

If there was any Premier League title race that was as dramatic as in the 2011/12 season, it has to be a joke. When it seemed like Queens Park Rangers were winning the game despite them being in a relegation race in the final week of the game, Manchester United fans were happy with them finishing the game. However, it was not all over. Manchester City scored the goal in the 92nd minute via Edin Dzeko, which was an equalizer, and Sergio Aguero’s iconic winner in the 94th minute left everybody in silence. 

Martin Tyler’s “Aguero” still remains the best piece of commentary to define the impossible turnaround. The goal delayed the inevitable for a season, with Manchester City stopping Manchester United from winning the 20th title.

3) Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal - 2011, Old Trafford

One of the most shocking results in Premier League history, Manchester United demolished Arsenal at Old Trafford with the Red Devils humiliating their arch rivals of that timeline. The scoreline looked impossible, but Arsenal’s traditional defensive organization crumbled against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. Danny Welbeck scored the first goal to start the proceedings, but it was others who contributed to Arsenal’s demolition. Ashley Young grabbed two goals, while Wayne Rooney’s hat trick broke Arsenal’s back. Park Ji-Sung and Nani added goals to their name to give Arsenal an embarrassing defeat.

4) Tottenham Hotspur 3-5 Manchester United, 2001 - White Hart Lane

The origin of “Its Tottenham Lads” was via this game where Tottenham Hotspur took the lead against Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson inspired his side to stage one of the best comebacks of all time. At White Hart Lane, Tottenham Hotspur raced into a three-goal lead with Dean Richards, Les Ferdinand and Christian Ziege.

The second half is where Manchester United changed the script and turned the screws on Spurs. Andy Cole began the fightback before Laurent Blanc’s header and van Nistelrooy’s finish helped the club equalize the scoreline. But what came next was shocking, with Veron and Beckham scoring in the last 14 minutes of the game drew the red line for Spurs with Manchester United decimating the opposition.

5) Newcastle United 4-4 Arsenal, 2011 - St. James' Park

One of the best draws in the history of the English Premier League where Newcastle United and Arsenal engaged themselves in an eight-goal thriller. It was nothing but an outstanding quality in a match that imbibed the attacking philosophy of the clubs. Arsenal appeared to cruise towards the victory with Theo Walcott, Johan Djourou, and Robin van Persie’s brace leading them to the win. The stadium was seen getting emptied, but it was Diaby’s red card that changed the complexion of the game. 

Barton pulled one back in the 68th minute of the game with Leon Best reducing the lead to half. It was Barton in the 83rd minute who scored via penalty to peg back the game to 4-3. When Arsenal looked like they would nick a win, it was the 87th-minute strike by Tiote that helped the Magpies stage a comeback that would last for ages.