Newcastle 0-1 Manchester United (1995-96)

Kevin Keegan’s swashbuckling Newcastle looked set to be runaway champions, but from 12 points clear they were slowly reeled in by Alex Ferguson’s ruthless Manchester United. When the two title-chasers met at St James’ Park in early March, Keegan’s previously irresistible attack was kept out repeatedly by Peter Schmeichel, and there was a sense of inevitability when Eric Cantona popped up to volley home the winner at the far post. Ferguson’s side travelled home a point behind Newcastle, who had been dragged into a scrap, and when he turned up the mind games in the run-in, Keegan boiled over on live TV in unforgettable fashion. How the Magpies manager would have loved it if his champions-elect had put their challengers away when they had the chance.

Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal (1997-98)

Arsène Wenger’s first two titles with Arsenal were defined by one-goal victories at Old Trafford. While Sylvain Wiltord’s winner in May 2002 actually delivered the title, Arsenal had only needed a draw that night to secure the trophy. The two sides’ meeting in March 1998 triggered a truly seismic shift thanks to Marc Overmars’ goal – the first Arsenal had scored at Old Trafford in the Premier League era – and some fine saves from stand-in keeper Alex Manninger. Wenger’s side had approached the new year in sixth, 13 points behind leaders United, but took destiny in their own hands with this win, embarking on a 10-game winning run to clinch the title by a point. The defining image of the game came from a fan in the away end, celebrating a new era with wide-eyed intensity at the final whistle.

Manchester United 1-2 Chelsea (2009-10)

Carlo Ancelotti’s first season at Chelsea is often overlooked as one of the Premier League’s great campaigns. The Italian delivered the club’s first Double as his free-flowing team scored 103 league goals, with the two most important ones coming at Old Trafford over the Easter weekend. Chelsea began the day a point behind United, who were chasing a fourth straight title, but went ahead through Joe Cole’s brilliant back-heel after 20 minutes. Ancelotti had started Nicolas Anelka ahead of Didier Drogba but turned to the Ivorian with 20 minutes left. Drogba quickly added a second, firing into the roof of the net from what looked like an offside position. Federico Macheda pulled one back and Dimitar Berbatov missed a late chance to level as Chelsea went top; they won the title by a solitary point.

Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United (2011-12)

Despite winning 6-1 at Old Trafford earlier in the season, Roberto Mancini’s City side fell eight points behind United in early April. A 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, sealed by Mikel Arteta’s late strike, appeared to be the final act of a dramatic title race. How little we knew. Alex Ferguson’s trophy hunters unexpectedly stumbled again, losing at Wigan and drawing 4-4 with Everton to leave the door ajar. City needed another famous win over their bitter rivals to reclaim pole position, and they got it as Vincent Kompany headed the only goal against strangely subdued opponents. It very nearly didn’t matter. On the final day, City were 2-1 down at home to QPR in stoppage time, needing all three points. Ferguson had one hand back on the trophy – but we all know what happened next.

Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool (2018-19)

Title deciders don’t usually happen in January, but this thrilling battle was undeniably the pivotal moment in a relentless race. Liverpool arrived unbeaten in the league, seven points clear of City and ready to deliver the decisive blow. They could scarcely have come closer to taking the lead in the first half as John Stones cleared the ball off the line with Mohamed Salah closing in and 11.7mm to spare, according to goalline technology. Sergio Agüero then fired in a clinical opener at the near post, only for Roberto Firmino to head the visitors level after the break. It was left to Leroy Sané to apply the finishing touch with another moment of precision, his shot pinging in off the far post. Four months later City won the title by a point. Had Liverpool drawn this game in January, they would have been undefeated champions.