Arsenal

The Arsenal Football Club

Founded In: October 1886

Nick Name: The Gunners

Slogan: Keep The Blue Flag Flying High(KTBFFH)

Ground: Emirates Stadium(Capacity- 60,704)

Opening: 22 July 2006

Owners: Stan Kroenke

In Woolwich, Kent, now in South East London, Scotsman David Danskin and fifteen other munitions workers formed Dial Square Football Club in October 1886, with each member contributing sixpence and Danskin contributing an additional three shillings. On December 11, 1886, they defeated Eastern Wanderers 6-0 in their first match. A month after their first victory, the club changed its name to Royal Arsenal.

In 1893, Arsenal became the first club from the south of England to join the Football League, and in 1904, they were promoted to the First Division. They once got relegated in 1913, but since they have the longest streak of not being relegated. Arsenal also holds the record of the second most number of wins in England.

Arsenal won the first premier league title in 1930-1931. George Graham, a former player, returned as manager in 1986, and in his first season in charge, Arsenal won their first League Cup.

In 2004 under the management of  Arsène Wenger, Arsenal won the Premier League undefeated and won the title of “The Invincible” with the golden trophy. Arsenal is also the record holder of most FA Cup titles(14).

Arsenal has seen a large number of legends in their kits. Legends like Dennis Bergkamp and Ian Wright won many games for them.

Vieira, Patrick Arsenal’s central formation and build-up, relied heavily on the French midfielder. He was a crucial member of the Invincibles’ team. Robert Pires, another midfielder from France, was also a member of the Invincibles. He scored 84 goals in 284 appearances. Thierry Henry won the golden boot and Ballon d’Or when he was part of Arsenal.

David O’Leary has the most appearances for Arsenal (723). Thierry Henry is the all-time top goalscorer with 228 goals in 377 games.

Arsenal’s arch-rival is Chelsea. The London Derby is the name given to their long-running rivalry. Chelsea has won 64 games compared to 78 for Arsenal, with 58 draws. Didier Drogba, a Chelsea hero, has scored the most goals in the London derby. Both teams have met in the final four times, with each team winning two times. The 2020 FA Cup final was won by Arsenal 2-1 against Chelsea.

Trophies and Honours

The current team consists of 29 men squad with Mikel Arteta as team Manager.

Since 1897, Arsenal has had nineteen permanent managers and eight caretaker managers. Between 1996 and 2018, Arsène Wenger was the most prolific Arsenal manager, winning three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, and seven Community Shields. Arsenal’s longest-serving manager is Arsene Wenger.

 Mikel Arteta is the current manager since 2019.