Keegan’s Newcastle led United by 12 points as late as 12 January 1996, but an impressive run of form from Ferguson’s side – and an equally as surprising drop in form from the Magpies – meant that the Red Devils arrived at St James’ Park just three points behind on 4 March.
The inaugural Premier League season saw the beginning of Manchester United’s 90s dominance, but in December 1992 it looked far off with United sitting in seventh, 12 points behind leaders Norwich.
Though they had a game in hand, Arsenal found themselves 13 points adrift of Manchester United in the last month of 1997, having lost four and drawn two in an eight-game run from mid-October.
Liverpool’s form up to now suggests that they are unlikely to lose many more games, and even if Arsenal win the meeting at Anfield in May, they would need to gain another four points on the Reds.
A 3-1 win at Anfield in April 1997 helped to reduce the deficit, and United went on to win the league with a record low total of 75 points.
