On this day in 1971, Arsenal legend, Charlie George, returned from injury to score a brace against Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round.

Arsenal had already beaten Yeovil Town and Portsmouth in previous rounds before traveling to Manchester in February and beating the team who would become our titles rivals in 40 year’s time 2-1.

The previous week, Arsenal hosted City in the league and won 1-0 with a goal from John Radford, so confidence was high.

George, who made a total of 133 appearances during his time in north London, scoring 31, had just returned for the FA Cup clash and he couldn’t have had a better match. The forward netted both Arsenal’s goals, ensuring they progressed to the next round, where they beat Leicester 1-0 on aggregate. George scored the only goal over the two games.

The Gunners faced Stoke in the semi-final. A 2-2 draw with a brace from Peter Storey forced the clash to a replay where Arsenal won 2-0.

Arsenal beat Liverpool in the final 2-1 at Wembley where George scored Arsenal’s winning goal in extra time.

The club went on to win their first Double, narrowly clinching the title by just one point with Leeds United finishing second.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l_tPDf1gHs

Sources: Wiki, 11v11, Woolwich Arsenal.