Why Do So Many People Love a Football Upset?

One of the best things about football is that, within reason, anyone can beat anyone. We're not talking about a group of recreational players beating Manchester City here, but there is always a chance that a professional side from a lower could pull off such a result.

Think about Fleetwood Town - down in EFL League Two - beating Arsenal on penalties in the quarter final of the Carabao Cup, for instance. Even though it's possible, it's still unlikely, which is why it's known as an upset.

Whenever this happens, it tends to attract a lot of attention. But why do so many people love to see a football upset?

The Factors that Make an Upset Feel Special There's no single reason that makes people love a surprise result. One is the fact that, when a major team like Liverpool or City suffers a loss to a lower-placed team, supporters of rival clubs can enjoy it.

Sometimes that's because it means their clubs may have a better chance of winning the league. Other times, it's just that they love seeing a rival embarrassed.

Another important factor is the psychology of surprise. People are often drawn to outcomes that defy expectations, especially when they involve an underdog overcoming seemingly impossible odds.

That's why it's such a a popular trope in film, with the likes of Rocky and The Longest Yard giving viewers a chance to back the unlikely winner. This idea of unpredictability can be seen in other areas of entertainment as well, with the online casino industry a prime example.

The Megaways range of slot games offers some serious randomness, with titles like Ancient Island Megaways and Cop the Lot Megaways featuring changing reel configurations that can create unexpected combinations. What Are the Biggest Upsets in History?

There have been a few major upsets in football history that have lived long in the memory. Some are individual matches, while others are tournament or league wins - like when Leicester City won the Premier League in the 2015-16 season.