The Premier League is well-known for its unpredictable moments. When you think you can guess what might happen next, football often brings a surprise that changes everything.
Sometimes these unexpected results bring massive payouts for a few, and leave many punters disappointed.
From stunning underdog triumphs to late goals changing the course of a game, the EPL has delivered no shortage of eye-catching upsets. Let’s look back at some of the most unforgettable betting shocks to ever happen in Premier League history.
Leicester City Winning the Title (2015-16); 5000/1 Odds
Leicester City’s victory in the 2015-16 Premier League stands out as perhaps the most remarkable shock of all. Before a ball was kicked, most online betting sites offered eye-watering odds of 5000/1 on Leicester finishing top, and almost nobody saw it coming.
Led by Claudio Ranieri, the Foxes went from relegation favourites to champions. Jamie Vardy’s record-breaking run and Riyad Mahrez’s creativity were vital as they beat some of the league’s biggest teams.
Referring back to what we mentioned earlier, very few punters took the chance. However, those who did see truly life-changing wins as a result. Leicester’s story continues to be an example of what can happen in football when you keep believing.
Bradford City 1 Liverpool 0 (2000)
On the last day of the 1999-00 season, Bradford City needed a win against Liverpool to secure their place in the Premier League for another year.
Despite facing a strong Liverpool side, Bradford pulled off a 1-0 win, thanks to David Wetherall’s memorable header. The crowd erupted as they watched their team avoid relegation.
Liverpool’s defeat saw them miss out on Champions League football. As with Leicester’s shock, this result stunned punters up and down the country, showing how outcomes can change in a single moment.
Manchester United 1 Manchester City 6 (2011)
The Manchester derby in October 2011 was expected to be closely fought. However, what followed surprised everyone.
Manchester City delivered a commanding performance, beating United 6-1 in their own stadium. It was one of the heaviest defeats Manchester United have suffered at home.
This result not only shocked fans but also left punters reviewing their football knowledge. As in other famous shocks, it was a reminder that sometimes even the most established teams can get caught out – an important lesson to keep in mind for the 2025-26 EPL season.
Crystal Palace 3 Liverpool 3 (2014), “Crystanbul”
As Liverpool headed into their match against Crystal Palace with hopes of keeping their title ambitions alive, they seemed to be cruising with a 3-0 advantage.
What followed became legendary. Palace netted three goals in the last 11 minutes, leaving the game tied 3-3. This stunning turnaround was quickly nicknamed “Crystanbul”.
Many punters were left reeling as bets on a Liverpool win collapsed. The result is often referred to whenever Premier League drama is discussed, and it highlights again just how quickly a football match can change.
Burnley 1 Manchester United 0 (2009)
Newly promoted Burnley faced a daunting task early in the season, welcoming reigning champions Manchester United.
While many thought United would win comfortably, Robbie Blake’s powerful volley secured all three points for Burnley. The stadium erupted as Burnley claimed a famous 1-0 victory.
Once again, results like this left plenty of punters caught off guard. It underlines that, just as we’ve seen in other matches, passion and belief can make a real difference.
Tottenham Hotspur 5 Chelsea 3 (2015)
Chelsea travelled to face Tottenham on New Year’s Day 2015 while sitting top of the table and playing with real confidence.
However, it was Tottenham who seized the initiative, putting five goals past their rivals. Harry Kane’s sensational performance led Spurs to a thrilling 5-3 win.
The shock result had plenty of knock-on effects, ruining accumulator bets and changing the outlook of the league. It just goes to show, you can never be quite sure what the Premier League has in store.
Why These Shocks Matter
Betting shocks are part of what keeps Premier League football so exciting. As we’ve seen, these moments not only change the story of a season but also remind everyone that results are never certain, no matter how strong a team may look on paper.
For anyone keen to place a bet, these matches stand as examples of just how unpredictable football can be. As mentioned before, it’s always wise to keep an eye on your budget and only gamble what you can afford to lose, especially when betting Premier League futures.
Looking back on these matches reminds us why we’re drawn to the Premier League; they give us stories that fans, punters, and the wider football community talk about long after the final whistle.
