Premier League Title Race

How the Premier League Title Race Works

The Premier League title race is the season-long battle between the top clubs for the English championship. Over 38 matchdays, contenders trade the lead — every dropped point, head-to-head result and goal difference swing can prove decisive by the final day in May.

This page tracks the leading contenders with live standings data: current position, points, form over the last five matches, and the gap to the leader — updated after every round of fixtures.

How the Title Is Decided

• Points — 3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss
• Goal difference — the first tiebreaker; famously decided the 2011-12 title
• Goals scored — the second tiebreaker if teams remain level
• Games in hand — postponed fixtures can hide a team's true position

Title Race Records

Most PL titles

13 — Manchester United

Most consecutive titles

4 — Manchester City

Highest points total

100 — Man City (2017-18)

Closest finish

Goal difference (2011-12)

The Greatest Title Races

2018-19City 98, Liverpool 97 — the finest margins

The highest points total ever recorded by a runner-up. A single point decided the title on the final day.

2011-12Aguero — 93:20

Manchester City won on goal difference after Sergio Aguero’s stoppage-time goal against QPR. Both City and United finished on 89 points.

2015-16Leicester City’s miracle

Pre-season 5000-1 outsiders Leicester won the league by 10 points — arguably the greatest upset in football history.

2023-24City’s four in a row

Manchester City held off Arsenal by 2 points to become the first club to win four consecutive English top-flight titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Premier League title winner decided?

The club with the most points after all 38 matchdays wins the title. Teams earn 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw and 0 for a loss.

What happens if two teams finish level on points?

Teams level on points are separated first by goal difference, then by goals scored. If still level, a playoff match can theoretically decide the title — though it has never been needed.

What does "games in hand" mean in a title race?

A game in hand is a postponed fixture a team still has to play. A contender with games in hand can close the gap by winning them, so the raw table can understate their true position.

What is the highest Premier League points total?

Manchester City’s 100 points in 2017-18 is the record — 32 wins, 4 draws and only 2 defeats.

Who has won the most Premier League titles?

Manchester United hold the record with 13 Premier League titles, all won under Sir Alex Ferguson between 1993 and 2013.

When is the Premier League title usually decided?

Most titles are decided in April or May, often on the final two or three matchdays. The earliest confirmation came in 2020-21 when Manchester City were crowned with three games remaining.

More Premier League Coverage

League Table Standings Live Scores Fixtures Results Top Scorers