Arsenal were formed in 1886 as Dial Square, soon after becoming Royal Arsenal. Turned proffesional at the same time as becoming Woolwich Arsenal in 1891, and later simply Arsenal.After playing at several locations in Plumstead, South London, they moved to their present site of Arsenal stadium, Highbury, in 1913. In 1919 Arsenal won promotion to the top flight under slightly dubious circumstances and has been their ever since. Arsenal are the only club in English football to have an underground station named after them.
Arsenal's real glory days were in the thirties when five league titles and 2 FA cups were won in nine years, the team was built by the legondary Herbert chapman. A futhur period of success followed in the late fourties and early fifties where two championships and an FA cup were won. Then until 1970 nothing was won, when a first european trophy arrived at Highbury. Next year Arsenal became only the second team this century to do the domestic double.
during the Graham years between 1986 and 1994, Arsenal won six major trophies. In 1989 the league championship returned to Highbury after an 18 year absence. It was only just achieved though, Arsenal beating Liverpool on goals scored. The last game of the season was at anfield where Arsenal won 2-0 with a late Michael Thomas goal proving the winner. Another championship followed teo years later. In 1993 Arsenal made history by becoming the first ever team to win both domestic cup's in one season, and the following year brought success in europe with a triumph against the odd's over Parma in Copenhagen, Alan Smith getting the winner.
Next season however George Graham was sacked after he allegedly took some money from a transfer. With the team in tatters not only beacuse of the Graham affair but because of Paul Merson as well, Arsenal struggled in the league and were not too far off relegation. However they did reach the Cup winners cup final again and only very narrowly missed out on making it two in a row, from a brilliant last minuite goal from Real Zaragoza.
June 1995, Bruch Rioch was installed as manager. But, after guiding them to 5th in the league and singning Dennis Bergkamp, he was surprisingly sacked in August 1996, just days before the new season began. By september Arsene Wenger was at the helm, and without making any major changes, besides the amazing Patrick Vieira, took Arsenal to third in the league by the end of the season.
The following season 1997/98, Wenger made history. With some highly influencial summer signings the team was revitalised, and a late season surge of brilliance over turned a 13 point deficit in January to clinch a historic second league and cup double in May.
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