49-Game Unbeaten Run (2003–2004)
The most celebrated sequence in Arsenal’s modern history is the 49-match unbeaten league run that spanned from May 2003 to October 2004. This streak, which included the entirety of the 2003–04 “Invincibles” season, is widely regarded as one of the longest unbeaten runs in English top-flight history. Under Arsène Wenger, the side combined defensive resilience with fluid attacking football, conceding only 26 goals in 38 league matches during the unbeaten season. The run ended controversially at Old Trafford in October 2004, when Manchester United won 2–0 through a penalty awarded after a minimal contact challenge by Sol Campbell on Wayne Rooney. This sequence remains the defining benchmark for consistency in Arsenal’s record books.
14-Game Winning Streak (1987–88)
George Graham’s first full season in charge produced a remarkable 14-match winning run across all competitions between late 1987 and early 1988. The streak included ten league victories, two League Cup wins, and two FA Cup triumphs. It was built on Graham’s trademark defensive organisation—the back four of Dixon, Adams, Bould, and Winterburn were beginning to gel—and the prolific finishing of Alan Smith and Paul Merson. The run propelled Arsenal to the top of the First Division and set the foundation for the title win in 1988–89. It is considered one of the club’s longest winning streaks in all competitions since the post-war era.
12-Game Winning Streak (1997–98)
During the double-winning season of 1997–98, Arsenal produced a 12-match winning streak that effectively sealed the Premier League title. The run began in February 1998 after a defeat to Manchester United left Arsenal trailing in the title race. Wenger’s side then won every league fixture until the end of the season, overhauling United’s lead. Key victories included a 1–0 win at Old Trafford through a Marc Overmars goal and a 4–0 demolition of Everton. The streak was characterised by the partnership of Overmars and Dennis Bergkamp on the flanks, the midfield engine of Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit, and the clinical finishing of Nicolas Anelka.
11-Game Winning Streak (2006–07)
Although Arsenal finished fourth in the league that season, the 2006–07 campaign featured an 11-match winning run in all competitions from September to November 2006. The streak included six league wins, three Champions League group-stage victories, and two League Cup successes. It was notable for the emergence of Cesc Fàbregas as the team’s creative hub and the goalscoring form of Robin van Persie. The run ended with a defeat at Goodison Park to Everton. This sequence demonstrated the squad’s depth during a transitional period following the move to the Emirates Stadium and the departure of key players like Thierry Henry.
10-Game Winning Streak (1934–35)
Herbert Chapman’s legacy continued under George Allison, with Arsenal recording a 10-match winning streak during the 1934–35 season. This run, which included eight league wins and two FA Cup victories, was built on the famous “WM” formation and the goalscoring prowess of Ted Drake, Cliff Bastin, and Alex James. The streak helped Arsenal secure their third consecutive league title, a notable achievement at the time. It remains one of the longest winning runs in the club’s pre-war history and a testament to the dominance of the 1930s Arsenal side.
9-Game Winning Streak (2001–02)
The 2001–02 double-winning season featured a 9-match winning streak in the league that began in February 2002 and extended through to April. The run included memorable victories: a 2–0 win at Newcastle United, a 3–0 thrashing of Aston Villa, and a 2–1 win at Liverpool that effectively ended the title race. Thierry Henry was in prolific form during this period, and the defence kept several clean sheets. The streak was instrumental in Arsenal finishing the season with 87 points, seven clear of second-placed Liverpool.
8-Game Winning Streak (2014–15)
Arsenal’s 8-match winning run in all competitions during the 2014–15 season coincided with a tactical shift to a 4-1-4-1 formation that maximised Alexis Sánchez’s influence. The streak included six league wins, one FA Cup victory, and one Champions League win. It began after a defeat to Southampton in January 2015 and ended with a loss to Tottenham in the North London derby. Sánchez was a key contributor during the run, and Mesut Özil provided several assists. This sequence revived Arsenal’s top-four hopes and set the stage for a second consecutive FA Cup triumph.
