Ranking the Premier League’s Most Dramatic Title Misses

When the pressure mounts and the title feels within reach, even the slightest misstep can haunt a team for years. Rival supporters often hurl the term “Bottlers!” as a taunt, but it’s not just about luck—it’s about how close you get to glory before slipping away. Over the years, several clubs have been forced to confront the agony of near-misses, and Arsenal’s struggles are a familiar tale. Yet, their disappointments pale in comparison to the epic failures that have defined the Premier League’s most unforgettable title dramas.

To uncover the league’s most dramatic title slip-ups, BBC Sport collaborated with statistician Chris Collinson, whose analysis revealed Arsenal’s recurring near-misses. Still, other clubs have left more indelible marks on history, from the “Aguerooo!” moment to Kevin Keegan’s legendary monologue, which still echoes 30 years later. Here’s a look at the teams that nearly claimed the crown but fell short.

10. Tottenham Hotspur: 2015–16

Was it fair to label Tottenham as bottlers when they never truly held the lead? While Arsenal dominated the race, the Spurs under Mauricio Pochettino looked poised to end a 55-year title drought. Their youthful squad, bolstered by emerging stars, seemed unstoppable—until Leicester City, the underdogs of the season, surged ahead. A six-game winning streak in January and February gave Spurs hope, but a tense draw in the “Battle of the Bridge” against Arsenal marked the beginning of their downfall. The final two games sealed their fate, leaving them in third place.

9. Norwich City: 1992–93

For 129 days, Norwich City led the Premier League in its debut season, an unexpected feat for a team that had finished fifth from bottom the previous year. Their record-breaking £2m sale of striker Robert Fleck to Chelsea paved the way for a fresh start, with Mark Robins and Efan Ekoku forming the core. However, the arrival of Eric Cantona at Manchester United shifted the momentum. By matchday 26, the Canaries’ reign ended, and they settled for a third-place finish.

8. Liverpool: 2018–19

Liverpool’s campaign in 2018–19 was nearly flawless. Jurgen Klopp’s side amassed 97 points, the third-highest total in Premier League history, and spent 141 days at the summit. Yet, Manchester City outpaced them, finishing 10 points ahead in December. A single defeat, courtesy of John Stones’ crucial goal-line clearance, effectively sealed City’s fate. Four draws in six games afterward proved costly, and despite a nine-match winning streak at the season’s end, Liverpool couldn’t hold on.

6. Arsenal: 2007–08

After the Invincibles’ historic 2002–03 campaign, Arsenal once again found themselves in a precarious position in 2007–08. With their core squad diminished, the Gunners started the season strongly, losing just once by March. But their resolve faltered, and key points were squandered against Bolton and Leeds. A thrilling draw with Manchester United at Highbury in mid-April highlighted their struggles, as a 2-2 result left them chasing the title once more.

7. Arsenal: 2002–03

Arsenal’s 2002–03 season was a masterclass in dominance, with a 21-game unbeaten run and a 3-1 victory over United. But the 2003 campaign was a different story. The Gunners led the league for nearly five months, only to be derailed by a nail-biting draw at Highbury. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s opener was matched by Thierry Henry’s brace, but Ryan Giggs’ last-minute equalizer ensured a 2-2 result. United then capitalized on their momentum, finishing with a decisive edge.

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