Arsenal Football Club's journey from a group of Woolwich Arsenal Armament Factory workers in 1886 to one of the most celebrated clubs in world football mirrors the evolution of the sport itself. Originally named Dial Square, their debut victory laid the foundation for a storied footballing institution. Transitioning to Woolwich Arsenal, they turned professional and joined the Football League in 1893. The relocation to North London and Highbury Stadium in 1913 under Henry Norris marked a significant chapter, culminating in the adoption of the simplified name 'Arsenal'.
The arrival of manager Herbert Chapman in 1925 set a transformative era into motion, echoed decades later by Arsène Wenger, who further modernized the club in the 1990s. Arsenal's trophy cabinet boasts 13 league titles and a record 14 FA Cups, underscoring their dominance in English football.
In recent years, Arsenal has continued to be a key player in the Premier League, maintaining its position as one of England's top football clubs. Under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, the club is navigating the challenges of the modern game, striving for domestic and European success. Arsenal's commitment to innovation, both on and off the pitch, ensures its legacy endures, adapting to the evolving landscape of football while honouring its rich history.
Bet on Arsenal
Leading sportsbooks offer a variety of betting markets on Arsenal each week. The long football season provides bettors the chance to wager on Arsenal in multiple ways. Individuals can bet on Arsenal as the outright winner of the Premier League or domestic cup competitions. There is the opportunity to bet on one-off matches, players, correct scores, goals, and more.
Bettors also have the chance to select bets on Arsenal in the transfer market and which player(s) will arrive at the club next. With the club potentially sacking its current manager this season, bettors can also wager on which coach will take charge of the Gunners next—or if the current man is fired.
Arsenal Players
Based on the 2023-2024 season performances, the top Arsenal players can be highlighted both in terms of goal-scoring and creating opportunities for their teammates. Bukayo Saka stands out as a particularly influential player for Arsenal, showcasing his dual threat as both a scorer and a creator. He has netted six goals across all competitions and has contributed with eight assists, making him a key player for the team. Martin Ødegaard, the captain, also plays a pivotal role with five goals to his name. Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah have made significant contributions, with five goals each. Gabriel Jesus rounds out the list of top contributors with four goals despite a different distribution across competitions.
This list emphasizes players who have been crucial in Arsenal's performances across the Premier League, Champions League, EFL Cup, and FA Cup for the 2023-2024 season. Their versatility and ability to contribute in various aspects of the game underlined the depth and quality within the Arsenal squad.
Arsenal Honours
First Division/Premier League
Winners (13): 1930–31, 1932–33, 1933–34, 1934–35, 1937–38, 1947–48, 1952–53, 1970–71, 1988–89, 1990–91, 1997–98, 2001–02, 2003–04
League Cup/EFL Cup
Winners (2): 1986–87, 1992–93
League Centenary Trophy
Winners (1) (record): 1988
FA Cup
Winners (14) (record): 1929–30, 1935–36, 1949–50, 1970–71, 1978–79, 1992–93, 1997–98, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2016–17, 2019–20
FA Community Shield
Winners (16): 1930, 1931, 1933, 1934, 1938, 1948, 1953, 1991 (shared), 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2020
UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
Winners (1): 1993–94
Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
Winners (1): 1969–70
UEFA Champions League
Runners-up (1): 2005–06
Arsenal All-Time Top Goalscorers
Thierry Henry – 228 goals
Ian Wright – 185 goals
Cliff Bastin – 178 goals
John Radford – 149 goals
Jimmy Brain – 139 goals
Arsenal Legends
Arsenal has had some of the most iconic players to grace English pitches. The greatest player of all time to play at Highbury and the Emirates is striker Thierry Henry. Wenger paid £11m to Juventus to bring Henry to Arsenal. The duo had previously worked together at Monaco.
The signing would prove to be a landmark move as Henry went on to score 228 goals. Henry led Arsenal to two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League runner-up place.
Many greats played for Arsenal during the 1990s and 2000s.
Dennis Bergkamp scored some of the greatest goals of all time for the Gunners. Defender Tony Adams played 19 seasons at Arsenal. He was a keystone at the back, appearing in three different decades for the club. Many of Arsenal’s greatest successes featured Adams playing in defence.
Here are just some of the greatest Gooners of all time:
Thierry Henry
Dennis Bergkamp
Tony Adams
Ian Wright
Patrick Viera
Robert Pires
David Seaman
Liam Brady
Charlie George
Pat Jennings
Freddie Ljungberg
Marc Overmas
Kanu
David O'Leary
Sol Campbell
David Rocastle
Pat Rice
Cliff Bastin
Ray Parlour
Martin Keown
Arsenal Managers
The current manager of Arsenal FC is Mikel Arteta.
Herbert Chapman was the first significant manager Arsenal hired. After spells at Northampton Town, Leeds City, and Huddersfield Town, Chapman joined Arsenal in 1925. Chapman led Arsenal to two First Division titles and an FA Cup. The most significant part of his reign was raising the profile of Arsenal.
Decades later, Arsene Wenger joined Arsenal in 1996 and spent over two decades in the manager’s chair. Arsenal were revolutionised by Wenger in all facets, from diet to tactics. Wenger led the Gunners to a multitude of titles and brought a clutch of great French players to Highbury and the Emirates. Since Wenger’s departure in 2018, the Gunners have not been able to replicate their previous fortunes.