Three League and FA Cup Doubles
Three times conquering the league and cup, cementing Arsenal's legacy as domestic royalty.
The achievement of securing both the League title and the FA Cup in a single season stands as the ultimate benchmark of domestic dominance in English football. For Arsenal Football Club, this feat has been accomplished on three separate occasions, defining eras of unparalleled consistency and tactical brilliance under different managerial philosophies. These 'Doubles' represent the pinnacle of seasonal success, marking moments where the club conquered both the grueling marathon of league football and the knockout drama of the nation's oldest cup competition.
- Eras Achieved
- 1970-71, 1992-93, 1997-98
- Key Managers
- Herbert Chapman (Foundation), George Graham (Defense), Arsène Wenger (Revolution)
- Defining Captain 1971
- Frank McLintock
- Defining Captain 1998
- Tony Adams
- Total Domestic Doubles
- 3
- Status
- Established Club Record
Lore & Background
The third Double arrived in 1997-98 under Arsène Wenger, signaling a seismic shift in English football. This team combined the physicality of English legends like Tony Adams and Martin Keown with the flair of French imports Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit. The victory over Newcastle United in the FA Cup final and the dramatic title run-in against Manchester United showcased a new, fluid brand of 'Arsenal Football' that would come to define the turn of the millennium.
In Their Own Story
The rain lashed down at Wembley, turning the pitch into a mud bath, but the roar from the North Bank was deafening. In 1971, Frank McLintock wiped sweat and grime from his brow as the final whistle confirmed what everyone in the stadium already knew: they had done it. The League Cup was gone, but now the FA Cup was theirs too. A decade later, the atmosphere shifted to a different kind of tension under floodlights; Tony Adams lifted the trophy with a grimace that turned into a grin, the weight of years finally lifted by a squad that refused to break. Then came 1998, where the air smelled of fresh-cut grass and possibility as Vieira danced past defenders, the French connection seamlessly blending with English steel, proving that history could be rewritten not just once, but three times.
Reader's Guide
The achievement of winning both the League Championship (or Premier League) and the FA Cup in a single season is the most coveted domestic honor in English football. Arsenal FC has secured this prestigious 'Double' on three distinct occasions, each marking a golden era for the club.
The first instance occurred in the 1970-71 season under manager Bertie Mee. This remains a singular record in English history as the only time a team won both trophies without needing extra time or penalties in either final. The squad, captained by Frank McLintock, displayed a rare balance of defensive resilience and attacking flair to overcome Leeds United and Liverpool.
The second Double was achieved in 1992-93 under George Graham. This victory was crucial as it marked the club's first major trophy since 1980 and their first league title since 1971. Relying on a formidable defensive unit anchored by Tony Adams and the goal-scoring prowess of Ian Wright, Arsenal defeated Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup final to complete the feat.
The third Double came in 1997-98 under Arsène Wenger, heralding a new era of technical sophistication. This team is often cited as one of the greatest in club history, featuring stars like Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira. They secured the title by defeating Manchester United on the final day and then beat Newcastle United to complete the Double, proving that the club could adapt and thrive in the modern game.
Did You Know?
- The 1970-71 Double is the only one in English history where no extra time was played in either the League Cup or FA Cup finals.
- Tony Adams captained Arsenal to two of their three Doubles (1992-93 and 1997-98), spanning different managerial eras.
- The 1997-98 team was the first in the Premier League era to win both the title and FA Cup, breaking Manchester United's dominance.
- Arsenal is one of only three English clubs (alongside Liverpool and Manchester United) to have won the Double more than once.