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The record for the most Premier League losses is a close race between Everton and West Ham United.
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There is also a five-way tie for the record of the most losses in a single Premier League season.
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An Australian holds the record for the most Premier League losses as a player.
A record that can be taken in a couple of different ways, the teams with the most losses in Premier League history can both lament their losing records and take pride in featuring in the top division for so long.
After all, clubs that get relegated can’t add to their tallies of wins, draws, or losses, so while this losing record isn’t as coveted as being among the most prolific clubs in the Premier League, there is an upside to it.
These are the teams that boast the most losses in Premier League history, as well as those with the most losses in a single season – a far less commendable record – and the players who have been on the losing side of the final score the most.
Which Club Has the Most Losses in Premier League History?
The all-time leader for the most losses in Premier League history is Everton. The Toffees, at the time of writing, top the table of Premier League losses with 460 losses.
Just behind Everton with 459 losses is West Ham United. The Hammers have reached this tally in far fewer games which does give them a higher loss ratio than Everton.
For now, the list of teams with the most losses in Premier League history is as follows:
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Everton, 460 losses
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West Ham United, 459 losses
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Southampton, 425 losses
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Aston Villa, 420 losses
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Newcastle United, 418 losses
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Tottenham, 416 losses
Premier League odds have had Everton among the relegation favourites in recent years, while West Ham have suffered multiple relegations in the Premier League era.
The top six are a long way clear of the pack, with Fulham in seventh place with 300 losses in the Premier League era.
Which Club Lost the Most Games in a Single Premier League Season?
The club with the most losses in a single Premier League season comes down to a four-way tie, with one of the four teams being among the most relegated teams in the history of the league.
Southampton (2024/25), Derby County (2007/08), Ipswich Town (1994/95), Sheffield United (2020/21), and Sunderland (2005/06) are all tied for the most defeats in a Premier League season at 29 losses.
Ipswich’s is a unique tally among the four, however, as their 1994/95 season featured 42 games rather than the 38 matches played by the other three teams.
Whether Southampton break the record will be decided this weekend -- football odds don't fancy their chances against Arsenal.
Which Player Has Featured in the Most Premier League Losses?
The Premier League record holder for the most losses as a player is Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
In 514 league appearances for Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea, and Leicester City, Schwarzer kept 152 clean sheets – but did also feature in 200 losses.
Very close behind Schwarzer are Gareth Barry, David James, and Kevin Davies, who have 198, 197, and 194 Premier League losses, respectively.
Among active players, James Ward-Prowse has the most losses in the Premier League. Now with Nottingham Forest, the English midfielder has featured in 163 losses for his clubs to date.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Alamy*
