10 Worst Premier League Seasons in English History

10 Worst Premier League Seasons in English History

The Premier League is without a doubt the greatest league in the world of football with billions of viewers from all around the world. Every season, three teams are promoted to the league from the EFL Championship and their aim is usually to remain in the division and avoid relegation.

In the current 2026/27 Premier League campaign, Coventry City are currently struggling and find themselves rock bottom of the table after four games. This season marks the first time that the Sky Blues have been in the top flight since 2001 so for many of their fans it is the first time they are getting to witness their club take on the ‘big boys’.

Frank Lampard’s men are desperately in need of not only their first points on the board but also their first goal as they are yet to even get the ball in the back of the net. If results do not improve soon then they could be in for a rather embarrassing season ahead.

Who are some other teams that have had bad Premier League campaigns over the years?

Worst Premier League Seasons in English History

10. Huddersfield Town (2018/19)

Huddersfield Town suffered what is known as ‘second season syndrome’ in 2018/19 as they were relegated from the top flight. Following a successful first season in the league, the Terriers were found out in the second season and ended up being relegated with a tally of just 16 points. It still doesn’t tarnish what a fantastic season it was to stay up in 2017/18.

9. Manchester City (2008/09)

This was a hugely pivotal moment in Manchester City history as this was the first season under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour. They became one of the richest teams in not only the country but the world and they signed the likes of Vincent Kompany, Robinho and Pablo Zabaleta. However, they found themselves in the relegation zone over Christmas and only managed to reach a 10th place finish come the end of the season. Rather underwhelming!

8. Manchester United (2024/25)

Manchester United are the largest club in England and should always be competing towards the top end of the Premier League table. This was not the case in 2024/25 as they finished in 15th position in the Premier League and could have been dragged into a relegation battle if it wasn’t for the poor quality of the bottom three.

7. Leeds United (1992/93)

This is another occasion where the side had a terrible season but didn’t actually end up facing relegation to the second tier of English football. Leeds United came into the season as reigning champions, however after a very poor campaign and the sale of Eric Cantona to Manchester United, they only managed to finish two points clear of the drop zone. Astonishing!

6. Sheffield United (2023/24)

Sheffield United made a return to the Premier League for the 2023/24 campaign but it was not a season that went to plan for the Blades. They managed just three wins all season and finished on 16 points with a goal difference of -45. Not one to remember for the fans and they are yet to return to the top flight.

5. Sunderland (2005/06)

The Black Cats have been on quite the journey over the past few seasons, with them competing in the UEFA Europa League for 2026./27 season. However, back in 2006 they became one of the worst Premier League sides of all time as they were relegated with just sixteen points. The attacking display was rather embarrassing throughout the season, scoring just 21 goals.

4. Aston Villa (2015/16)

Aston Villa are one of the biggest clubs in English football and have been competing regularly in Europe over recent years. However, back in 2015/16 they endured a terrible campaign where they won just three matches all season and were relegated on sixteen points a while before the end of the season. Luckily for them many forget how bad their season was as it happened to be the season with the biggest fairytale story in football history with Leicester City winning the Premier League.

3. Southampton (2024/25)

Southampton fans witnessed such a bad season in 2024/25 that they only managed to not become the worst Premier League side in history by just one point. A lot of the blame was put on Russell Martin who refused to change his system despite not picking up points and the Saints went on to win just two games all season.

2. Tottenham Hotspur (2025/26)

Tottenham Hotspur are one of the richest clubs in England and are part of the ‘Big 6’ - so for them to finish 17th for consecutive seasons is diabolical.

Last season they were in danger of relegation right up until the last game of the season and managed to scrape over the line and stay up by two points. For a club with such a big stadium and large investment they need to be doing a lot better.

1. Derby County (2007/08)

This is statistically the worst Premier League season of all time with the Rams achieving just eleven points in 38 games. They managed to pick up just one win which wasn’t enough to even give the fans a bit of hope for survival. There have been many poor teams since but no one has broken the points record yet and I’m not sure any team will as eleven points is a terrible total for the top flight of English football.