Brighton, Manchester United and other teams that have never been relegated from the Premier League

Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson | Imago

Brighton, Manchester United and other teams that have never been relegated from the Premier League

Ayoola Kelechi 23:45 - 15.01.2024

With dozens of clubs traversing the tough terrain of the Premier League, these teams stand out for never having been relegated from the league

The English Premier League (EPL), since its establishment in 1992, has become synonymous with top-tier football. In this competitive environment, maintaining a spot in the EPL is a testament to a club's consistency, management, and financial health. 

Among the clubs that have graced the Premier League, a select few have achieved the extraordinary feat of never being relegated from this prestigious league. This achievement underscores not just their footballing prowess but also their organizational strength and adaptability over the years.

Manchester United

Known globally as one of the most successful clubs in English football, Manchester United's legacy in the Premier League is unparalleled. With their last relegation dating back to the 1973/74 season, they bounced back in the 1975/76 season and have since been a dominant force in the league. 

Ex-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with the Barclays Premier League trophy, after the game
Ex-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with the Barclays Premier League trophy, after the game

The club's record of 13 Premier League titles is a testament to their consistency and excellence. The era of Sir Alex Ferguson as manager saw them achieve an unmatched level of success, making them a benchmark in world football.

Arsenal

Arsenal's record in the English top-flight is impressive, with the club avoiding relegation since the 1919/20 season. This enduring presence has made them one of the most recognised clubs in the Premier League. 

Arsene Wenger statue at Arsenal - Photo Credit || Arsenal website
Arsene Wenger statue at Arsenal - Photo Credit || Arsenal website

The club's most notable achievement includes the "Invincibles" season in 2003/04, where they won the league without suffering a single defeat. Their consistent top-flight presence reflects a combination of strategic management, player development, and adaptability to the evolving nature of the game.

Liverpool

Liverpool FC's history is rich with domestic and European successes. Having been in the top division since the 1962/63 season, Liverpool has established itself as a powerhouse in English football. Their achievements include multiple Champions League titles and a long-awaited Premier League victory in the 2019/20 season. 

Liverpool celebrate their 2020 Premier League title win | Imago
Liverpool celebrate their 2020 Premier League title win | Imago

This victory was particularly momentous, coming 30 years after their previous league win. The club's success is rooted in its strong youth development, astute player acquisitions, and the charismatic leadership of managers like Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, and more recently, Jürgen Klopp​​​​​​.

Everton

Everton's inclusion on this list might come as a surprise to some, but the club has a storied tradition in English football. Having been a part of the top flight since the 1954-55 season, Everton has consistently demonstrated resilience. 

DANIEL AMOKACHI Everton FC and Nigeria International Footballer (Holding the FA Cup) || IMAGE CREDIT: UPPA/Photoshot Photo
DANIEL AMOKACHI Everton FC and Nigeria International Footballer (Holding the FA Cup) || IMAGE CREDIT: UPPA/Photoshot Photo

Despite not having the same level of success in terms of trophies as some of their contemporaries, their ability to stay in the Premier League is a notable achievement. This feat is a reflection of the club's effective management strategies and their capacity to adapt to the challenges of one of the most demanding football leagues in the world​​​​.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur has been a constant presence in the top division since the 1978/79 season. Although they have not secured a Premier League title, they have been consistently competitive, challenging the top teams and maintaining their Premier League status.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Imago
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Imago

Their success can be attributed to their strategic investments in player talent, innovative coaching, and a dedicated fanbase that supports the club through thick and thin​​​​.

Chelsea

Since the 1989-90 season, Chelsea has been an integral part of the Premier League. Their success, particularly in the Premier League era, is noteworthy. The club has won multiple Premier League titles and has become a significant force in both English and European football. 

Mourinho celebrates winning the Premier League title with Chelsea || Getty
Mourinho celebrates winning the Premier League title with Chelsea || Getty

This success was bolstered by substantial financial investment following the takeover by Roman Abramovich in 2003, leading to a period of significant trophy wins under managers like Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Antonio Conte​​​​.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion is the most recent addition to this distinguished list. Since their promotion to the Premier League for the 2017-18 season, they have successfully avoided relegation. Although their history in the league is shorter compared to the other clubs on this list, their ability to maintain their Premier League status in such a short time is commendable. 

Brighton with another win against Manchester United at OT. (Photo Credit: Imago)
Brighton with another win against Manchester United at OT. (Photo Credit: Imago)

This achievement highlights their solid organisational structure, astute management, and effective team-building strategies, reflecting a smaller club's ability to compete in the high-stakes environment of the Premier League​​​​.

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