ARSENAL FC HISTORY
Explore the rich history of Arsenal FC.
Photo: Mario Spencer, https://www.pexels.com/photo/emirates-stadium-soccer-field-in-london-28517861/
1886
In 1886, a group of workers at the Arsenal munitions factory came together to purchase a football. While the group had no name or jersey, they had a match scheduled for December 11th. Known as “Dial Square” for a workshop of their employer, the group would go on to defeat the Eastern Wanderers 6-0. The emphatic victory led to a meeting on Christmas day to discuss the team’s future and decide on a on a real name. oyal Arsenal was founded in 1886, named for the pub in which the players met that day, the Royal Oak pub, and their place of work, the Arsenal munitions factory in Woolwich
Royal Arsenal FC 1988, Source: Wikimedia Commons. https://picryl.com/media/arsenal-1888-squad-photo-836a97
1893
In 1893, after being boycotted by southern clubs, Royal Arsenal withdrew from the London FA. To complement their growing aspirations, they applied into the Football League and were elected to the second division, becoming London’s only professional club. Royal Arsenal voted to vacate Invicta Grounds and move back to their original home of Manor Field. Manor Field needed much work to reach the standard of a second-division football stadium, and such an endeavor would require a considerable amount of money. In order to raise the funds, members of the club voted and formed a limited company. Under UK law it was impossible to form a limited company containing the word “Royal” without receiving special permission. The club attempted to register “Royal Arsenal” but were refused, prompting a name change to The Woolwich Arsenal Football and Athletic Company Limited.
1910-1915
Approaching bankruptcy, shareholders of The Woolwich Arsenal Football and Athletic Company Limited opted to liquidate. The company was bought out by a group of businessmen, the largest shareholders. being Henry Norris and William Hall. Norris then identified Highbury of North London as the location of Woolwich Arsenal’s future home. The move was met with opposition from Woolwich fans and Highbury residents alike, yet Norris proceeded without hesitation. Adding to the troubles, Woolwich Arsenal had been relegated in the previous year and would play their first season in Highbury in the second division. The newly built stadium was ready in 1913. Adding to the changes, Woolwich Arsenal decided to replace “Woolwich” with “The” resulting in a new name: The Arsenal. The Arsenal would finish sixth in the second division during the 1914-15 season before World War 1 halted professional football in England.
Avenell Road Walking north up Avenell Road towards Highbury Stadium. Photo: Chris Heaton, https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/293930
1919
When football returned after the war in 1919, The club was expected to play in the second division. However, before the season began, the first division was in the process of expanding from 20 to 22 teams. This shouldn’t have made a difference for Arsenal, as they finished in sixth place during their previous campaign. It was expected that the two top teams from the second division would be promoted, and the two teams occupying relegation spots in the first division (Chelsea and Tottenham) would remain up. However, only Chelsea was given a spot, leaving Tottenham to earn their position via a vote at an AGM of the Football League. Among those vying for the final spot in top-flight football were Tottenham from the first division, and Barnsely, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, The Arsenal, and Hull city from the second division. All of the aforementioned teams except Hull City had finished in higher places than Arsenal. Regardless, Norris pushed his argument for The Arsenal’s inclusion citing “long service to league football”; The Arsenal had been the first league club from the South of England. When the votes were read, it was a shock to everyone but Norris that Arsenal had been promoted to first division football. During November of the 1919 season, Arsenal would undergo their final name change to date, dropping “The” from The Arsenal.
Photo: 25th October 1919 - Arsenal (1) v Bradford City (2) -- https://www.flickr.com/photos/bradford_timeline/10472028253
1920s & The Herbert Chapman Era
The formation of Arsenal’s reputation as one of the most famous clubs in global football history would not have been possible without the managing style and innovation of Herbert Chapman. Chapman had been the manager of Huddersfield Town, and had led them to a FA Cup victory and two Division One titles. When Arsenal hired Chapman in 1925, he was the highest-paid football club manager ever.
Within one year of Chapman at the helm, the Gunners achieved their first FA Cup Final appearance in 1927. Chapman revolutionized the W-M formation, making Arsenal an innovator in possession-based play.
The W-M formation kept three defenders in the back line, but put two halfbacks immediately behind two inside forwards, opening up the midfield for possession and effectively outnumbered teams who played in a 2-3-5 formation in the midfield.
Photo: F.A. Cup Final Wembley Stadium, 1935 -- https://www.flickr.com/photos/diego_sideburns/20555968661
1930s
The 1930s marked an era of unprecedented success for Arsenal. They won their first trophy, defeating Huddersfield Town 2-0 to win the FA cup Cup final at Wembley Stadium. Arsenal’s victory marked the first silverware for a team south of Birmingham. They would carry their success into the 1930-31 season, winning the league for the first time ever. This monumental achievement spurred an incredible run of form, as Arsenal would win five titles in eight years, catapulting them to the peak of English football.
1980s & The Back Four
When George Graham took charge of the Gunners in 1986, he brought with him young players with promising talent such as Tony Adams. He then signed Lee Dixon, Nigel Winterburn and Steve Bould, and combined with Adams the four players became what would be known as the Back Four. Dixon, Winterburn, Bould and Adams were the backbone of the Arsenal team between the late 1980s and mid 1990s. The final game of the 1989 season would determine the champion of the league–and it was to be played between Liverpool and Arsenal. Liverpool was widely thought of as the favored side and the technically superior team, but with George Graham leading the Gunners, Arsenal scraped out a 2-0 victory. The phrase, “George knows,” was coined, although modern day fans may know the phrase as, “Arsène knows.”
2003-2006
While the 30s were host to many great Arsenal teams, it is impossible to argue that any performance could top that of the 2003-04 team. Arsenal would finish the league in 1st place with a record 90 points. Most impressive, they went the full season without losing a game, earning the nickname The Invincibles. The squad was led by star forward Thierry Henry and captain Patrick Vieira. Despite their attacking prowess, Arsenal’s defense was also remarkably strong, conceding only 26 goals through 38 games. Their defensive commitment led to a lethal counterattack, frequently resulting in goals for Henry or Robert Pires. The team was managed by Arsene Wenger, who was widely regarded as one of the best managers in the world. His no-nonsense approach and strict training regiments were adopted by many other teams in the league
Today
Arsenal's current team has been their most successful squad since the late 2000s. Manager Mikel Arteta has restored Arsenal's place near the top of the Premier League. Arsenal are set to finish second in the league for the third consecutive year. The team has also enjoyed success in the Champions League. After making it to the quarterfinals in 2023-24, Arsenal have reached the semifinals of this year's competition after thumping Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate. With a matchup against Paris Saint Germain looming, and a summer transfer window that looks to bring in new key players, the future of Arsenal looks bright.
