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30 Greatest Teams in Premier League History

By Benjamin Taylor

Who will lift this trophy in May and join these 30 teams among the greatest ever to compete in the English Premier League? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Who will lift this trophy in May and join these 30 teams among the greatest ever to compete in the English Premier League? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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6. Manchester City, 2011-12

Manchester City’s Belgian captain Vincent Kompany lifts the Premier league trophy, and celebrates with Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko (2nd R), Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (R) and French midfielder Samir Nasri (L) after their 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers in the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. Manchester City won the game 3-2 to secure their first title since 1968. This is the first time that the Premier league title has been decided on goal-difference, Manchester City and Manchester United both finishing on 89 points. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages)
Manchester City’s Belgian captain Vincent Kompany lifts the Premier league trophy, and celebrates with Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko (2nd R), Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (R) and French midfielder Samir Nasri (L) after their 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers in the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on May 13, 2012. Manchester City won the game 3-2 to secure their first title since 1968. This is the first time that the Premier league title has been decided on goal-difference, Manchester City and Manchester United both finishing on 89 points. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLISRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages) /

Starting XI: J. Hart (GK); M. Richards, V. Kompany, J. Lescott, G. Clichy; S. Nasri, G. Barry, Y. Toure, D. Silva; S. Aguero, E. Dzeko.

I mentioned in the introductory slide that the current season has been one of the greatest ever. Well, as things stand, 2011-12 holds that title. And it was Manchester City that won it. Just…

With the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool struggling domestically, the two Manchester clubs dominated the league and traded top spot on a regular basis. But the signings of Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy and – most importantly – Sergio Aguero had given City the edge going into the season. They were simply a better side than their crosstown rivals. Aguero’s 23 league goals maintained the team’s title challenge, but it was his 23rd and final goal that proved most significant.

With City simply needing a win at home to lowly QPR on the final day of the season to secure the title, there was an atmosphere of anticipation at the Etihad. But QPR took a shock 2-1 lead and, with United leading at Sunderland, City were seemingly about to hand their neighbours the trophy. A Dzeko header to equalise gave City hope, but time was running out. With virtually the final kick of the game – and the season – Aguero latched onto substitute Mario Balotelli’s flick to smash the ball past Paddy Kenny and pluck the title from Fergie’s grasp.

At the end of a title race that ebbed and flowed beautifully, it was a finale that defied belief. With both Manchester clubs tied on 89 points, City had edged the title by merit of their superior goal difference.

Next: No. 5

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