Let’s review Sunderland’s nightmarish losing run in the Premier League between 2003 and 2005.
In the unforgiving world of the Premier League, Sunderland holds a dubious honour in the Premier League’s record books – the longest losing streak in the league’s history.
This remarkable feat spanned two different Premier League seasons, from January 2003 to September 2005, and saw the Black Cats endure 20 consecutive defeats.
Sunderland’s record-breaking streak began with a series of defeats during the 2002-03 season, which saw them finish at the bottom of the league.
These 15 consecutive losses were a record in itself. However, instead of putting the record out of sight, Sunderland chose to kick off the 2005-06 season as newly promoted underdogs, adding another five consecutive defeats to reach the infamous milestone of 20 consecutive losses.
The Grueling Run
Let’s take a closer look at the matches that contributed to Sunderland’s 20-game losing run in the Premier League:
- The streak began with a 2-1 away loss to Everton on January 18, 2003.
- Sunderland’s worst defeat during their run came in their away match against Arsenal on May 11, 2003, where they lost 4-0.
- Manchester United were the only top-six club that didn’t face Sunderland during this period.
- The losing streak ended with a 2-0 loss away at Chelsea on September 10, 2005.
More unwanted history
Sunderland’s disastrous run included setting two more all-time records.
In the 2005-06 Premier League season, they finished at the bottom of the league with just 15 points, the second-lowest total in the competition’s history.
The Black Cats also hold the record for the most losses in a single Premier League season, with a staggering 29 defeats.
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