Arsenal vs Aston Villa (or Aston Villa vs Arsenal if you prefer) is a fixture that has been played since 1904 and it has returned more than it’s fair share of entertainment, but how did it all start?

Arsenal vs Aston Villa first took place on 8 October, 1904, in front of 32,000 spectators at the Manor Ground, Plumstead. The Gunners had only just been promoted to the First Division ahead of the start of the season and were still called Woolwich Arsenal.

Playing into the sun and against a strong wind in the first half, Arsenal really let fly in the second. “And then how much Woolwich Arsenal had been playing within themselves against the ill conditions was shown when they ‘let themselves go’,” The Morning Post wrote two days later.

“Woolwich in pace and skill outplayed Aston Villa in the last half house, and their zealous and high-spirited football was worth much more than the odd goal of the match. The victory was the triumph of the half-backs.

“Woolwich Arsenal have now thoroughly justified their promotion to the first degree of the League. They have not been beaten at home, and their success in two matches against strong sides have drawn from them that fine ability which their brilliant career in the Second Division made it almost obvious that they possessed.

“Aston Villa were criticised on Saturday as being something of a disappointment. But, after all, there is something in the dictum, that ‘a side generally plays as well as its opponent let it.’

“That the Arsenal football has ‘caught on’ tremendously in the London area was again proved by the immense attendance. And it is now time that the South-Eastern and Chatham Company should endeavour to make it possible to get to Plumstead on a Saturday with some slighter degree of discomfort than has been recently experienced. The congested state of the trains from Cannon-Street and London Bridge on Saturday afternoon was an appeal in itself to the officials of the company to move in the matter.”

The winning goal was scored 20 minutes into the first half, Tim Coleman chasing down the ball before shooting. The Villa keeper, George, came out but as the ball hit him it fell to William Henry Gooing who rolled it into an empty net.

Arsenal went on to finish their first season in the top flight in 10th place, 15 points behind League title winners, Newcastle. Villa finished fourth and there was no sign of Spurs, Chelsea, or Manchester United.

Arsenal have remained in the top flight ever since.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa/Aston Villa vs Arsenal Head-to-Head