Arsenal Football Club is known for its rich history, iconic stadiums, and unforgettable players. But woven through the club’s story is a quirkier thread, one populated by animals that have, in one way or another, become part of Arsenal folklore. From loyal pets to unwelcome pitch invaders, from mascots to memorable media moments, the football betting experts at Bet442 have helped us look back at the creatures that helped colour the Gunners’ narrative.
Win the Labrador: Not A Dog, A Gooner
In the summer of 2023, there was a new arrival at the Arsenal training ground. However, it wasn’t a goal machine in the mould of Ian Wright or Thierry Henry, nor was it a dynamic winger like Marc Overmars. It was a chocolate Labrador called Win. Arteta’s reasoning was simple: Arsenal are a close-knit family, and every family needs a dog. Win has a tag around her neck that reads: “I’m not a dog, I’m a Gooner. Come on the Arsenal.”
Gunnersaurus: The Ultimate Football Dino
No animal is more synonymous with Arsenal than Gunnersaurus Rex, the towering green dinosaur who first appeared in 1993. Dreamed up by a young supporter, Gunnersaurus quickly grew into one of football’s most beloved mascots.
Whether dancing on the Emirates touchline, posing for selfies, or rallying young fans, “Gunner” has become a symbol of warmth and continuity for generations of supporters, a friendly constant through managerial changes, trophy droughts, and title surges alike.
“Donkey” Headlines and Tony Adams
No Arsenal legend escapes the British tabloids, and Tony Adams, captain, icon, and defender extraordinaire, had his own animal-related moment in the press. Early in his career, after a costly error, Adams was slapped with a cruel headline branding him a “donkey.”
The story has become part of Arsenal lore not because of its insult, but because of Adams’ response. He transformed himself into one of the Premier League’s greatest defenders, winning multiple league titles and captaining Arsenal during the early Wenger era. The donkey tag, once a jab, now serves as a symbol of redemption and resilience.
The Highbury Squirrel: Arsenal vs. Villarreal, 2006
Few pitch invaders have achieved immortality quite like the Highbury Squirrel. During the 2006 Champions League semi-final against Villarreal, the last European game ever played at Highbury, a grey squirrel scampered across the pitch, halting play and delighting supporters.
In a season defined by emotional farewells to the old stadium, the squirrel became an unexpected mascot of the final Highbury days. Fans still joke that the creature’s cameo helped Arsenal hold firm and secure a 1-0 aggregate win to reach the Champions League Final.
Ian Wright on the Fish Counter
For sheer comedic value, few animal-related Arsenal moments rival Ian Wright’s appearance behind the fish counter in an Asda advert. Long after hanging up his boots, Wrighty proved he still had the superstar charisma, whether scoring goals, presenting on TV, or pretending to sell seafood.
The sight of an Arsenal legend joking around with haddock and cod only added to Wright’s reputation as one of football’s most effortlessly entertaining personalities.
Why These Creatures Matter
Football thrives on stories, not just the goals and trophies, but the characters, quirks, and cultural moments that build a club’s identity. Animals have wandered into Arsenal’s past and present in unexpected ways: some symbolic, some silly, all unforgettable.
From dinosaurs to squirrels, from dogs to fish counters, these creatures remind supporters that the Arsenal story isn’t just about football. It’s about humour, history, heart, and the joyful oddities that make the club unique.