7 Premier League Clubs With The Most Seasons In Top Flight

Time flies in the world of Premier League soccer, where even the most seasoned fans struggle to recall a time when the likes of Manchester City were playing in the third tier.

Some clubs just refuse to budge from the top flight, despite the best efforts of their opponents. These old-timers have been around for what feels like forever, much to the chagrin of the rest of the league

Their reign atop English soccer stretches back to the dawn of the Premier League era in 1992, with six of the original 22 members still going strong.

Arsenal, Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Everton, they’ve been holding down the fort in the top flight since 1992 and show no signs of slowing down.

Maybe it’s the endless supply of tea and biscuits at half-time or the secret training routines that involve a daily nap (joke intended), but whatever their secret, they’re not giving it up anytime soon.

Meanwhile, the newcomers such as Brighton, Brentford, and Nottingham Forest are still trying to catch up and are still learning the ropes in the Premier League.

The race to the top never ends in the Premier League, and these clubs are just getting started

7 Premier League Clubs With The Most Seasons In Top Flight

Soccer fans take great pride in the history of their favorite club – including its origin, legendary players who have played for the club, and the trophies they have won.

For many fans, it is also an honor when their club has never been demoted from the top division, as it symbolizes the club’s status and reputation.

Given that many English clubs have been around and competing for more than 100 years, maintaining a continuous presence in the top division is a significant accomplishment.

Manchester City

Manchester City has come a long way in a short amount of time, largely due to significant financial investment from Sheikh Mansour after he took over the club in 2008.

In the past, the club experienced ups and downs, alternating between the second and third tiers of English football and even being relegated from the Premier League in 2001.

They experienced a successful period in the late 1960s and early 1970s under the management of Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison, winning the league title, FA Cup, League Cup, and European Cup Winners Cup.

However, after losing the 1981 FA Cup Final, the club faced a decline that led to their only relegation to the third tier of English football in 1998.

Since their promotion to the top tier in 2001-02, Manchester City has been a constant presence in the Premier League and has been there since the 2002-03 season.

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Chelsea

Prior to the arrival of Roman Abramovich, Chelsea was making progress towards becoming a top team like Manchester United and Arsenal, but it wasn’t until the Russian billionaire invested in the club that they truly made it to the top.

In the past, Chelsea had a rocky history and spent eight seasons in the Second Division during the 1970s and 1980s, with their most recent relegation occurring in 1988/89.

The club’s fortunes changed dramatically since 2003, providing the necessary funds to take the club to new heights. This change was further enhanced by greats such as Jose Mourinho, Didier Drogba, and Frank Lampard who have all left their mark on the club.

They now have five Premier League titles to their name, with their latest championship win coming in the 2016/17 season under the leadership of Antonio Conte.

Tottenham

In the 1960/61 season, Tottenham achieved the League and FA Cup double and have consistently been a top-tier club in English football since 1950, with only one season in the second tier as a brief interruption, but they promptly regained their place with a promotion the following year.

Promoted to the English top flight in 1978/79, Tottenham has avoided relegation ever since. While they may not have had the same level of success as other clubs, they have consistently been a competitive force in the League.

Despite close calls, the club is still searching for a League title. One of their greatest accomplishments in recent years was finishing as runner-up in the 2018/19 Champions League.

Tottenham has also produced numerous world-class players including Harry Kane, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, and Son Heung-min amongst others.

Manchester United

The biggest football club in English history. Their trophy cabinet is brimming with 20 first-division titles and 3 European championships.

Even though they may not have been the powerhouse they once were in recent years, they’re still one of the most beloved clubs in the world.

The Red Devils are like a beacon for soccer players worldwide, attracting the biggest names in the game, like Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, and lots more.

It’s safe to say, you’d have to try pretty hard to push the Red Devils out of the Premier League, they’re a permanent fixture, like a rock in the ocean.

Liverpool

Who wouldn’t have heard of Liverpool? They’re one of the Big Six of the Premier League, sharing the stage with the likes of Manchester United.

While they may not have as many top-tier titles as United, they still hold their own, with one win in the Premier League era. Liverpool has been in top form, consistently dominating both the Premier League and Europe.

But what really sets Liverpool apart is their success in Europe. Winning the Premier League title in the 2019/2020 season, handing the club their first domestic title after thirty years, the last time being in the English First Division season of 1989-90.

They are the crowned kings of English clubs, with a whopping six European titles to their name.

It’s no secret that Anfield, Liverpool’s home ground, is one of the toughest home grounds to play in, and that’s why they have a die-hard fan base that spans across the world.

Just imagine trying to beat them in front of their passionate supporters – it’s like climbing Mount Everest, but with a ball.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa Football Club was one of the twelve clubs that founded the first Football League in 1888. The club had a largely successful period in the following two decades, winning several Football League titles and six FA Cup trophies.

However, the club faced a decline in the 1930s and did not win another trophy until their seventh FA Cup victory in 1957. World War II cost the club several players and caused the suspension of football for seven years.

In the 1970s, the club went through several promotions and relegations, but eventually bounced back with the appointment of Ron Saunders as manager in 1973.

They won the First Division title in 1981 and the European Cup in 1982. In 1992, the club became a founding member of the English Premier League.

Despite not winning a trophy since their seventh FA Cup victory in 1957, Aston Villa has won numerous titles, cups, and the European Cup. With a rich history of success, fans hope the club can once again become a top contender in English football.

