Manchester City won the 2011/12 Premier League title on goal difference. City and Manchester United both finished on 89 points, but City's goal difference was +64 and United's was +56, so City finished 1st.
Why goal difference settled the title
Premier League ranking rules are straightforward: clubs are ordered by points, then by goal difference, then by goals scored. In 2011/12, the title race was decided at the second step because the top 2 finished level on points.
| Position | Club | Points | Goals for | Goals against | Goal difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester City | 89 | 93 | 29 | +64 |
| 2 | Manchester United | 89 | 89 | 33 | +56 |
| 3 | Arsenal | 70 | 74 | 49 | +25 |
That made the season unique in the Premier League era. From 1992/93 to 2025/26, it is the only season in which the top 2 finished level on points and the title was separated by goal difference.
What happened on the final day
The title was settled on Sunday 13 May 2012.
| Date | Club | Opponent | Result | Effect on the title race |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 May 2012 | Manchester City | Queens Park Rangers | Won 3-2 | Took 3 points and finished 1st on goal difference |
| 13 May 2012 | Manchester United | Sunderland | Won 1-0 | Took 3 points but finished 2nd because of inferior goal difference |
The Premier League has described it as the narrowest title-winning margin in its history: a gap of 8 on goal difference. The defining moment was Sergio Aguero's goal deep into stoppage time on the final day, which gave City the title.
Why there was no shared title
The league table has to separate clubs by the competition rules, so the title is not shared when teams are level on points. In this case, City had scored more and conceded fewer across the season, which produced the better goal difference.
There was no need to go to the next tiebreaker, goals scored, because goal difference had already separated the teams. The championship was decided directly by league ranking, not by any extra match.
What this title meant for Manchester City
This was Manchester City's first Premier League title. Their total has since reached 8.
The finish is remembered for its drama, but its place in league history also comes from how clearly it showed the table rules in action. When points are level, goal difference can decide the championship.
FAQ
Who won the Premier League in 2011/12?
Manchester City won it. They ended the 38-match season on 89 points and finished above Manchester United because of a superior goal difference.
Has the Premier League title ever been decided on goal difference?
Yes, once: in 2011/12, when Manchester City and Manchester United finished level on points and City took the title on goal difference.
What happened on the last day of the 2011/12 season?
The title race stayed alive until the final round, and both contenders won their matches. City therefore stayed top on the tiebreaker, while United finished 2nd.
Was this Manchester City's first Premier League title?
Yes, it was their first Premier League title. The club's Premier League total now stands at 8.