To remain in top-flight football long-term is quite an achievement. To have been consistently within the top-flight for over 100 years is unimaginable, but that is the honour held by Arsenal. Since 1919, The Gunners have played in the top English division and in 1992 were part of the newly formed English Premiership League (EPL).
Of all of the clubs to have had the privilege and the ability to play in the EPL, few have remained there season after season. Joining Arsenal in the prestigious list of clubs never to have been relegated is Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Chelsea. No other club though can boast over 100 years without being relegated, so what has kept The Gunners at the top?
Woolwich Arsenal to Arsenal FC
As Woolwich Arsenal, the club was relegated from the top flight. The end of the 1912 – 1913 season saw the club in a perilous financial state and change was needed to save the club.
It was at this time that the club moved to Highbury, a move that saved them from financial ruin and allowed them to bounce back to the then First Division. Highbury was chosen as a new home at this point partly due to it being in close vicinity to the underground and it giving the club a greater chance of attracting bigger crowds and generating a greater revenue: something that is needed for the top-flight.
With the move to Highbury, Woolwich was dropped, and Arsenal FC was born: the club that has never been relegated.
The great George Graham
From 1986 – 1994 Graham brought to Arsenal something that they had previously lacked: discipline both on and off the pitch. It was during Graham’s reign that Arsenal joined the EPL, and for the first two years, it was Graham that kept them there.
Having not won a trophy since the FA Cup win in the 1978-1979 season, the arrival of Graham saw a dramatic return to form for the Gunners who later went on to become the first team to win the FA Cup and League Cup double in the 1992-1993 season.
Graham’s departure, under a cloud in 1994, saw new beginnings for Arsenal but his genius for 9 years played a vital part in keeping Arsenal in the top flight.
The stability of Arsene Wenger
With the merry-go-round that is football management, Wenger was a stable factor for Arsenal: being in position from 1996-2018. Not only is Wenger the longest-serving Arsenal manager, who is also the most successful. Within 2 years of taking charge, he led The Gunners to the EPL and FA Cup double, only to repeat the same feat in 2002.
What Wenger brought to Arsenal was an attacking style of football. Given that his team were awarded 100 red cards between 1996 and 2014, some may even call his style aggressive. He also brought in changes to players’ diet and training routines. With an ability to spot and develop young talent, Wenger’s vital role in maintaining Arsenal’s position in the top flight is undeniable.
Attracting big-name players
Some may argue that this is no longer the case in 2020, with no prospect of European football on the horizon. However, historically, Arsenal has managed to attract some big names to the club. With the likes of Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, and Thierry Henry having been in the ranks, it is clear to say that Arsenal has not lacked in superstars during recent history. 2020 still sees players such as Lacazette and Nketiah bringing strength to the squad.
Arsenal’s history, and inspirational managers, have always proven a draw to stars of the football world. Having such players in its squad has played a significant part in allowing Arsenal to avoid relegation.
Finding and developing talent
Certainly, Wenger was known for his eye when it came to spotting up and coming talent, but as a club, Arsenal takes new talent very seriously. Arsenal’s academy has long had a reputation for developing talent that goes on to appear in the first team.
Here is how Chief executive officer of Arsenal, Ivan Gazidis, regards the importance of developing new talent: “Our future is going to be built around how well we develop our young players and bring them through to our first team. That’s always been an underlying principle of the club and that’s going to continue to be the case. We have top, top coaches here for young players, we have fantastic facilities that we are investing in.”
So with new talent continually being developed and coming through, perhaps Arsenal are secure in the top flight for another century or more.
