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Revision as of 20:58, December 7, 2008
Arsenal F.C. is one of the most successful British soccer clubs in history, having won 13 league championships, 3 of which are Premier League titles.[1] They have also won nine FA Cups[2]. They are one of the Big Four of British soccer, along with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool. They currently play at the Emirates Stadium, having moved from Highbury after the end of the 2005-06 season.[3]
History[4]
Arsenal was founded in 1886 as Dial Square F.C., changing to Woolrich Arsenal, Royal Arsenal, and back to Woolrich Arsenal. They played in the second division from 1893-1904, when they were promoted to the first division. They went down again from 1913-1919, but they have stayed in England's top division since then. They changed their name to The Arsenal during that last stint in the second division. Managed by Herbert Chapman, they won three FA cups and dropped the "The" from their name, becoming just "Arsenal F.C.".
After his unexpected death, George Allison came in and guided them to three consecutive League titles. After World War II, several players had their carreers cut short by either death or injury. Allison resigned and was replaced by Tom Whitaker. Whitaker enjoyed instant success, winning two league titles and an FA cup. After the second league title, the team went through a sixteen year drought, which covered three coaches.
In the 1970s, the club was led through a difficult period of obscurity. However, under Terry Neill, they went to three straight FA Cup finals, winning the 1979 Cup over Manchester United. However, another poor period led them through the first half of the 1980s.
In the 1985-86 season, enter George Graham, a former Arsenal player and Millwall manager. Under his leadership, of which fans still talk about with total fondness, they won the 1988-89 League Cup over Liverpool. In 1993, the team doubled up, winning the FA Cup and League Cup, both over Sheffield Wednesday. After his retirement, however, several new coaches came and failed to meet expectations, even with such players as Goalkeeper David Seaman and famed Dutch striker Dennis Bergkamp.
Now, under Arsene Wenger, the team won their three Premiership titles. Wenger is now considered one of the best managers that the team has ever had. Arsenal continues to look for success, even after the departure for star striker Thierry Henry to F.C. Barcelona. Currently, their sponsor is Fly Emirates, the national airline of the UAE.
Notable Former Players
- GK David Seaman
- ST Thierry Henry
