The season when everything changed on the final day
In short: From unprecedented takeover battles and frozen assets to a title race decided in the final minutes, the 2021–22 Premier League season was a whirlwind of chaos. It was a year where the league's hierarchy, financial landscape, and very survival were all hanging in the balance.
The campaign was defined by extreme volatility both on and off the pitch. Manchester City successfully defended their championship, securing their sixth Premier League trophy and eighth English top-flight title. While City dominated, the title race saw a dramatic shift: Chelsea led in early December, but a 12-match winning streak eventually allowed City to build a massive lead, even as Liverpool mounted a fierce comeback to close the gap to just one point before the final day.
Off the pitch, the league faced significant geopolitical and financial upheaval. The £300m takeover of Newcastle United by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund in October 2021 sparked intense controversy, leading other clubs to vote for tighter financial controls. Meanwhile, the invasion of Ukraine triggered a crisis at Chelsea, as the British government froze Roman Abramovich's assets in March 2022. This left the club in a state of limbo, unable to trade or sign players, until a special license was issued to maintain footballing operations.
The season's conclusion was historically dramatic. For the first time in the Premier League's history, the outcomes for the title, European qualification, and relegation were all determined on the final day. While City clinched the title with a late comeback against Aston Villa, the relegation battle saw Leeds United survive at the expense of Burnley, and Everton narrowly avoided their first relegation since 1951 after a frantic 3–2 victory over Crystal Palace.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2021–22 Premier League
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-2021-22-premier-league.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in UK & Irish culture · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
