Manchester City’s win over Arsenal was their biggest away win against the Gunners since they won there 4-0 in 1912 while Arsenal are setting new Premier League records for themselves with every passing game.

Although many people think that football only started in 1992 with the introduction of the Premier League, there was actually quite a considerable amount of football played before then.

Honestly.

One of those games was in November, 1912 when Manchester City put four past Arsenal without reply.

“The crushing defeat of Woolwich Arsenal by Manchester City at Plumstead, on Saturday, by four goals nil made their fifth home defeat this season, and it is immediately traceable to the management of the former in making drastic changes in their forward line, the left wing being entirely new, with Hanks playing centre forward,” wrote the Daily Herald two days after the match 106 years ago.

Woolwich Arsenal goalkeeper Harold Crawford reaches for a shot from a Manchester City striker during a game at Arsenal's Plumstead ground in South London, 2nd November 1912. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)
Woolwich Arsenal goalkeeper Harold Crawford reaches for a shot from a Manchester City striker during a game at Arsenal’s Plumstead ground in South London, 2nd November 1912. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)
daily herald 1912 arsenal 0 manchester city 4
Daily Herald 4 November 1912

It continued, “Young Spittle, who was at inside left, gave evidence that with first-class practice he may be worthy of the position, but he was quite unequal to the fast game on Saturday. He needs to be on the ball a little more sharply, and the same criticism applies to Burrell, who was, however, slightly better on the outside left. The right wing, Greenaway and Flanagan, made some spirited attacks, but they lacked co-operation from the other end of the line, while Hanks was palpably weak in the centre. He made some fine dashes through the defence, but his shooting was invariably misjudged.

Another weakness in the Gunners team was at the back. Peart, as a spectator put it, was too slow for anything, and when the Manchester forwards scored they usually ran the ball through his wing. Both he and Shaw made a weak defence, which was a conspicuous contrast with the fine defence of the Manchester backs who were really responsible for their opponents coming off the field without scoring.

“It need not be assumed from the overwhelming score that the game was one-sided one. for the Arsenal attacked with determination, especially in the first half, and towards the close it was only the fine play of Fletcher and Henry, the Manchester backs, and Goodchild, the goalkeeper, which defeated them.

Lichfield Mercury 8 November 1912 Arsenal 0 Manchester City 4
Lichfield Mercury 8 November 1912

“The half-back line marked well, and, indeed, the Arsenal men frequently succeeded in nearly scoring, but never quite. They were particularly weak in front of goal.

In contrast it is doubtful whether Manchester City have placed a better team in the field. The combination was as perfect as one might wish to see. Every man appeared to playing well within his capacity, and was always in his place when wanted. It was a pleasure to watch the neat and sure passing of their forward line, in which Jones, Wynn and Taylor particularly distinguished themselves. They were quick to find the vulnerable points in the Woolwich defence, and to take advantage of them.

“They completely outclassed the home backs and made full use of every opportunity apparently without making strenuous effort. Their first goal was brought about by Henry and Jones in very easy fashion five minutes after the start. These two were also responsible for the second goal. The Manchester men ran the ball up the field, through the weak defence, and into the net. Taylor and Wynn scored in rapid succession, and in an adroit manner, which won general admiration.”

Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat on Thursday night was also:

Arsenal's Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan (L), Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (C) and Arsenal's German-born Bosnian defender Sead Kolasinac (R) leave the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 1, 2018. Manchester City won the game 3-0. / AFP PHOTO / Glyn KIRK /
AFP PHOTO / Glyn KIRK
  • Arsenal’s joint heaviest home defeat in the Premier League
  • The first time Arsenal have conceded three first-half goals at home in the Premier League
  • Arsenal’s 11th game in the Premier League without a clean sheet, their longest run