There are some score-lines that will forever leave a lasting impression in the minds of fans. Regardless of how old they become or which team they switch to, the moment they witnessed THAT match will forever be fresh in their minds.
Some scorelines have the power and influence to change a fan’s outlook for the rest of their life. It only takes that one game to change how you feel about your club and the sport.
Here are 5 EPL score lines that moulded a generation of fans.
#5 Tottenham 5-3 Chelsea (2015)
There comes a day when the pretenders must show their worth and announce themselves to the world. For many a year, Tottenham have been seen as the team that will always be there and just there about, whilst never seriously being in contention. However, on the 1st day of 2015, Pochettino’s men told everyone they meant business from then on.
Since this 5-3 victory at White Hart Lane, Tottenham have gone on to finish 2nd in two successive seasons, something they would have never dreamt of 10 years ago. The landmark game itself specifically showed the inevitable decline of John Terry and unprecedented rise of Harry Kane.
The English striker humiliated England’s greatest ever CB on two occasions to score an impressive brace at the lane.
#4 Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal (2011)
This game had it all, red cards, fights and inconceivable comebacks. After just 10 minutes, Arsenal were 3-0 up at St. James Park, cruising and flexing their quality.
Fifteen minutes later, the Gunners 4-0 up and Arsene Wenger was smiling from ear to ear. However, things took a dramatic turn when Abou Diaby was sent off for physically abusing Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan. Little were we to know the importance of that red card.
Two Joey Barton penalties and a cool Leon Best finish put the game on a knife edge after the break. Until a moment of magic happened, Late Cheik Tiote showed the technique of a prime Kaka to volley home a 20-yarder from the edge of the box. The goal sent the fans into exodus and left Arsenal, ironically, 4 points behind Manchester United.
#3 Chelsea 6-0 Arsenal (2014)
Bitter managerial rivals, Wenger’s 1000th game for Arsenal and a London derby, this match had all the ingredients to be something special, and it was. In football, there hasn’t been a more lob sided rivalry than Jose Mourinho vs Arsene Wenger.
Till this day, Arsene Wenger has only beaten Jose once in the Premier League in 12 attempts. Even if Wenger were to win every game between the two from now on, this result would still cloud everything.
You know it’s not your day when you're two down within seven minutes and Gibbs is being mistaken for Oxlade-Chamberlain. In a game that was meant to commemorate his longevity, Wenger’s legacy was permanently stained with his club’s most humiliating defeat.
Six-nil at Stamford Bridge will forever be known as the day Arsene Wenger showed how far Arsenal have truly fallen.
#2 Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City (2011)
The term the ‘noisy neighbours’ has often been used when referring to Manchester City. The skyblues have forever been in Manchester United’s shadow, as the Old Trafford residents have become the most successful side in England.
Just 16 years ago, Manchester City were in Division 1, now the Championship, fighting for promotion. Now they’re spending 100s of millions in transfer windows.
Fergie’s face was red, the fans were left in awe and Mario Balotelli gloated in front of a sold out Old Trafford. The SkyBlues came to Old Trafford and left with a 6-1 scoreline. The victory sent them five points clear at the top at the time, further establishing the shift of power in Manchester.
#1 Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal (2011)
When it comes to total footballing humiliation, this is the epitome. In a show of defiance that best resembles the stubbornness of Arsène Wenger, the Frenchman went to Old Trafford in the midst of an injury crisis and tried to play ATTACKING football.
A starting XI that had never played together before were sent out to the most intimidating stadium in England and told to take on the best team in the league. What followed was a game that Arsenal fans will never ever live down.
Eight-two. Eight goals to the reply of two. A rampant Wayne Rooney scored his 6th hat trick of his career, as the Premier League champions ran roughshod over a makeshift Gunners side. This game made United fans understand they were superior to their classmates and reminded Arsenal fans that they would always be the butt of the joke.
