Seasons95/96

Premier League 1995-96

By
Matt Booth
10 Min Read
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Season Dates: August 1995 – May 1996​

Champions: Manchester United​

Top Scorer (Golden Boot): Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers) – 31 goals​

Relegated Teams: Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers, Bolton Wanderers​

European Qualification:

  • Champions League: Manchester United​
  • Cup Winners’ Cup: Liverpool
  • UEFA Cup: Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Arsenal​

Season Overview:

The 1995/96 Premier League season will be remembered for Manchester United’s remarkable comeback to clinch their third title in four years. Despite a slow start and media criticism, notably Alan Hansen’s remark, “You can’t win anything with kids,” United’s young stars, including David Beckham, Paul Scholes, and the Neville brothers, proved pivotal. ​

Newcastle United, under Kevin Keegan, led the table by 12 points in January but experienced a dramatic decline, allowing Manchester United to overtake them and for Sir Alex Ferguson to bring the title to Old Trafford.

The relegation battle concluded saw Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers, and Bolton Wanderers dropping to the First Division. City’s fate was sealed on the final day, despite having the same points as Coventry and Southampton, with United’s cross-city rivals getting relegated on goal difference.

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
1Manchester United 38257673353882
2Newcastle United 38246866372978
3Liverpool 382011770343671
4Aston Villa 381891152351763
5Arsenal 381712949321763
6Everton 3817101164442061
7Blackburn Rovers 381871361471461
8Tottenham Hotspur 381613950381261
9Nottingham Forest 381513105054−4 58
10West Ham United 38149154352−9 51
11Chelsea 381214124644250
12Middlesbrough 381110173550−15 43
13Leeds United 38127194057−17 43
14Wimbledon 381011175570−15 41
15Sheffield Wednesday 381010184861−13 40
16Coventry City 38814164260−18 38
17Southampton 38911183452−18 38
18Manchester City 38911183358−25 38
19Queens Park Rangers 3896233857−19 33
20Bolton Wanderers 3885253971−32 29
Total Goals Scored988End

Month-by-Month Breakdown

August 1995 – The Season Begins

Manchester United suffered a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa, with David Beckham prompting Alan Hansen’s famous critique. ​ Defending champions Blackburn Rovers started with a 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers, but ended up losing their next three games on the spin.

Player of the Month: David Ginola (Newcastle United)

September 1995 – Early Leaders Emerge

Newcastle United showcased strong form, winning two of their three games in the month, with Les Ferdinand leading their attack.​ Liverpool showed their offensive power by scoring eight goals in wins over Bolton and Blackburn.

Player of the Month: Tony Yeboah (Leeds United)

October 1995 – United’s Resurgence

Manchester United began to find form, with Eric Cantona returning from suspension to inspire the team to wins against Manchester City, Chelsea and Middlesbrough.

Player of the Month: Trevor Sinclair (Queens Park Rangers)

November 1995 – Tightening at the Top

Newcastle maintained their lead, but Manchester United closed the gap with consistent performances against the likes of Southampton and Coventry. Aston Villa emerged as dark horses, climbing up the table with wins against Southampton and West Ham and a draw against Newcastle.

Player of the Month: Rob Lee (Newcastle United)

December 1995 – Festive Fixtures

Liverpool’s title challenge faltered with unexpected dropped points in matches against Southampton and Chelsea. Manchester United capitalised by beating QPR and Newcastle, reducing the Geordies’ lead in the process.

Player of the Month: Robbie Fowler (Liverpool)

January 1996 – Turning Point

Newcastle’s lead at the top of the table looked to be getting back on track as they won each of their three games to kick off 1996. Manchester United’s poor form made it seem like the title was only heading to St James Park, with four points from a possible nine in the month.

Player of the Month: Robbie Fowler and Stan Collymore (Liverpool)

February 1996 – Title Race Heats Up

Manchester United continued their pursuit, narrowing the gap further by winning all four of their games. They did so in style too, by conceding just two goals and scoring 13. Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle faced mounting pressure, affecting their performances, with back-to-back dropped points against West Ham and Manchester City.

Player of the Month: Dwight Yorke (Aston Villa)

March 1996 – Pivotal Clashes

Manchester United defeated Newcastle 1-0 at St James’ Park, with Cantona scoring the decisive goal. ​The tides were turning and it seemed like we could have a thrilling title race on our hands. Liverpool’s 4-3 victory over Newcastle at Anfield is remembered as one of the Premier League’s greatest matches. ​

Player of the Month: Eric Cantona (Manchester United)​

April 1996 – Closing Stages

Liverpool’s 4-3 victory over Newcastle at Anfield is remembered as one of the Premier League’s greatest matches and inadvertently helped United win the title, with the Red Devils overtaking Newcastle at the top.​ The relegation battle hotted up too, with several teams fighting to avoid the drop.​

