Arsenal

Who are Arsenal?

Arsenal are considered as one of the most beloved and successful clubs in England. The club compete in the English top-flight, Premier League.

Arsenal were established as a works team named Dial Square back in 1886. Shortly thereafter, the Gunners turned professional and changed their name to Woolwich Arsenal, becoming a full-fledged part of the Football League in 1893 (the first outfit from the south areas of England).

The following period was fraught with difficulties for them; besides not being able to form a side that could challenge for the title, it was geographically isolated from the rest of the division, which resulted in low attendances.

After tottering dangerously close to bankruptcy, the club were bought out by businessman Henry Norris back in 1910 and moved to North London in 1913 (Highbury became the new home stadium).

The following year, the club were renamed as Arsenal. The Gunners’ first rise to prominence came with the hiring of Herbert Chapman as head coach in 1925.

Arsenal lifted their first major trophy in 1930, defeating fellow English side Huddersfield Town 2-0 in the FA Cup final.

This proved to be the beginning of a productive period for the club; during the 30s, they clinched five league titles and another FA Cup trophy.

The post-WWII period saw Arsenal continue on their path of success with another an FA Cup (1950) and two League titles (1948, 1953).

The club were a little more successful under manager George Graham. During his nine years in charge (1986–1995), the team won an FA Cup, two League Cups, two League titles, as well as the side’s first and only Cup Winners’ Cup by defeating the Italian outfit Parma 1-0 in the final.

Between 1996 and 2004, under the leadership of Arsene Wenger, Arsenal clinched three League titles and three FA Cups, with the 2003–2004 term being particularly noteworthy because of the club not losing a single match in the Premier League. That roster, powered by Thierry Henry’s 30 goals in 37 games, was later dubbed “The Invincibles”.

The three additional FA Cup titles in 2005, 2014 and 2015 have made the London giants the most successful club in the competition’s history.

What are the predictions for next season?

Despite the fact that Mikel Arteta does not appear to be under too much pressure at the club, having won the FA Cup in 2020, within six months of taking charge of the English outfit, Arsenal still have plenty of work to do this summer if they are to compete for a top-four finish in the PL next season.

Arsenal – 2021/22 season (odds)

Arsenal are listed at 66/1 to lift the Premier League trophy at the end of the next season, according to bookies.