Premier League Asia Trophy

History of the Premier League Asia Trophy

23 Mar 2019
Wolves win Asia Trophy

After Wolves lift the 2019 Trophy in China, find out the winners of the past tournaments

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The Premier League Asia Trophy returned for its ninth edition in 2019 with Manchester City, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers competing in China. 

Hosted across two locations, Nanjing and Shanghai, it was the second tournament to be held in mainland China, after Beijing hosted it in 2009.

Wolves were the winners on their Asia Trophy debut as they defeated 2018/19 Premier League champions Man City in a penalty shootout, while Newcastle edged West Ham 1-0 in the third/fourth place playoff match. 

Here we look back at the previous tournaments, which have been won by eight different clubs.

Kuala Lumpur, 2003

The inaugural competition was held at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, in Kuala Lumpur, and Chelsea emerged as the first winners after a penalty shoot-out against Newcastle in the final. Birmingham City and Malaysia also competed as the west London club won their first piece of silverware under Roman Abramovich’s ownership.

2003 Asia Trophy winners Chelsea
John Terry and manager Claudio Ranieri, then of Chelsea, lift the inaugural PL Asia Trophy
Bangkok, 2005

Bolton Wanderers took the title at the Rajamangala National Stadium in the Thai capital, seeing off challenges from Everton, Man City and Thailand’s Under-23 team.

Bolton Wanderers win 2005 Premier League Asia Trophy
Jay Jay Okocha gets a hero's reception from fans after helping Bolton win the 2005 Asia Trophy
Hong Kong, 2007

Again, penalties were needed to find a winner, with Portsmouth beating Liverpool 4–2 from the spot in the Hong Kong Stadium, while Fulham and South China FC also took part.

Fernando Torres, Liverpool
Liverpool signing Fernando Torres couldn't stop Portsmouth winning the 2007 competition
Beijing, 2009

Tottenham Hotspur took the title after a commanding 3-0 victory over Hull City in the final at the Beijing Workers' Stadium, also finishing ahead of West Ham and Beijing Guoan.

Tottenham Hotspur celebrate winning 2009 PL Asia Trophy
Spurs earned a 3-0 win against Hull to triumph in the Beijing edition of the tournament
Hong Kong, 2011

Chelsea won the Premier League Asia Trophy again, this time at the Hong Kong Stadium, after overcoming Aston Villa 2-0. Blackburn Rovers and Kitchee also featured.

2011 Premier League Asia Trophy winners Chelsea
Players and fans alike celebrate after Chelsea score in the 2011 Asia Trophy final
Hong Kong, 2013

Hong Kong hosted the tournament again and Edin Dzeko struck the decisive goal in Man City’s 1-0 victory over Sunderland in the final. Spurs and South China were beaten in the semi-finals.

Edin Dzeko with the 2013 Asia Trophy
Edin Dzeko lifts the 2013 PL Asia Trophy after scoring Man City's winner
Singapore, 2015

Arsenal beat Everton 3-1 at the Singapore National Stadium to win the tournament for the first time. Stoke City and a Singapore XI also competed.

Arsenal v Everton, 2015 Premier League Asia Trophy
Theo Walcott scored as Arsenal beat Everton 3-1 to claim the 2015 PL Asia Trophy
Hong Kong, 2017

Philippe Coutinho scored one goal and made another in Liverpool's 2-1 win against Leicester City in the final. Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion were beaten in the semi-finals.

Premier League Asia Trophy
Philippe Coutinho's stunner gives Liverpool a 2-1 lead
Nanjing/Shanghai, 2019 

Rui Patricio saved three penalties to help Wolves defeat Man City 3-2 on spot-kicks after a 0-0 draw in normal time. The third/fourth place playoff match was won 1-0 by Newcastle against West Ham thanks to a Yoshinori Muto goal.

Rui Patricio, Wolves
Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio was the hero of the 2019 Asia Trophy final as he saved three Man City penalties

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