Player of the Month: Andrei Kanchelskis (Everton)

May 1996 – Season Finale

Manchester United secured the title with a 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough on the final day. Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool resulted in their relegation due to an inferior goal difference, while the Reds has to settle for a spot in third. Man United completed the double by winning the FA Cup, defeating Liverpool 1-0 in the final, with Eric Cantona scoring the winning goal. ​

Home Team/ Away TeamARS AST BLB BOL CHE COV EVE LEE LIV MCI MUN MID NEW NOT QPR SHW SOT TOT WHU WDN
Arsenal 2–0 0–0 2–1 1–1 1–1 1–2 2–1 0–0 3–1 1–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 3–0 4–2 4–2 0–0 1–0 1–3
Aston Villa 1–1 2–0 1–0 0–1 4–1 1–0 3–0 0–2 0–1 3–1 0–0 1–1 1–1 4–2 3–2 3–0 2–1 1–1 2–0
Blackburn Rovers 1–1 1–1 3–1 3–0 5–1 0–3 1–0 2–3 2–0 1–2 1–0 2–1 7–0 1–0 3–0 2–1 2–1 4–2 3–2
Bolton Wanderers 1–0 0–2 2–1 2–1 1–2 1–1 0–2 0–1 1–1 0–6 1–1 1–3 1–1 0–1 2–1 0–1 2–3 0–3 1–0
Chelsea 1–0 1–2 2–3 3–2 2–2 0–0 4–1 2–2 1–1 1–4 5–0 1–0 1–0 1–1 0–0 3–0 0–0 1–2 1–2
Coventry City 0–0 0–3 5–0 0–2 1–0 2–1 0–0 1–0 2–1 0–4 0–0 0–1 1–1 1–0 0–1 1–1 2–3 2–2 3–3
Everton 0–2 1–0 1–0 3–0 1–1 2–2 2–0 1–1 2–0 2–3 4–0 1–3 3–0 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 3–0 2–4
Leeds United 0–3 2–0 0–0 0–1 1–0 3–1 2–2 1–0 0–1 3–1 0–1 0–1 1–3 1–3 2–0 1–0 1–3 2–0 1–1
Liverpool 3–1 3–0 3–0 5–2 2–0 0–0 1–2 5–0 6–0 2–0 1–0 4–3 4–2 1–0 1–0 1–1 0–0 2–0 2–2
Manchester City 0–1 1–0 1–1 1–0 0–1 1–1 0–2 0–0 2–2 2–3 0–1 3–3 1–1 2–0 1–0 2–1 1–1 2–1 1–0
Manchester United 1–0 0–0 1–0 3–0 1–1 1–0 2–0 1–0 2–2 1–0 2–0 2–0 5–0 2–1 2–2 4–1 1–0 2–1 3–1
Middlesbrough 2–3 0–2 2–0 1–4 2–0 2–1 0–2 1–1 2–1 4–1 0–3 1–2 1–1 1–0 3–1 0–0 0–1 4–2 1–2
Newcastle United 2–0 1–0 1–0 2–1 2–0 3–0 1–0 2–1 2–1 3–1 0–1 1–0 3–1 2–1 2–0 1–0 1–1 3–0 6–1
Nottingham Forest 0–1 1–1 1–5 3–2 0–0 0–0 3–2 2–1 1–0 3–0 1–1 1–0 1–1 3–0 1–0 1–0 2–1 1–1 4–1
Queens Park Rangers 1–1 1–0 0–1 2–1 1–2 1–1 3–1 1–2 1–2 1–0 1–1 1–1 2–3 1–1 0–3 3–0 2–3 3–0 0–3
Sheffield Wednesday 1–0 2–0 2–1 4–2 0–0 4–3 2–5 6–2 1–1 1–1 0–0 0–1 0–2 1–3 1–3 2–2 1–3 0–1 2–1
Southampton 0–0 0–1 1–0 1–0 2–3 1–0 2–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 3–1 2–1 1–0 3–4 2–0 0–1 0–0 0–0 0–0
Tottenham Hotspur 2–1 0–1 2–3 2–2 1–1 3–1 0–0 2–1 1–3 1–0 4–1 1–1 1–1 0–1 1–0 1–0 1–0 0–1 3–1
West Ham United 0–1 1–4 1–1 1–0 1–3 3–2 2–1 1–2 0–0 4–2 0–1 2–0 2–0 1–0 1–0 1–1 2–1 1–1 1–1
Wimbledon 0–3 3–3 1–1 3–2 1–1 0–2 2–3 2–4 1–0 3–0 2–4 0–0 3–3 1–0 2–1 2–2 1–2 0–1 0–1
Home Team/ Away TeamARS AST BLB BOL CHE COV EVE LEE LIV MCI MUN MID NEW NOT QPR SHW SOT TOT WHU WDN

League Standings

The Premier League table of 1995-96 was a sight to behold. Manchester United, under the stewardship of Sir Alex Ferguson, clinched the title with a seven-point lead. The Red Devils’ resilience and determination were on full display as they bounced back from a slow start to the season to claim their third Premier League title.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United, led by Kevin Keegan, finished as runners-up despite leading the table for most of the season. The Magpies’ exciting brand of attacking football won many admirers, but their title challenge ultimately fell short. The battle for survival was equally intense, with the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Queens Park Rangers, and Manchester City facing the drop.

