Has anyone been runners-up in the Premier League more than Arsenal?

TL;DR

Arsenal holds the record for the most second-place finishes in Premier League history, with nine runners-up spots. They have finished as runners-up for three consecutive seasons.

Key points

Arsenal has finished second nine times in Premier League history
They are the club with the most runners-up finishes
Arsenal has been runners-up for three consecutive seasons

ArsenalManchester UnitedPremier League

[BBC]

Arsenal have indeed finished second more often than any other club in Premier League history, which has been the subject of several questions sent in via our 'Ask about Arsenal' form.

The Gunners have been runners-up nine times, including in each of the past three seasons.

Table graphic showing Arsenal finishing second nine times in Premier League history, above Manchester United in second on seven

[BBC]

However, in five of those nine campaigns, Arsenal finished at least 10 points behind the champions so it is hard to argue they 'nearly' won the title in those seasons.

Table graphic showing Arsenal finishing second by more than 10 points on five occasions, one point once, five points twice and two points once

[BBC]

If we look at the number of times that clubs finished within six points of the champions – where turning a couple of defeats or a few draws into wins could have won them the title – then Arsenal share the tag of being the Premier League's ultimate 'nearly men' with both and .