Modern football fans might not think that there would be a reason for any sort of rivalry between Arsenal and Leeds United, but older ones know exactly why there has been some enmity in place. Although Leeds are not the most successful club nowadays, often suffering the kind of yo-yo club nature that we’ve seen … Read more
In terms of London teams, there is a bizarre rivalry in place between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace. The same cannot be said about Arsenal, with the two sides not having faced each much in an historical sense. There is also the fact that the two teams pushes for success have never really … Read more
In spite of the fact that Ipswich Town was formed as a football club in 1878 and Arsenal, known as Dial Square at the time, was created eight years later, it actually took until 1962 for the two sides to meet one another for the first time. That is largely because of how long it … Read more
Given Sunderland’s much-publicised struggles in the Premier League era, you would be forgiven for thinking that Arsenal have long enjoyed domination over the Black Cats. The reality is somewhat different, however, not least because Sunderland were a more established team by the time the Gunners came into the English game. Founded as Sunderland and District … Read more
Whilst it is technically true to say that this is a London derby, it lacks the spice that some of the other matchups between London clubs tend to boast. Both Arsenal and Chelsea supporters have an extremely dislike of Tottenham Hotspur, for example, with some truly fiery games taking place between them. It isn’t that … Read more
Arsenal and Aston Villa are two of the most historic clubs in English football, both dating back to the 19th century (Arsenal were founded in 1886 and Villa even earlier, in 1874). The Villans were founder members of the Football League, which began in 1888, in no small part due to the efforts of Villa … Read more
Arsenal had never faced Coventry City until the September of 1967, when Jimmy Hill’s newly promoted Sky Blues arrived at Highbury as First Division new boys. Coventry’s ‘Sky Blue Revolution’ had just carried the club into the top-flight for the first time in their history and the visit to Arsenal was amongst their earliest fixtures … Read more
Arsenal, then still known as Woolwich Arsenal and based across the river from their current location, in Plumstead, first met Hull City in an FA Cup tie in the January of 1908. It ended in a draw, before Hull won the replay at their own ground, gaining a notable scalp for a club playing only … Read more
Arsenal and Manchester City first played each other way back in 1893, although back then it was billed as Woolwich Arsenal versus Ardwick. The Gunners got the upper hand that day, winning 1-0, but of course in the 21st century it has very much been the Manchester outfit that has come out on top. That … Read more
There are some that would argue that Arsenal’s encounters with Crystal Palace don’t really count as a derby, given how far outside of London it feels as if the Eagles actually are. That being said, when you remember that one of Palace’s fiercest rivalries is with Brighton & Hove Albion, it is far to ponder … Read more