12. 2002-03
Champions: Manchester United
Relegated: West Ham, West Brom, Sunderland
United’s chase to catch Arsenal and pinch the title late on made the 2002-03 season a particularly memorable one. The Red Devils trailed by eight points in March, but still overhauled the Gunners thanks to some remarkable performances.
Most of those came from striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, a lethal finisher at the peak of his powers in 2003. His individual goal to help United draw 2-2 with Arsenal in a titanic clash at Highbury in April was one of his signature moments.
As good as United’s run was, the change at the top owed as much to the Gunners throwing their lead away. Arsenal were sensational in the first part of the season, playing some of the finest, free-flowing soccer the Premier League has ever known.
Yet Arsene Wenger’s team came unstuck in October 2002 when Wayne Rooney announced himself to the soccer world. Then just 16, Rooney scored a spectacular winner for Everton at Goodison Park to end the reigning champs’ 30-match unbeaten run.
Rooney had given a glimpse of the superb player he was set to become. Meanwhile, Arsenal initially recovered, but still faltered later in the season.
The Gunners blew a 2-0 lead at the Reebok Stadium against Bolton Wanderers to draw 2-2. Seeing an unravelling Wenger tear his tie off in disgust shattered the image of the cool and detached “Le Professor” forever.