From Manchester United to Chelsea: Ranking the 5 worst title defences in Premier League history

The English Premier League's ongoing season is witnessing one of the most surprising seasons in recent history. Defending champion Liverpool does not seem to be in the right league, as its title defence appears to in disarray. Currently, placed eighth, it faces a threat of missing out on top-four.

As far as English Premier League goes, it has numerous top teams with title-winning credentials. Most of the sides have won the title at a point and continue to be potential title contenders each season.

Meanwhile, considering the defending champions, they are backed to put up another stellar show in the following season. However, considering the tournament's competition, it is not an easy task for the sides.

As for the ongoing season, defending champion Liverpool is placed eighth and is seemingly out of the title race, besides facing the threat of missing out on the top-four finish. In the same light, we rank the five worst EPL title defences in history.

Chelsea
During the 2016-17 season, Chelsea rode to its sixth title under manager Antonio Conte. However, when it came to the title defence next season, it fluttered and managed to finish fifth, thus qualifying for the UEFA Europa League. It also led to the departure of Conte following a two-season stay.

Manchester United
In the 2013-14 season, right after the departure of its most successful manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United had a horrible tumble, as it managed to finish seventh and failed to book a European spot. Under David Moyes, United suffered a wretched fate, while he quit right after ten months in charge. Since then, United is yet to win the title in the post-Ferguson era.

Blackburn Rovers
Going back in time, it was during the 1995-96 season when now-relegated Blackburn Rovers was the defending champion, having won its last title in 1994-95. Although Rovers was a leading force back then, it was a miracle that it won the title. Nonetheless, the following season, it could manage the seventh spot, which ultimately was the beginning of its utter disintegration.

Chelsea
The Blues joins the list again as it was during the 2014-15 season when it had won its fifth title under Jose Mourinho. Nonetheless, the following season took a toll, as it squandered itself to the tenth spot, leading to Mourinho's sack. Nevertheless, unlike any other side, it pulled its socks back up and managed to win again in 2016-17, under Conte.

Leicester City
During the 2015-16 season, it was Miracle in England, as out of nowhere, absolute non-favourite Leicester City pulled off the impossible and clinched its first-ever EPL title under Claudio Ranieri. However, if it was easy getting to the top, staying there was as difficult, as The Foxes took a grave fall and managed to finish 12th. As Ranieri departed, the club has since not won the title but is considered a top contender, while it is currently placed third in the table.