The 10 greatest top-flight title races

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1. Derby delight for Brian Clough (1971-72)

Brian Clough's managerial exploits are the stuff of legend, and while this title win may not be as decorated as his remarkable European achievements with Nottingham Forest, claiming the First Division title with Derby County is as important to his illustrious career.

The First Division was very much a four-horse race going into the final round of matches in 1972 as Manchester City, Leeds and Liverpool all battled for top spot.

Derby did their part, winning their final game against Liverpool, but with all of the season's closing fixtures not being played simultaneously, the Rams would have to wait to learn if they had done enough.

The odds were stacked against Clough's side, as victory would be enough for either Leeds or Liverpool to win the title.

But Leeds lost 2-1 to Wolves and Liverpool could only draw with Arsenal as Clough won his first major trophy as a manager. The rest, as they say, is history.

Friday, 8 February 2013 12:00