5 League and FA Cup Doubles
Three times conquering the league and cup, etching Arsenal's name in football immortality.
The League and FA Cup Double stands as one of the most prestigious benchmarks in English football history, representing a season where a club wins both the top-flight league title and the domestic cup. For Arsenal FC, achieving this feat is not merely a statistic but a testament to enduring excellence across different eras of the game. It signifies a squad capable of sustaining consistency over a grueling campaign while also possessing the knockout intensity required for Wembley glory.
Arsenal has secured this coveted double on three distinct occasions, each separated by decades and defined by unique tactical philosophies and legendary figures. From the early dominance of the 1970s to the 'Invincibles' era of the new millennium, these triumphs cemented the club's status as a heavyweight in English football, bridging the gap between historical tradition and modern supremacy.
- Total Doubles Won
- 3
- First Double Season
- 1970-71
- Second Double Season
- 1997-98
- Third Double Season
- 2001-02
- Key Figure (1971)
- Bertie Mee
- Key Figure (1998 & 2002)
- Arsène Wenger
Lore & Background
Decades later, the arrival of Arsène Wenger ushered in a new golden age. In the 1997-98 season, a blend of English tradition and French flair, led by captain Tony Adams and striker Dennis Bergkamp, dismantled the competition. They secured the league title with a dramatic final-day victory against Everton, only to face Newcastle United in the FA Cup Final just days later. In that 2-0 triumph, Ian Wright opened the scoring before Marc Overmars sealed the victory, securing the second double for the club. This success was not a fluke; it proved the club's ability to rebuild and dominate under a new philosophy.
The crowning achievement of this era arrived in 2001-02, perhaps the most complete season in the club's history. The 'Invincibles' were taking shape, displaying breathtaking fluidity. With Thierry Henry emerging as a global superstar and Patrick Vieira commanding the midfield, Arsenal reclaimed both trophies. They defeated Chelsea 2-0 in the FA Cup Final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, completing a double that solidified Wenger's status as a transformative figure in English football history.
In Their Own Story
The rain lashed down on Wembley in May 1971, turning the pitch into a churning bog of mud and desperation. George Armstrong, face streaked with grime, watched the clock bleed away while the roar of the crowd pressed like a physical weight against every chest. Beside him, Ray Kennedy wiped sweat from his brow, eyes locked on a Liverpool defense that had held firm for eighty agonizing minutes. Then, chaos erupted in the box—a scramble, a deflection off a defender, and suddenly, the net rippled. The stadium exploded, a sound so deafening it seemed to shake London's foundations. As the final whistle pierced the air moments later, arms weren't just raised for a trophy; they were lifted in triumph over history itself.
Reader's Guide
Winning both the League Championship and the FA Cup in a single season is the legendary 'Double'—the ultimate litmus test of seasonal dominance. Arsenal has conquered this mountain three times.
The first ascent occurred in the 1970-71 campaign under manager Bertie Mee, a historic feat that made Arsenal only the second club in the 20th century to complete the double, joining Preston North End's shadow from decades prior.
Did You Know?
- Arsenal was the fifth team in English football history to win the League and FA Cup double, following Preston North End (1889), Aston Villa (1897), Newcastle United (1910), and Tottenham Hotspur (1961).
- The 1970-71 double was not unique regarding manager experience; George Graham secured the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1994, while Arsène Wenger went on to win his own doubles in 1998 and 2002.
- In both 1998 and 2002, Arsène Wenger's teams clinched the League title on the very final day of the season, turning their cup victories into the climax of season-long dramas.
- The 2001-02 double is often hailed as one of the most dominant seasons in Premier League history, with 'The Invincibles' precursors scoring over 70 league goals while maintaining defensive steel.