Premier League: Worst starts to a season

We look at the worst starts to a season in Premier League history.

Worst starts to a Premier League season

In terms of total points after 10 games, Portsmouth are bottom on -5, but only by way of their nine-point deduction for entering administration.

In terms of points accrued, Sheffield United are the only team to have picked up one point from their first 10 games - a feat they've managed twice.

After shocking everyone with their phenomenal return to the Premier League in 2019, the Blades fared much worse the following season, starting by picking up one point from their first 10 - a 1-1 draw at home to Fulham in their fifth game.

United spent two seasons in the Championship following their relegation, but found the Premier League too much once again in the 2023/24 season. The South Yorkshire side managed a 2-2 draw at home to Everton, but lost their other nine games.

Three other teams managed to pick up two points from their first 10 games and all three were relegated.

First up were Manchester City in 1995/96. Back in the mid-90s, long before the oil money came along, City were fighting for Premier League survival, but despite an opening-day draw with Tottenham, City would lose their next eight games, drawing the 10th, scoring just three goals in the process.

Sunderland were next in 2016/17. After two near misses in the previous three seasons, Sunderland's luck finally ran out. Draws with Southampton and West Brom were all Black Cats fans had to cheer about in the opening 10 games, and they'd eventually finish bottom of the pile.

Most recently came Norwich in 2021/22, drawing back-to-back games with Burnley and Brighton - both 0-0 - but losing their other eight games, including a 7-0 drubbing by Chelsea, as well as 5-0 and 3-0 defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.

Liam Williams

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