Arsenal are not just one of the most successful football clubs in England – they’re also one of the most decorated football clubs in the world.
While Arsenal history hasn’t been one of consistent success throughout every decade, the Gunners have a wide array of trophies and silverware in the cabinet. In this piece, we look at the history of Arsenal’s successes in the beautiful game.
We’ll also be comparing Arsenal’s trophy history with that of their rivals and other clubs in England, such as Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester United.
In which eras were Arsenal most successful?
Arsenal have had three periods of major success – one during the 1930s, the second in the early 1970s and the latest being in the late 1990s – early 2000s.
The 1930s were arguably the most successful spell in the Gunners’ history, as they dominated English football. In that decade Arsenal won five First Division titles and the FA Cup on two occasions.
The 1970s were not the most successful period in Arsenal’s history, but they were nonetheless a good time to be a fan. They won the First Division in the 1970/71 season, as well as the FA Cup in the same season. They also won the FA Cup in 1979.
Modern Arsenal fans will remember their run in the late 90s and early 00s, under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger, very fondly. They won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and four Community Shields during this span of time. Their ‘Invincibles’ side also won the Premier League in 2003/04 without losing a single game across the whole season.
Arsenal’s trophy record
In total, Arsenal have won the First Division/Premier League 13 times, the FA Cup 14 times, the League Cup twice and the Community Shield on 16 occasions.
Somewhat surprisingly for a club of such size, Arsenal’s silverware record in Europe is patchy. They did win the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1970 and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994, but the likes of the European Cup / Champions League and UEFA Cup / Europa League have eluded them.
Having said this, Arsenal did make the final of the UEFA Cup in 2000 and the Europa League in 2019, and lost out to Barcelona in the 2006 Champions League final.
How many times have Arsenal won the Premier League?
As previously mentioned, Arsenal have finished at the pinnacle of England’s top division on 13 occasions, including three Premier League titles.
The English First Division was rebranded as the Premier League in 1992, and since then the Gunners won the Premier League in 1997/98, 2001/02 and 2003/04.
How does Arsenal’s trophy record compare to rivals?
Arsenal’s greatest rivals, Tottenham, are dwarfed in terms of trophies won by the Gunners. Spurs have just two First Division titles, eight FA Cups and four League Cups.
Manchester United are, alongside Arsenal, one of the most decorated clubs in English football. The Red Devils boast 20 First Division/Premier League titles, 12 FA Cups and six League Cups.
Chelsea’s greatest successes have come in the last couple of decades – as such, they have a lot of catching up to do with the Gunners. They have won six First Division/Premier League titles, eight FA Cups and five League Cups.
Manchester City are the most dominant force in English football presently, but they still have plenty of work to do before their trophy cabinet can rival Arsenal’s. Overall, City have won nine First Division/Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups and one Champions League.