Arsenal

Arsenal supporters may complain about the club’s limited laurels in the Premier League, but they should be grateful to be part of the longest-running team in the top tier. In 1919, they were fortunate enough to be promoted to the First Division via a vote from the Football League, much to the frustration of their north London rivals Tottenham.

And as they say, the rest is history. Arsenal has been constant in the English top flight since the 1919/20 season and shows no signs of slowing down. They have remarkable records, including winning league 13x and also having an unbeaten season.

Some of the greatest players in Premier League history have played for Arsenal, such as Thierry Henry, Ian Wright, Patrick Vieira, and all. Despite their current rebuilding process, the future looks promising for the Gunners.

So, despite complaints about the lack of trophies, it’s all a matter of perspective.

Everton

The Toffees have been in the Premier League for over 60 years and counting!

They may not be a top-tier club, but they’ve managed to win 9 first-division titles. And, unlike their Merseyside rivals Liverpool, Everton has never been relegated from the Premier League since their last drop in 1954-55.

But, don’t let their consistent presence fool you, the rivalry between Liverpool and Everton in the Premier League is as heated as a freshly baked pie straight out of the oven.

Last season, Everton was teetering on the brink of relegation, but they managed to pull off a 16th-place finish and dodge the drop by a hair.

In all its history dating back to being one of the original Football League members in 1888, Everton has only spent four seasons out of the top tier – 1930/31 and a brief stint from 1951 to 1954. So, you could say, the Toffees are like a fine wine, they only get better with age.

(Division 1 + Premier League – at end of current 2022/23 season)

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Premier League Clubs With The Most Seasons In The Top Flight 

(Division 1 & Premier League – at end of current 2022/23 season)

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It’s a funny old game, football. Twenty-four different clubs have held the title of English champions since the league began in 1888, but not all have enjoyed equal success. Liverpool ended a thirty-year wait to lift the trophy again, but that’s nothing compared to some of the other long-suffering clubs.

Preston North End won the first two League titles but hasn’t tasted glory since 1890. Sheffield United won in 1898, but there’s been no second title for them.

While Sheffield Wednesday, has won more recently, their most recent success was in 1930 and they’ve only got four League titles to their name.

Huddersfield Town was the king of the League in the 1920s, winning three titles between 1924 and 1926. And 96 years later, they’re still waiting for number four.

And it’s been 61 years since Tottenham was last crowned English champions. Meanwhile, poor Newcastle United are still waiting for their next title, it’s been almost a century since they last lifted the trophy.

Meanwhile, Chelsea took a scenic route – 50 long years before finally experiencing Premier League success in 2005, but they did win the second division twice in the 80s.

Manchester City’s journey to the top was a long and arduous one, with 44 years passing before new owners took them to the promised land in 2012. Manchester United had to endure a 41-year drought, but they had two world wars to deal with and lost 11 seasons, so no one can actually blame them.

And as for Arsenal, they’re currently going through the longest period without a league title since they first became English champions in 1931. Twice they went 18 years without a title, once from 1953 to 1971 and then again from 1971 to 1989. They last won the league in the 2003-04 season

Hopefully, the 18-year spellbound would be lifted with their impressive form in the 22/23 season, they sit atop the league table with a commanding 5-point lead over Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle

At end of the 2021/2022 season (*4 seasons **11 seasons lost during war years)

FAQs

Which English football club has spent the most seasons in the top flight?

Everton

Everton holds the record of being the club with the most seasons in the top tier, having appeared in a whopping 119 of the 123 completed seasons. And with the current 2022/23 seasons, the tally only continues to rise.

What English teams have always been in the top flight?

The top tier of English football has been graced by the presence of six clubs for decades now.

They are none other than Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Everton, and Chelsea. These clubs have been fixtures in the top division and are known for their consistent performance.

Which English clubs have never been relegated from Top Flight?

Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Everton, and Chelsea.

Which Premier League team has gone a full season unbeaten?

Arsenal

In recognition of Arsenal’s historic feat of finishing the 38-match season without a single loss, the Premier League commissioned a one-of-a-kind gold trophy to commemorate their achievement.

This trophy serves as a lasting tribute to the Gunners’ remarkable season.

Who has the most appearances in top-flight football?

Peter Shilton

The record for the most appearances in English football is held by legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

Has Man United been relegated?

Manchester United had four brushes with relegation before the 1970s – in 1894, 1922, 1931, and 1937.

Despite this, they’ve never plummeted to the third tier of English football. In 1934, they managed to dodge the drop by securing a victory against Millwall on the final matchday.

Has Chelsea ever been relegated?

Chelsea FC’s last stint in the lower division was during the 1987-88 season, four years before the establishment of the Premier League. They ended the English first-division campaign in 18th place and were unable to avoid relegation after losing their play-off match against Middlesbrough.

Has Arsenal ever been relegated?

Arsenal’s most recent relegation from English football’s top tier came way back in the 1912-13 season when they were known as Woolwich Arsenal.

They finished at the bottom of the Football League First Division table.

Who has the longest home unbeaten run in EPL?

Manchester City – 37

During the 2011-12 season, Manchester City broke a record by going an impressive 37 matches without a loss at home. Their remarkable home record led to the club’s first-ever Premier League title win.

Which club has beaten every team in the football league?

Port Vale

The club becomes the first team to defeat all 91 clubs in the top four divisions of English football in competitive league games after defeating Sutton. This incredible feat took 130 years to accomplish

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