Worst Premier League Title Defences: Liverpool’s 2025-26 Collapse and Other Historic Downfalls

Premier League title defences have often been the ultimate test of a champion’s resolve and squad depth, but Liverpool’s 2025-26 implosion under Arne Slot has set a new benchmark for how quickly fortunes can turn. Just half a year after Slot guided the Reds to their second Premier League crown, Liverpool now finds themselves in crisis—11th in the table, 11 points behind Arsenal, with six defeats from their opening 12 matches.

Premier League Title Defences: A Steep Fall for Liverpool

The Premier League title defence for Liverpool began with optimism as they led the table at the end of September. However, a 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace triggered a disastrous run—just three points from their last seven fixtures, capped by a demoralizing 3-0 defeat at Anfield to Nottingham Forest. Despite a record £450 million summer outlay on talents like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez, the newcomers have struggled, and the team dynamic has suffered following the sale of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The squad has also been emotionally shaken by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, a key figure in their previous title run.

Historic Premier League Title Defence Disasters

Liverpool’s current struggles echo some of the league’s most infamous title defence failures. The club’s 2020-21 campaign saw them fall from a dominating 99-point championship to just 69 points and third place amid a cascade of injuries. Burnley snapped their 68-game Anfield unbeaten streak, and a mid-season freefall nearly cost them Champions League football.

Blackburn, Leicester, Leeds: Title Holders Who Fell Hard

– Blackburn Rovers (1995-96): After Kenny Dalglish’s departure, Rovers plummeted to 17th just six games in and finished seventh, missing out on Europe and ultimately selling star striker Alan Shearer.
– Leicester City (2016-17): The Foxes’ miraculous title was followed by a slide into relegation trouble, the sacking of Claudio Ranieri, and a final 12th-place finish. Their 6-1 home humiliation by Tottenham summed up a nightmare defence.
– Leeds United (1992-93): Champions in the previous season, Leeds failed to win an away game and barely avoided relegation after selling Eric Cantona to Manchester United.

Chelsea and Manchester United: From Champions to Crisis

Chelsea’s 2015-16 title defence under Jose Mourinho collapsed with a toxic dressing room atmosphere and off-pitch controversies, resulting in Mourinho’s sacking and a 10th-place finish. Manchester United fared no better post-Ferguson in 2013-14; David Moyes’ ill-fated tenure ended with United seventh, their worst Premier League finish ever.

Liverpool 2025-26: Where Does It Rank Among the Worst?

With the primary focus keyword Premier League title defence, Liverpool’s 2025-26 season could soon join the annals of the worst in history. Their inability to integrate high-profile signings, loss of key leadership, and damaging results have all contributed to their downfall. While Manchester United in 1996-97 managed the lowest title-defending points tally (75) and still won the league, Liverpool’s current trajectory suggests a far less forgiving fate.

For Liverpool to avoid cementing their place atop the unwanted list of disastrous Premier League title defences, a rapid and dramatic turnaround is essential. Arne Slot faces the dual challenge of salvaging both the season and his own reputation—a scenario few could have predicted just months ago.

Opinion: Can Liverpool Recover?

In my view, Liverpool’s collapse serves as a cautionary tale about the volatility of Premier League title defences. Success one season is no guarantee the next, especially when team chemistry and leadership are disrupted. While historic examples show that recovery is possible, it will take unity, smart tactical adjustments, and mental resilience for Liverpool to avoid one of the all-time worst Premier League title defences. For more news and in-depth analysis, visit for more news.