The Premier League has witnessed numerous dramatic title races where commanding leads have evaporated, leaving fans and players grappling with the haunting label of 'bottlers.' While Arsenal's recent struggles have dominated headlines, they are far from alone in experiencing heartbreak after prolonged periods at the summit.
BBC Sport statistician Chris Collinson's analysis reveals the league's most memorable slip-ups, spanning three decades of near-misses and shattered ambitions.
10. Tottenham Hotspur (2015-16)
Mauricio Pochettino's vibrant young Spurs side seemed poised to end a 55-year title drought as traditional powers faltered. However, Leicester City's fairytale run under Claudio Ranieri saw the Foxes surge to an improbable championship. Tottenham's hopes ultimately unraveled during a fiery 2-2 draw at Chelsea, followed by losses in their final two matches that dropped them to third place.
9. Norwich City (1992-93)
In the Premier League's inaugural season, Norwich City defied expectations by leading the table for 129 days despite having finished near the relegation zone the previous year. The Canaries' remarkable run ended when Eric Cantona-inspired Manchester United overtook them, with Norwich settling for third.
8. Liverpool (2018-19)
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool amassed 97 points—then the third-highest total in Premier League history—but still fell short. Manchester City's relentless pursuit saw them edge the title by a single point, with John Stones' dramatic goal-line clearance proving decisive in their head-to-head encounter.
7. Arsenal (2002-03)
Fresh from a double-winning campaign, Arsène Wenger's Arsenal spent nearly five months atop the table before Manchester United mounted a late charge. A classic 2-2 draw at Highbury in April proved pivotal, with United never relinquishing their lead afterward as Arsenal dropped crucial points against Bolton and Leeds.
6. Arsenal (2007-08)
After 156 days in first place, Arsenal's title challenge collapsed following Eduardo's horrific leg injury at Birmingham. The Gunners embarked on a five-game winless run across all competitions, including heavy defeats to Tottenham, Manchester United, and Liverpool, ultimately finishing third.
5. Arsenal (2022-23)
Mikel Arteta's young Arsenal set an unwanted record by spending 248 days at the top without securing the championship. While Manchester City's remarkable late-season surge deserves credit, Arsenal's three consecutive draws—including two games where they surrendered two-goal leads—proved costly before a decisive 4-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.
These moments of near-glory serve as painful reminders that in the Premier League, no lead is truly safe until the final whistle of the season.