Arsenal's history of near-misses in the Premier League title race is a recurring theme, with the Gunners appearing multiple times on BBC Sport's list of teams that squandered dominance. From the 2002-03 Invincibles' shadow to the 2022-23 season where they led the table for 248 days without winning the trophy, the North London club epitomizes the agony of close calls. Chris Collinson's analysis reveals how other clubs like Tottenham (2015-16) and Liverpool (2018-19) also faltered despite strong positions. The common thread? A mix of tactical missteps, key injuries, and rivals seizing momentum in critical moments.

The 2022-23 Arsenal collapse stands out. After a season-long charge to the summit, the team froze in crucial matches, surrendering two-goal leads at Liverpool and West Ham before a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City. This wasn't just a single lapse but a pattern of stagnation. Meanwhile, teams like Norwich City (1992-93) and Liverpool (2013-14) faced similar fates—leading for months before rivals like Manchester United or Chelsea capitalized. These cases highlight how Premier League title races often hinge on late-game resilience rather than early dominance.

What makes these slip-ups memorable? The psychological toll on fans and the narrative of 'what if.' For Arsenal, the 2007-08 season saw them lose just once by March but still finish third due to a string of poor results. Similarly, Liverpool's 2018-19 near-title was undone by a single error against City. These stories resonate because they blend statistical near-perfection with human error. The data shows that leading the league for extended periods doesn't guarantee victory—a lesson for current title contenders. The spectacle of these collapses underscores why football's unpredictability remains its greatest appeal.