On this day in 1901 Arsenal beat Darwen 2-0 away to secure their place in the first round proper of the FA Cup.

This result allowed them to move beyond the first round for the first time in their history and started them on the road to becoming the most successful FA Cup team in the history of the competition (alright, joint top, shut up).

The FA Cup was established in 1871, some 15 years before Arsenal were formed. After 13 games in total, Wanderers were crowned winners of the first FA Cup when the final was played in March, 1872.

Although not exactly the competition we all know and love today, the roots were planted. By the time Arsenal were two-years-old, the competition was more akin to what we now know with qualifying rounds introduced.

After beating Darwen, Arsenal played Blackburn Rovers, winning 2-0.

They were they drawn against West Brom, a game they lost 1-0.

Arsenal goalscorers v Darwen –

  • John Blackwood
  • James Tennant

Starting lineup:

  • Goalkeeper Jimmy Ashcroft
  • Full back Duncan McNichol
  • Half back John William Anderson
  • Half back Frederick Gordon Coles
  • Half back John Dick
  • Outside left James Tennant
  • Centre forward John Blackwood
  • Inside forward Alexander Main
  • Inside left Peter Turner
  • Forward/Half Back Ralph Gaudie
  • Full back/ Wing half James Jackson

Arsenal goalscorers v Blackburn Rovers –

  • Thomas Pollock Low
  • James Tennant

Starting lineup:

  • Goalkeeper Jimmy Ashcroft
  • Full back Duncan McNichol
  • Half back John William Anderson
  • Half back Frederick Gordon Coles
  • Half back John Dick
  • Outside left James Tennant
  • Outside right Thomas Pollock Low
  • Inside forward Alexander Main
  • Inside left Peter Turner
  • Forward/Half Back Ralph Gaudie
  • Full back/ Wing half James Jackson

Arsenal won their first FA Cup in 1929/30 at the start of a glorious decade for the club which included two FA Cups, five League titles, five Community Shields, and three London Challenge Cups.