Feature

Man City set record for variety of leaders

27 Jan 2021
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City

Victory at West Brom on Tuesday makes City the ninth team to lead the league overnight this season

Related Articles
Guardiola: City playing the way we need to be champions External Link

What seems like the most open title race in Premier League history reached a record-breaking level of unpredictability on Tuesday.

A new mark was set as Manchester City beat West Bromwich Albion to become the ninth different overnight leader this season.

That beat the previous record for a full Premier League season of eight, set four times, in the 1998/99, 2001/02, 2002/03 and 2007/08 campaigns.

Of all the sides in the top half of the table, West Ham United and Aston Villa are the only teams who have not finished a day in pole position.

The overnight lead has changed hands 18 times this term, with Leicester City taking the No 1 spot on four occasions, more than anyone else.

And Manchester United can take top spot back from their city rivals on Wednesday when they play Sheffield United at Old Trafford.

The unusual frequency of these changes can be partly attributed to the scheduling of this season's fixtures, as more matches are played across different days for fans to watch at home during COVID-19 restrictions.

Changes to overnight leaders 2020/21
Date Leaders Date Leaders
12 Sep Arsenal 28 Nov Liverpool
19 Sep Everton 29 Nov Spurs
20 Sep Leicester 5 Dec Chelsea
26 Sep Everton 6 Dec Spurs
27 Sep Leicester 16 Dec Liverpool
3 Oct Everton 12 Jan Man Utd
31 Oct Liverpool 19 Jan Leicester
6 Nov Southampton 20 Jan Man Utd
8 Nov Leicester 26 Jan Man City
21 Nov Spurs    

Nevertheless, the variety of teams going for top spot is a factor, too, and has added spice to one of the most intriguing title races in the competition's history.

And now they have added their name to the roster, Man City will be hoping to hang on for longer than their predecessors.

Latest Videos

More Videos

Video is currently not available.

30 Oct 2024

From 1 to 50: EVERY Saka goal in the Premier League

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has become the latest player to reach a half century of Premier League goals. Watch all of them here

Your details have been submitted successfully.

You have already entered this competition. Please check your email for further information.

Your details have been submitted successfully.

Create a Premier League account

Continue

You are logged in as

Enter your details