The Friday List of Little or No Consequence #164

Tighter than a gnat's chuff...

The Five Closest Finishes In English Top-Flight History

1. 1923-24
Huddersfield Town won the First Division title ahead of Cardiff City with a better goal average of 0.024. Both teams finished level on points and had the goal difference system been used, they’d have been level on that too. Under the goals scored system, Cardiff would have won the title by a single goal.

2. 1988-89
Arsenal won the First Division title Arsenal having scored 8 goals more than Liverpool. Both teams finished level on points and goal difference, so the title was decided on goals scored instead.

3. 1952-53
Arsenal won the First Division title ahead of Preston North End with a better goal average of 0.099. Both teams finished level on points and under the goal difference system, Arsenal would have won the title by 8 goals.

4. 1949-50
Portsmouth won the First Division title ahead of Wolves with a better goal average of 0.396. Both teams finished level on points and under the goal difference system, Portsmouth would have won the title by 9 clear goals.

5. 1964-65
Man United won the First Division title ahead of Leeds United with a better goal average of 0.686. Both teams finished level on points and under the goal difference system, Man United would have won the title by 19 clear goals.