Arsenal’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and long-standing prominence. Yet among the legends and silverware lies a question whispered by rival fans and curious neutrals: has Arsenal ever been relegated? In this article, StefaKick will walk you through the full truth—what really counts as “relegation,” how Arsenal navigated turbulent times, and why their uninterrupted run in the top flight is a badge of honor.
The One True Relegation: Woolwich Arsenal 1912–13
Long before the glamour of the Premier League, football in England operated under the First and Second Divisions. In the 1912–13 season, then known as Woolwich Arsenal, the club finished bottom of the First Division and were relegated to the Second Division. That marked the only time Arsenal ever dropped a division based on performance.
Why It Happened
- Results were abysmal: only 3 wins in the campaign, making it among the lowest tallies in top-division history.
- Financial troubles weakened the club’s ability to compete. Attendance figures were low, and resources were stretched.
- After relegation, Arsenal spent two seasons in the Second Division trying to win their way back.
However, the path back up was not straightforward; it intersects with football politics, controversy, and luck.
The Controversial Return to Top Flight in 1919
When normal football resumed after the First World War, the Football League expanded its First Division. Arsenal applied for a place, but their performance in the Second Division had not been among the top two—the normal promotion spots.
Yet, Arsenal’s chairman at the time, Henry Norris, lobbied aggressively, and the club was elected into the First Division in 1919—jumping over clubs that had earned higher finishes. This decision remains controversial to this day, and critics label it political rather than sporting.
Since then, Arsenal have stayed in the top flight continuously. That streak has now reached an extraordinary milestone: over 100 consecutive seasons in England’s highest tier.
“Never Relegated” — Myth or Truth?
When most fans say “Arsenal have never been relegated,” what they usually mean is that the club has never been relegated in the modern era (i.e. since the league became the First Division / now Premier League structure) and that since the 1919 election, they have never exited the top level.
Thus, two statements are both defensible:
- Strict historical truth: Arsenal were relegated once in 1912–13.
- Common fan understanding: Arsenal have never been relegated in over a century, and never since becoming Arsenal proper.
So the claim “Arsenal have never been relegated” is not completely accurate in absolute historical terms but is widely accepted in football discourse when referring to their longevity in the top flight.
Why Arsenal’s Top-Flight Run Is Legendary
Record for Unbroken Seasons
As of 2025–26, Arsenal will mark their 100th consecutive season in English top-division football. No other club in England has matched this durability.
Among Clubs Never Relegated Since Formation
One source of confusion arises when supporters compare Arsenal with clubs that have never suffered relegation in any era. Some clubs founded more recently or those that have never reached a relegation-threatened position claim a similar status. But among England’s historic clubs, only a few have avoided relegation in the modern era.
Close Calls
Even in their unbroken run, Arsenal have flirted with danger:
- 1975–76: The Gunners survived by the skin of their teeth.
- 1994–95: They finished 12th, only six points above the relegation zone. n.wikipedia.org])
These seasons remind us that historic continuity doesn’t guarantee comfort.
What “Relegated” Means in Context
To evaluate the question fairly, we must distinguish between:
- Relegated by sporting merit (i.e. finishing in bottom places)
- Being dropped due to administrative or off-field reasons
- Being elected or promoted without sporting qualification
In 1919, Arsenal were not promoted by finishing at the top of the Second Division—they were elected. That is not a relegation, but it’s a unique event in their history. Since then, every season’s status has been determined by on-field performance—and Arsenal have never failed to retain top-flight status in over a century.
the most accurate statement is: Arsenal were relegated once (1912–13), and have never been relegated in the modern structure.
Relegation Records of England’s Big Clubs: A Comparison
|
Club |
Times Relegated (Historical) |
Last Relegation |
Unbroken Top-flight Run Since |
|
Arsenal |
1 |
1913 |
1919–present |
|
Liverpool |
3 |
1953–54 |
Since 1962 |
|
Manchester United |
5 |
1973–74 |
Since 1975 |
|
Chelsea |
6 |
1987–88 |
Since 1988 |
|
Everton |
2 |
1950–51 |
Since 1951 |
|
Tottenham Hotspur |
4 |
1976–77 |
Since 1978 |
This comparison highlights how rare Arsenal’s feat is: while others have rebounded, none have maintained as long a continuous presence at the top.
Debunking Common Misconceptions
“Arsenal have never been relegated, so they’re perfect.”
No club is perfect. While Arsenal’s top-flight record is extraordinary, the club has endured bad seasons, injuries, controversies, and near-misses.
“That 1912–13 demotion doesn’t count—you become Arsenal later.”
This argument splits hairs on semantics. In fact, Woolwich Arsenal evolved into the club we know today. The continuity is recognized in official histories.
“They only got back by bribery in 1919, so that promotion was illegitimate.”
The 1919 election was shady and hotly debated, and accusations of influence persist. But regardless of its legitimacy, Arsenal have remained in the First Division (and now Premier League) ever since, based on results.
Why This Legacy Still Matters
- Brand prestige: Arsenal’s status as a “top-flight perennial” is central to their identity and appeal to fans, sponsors, and recruits.
- Psychological branding: Rival fans often taunt other clubs as “relegation-prone,” but Arsenal never have that mark against them (in modern memory).
- Historical continuity: Over a century in the top flight bridges generations of fans and adds weight to every trophy, campaign, and club era.
Final Thoughts
Has Arsenal ever been relegated? The short answer: yes—but only once, in 1912–13, when it was known as Woolwich Arsenal. But in the sense most fans intend—that is, in the modern era of English top-flight football—Arsenal have never been relegated. In fact, their run of 100+ consecutive seasons in the top division stands unmatched.
If you loved exploring this slice of football history, stick with StefaKick—next, we’ll dive into Arsenal’s greatest near-drops, comparatives with other giants, and the seasons when the Gunners were just inches. Want to read that next?
