Bournemouth produced a stunning second-half comeback to beat Luton in the Premier League this week, as the Cherries came from three goals down to win 4-3 at the Vitality Stadium.
Andoni Iraola’s side became the first Premier League team in 20 years to win after being three goals down, with Luton having raced into a 3-0 lead at half-time. Antoine Semenyo scored twice for the Cherries, including a late winner, to cap an unforgettable night on the south coast.
Following Bournemouth’s brilliant comeback, we’ve remembered some of the very best from the Premier League archives.
Five of the best-ever Premier League comebacks:
Tottenham 3-5 Manchester United – 2000/01
In a game that symbolised the character of Manchester United during the Sir Alex Ferguson era, the defending champions found themselves facing a 3-0 half-time deficit at White Hart Lane.
Goals from debutant Dean Richards, Les Ferdinand and Christian Ziege put the dominant hosts three goals up at the break and seemingly in control.
Ferguson introduced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the interval to join Andy Cole and Ruud van Nistelrooy in attack and inspired by David Beckham – and perhaps a half-time hairdryer from their manager – Manchester United began to turn the tide.
HT ➡️ Spurs 3-0 Man Utd ????
FT ➡️ Spurs 3-5 Man Utd ????#PLMoments pic.twitter.com/wHAd5Ygtpt
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 8, 2017
A team transformed, Cole, Laurent Blanc and Van Nistelrooy drew the Red Devils level before Juan Sebastien Veron put the visitors in front for the first time.
Beckham, who had already assisted three goals, scored a magnificent fifth to seal a memorable win.
Midfield Magicians: David Beckham, Golden Balls
Crystal Palace 3-3 Liverpool – 2013/14
A game etched into Premier League folklore, Liverpool travelled to Crystal Palace with realistic hopes of a first top-flight title in 24 years.
Steven Gerrard’s unfortunate slip against Chelsea the previous week had handed the title initiative back to Manchester City, but as Liverpool raced into a three-goal lead at Selhurst Park their fans began to believe again.
Joe Allen, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez put Brendan Rodgers’ side in a commanding position, as the Reds cut through the Crystal Palace defence with ease. Ahead on the night, but behind City on goal difference, they continued to attack.
However, the game – and their title hopes – fell apart in the space of just 11 minutes. Damien Delaney pulled one back for Palace before Dwight Gayle’s brace stunned Liverpool.
Luis Suarez left the pitch in tears, consoled by his captain, as Liverpool’s long wait for an elusive Premier League title continued.
‘Crystanbul’ was born.
Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal – 2010/11
The only occasion in Premier League history that a team has come back from 4-0 down, Newcastle played out a thriller at St James’ Park with Arsenal.
Arsenal were in cruise control, racing into a 2-0 lead within three minutes courtesy of Theo Walcott and Johan Djourou before Robin Van Persie added a third just moments later.
Before the half-hour mark, the Dutch striker had his second and Arsenal’s fourth and the game looked as good as finished.
67: Newcastle 0-4 Arsenal
FT: Newcastle 4-4 ArsenalA #PL match that will never be forgotten – who wins the latest instalment? pic.twitter.com/7FnwoZPPWS
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 11, 2019
Their comfortable lead soon turned to complacency. Joey Barton scored a brace from the penalty spot to reduce the arrears before Leon Best turned in Newcastle’s third.
With three minutes remaining and the Magpies’ momentum building, Cheick Tioté crashed in a stunning left-footed volley to send the Toon faithful wild and secure Newcastle an improbable but deserved point.
Tiote only ever scored one Premier League goal but it certainly won’t be forgotten.
What a hit.
Manchester City 3-2 QPR – 2011/12
Perhaps not the most difficult comeback on this list but certainly the Premier League’s most iconic.
Manchester City headed into their final day clash with relegation-threatened QPR knowing a win would deliver their first league title since 1968. The game started well, with Pablo Zabaleta giving City the lead shortly before half-time.
Soon after the restart, however, things began to unravel as Djibril Cisse levelled for QPR. Momentum appeared back with Roberto Mancini’s side when former City midfielder Joey Barton was sent off following a clash with Carlos Tevez and the visitors were reduced to 10.
Despite their numerical disadvantage QPR, in desperate need of points themselves, took a shock lead through Jamie Mackie and it looked as if a dramatic collapse was coming to fruition.
Heading into stoppage time trailing, and with title rivals Manchester United leading at Sunderland, City needed a miracle.
Edin Dzeko headed in an equaliser to give them hope, but with United having won it looked like the title would be heading to Old Trafford.
As full-time approached, Sergio Aguero slammed home the most dramatic of winners, capping a remarkable comeback and delivering the title in barely believable circumstances.
Tottenham 3-3 West Ham – 2020/21
West Ham rescued a result at Tottenham in a thrilling London derby between the teams in 2020/21, despite trailing 3-0 with less than eight minutes of normal time remaining.
Spurs had started the contest at a frightening pace and stormed into the lead inside 45 seconds through Son Heung-min before Harry Kane doubled the advantage eight minutes in.
The West Ham fans must have feared the worst when Kane scored his second of the night, and a third for Spurs, with little more than a quarter of an hour played.
The pressure eased in the second half and Fabian Balbuena’s header for the Hammers began the start of an almighty collapse for the home side. Davinson Sanchez’s own goal then turned West Ham’s hope into genuine optimism, setting the stage for an astonishing conclusion.
In the second minute of stoppage time, Manuel Lanzini lashed in a wondrous long-range effort, completing the comeback from West Ham and sparking wild celebrations.
“It’s glorious!” ????️
An absolute rocket from Manuel Lanzini in #TOTWHU ???? pic.twitter.com/4MCNgWKMLk
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 19, 2023
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