Based on the overall number of major trophies won, particularly in top-flight league titles and European competitions, Liverpool is more successful than Arsenal.
Arsenal, founded in 1886 and affectionately known as The Gunners, stands as one of England's most historic football clubs, boasting a strong global fanbase from their North London base. Liverpool, based in Merseyside, also holds a distinguished place as one of the most decorated clubs in English and European football. Both clubs have forged rich histories, marked by significant domestic and international triumphs, nurturing passionate rivalries and enduring legacies.
A Comparison of Major Honours
When evaluating success in football, it's essential to consider major domestic and international competitions.
English Top-Flight League Titles
A primary measure of sustained domestic success is the number of top-flight league titles. Arsenal has won 13 English top-flight league titles. This places them among the most successful in the league's history, though they are behind clubs like Manchester United (20 titles) and Liverpool. Liverpool, on the other hand, boasts a significantly higher tally of 19 English top-flight league titles, just one shy of Manchester United's record. This metric alone highlights Liverpool's superior domestic league consistency throughout history.
Overall Trophy Cabinet
To provide a comprehensive comparison, let's examine the major trophies won by both clubs across all competitions.
| Competition | Arsenal | Liverpool |
|---|---|---|
| English Top-Flight League | 13 | 19 |
| FA Cup | 14 | 8 |
| League Cup | 2 | 10 |
| UEFA Champions League/European Cup | 0 | 6 |
| UEFA Cup/Europa League | 0 | 3 |
| UEFA Cup Winners' Cup | 1 | 0 |
| Inter-Cities Fairs Cup | 1 | 0 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 0 | 4 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 0 | 1 |
| Total Major Trophies | 31 | 51 |
Domestic Dominance
- Arsenal's FA Cup Prowess: Arsenal holds the record for the most FA Cup wins with 14 titles, showcasing their strength in knockout competitions. Their era of "Invincibles" in the 2003-04 Premier League season, where they completed an entire league campaign undefeated, stands as a unique and remarkable achievement in English football history.
- Liverpool's League Cup Record: Liverpool holds the record for the most League Cup victories, with 10 titles. Their 19 top-flight league titles underscore their historical dominance, especially during the 1970s and 1980s when they were the undisputed kings of English football, and their recent resurgence under Jürgen Klopp added a significant league title after a long wait.
European and Global Success
Liverpool's success extends significantly into European competitions, which is a major differentiator in their overall success.
- UEFA Champions League/European Cup: Liverpool has won the prestigious Champions League/European Cup six times, making them the most successful English club in this competition. These victories include famous comebacks and iconic nights that have cemented their status as a European giant.
- Other European Trophies: They have also lifted the UEFA Cup/Europa League three times, the UEFA Super Cup four times, and the FIFA Club World Cup once, demonstrating their consistent performance on the continental and global stages.
- Arsenal's European Footprint: While Arsenal has won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup once and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup once (a precursor to the UEFA Cup), they have yet to win the Champions League or Europa League, having been runners-up in both competitions.
Conclusion
Considering the comprehensive array of major trophies, particularly in English top-flight league titles and their remarkable haul of European honours, Liverpool is definitively more successful than Arsenal. While Arsenal boasts a strong domestic record, especially in the FA Cup, Liverpool's consistent dominance across domestic leagues and, crucially, their unparalleled success in European competitions, places them ahead in terms of overall achievements.
