Photo by MFT, CC by 4.0
The Premier League is often dubbed as the most competitive league in the world, but still some teams manage to go on unbelievable winning runs. Only one team has managed to go the whole season unbeaten, but many have strung together double-digit winning runs in a single campaign.
Here, we take a look at the top seven winning streaks in Premier League history—even though there will be no major surprises for those who have followed the English top-flight in recent years.
1= Manchester City (2017-2018): 18 consecutive wins
Pep Guardiola had a turbulent Manchester City in the 2016/17 campaign. There were doubts about whether Guardiola could replicate his LaLiga and Bundesliga success in a more ‘challenging league’. But the Catalonian silenced his critics with a historic campaign that saw the Citizens becoming the first team in Premier League history to win 100 points.
En route to their first Premier League title in the Guardiola era, City went on a record-breaking run of 18 consecutive wins. Led by influential players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Agüero, and David Silva, Manchester City’s winning streak helped them win the league by a whopping 19 points. The Sky Blues won 32 matches that season in total, drew four, and lost only twice.
1= Liverpool (2019-2020): 18 wins
Liverpool matched Manchester City’s incredible feat only two seasons later. The Reds won 18 matches in a stretch to end their 30-year wait for a league title. Under the guidance of Jürgen Klopp, the team displayed an exceptional level of consistency and a relentless pursuit of victory. Known for their high-intensity pressing and dynamic attacking play, Liverpool overwhelmed opponents with their attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Roberto Firmino.
3= Manchester City (2020-2021): 17 wins
After Liverpool matched their 18-match winning streak, Manchester City responded in style the very next season. Guardiola’s men won all of their Premier League matches between 19 December 2020 to 2 March 2021. Their 82-day run ended in the Manchester derby at Etihad as the Red Devils picked up a 2-0 away win. That couldn’t stop City from winning the league again, but it halted their winning streak to 17 matches.
3= Liverpool (2019-2020): 17 wins
Continuing their dominance in the Premier League, Liverpool embarked on a magnificent run of 17 consecutive victories between March and October in 2019. Records kept tumbling during this incredible season, as the Reds came within five games of matching Arsenal’s stretch of 49 games without defeat. Their final point tally of 99 was only ever beaten by their constant rivals, Manchester City.
5. Arsenal (2001-2002): 14 wins
Arsenal’s remarkable run of 14 consecutive wins during the 2001-2002 season is etched in Premier League history. Led by the innovative coaching of Arsène Wenger, the team exhibited a formidable combination of skill, creativity, and solid teamwork. The attacking prowess of Thierry Henry, coupled with the midfield dominance of Patrick Vieira, provided the foundation for Arsenal’s success. Their winning streak helped them secure the Premier League title and complete a domestic double, as they also lifted the FA Cup that season.
Arsenal’s style of play and the cohesion displayed during this period left a lasting impression on English football. The majority of the team would make up the famous ‘Invincibles’ side that performed an arguably more impressive feat by claiming the 2003-04 Premier League title without losing a match – the only team to manage this feat.
6. Chelsea (2016-2017): 13 wins
Under the guidance of manager Antonio Conte, Chelsea embarked on a memorable run of 13 consecutive victories during the 2016-2017 season. The team showcased a remarkable defensive solidity, organised in a compact 3-4-3 formation that proved challenging for opposing teams to break down. Alongside their defensive prowess, Chelsea’s attacking prowess was spearheaded by the likes of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, who consistently delivered goals and assists. Their winning streak paved the way for Chelsea’s Premier League triumph, as they finished the season with a comfortable margin at the top of the table.
7. Manchester City (2023-24): 13 wins
Manchester City found themselves in a tight title race against Arsenal in the final weeks of the 2023/24 season. The room for error was minimal as Mikel Arteta’s side was picking up points at a frenetic pace. After their goalless draw with the Gunners, City went on a ruthless nine-match winning streak to beat Arsenal to the title by two points. The Mancunians won four more matches to start their 24/25 campaign before dropping points at home to Arsenal.