Losing leads ranks amongst the biggest sources of frustration for any Premier League manager, watching their side take charge of a contest before surrendering the points.
We’ve decided to look at the teams who have most struggled to convert a lead into three points so far this season, here are the five Premier League sides to drop the most points from winning positions in 2020/21.
Sheffield United – 11 points
Sheffield United remain rooted to the bottom of the division despite a recent upturn in performances, Chris Wilder’s side having been struck with ‘second season syndrome’ to make the worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign.
Amongst their many downfalls so far this season has been an inability to hang on to leads, squandering 11 points from winning positions – incredibly the same number of points the Blades have managed to win across their 23 fixtures to date.
Those performances include conceding a late equaliser against fellow strugglers Brighton, in addition to surrendering leads in defeats to Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Fulham – 11 points
Fellow relegation candidates Fulham have also squandered 11 points from winning positions, with several of those dropped points coming against sides also in contention down at the bottom of the division.
Those concerning results include draws with the three sides alongside the Cottagers in the bottom four, Scott Parker’s side dropping points against Sheffield United, Newcastle and West Brom despite having led on each occasion.
Fulham’s inability to hold onto their advantages has left the west London outfit with just three wins for the campaign so far, and with a seven-point gap to bridge if they are to avoid an instant return to the second tier.
Liverpool – 11 points
Liverpool‘s capitulation at Leicester last weekend saw the out-of-sorts champions climb these rankings, falling to defeat at the King Power Stadium despite taking the lead through Mohamed Salah.
That loss means the Reds have now lost 11 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, with only two sides across the division having squandered more.
It’s a hugely concerning statistic given Liverpool’s defensive record over the past two seasons with Jurgen Klopp’s side having amassed the Premier League’s best defence in 2018/19 and 2019/20, and a situation which has all but ended their hopes of defending the title.
Somewhat interestingly though, Liverpool still rank highly for the most points gained from losing positions with only Manchester United, Leicester and Wolves having won more than their 10 points.
Brighton – 14 points
Brighton are beginning to climb the Premier League table following an inauspicious start to the season, compiling a six-game unbeaten run to move eight points clear of the bottom three.
Graham Potter’s side have won plenty of praise for their performances this season without turning strong showings into results, though a record of 14 points dropped from winning positions perhaps points towards their lowly position.
Brighton have squandered leads against the likes of Manchester United and Southampton before falling to defeat, whilst advantages against West Brom, Wolves, West Ham and Burnley have resulted in draws.
Those stalemates have contributed towards the Seagulls being unable to pull comfortably clear of danger, Brighton having amassed an incredible 11 draws from just 24 league fixtures this season.
See also – Yves Bissouma: The all-action midfielder to turn Man United into legitimate title challengers
Southampton – 16 points
No side in the Premier League has dropped more points from winning positions than Southampton, with the Saints allowing Wolves to complete a turnaround to fall to a sixth consecutive league defeat for the first time in their history last weekend.
Southampton’s bright start to the campaign – including topping the Premier League for the first time in November – is in danger of falling apart completely with an injury-hit side struggling for results.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have remarkably lost four times despite leading during the 2020/21 campaign, dropping a further four points in draws to Wolves and Arsenal.
The Saints’ recent struggles have seen them drop to 13th in the division and early season hopes of reaching Europe are beginning to look increasingly more distant.
Premier League Weekly Awards: Gundogan the great, Lowton’s golazo, Maja magic
See also – Premier League Team of the Week
