5 Things Arsenal History

 

Facts about Arsenal, which should score you some points in your local AFC pub quiz. 

 

The Names

 

The older generation may be well aware, but some younger fans should be forgiven if they are unaware that The mighty Gooners were not always called Arsenal F.C. The club was originally known as Dial Square, when the club was formed by workers at the Woolwich armaments factory in 1886.

Later, the name was changed to Royal Arsenal before becoming Woolwich Arsenal when the team turned professional in 1891. In 1914 they were known as The Arsenal, and the final transformation in 1919 saw the club be officially named as Arsenal F.C.

 

 

The Grounds 

The world has come a long way in the last hundred years, so it's not surprising most football clubs have had or used several different grounds in their lifetime. Arsenal's grounds include south London locations like Plumstead Common, which is more of a recreational park, and Manor Ground stadium, where they played for twenty-two years. 

The decision to move north of the river saw Arsenal start construction of the Highbury stadium in 1913. After nearly one-hundred years, Arsenal felt the need to expand beyond the location's ability and create a new stadium in nearby Ashburton Grove. In 2006, the construction was completed and named the Emirates Stadium in accordance with their sponsor.   

The Colours

 

Football home kits change every season, but the colours remain the same. Arsenal's iconic red shirt with white sleeves has been around as long as most fans can remember, but only a few will know its origins.

Red was chosen as a show of thanks to Nottingham Forest F.C. for their kit donations to the club when it first began in 1886. These shirts were a darker redcurrant colour than we see today. Similar to the ones we saw for Arsenal's final season at Highbury in 2005-2006. Herbert Chapman later requested the shirt colour be updated to a brighter shade and folklore has it the white sleeves were added after he saw members of the crowd worn the red shirts over long sleeved white tops.

 The Achievements 

Weather it's a big four or big six Arsenal have always been part of it. In fact, Arsenal are the only team in English football history to have never been relegated. Under the stewardship of Arsene Wenger, the Gunners completed the longest run of undefeated games (49) in English top division history. For this feat, Arsenal are the only club to have been awarded with a Gold Premier League trophy in recognition for their achievement. 

In total, the north London club have won a massive 13 league titles, bettered only by Manchester United and Liverpool, a record 14 FA Cups, 16 FA Community Shields, a European Cup Winners' Cup and a sprinkling of other cup competitions complete Arsenals impressive trophy cabinet. 

 

 

The Managers

 

It's hard to imagine now, but in was more of a managerial team that ran things in the very early stages of the club's creation. Arsenal appointed their first permanent manager in 1897 and since then, they have seen around twenty different managers take the helm. The two that are considered cream of the crop by most fans are Herbert Chapman from 1907 to 1934 and Arsene Wenger from 1996 to 2018.

Both were revolutionary for their efforts tactically on match day and in the preparation of their players. They boast trophy cabinets full to the brim. Another two that won league everything there is to win in the English game are George Graham and Bertie Mee, although their longevity or impact on the English game wasn't quite as powerful as Chapman or Wenger.