7-Game Winning Streak (1990–91)
George Graham’s second title-winning side recorded a 7-match winning streak early in the 1990–91 season. The run included victories over Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham, and was characterised by a defence that conceded very few goals in those matches. David Seaman, signed from Queens Park Rangers that summer, was instrumental in goal. The streak established Arsenal as early title favourites and contributed to a season in which they lost only one league match.
6-Game Winning Streak (1970–71)
The double-winning side of 1970–71 produced a 6-match winning streak in the league between March and April 1971. The run included a 2–0 win over Liverpool, a victory at Leeds United, and a 1–0 win at Tottenham. Bertie Mee’s team relied on the defensive partnership of Frank McLintock and Peter Simpson, the midfield creativity of George Armstrong, and the goals of John Radford and Ray Kennedy. The streak helped Arsenal overtake Leeds United at the top of the table and secure the league title on the final day of the season.
5-Game Winning Streak (2019–20)
Mikel Arteta’s first full season as manager featured a 5-match winning run in all competitions during February and March 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic suspension. The streak included league wins over Newcastle United and West Ham United, an FA Cup victory over Portsmouth, and a Europa League win against Olympiacos. The run was notable for the emergence of Bukayo Saka as a first-team regular and the defensive solidity instilled by Arteta. It ended with a defeat to Brighton in June 2020 after the restart.
4-Game Winning Streak (1994–95)
The 1994–95 season, though transitional after George Graham’s departure, featured a 4-match winning streak in the league under caretaker manager Stewart Houston. The run included victories over Liverpool, Leeds United, and Manchester City, and was built on the goalscoring form of Ian Wright. The streak kept Arsenal in contention for a top-four finish, though they ultimately finished 12th.
3-Game Winning Streak (1988–89)
Michael Thomas’s last-minute goal at Anfield to win the league title is the most famous moment of the 1988–89 season, but the campaign also included a 3-match winning streak in the league in April 1989. The run featured wins over Everton, Norwich City, and Wimbledon. These results kept Arsenal within striking distance of Liverpool, setting up the dramatic final-day showdown.
2-Game Winning Streak (1930–31)
Herbert Chapman’s first title-winning side recorded a 2-match winning streak in the league in September 1930, but the significance lies in the context: these victories came against Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers, and they established the attacking philosophy that would define Chapman’s reign. The team scored several goals in those two matches, with Jack Lambert and David Jack sharing the goals. This brief streak was a precursor to the dominant 1930s era.
1-Game Winning Streak (1978–79)
While a single-match winning streak seems trivial, the 1979 FA Cup final victory over Manchester United—a 3–2 win after extra time—represents a unique achievement. Arsenal led 2–0 with five minutes remaining, conceded two equalisers, and then won through Alan Sunderland’s last-minute goal. This victory, part of a winning run in the FA Cup that season, secured Arsenal’s third FA Cup in five seasons under Terry Neill.
0-Game Winning Streak (1912–13)
The 1912–13 season, Arsenal’s last at the Manor Ground before moving to Highbury, featured a difficult period in the league. The club finished bottom of the First Division with very few wins in their final matches. This period of futility led to relegation to the Second Division, but it also prompted the move to Highbury, which would become the foundation for future success. This streak is a reminder of the club’s lowest ebb before its transformation into a major force.
What to Verify
For the most accurate and up-to-date records of Arsenal’s winning streaks, consult the club’s official website under the “History” section or the Premier League’s official statistics archive. Third-party statistical databases such as RSSSF (Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation) and 11v11.com maintain comprehensive historical records. For match-by-match breakdowns, the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust publishes detailed season reviews. Official club publications, including the Arsenal Matchday Programme and the annual “Arsenal: The Official History” book, provide verified data. Avoid relying on fan forums or social media posts for historical statistics; always cross-reference with official sources.
For further reading on Arsenal’s historical achievements, see the arsenal-history-records section, the arsenal-all-time-top-scorers page, and the profiles of arsenal-legendary-captains.
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