Total Games Played: 380Home Wins: 186 Draws: 98 Away Wins: 96 Total Goals:
48.95% 25.79% 25.26% Avg goals/game: 2.6

Big Matches & Moments

Best Goal: Tony Yeboah (Leeds vs Arsenal) – 21 August 1995) – Yeboah controlled the ball with his chest and thundered in a fierce right-footed volley that crashed in off the underside of the bar.

Best Match: Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle United (3 April 1996) – One of the greatest games in Premier League history. Liverpool took an early lead through Robbie Fowler, but Newcastle roared back through Les Ferdinand and David Ginola. Stan Collymore’s late winner sealed a dramatic encounter and delivered a crucial blow to Newcastle’s title hopes.

Biggest Upset: Southampton 3-1 Manchester United (13 April 1996) – Just as the title race seemed to be tipping into United’s favour, Southampton stunned the champions with an impressive victory at The Dell.

Most Dramatic Match: Manchester United 1-0 Newcastle United (4 March 1996) – Eric Cantona’s second-half goal settled a tense clash at St. James’ Park, narrowing Newcastle’s lead and turning the title race in United’s favor.

Season Stats & Key Records

Golden Boot

  1. Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers) – 31 goals ​
  2. Robbie Fowler (Liverpool) – 28 goals ​
  3. Les Ferdinand (Newcastle United) – 25 goals

Most Assists

  1. Steve McManaman (Liverpool) 15 assists
  2. Stan Collymore (Liverpool) – 11 assists
  3. John Barnes (Liverpool) – 10 assists

Most Clean Sheets

  1. Peter Schmeichel (Manchester United) – 18 clean sheets
  2. David James (Liverpool) – 16 clean sheets
  3. David Seaman (Arsenal) – 16 clean sheets

Top Goalscorers

The 1995-96 season saw some fantastic individual performances, with several players lighting up the league with their goalscoring exploits. Alan Shearer of Blackburn Rovers finished as the league’s top scorer with an impressive 31 goals, further enhancing his reputation as one of the finest strikers in English football history.

PlacePlayerClubGoals
1Alan Shearer Blackburn 31
2Robbie Fowler Liverpool 28
3Les Ferdinand Newcastle 25
4Dwight Yorke Aston Villa 17
5Andrei Kanchelskis Everton 16
6Teddy Sheringham Tottenham 16
7Chris Armstrong Tottenham 15
8Ian Wright Arsenal 15
9Eric Cantona Man Utd 14
10Stan Collymore Liverpool 14
11Dion Dublin Coventry City 14
12David Hirst Sheffield Wed 15
13John Spencer Chelsea 13
14Savo Milosevic Aston Villa 12
15Anthony Yeboah Leeds United 12
16Dennis Bergkamp Arsenal 11
17Andrew Cole Man Utd 11
18Robbie Earle Wimbledon 11
19Ryan Giggs Man Utd 11
20Tony Cottee West Ham Utd 10
21Daniele Dichio QPR 10
22Julian Dicks West Ham Utd 10
23Dean Holdsworth Wimbledon 10
24Paul Scholes Man Utd 10

Close behind him were Robbie Fowler of Liverpool and Les Ferdinand of Newcastle United, who netted 28 and 25 goals respectively. These players’ exploits in front of goal provided plenty of entertainment for fans and played a crucial role in their teams’ successes.

Managerial Changes

  • Bolton – Roy McFarland sacked (January 2, 1996) – replaced by Colin Todd

Transfers & Squad Movement

  • Stan Collymore – (Nottingham Forest to Liverpool) – £8.5m
  • Dennis Bergkamp (Inter Milan to Arsenal) – £7.5m
  • Les Ferdinand – (QPR to Newcastle) – £6m

Awards & Honors

  • Premier League Manager of the Season: Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United)
  • PFA Players’ Player of the Year: Les Ferdinand (Newcastle United)
  • PFA Young Player of the Year: Robbie Fowler (Liverpool)

European Performance

  • Blackburn Rovers – UCL Group Stage
  • Manchester United – UC First Round to Rotor Volgograd
  • Nottingham Forest – UC Quarter-Finals to Bayern Munihc
  • Leeds United – UC Second Round to PSV
  • Everton – CWC Second Round to Feyenoord
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