Ranking Premier League’s most dramatic title ‘bottlers’

Being labelled “bottlers” is one of the harshest insults thrown around in football circles. Yet, to even be in contention for the Premier League crown is an achievement in itself. The real heartbreak comes when a team leads for long stretches, only to fall short at the final hurdle, leaving behind a lingering sense of what might have been.

Arsenal are currently fighting to avoid adding another chapter to that painful narrative, having battled that reputation for years. However, their near-misses are far from the most dramatic in league history.

With insights from BBC Sport statistician Chris Collinson, a deeper look reveals several teams that let seemingly secure positions slip away. While Arsenal appear multiple times, other unforgettable moments, including Steven Gerrard’s infamous slip, Sergio Aguero’s last-gasp heroics, and Kevin Keegan’s emotional rant, also define this list.

The unexpected contenders

10. Tottenham Hotspur (2015–16)

It’s debatable whether a team can “throw away” a title they never actually led, but Tottenham’s 2015–16 campaign still earns a place. While Arsenal were also in contention, Spurs looked well-positioned to capitalize as traditional heavyweights faltered.

Under Mauricio Pochettino, their youthful squad mounted a strong challenge, but Leicester City produced a fairytale run to the title despite pre-season odds of 5,000-1. Tottenham’s hopes faded after a heated draw with Chelsea, and consecutive defeats at the end of the season saw them drop to third.

9. Norwich City (1992–93)

In the inaugural Premier League season, Norwich emerged as surprise front-runners, topping the standings for over four months despite modest expectations.

However, Manchester United, inspired by Eric Cantona, surged late in the campaign to overtake them. Norwich ultimately finished third after their title charge faded.

8. Liverpool (2018–19)

Liverpool delivered an extraordinary season, amassing 97 points — one of the highest totals in league history. Yet even that wasn’t enough.

Manchester City proved just a step ahead, edging them to the title. A crucial defeat to City, combined with a run of costly draws, undermined Liverpool’s efforts despite a near-perfect finish to the campaign.

Arsenal’s near misses

7. Arsenal (2002–03)

After their double-winning triumph in 2002, Arsène Wenger’s side looked set to dominate again. They spent months at the top of the table, but a late surge from Manchester United turned the tide.

Dropped points in key matches allowed United to overtake them, denying Arsenal back-to-back titles.

6. Arsenal (2007–08)

By March 2008, Arsenal appeared firmly in control, having lost just once all season. But injuries and a dip in form saw their challenge unravel.

They slipped behind both Manchester United and Chelsea, eventually finishing third after a dramatic downturn across multiple competitions.

5. Arsenal (2022–23)

Arsenal led the league for a record 248 days but still failed to secure the title. Their grip loosened during a series of costly draws, including matches where they surrendered commanding leads.

A decisive defeat to Manchester City ultimately sealed their fate, as City surged ahead to claim the trophy.

4. Manchester United (1997–98)

This time, it was Manchester United who faltered. Despite holding a significant lead, their form dipped at a critical stage.

Arsenal capitalized with an impressive winning streak, overturning a massive points deficit to snatch the title by a single point.

The most unforgettable collapses

3. Liverpool (2013–14)

Liverpool were on the verge of ending a long title drought after a remarkable winning run. Steven Gerrard famously urged his teammates not to slip, but fate intervened.

A costly mistake against Chelsea allowed Demba Ba to score, derailing their momentum. A later draw with Crystal Palace, after leading 3-0, confirmed their collapse.

2. Manchester United (2011–12)

One of football’s most iconic moments came when Sergio Aguero scored a stoppage-time winner for Manchester City to clinch the title dramatically.

United had already won their match that day, but a late-season dip, including surrendering an eight-point lead, proved costly as City snatched the crown in dramatic fashion.

1. Newcastle United (1995–96)

Topping the list is Newcastle’s infamous collapse. Kevin Keegan’s side once held a commanding 12-point lead but saw it gradually disappear.

Manchester United closed the gap before overtaking them late in the season. Newcastle’s dropped points in crucial matches, combined with United’s consistency, ultimately handed the title to Ferguson’s team.

These moments remain powerful reminders of how unforgiving the Premier League can be, where even the strongest positions can unravel under pressure.

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