The Arsenal FC history reflects the journey of one of England’s most iconic clubs. The Arsenal FC team has built a rich legacy in English football, earning countless honors through skill and dedication. As a proud Arsenal FC football club, they continue to inspire fans worldwide with their tradition of excellence and attacking style.
Founded
1886
Location
Islington, London
Team History
1919 – Present / Arsenal Football Club
1908 - 1919 / The Arsenal
1893 - 1908 / Woolwich Arsenal
1986 - 1893 / Royal Arsenal
Nickname
The Gunners - Arsenal FC Football Club is one of the most successful and iconic teams in the English Premier League. The team has a long history, dating back to 1886 when workers founded it at Arsenal’s Royal Arsenal armaments factory in Woolwich, London. Over its 134-year existence, the club has become known as “The Gunners” due to its association with munitions manufacturing.
Arsenal FC Origin
The nickname is believed to have originated from an article written by former sports journalist Charles Buchan that appeared in Athletic News magazine on March 11th, 1904. In this piece, he referred to "the gunners" of Woolwich Arsenal FC, who were then playing their home games at Plumstead Common Ground (now known as Manor Way). This name caught on quickly amongst supporters and soon became synonymous with the team - eventually becoming their official nickname!
As well as being associated with munitions production, there are other theories behind why they are called 'The Gunners.' One suggests that it could be because many of their early players came from areas where hunting and shooting were popular activities – such as Scotland or Ireland – while others believe it may have been a reference to how hardworking these men would need to be if they wanted success on the pitch! Whatever the origin story, though, today ‘Gunner' remains one of football's oldest nicknames - something which will undoubtedly remain for generations more yet come!
Championships
Premier League / 13
2004, 2002, 1998, 1991, 1989, 1971, 1953, 1948, 1938, 1935, 1934, 1933, 1931
FA Cup / 13
2017, 2015, 2014, 2005, 2003, 2002, 1998, 1993, 1979, 1971, 1950,1936, 1930
Premier League - FA Cup Double / 3
2002, 1998, 1971
Stadium
2006 - Present / Emirates Stadium
1913 - 2006 / Highbury
1893 - 1913 / Manor Ground
1890 - 1893 / Invicta Ground
1888 - 1890 / Manor Ground
1887 - 1888 / Sportsman Ground
1887 / Plumstead Common
Current Owner
2011 – Present / Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
*Blue is this team’s history
- 1915
- 1971
- 2002
- 2014
- 2017
- 2020
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Renamed Arsenal FC in 1915
In 1913, soon after relegation back to the Second Division, Woolwich Arsenal moved to the new Arsenal Stadium in Highbury, North London. This saw their third change of name: the following year, they reduced Woolwich Arsenal to simply The Arsenal. In 1919, The Football League voted to promote The Arsenal, instead of relegated local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, into the newly ... -
Arsenal won FA CUP
In 1971: The Arsenal Football Club wins its second double, clinching the league title at White Hart Lane, the home of their rivals Tottenham Hotspur, and beating Liverpool 2–1 after extra time in the FA Cup final with goals from Eddie Kelly and Charlie George. -
2002 Premier League and FA Cup Double for Arsenal
The club metamorphosed during the long tenure of manager Arsène Wenger, appointed in 1996. New, attacking football, an overhaul of dietary and fitness practices, and efficiency with money have defined his reign. Accumulating key players from Wenger’s homeland, such as Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, Arsenal won a second League and Cup double in 1997 – 1998 and a third ... -
Arsenal club ends a nine-year trophy drought by winning its eleventh FA Cup
in2014: The Arsenal club ends a nine-year trophy drought by winning its eleventh FA Cup, coming from 2–0 down to beat Hull City 3–2 after extra time with goals from Santi Cazorla, Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey -
FA CUP VICTORY!
In 2017: The club wins a record thirteenth FA Cup, beating Chelsea 2–1 in the final with goals from Alexis Sánchez and Aaron Ramsey. -
Arsenal win FA Cup for record 14th time
In 2020: The Arsenal club wins a record fourteenth FA Cup, beating Chelsea 2–1 in the final with two goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang12. The club also wins its sixteenth FA Community Shield, beating Liverpool on penalties after a 1–1 draw.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Arsenal FC History
The Arsenal FC history is one of the richest in English football, showcasing the remarkable journey of the Arsenal FC team from its founding in 1886 as Dial Square to becoming a global powerhouse. The Arsenal FC football club has grown into one of the most successful and respected teams in the world, recognized for its style, tradition, and commitment to excellence.
Throughout the Arsenal FC history, the club has earned an impressive collection of trophies. Arsenal has claimed 13 league titles, including three Premier League championships, and holds the record for the most FA Cup wins with 14 triumphs. Their legacy is also defined by the “Invincibles” season of 2003–04 under Arsène Wenger, when the Arsenal FC team went unbeaten in all 38 league games — a record that remains unmatched in Premier League history.
The Arsenal FC football club became synonymous with attractive, attacking play under Wenger, featuring legendary players like Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira, and Robert Pires. These stars helped elevate Arsenal’s reputation, both domestically and across Europe, as they consistently competed for major honors and earned global admiration for their football philosophy.
Arsenal Achievements
In recent years, Arsenal has remained a competitive force in both the Premier League and European competitions. The club continues to nurture young talent and play an entertaining style of Arsenal FC football, reflecting its deep footballing heritage. Under new management and direction, the Arsenal FC team has been rebuilding towards reclaiming its place among Europe’s elite.
Among the major achievements in Arsenal FC history are their record-breaking unbeaten league run, their historic FA Cup triumphs, and their consistency in top-tier football for over a century. The Arsenal FC football club continues to inspire millions of fans around the world, proudly carrying forward its legacy of passion, resilience, and success.
