Football, or soccer as it is known in the United States, is considered the biggest sport in the world simply because of its massive viewership and fanbase. But although the sport is popular throughout the world, Europe is considered the mecca of worldwide football. Why? Because all of the best players and the biggest leagues in the game can be found there.
European countries have always followed football seriously and have dedicated vast resources for the sport to flourish. This is one of the many reasons why several European countries are able to pay the highest salaries, host the biggest games, and accommodate the most fans. But even in Europe, there is a high level of competition among the countries in terms of hosting the best league.
Out of all the leagues in various countries, however, some of the best ones are England’s Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, and Italy’s Serie A. But even out of these, the oldest and arguably the current best is England’s Premier League. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the little-known facts about Arsenal Football Club. Arsenal is one of the oldest and greatest teams in the Premier League, with an interesting history and vast football heritage.
But before we jump in, students reading this should also remember to keep up with their academic work. Yes, the world of football or soccer is a lot of fun, but it is also huge and can take up a significant portion of one’s time. In such cases, students are advised not to go overboard and also handle all their coursework and submissions with care.
Today’s students can also use various services provided by top-level platforms catered to help them. For example, students can easily find the best coursework writers for hire or the best essay writers from a platform like Studyfy. Using such services not only helps keep one’s academic work on track but also frees up some extra time to pursue other personal activities.
In no particular order, here are 13 little-known facts about Arsenal Football Club.
The Mind-Blowing Story Behind the Name & the Nickname
Arsenal Football Club was founded by a group of workers out of the Woolwich Arsenal Armament Factory. Initially, they named the club Dial Square, then changed it to Royal Arsenal and Woolwich Arsenal before finally landing on Arsenal. And because of the club’s history of dealing with guns and other weapons, their nickname fits perfectly, too – The Gunners.
Arsenal, or “The Invincibles,” is the Only English Top-Flight Team to Receive a Golden League Title Trophy
No English team has ever achieved an unbeaten 38-game season in the history of the top flight except Arsenal in 2003-04. Because of this, the Premier League awarded Arsenal a mesmerizing golden trophy instead of the conventional silver one.
In 1927, Arsenal vs. Sheffield United was the First Ever Football Game to be Broadcasted on the Radio
Arsenal has always been a big club in the English league from the very start. Because of this, more people wanted to hear about them or stay connected with their progress in some way. So, in 1927, it made complete sense for an Arsenal game to be broadcasted live on the radio.
Why Does Arsenal Use the Color Red so Religiously?
The story has it that back in the day, when Arsenal or Dial Square didn’t have the necessary funds to establish their team, they needed some help. Nottingham Forest was the one who came to the rescue offering some players, financial aid, and a bright red idea for the team’s colors.
Arsenal Has Never Been the Champions of Europe
Despite all the successful matches and runs in Europe, they have never been European champions. The closest Arsenal came was in 2005-06 when the club and team were at the peak of the game. However, after an outstanding and record-breaking run, they lost 2-1 to Barcelona FC in the finals.
Arsenal Is The Third Biggest Club in the History of English Football
Arsenal has won a total of 47 trophies in the club’s illustrious history. They have also won more FA Cup trophies (14) than any other English team in the game. Although the past decade or so has not been as decorative, Arsenal has been picking up some serious steam under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal Could’ve Missed Out on Signing Their Top Goal Scorer & One of the Biggest Legends of Their Club, Thierry Henry
Back then, Henry wasn’t just facing problems with his former club Juventus but was also being approached by some of the other big clubs in Europe. Arsenal was only one of those clubs. But nothing else mattered after two Frenchman, Wenger and Henry, met at a Huey Lewis and the News concert.
In 2010, Arsenal vs. Manchester United was the First Ever Game to be Broadcasted Live in 3D
Because of Arsenal’s decorated history and massive fanbase, the club was in the history books once again in 2010. This time, it was for playing in the first-ever game to be broadcasted live in 3D. Unfortunately, Arsenal ended up losing the game (1-3) to Manchester United in their home stadium.
The Club’s Former Crest & Motto Says, “Victoria Concordia Crescit” or “Victory Comes Through Harmony”
All the sentiments that emerge after reading the above Latin line can be discovered in and across the entirety of Arsenal Football Club. Even today, Arsenal fans have not lost faith in their club and players and turn out in the hugest numbers to lend their support.
Arsenal Holds the Record for Spending the Longest Time in the Top Division Without Being Relegated
It’s true; Arsenal has broken all the records and has been in England’s top division for over a century now. The last time they were relegated was way back in 1913 when their name was “Woolwich Arsenal.” However, six years later, they were named what they are currently called – “Arsenal.”
Arsenal Is the Only Team to Start a Game with All Foreign Players in their Line-Up (Including Substitutes)
Arsene Wenger has never shied away from using youngsters or an abundance of English players in his squads. However, with football, things don’t always go according to plan. In 2005, he was forced to play a team with not a single English player – even as a substitute. Some of their biggest foreign stars back then included Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Robin Van Persie, and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Arsenal Holds the Longest Clean Sheet Streak in the Champions League
Although Arsenal tragically lost to FC Barcelona in the finals that year, they still broke several records along the way. One of them was by their goalkeeper, the legendary German goalkeeper Darren Lehman, who kept 9 out of the 10 clean sheets that took the team to the finals.
Arsene Wenger Was the First Foreign Manager to Win the Premier League
No manager can last for as long as Arsene Wenger did if they are not great and highly effective at their jobs. This man has been lauded by several experts of the game, former and current players, and rival managers. In the 1997-98 season, Wenger became the first foreign manager to win the new Premier League.
The Bottom Line
As of today, in 2022, Arsenal’s future looks brighter than it has been since its glory days in the early 2000s under Wenger. Many experts and historians have also admitted that they haven’t seen this much passion in the club for a long time and that this season could finally mark their comeback on the big stage. Arsenal is definitely a massive club in England and still feared across the continent. All they have to do now is win the big ones to silence their critics once and for all.