When Was the Last Time a Team Other Than Manchester United, Arsenal, or Liverpool Won the Premier League Title?
The English Premier League has long been dominated by a few powerhouses, most notably Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool. However, there have been moments when other teams have risen to challenge the hegemony of these storied clubs. In this article, we delve into the history of the Premier League to find out when the last time was that a team other than Manchester United, Arsenal, or Liverpool secured the league title.
The Regular Reign: Manchester City and Leicester City
Beyond the trio of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool, Manchester City has become a formidable force over the past decade. With their impressive squad and strategic management, Manchester City has consistently challenged for the Premier League title. Over the last five years, they have enjoyed considerable success, winning the title not once, but twice, in 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. This longevity is a testament to the depth of talent and the financial resources at their disposal.
However, it was Leicester City that made the most memorable moment in recent history. In the 2015-2016 season, Leicester City defied all odds to win the Premier League title. This triumph was nothing short of a miracle, as they began the season at the foot of the table, yet they concluded it as the champions. It has been over 120 years since the last non-Big 3 club won the English First Division (the predecessor to the Premier League). What made Leicester's victory so remarkable was not just the achievement itself, but the sheer underdog nature of their journey to glory.
Other Notable Teams and Moments
While Manchester City and Leicester City have made significant inroads, there have been other clubs that have had their moments. For example, Tottenham Hotspur had several seasons where they were near the top of the table and within touching distance of the championship but ultimately fell short. Other teams like Chelsea and Southampton have also had brief periods of dominance but have not sustained it over an extended period.
One striking fact is that no English club has won the Premier League title since 2016, reinforcing the power hegemony of the Big 3. This has led to significant discourse about the state of the Premier League and whether it is becoming increasingly difficult for smaller clubs to compete on a level playing field due to financial constraints.
Conclusion
The dominance of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool in the Premier League is a testament to their long-standing success and the resources they can mobilize. Manchester City's consistent challenge and Leicester City's incredible 2015-2016 victory show that the league can still provide the unpredictability and excitement that fans and players crave. Will there be another team to challenge this hegemony in the future? It will be intriguing to watch the future of the Premier League unfold.