5 clubs that struggled immediately after winning the Premier League

#2 Leeds United (1992/93)

Leeds United Division One Champions 1991/92 — Leeds won the final Division one season but struggled in the inaugural Premier League

Leeds United were the surprising winners of the 1991/92 season – the final season in which the old Division one was the top league in England prior to the inauguration of the Premier League in 1992/93.

They’d managed to overhaul Manchester United thanks to the efforts of players such as Gordon Strachan, Lee Chapman, Gary McAllister and Eric Cantona, but for Howard Wilkinson’s side, things were about to change dramatically.

In the opening season of the new Premier League, Leeds were basically dire. They didn’t win an away game all season, were thrashed at home 1-4 by bottom-of-the-table Nottingham Forest, and battled relegation – eventually finishing 17th, just two points away from slipping out of the Premier League entirely.

Football folklore would suggest that the sale of Eric Cantona to Manchester United – who won the league – was the catalyst, but while Cantona’s arrival may have galvanised United, he can’t be to blame for the downfall of Leeds.

Instead, former Leeds players have blamed the introduction of the back pass rule in 1992 – a rule that prevented their defence from resetting by passing back to goalkeeper John Lukic, a tactic they’d commonly used in seasons past. Whatever the reason, it was a simply woeful title defence.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by Alan John