Arsenal is one of the most historic clubs in English football, and fans always want to know when the team last lifted a trophy.
This blog provides a clear look at Arsenal’s recent wins, including their 2023 title and their last major trophy in 2020.
It also takes a full look at every trophy the club has won, from league titles and FA Cups to European honors and Community Shields.
We will walk through Arsenal’s most successful eras, explain why recent years have been harder, and share what the future may hold for the Gunners.
It’s a simple, easy guide for anyone who wants to understand Arsenal’s past, present, and hopes for the seasons ahead.
Last Time Arsenal Won a Trophy
Arsenal’s last trophy came in 2023 when they lifted the FA Community Shield after beating Manchester City on penalties. The match ended 1-1 after regular time, and Arsenal won the shootout 4-1 at Wembley Stadium.
While the Community Shield is considered a curtain-raiser for the season, Arsenal’s last major trophy was the 2020 FA Cup, which they won 2-1 against Chelsea.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice that day, giving manager Mikel Arteta his first trophy as a head coach.
Complete List of Arsenal Trophies
Arsenal has won 48 major trophies throughout its history, plus 17 Community/Shield titles.
Premier League / First Division Titles (13)
Arsenal has won England’s top league 13 times. Here are all the seasons:
- 2003/04 – The Invincibles – Unbeaten season (26 wins, 12 draws)
- 2001/02 – Won the double (League + FA Cup)
- 1997/98 – Won the double under Arsène Wenger
- 1990/91 – Lost just one match all season
- 1988/89 – Dramatic title win at Anfield
- 1970/71 – Won the double (first in Arsenal history)
- 1952/53 – League champions
- 1947/48 – League champions
- 1937/38 – League champions
- 1934/35 – League champions
- 1933/34 – League champions
- 1932/33 – League champions
- 1930/31 – League champions
The Invincibles season (2003/04) remains one of football’s greatest achievements. Arsenal went the entire Premier League season without losing a single match, a feat that no other team has matched since.
FA Cup Titles (14 – Record Holders)
Arsenal holds the record for the most FA Cup titles with 14. No other club in English football history has won it more times.
Arsenal’s FA Cup victories:
- 2020 – Beat Chelsea 2-1
- 2017 – Beat Chelsea 2-1
- 2015 – Beat Aston Villa 4-0
- 2014 – Beat Hull City 3-2
- 2005 – Beat Manchester United on penalties (0-0)
- 2003 – Beat Southampton 1-0
- 2002 – Beat Chelsea 2-0
- 1998 – Beat Newcastle 2-0
- 1993 – Beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1
- 1979 – Beat Manchester United 3-2 (the “Five-Minute Final”)
- 1971 – Beat Liverpool 2-1 (part of the double)
- 1950 – Beat Liverpool 2-0
- 1936 – Beat Sheffield United 1-0
- 1930 – Beat Huddersfield Town 2-0
Between 2014 and 2020, Arsenal won the FA Cup four times in seven years. This run helped the club maintain its winning culture during a challenging transition period.
League Cup Titles
The League Cup hasn’t been Arsenal’s strongest competition, but they’ve still won it twice:
| Year | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Sheffield Wednesday | 2–1 |
| 1987 | Liverpool | 2–1 |
European Trophies
Arsenal has won two European competitions:
| Year | Competition | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Cup Winners’ Cup | Parma | 1–0 |
| 1970 | Inter-Cities Fairs Cup | Anderlecht | 4–3 (aggregate) |
While Arsenal has never won the Champions League (or European Cup), they’ve reached the final once in 2006, losing to Barcelona 2-1 in Paris.
Community/Charity Shields
The Community Shield is played between the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners. Arsenal has won it 17 times:
Full list of years: 2023, 2020, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2004, 2002, 1999, 1998, 1991, 1989, 1979, 1953, 1948, 1938, 1934, 1933, 1930
Shared victory: 1991 (with Tottenham Hotspur)
Arsenal’s Most Successful Eras
Across its long history, Arsenal has enjoyed several golden periods that shaped the club’s identity and cemented its place among England’s most successful football teams.
The 1930s – Herbert Chapman’s Dynasty
The 1930s marked Arsenal’s first true golden era, led by visionary manager Herbert Chapman. During this period, the club completely reshaped English football with modern tactics, fitness standards, and innovation.
Arsenal secured five league titles in eight seasons, including an incredible run of three consecutive championships from 1932 to 1935.
This decade established Arsenal as a national powerhouse and laid the foundation for long-term success.
1970–71 – The First Double
The 1970–71 season remains one of the most iconic chapters in Arsenal history. Captained by Frank McLintock, the team achieved its first-ever league and FA Cup double, proving its strength across both major competitions.
After narrowly winning the league at White Hart Lane, Arsenal lifted the FA Cup by beating Liverpool in extra time. This unforgettable season solidified their reputation as one of England’s top clubs.
1998–2005 – The Wenger Era
Arsène Wenger’s arrival completely changed Arsenal. The team won:
- Three Premier League titles (1998, 2002, 2004)
- Four FA Cup trophies (1998, 2002, 2003, 2005)
- Two doubles (1998, 2002)
- The Invincibles season (2004)
This era featured epic players like Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp, and Robert Pires. The football was beautiful, attacking, and incredibly successful.
2014–2020 – FA Cup Resurgence
From 2014 to 2020, Arsenal enjoyed a remarkable revival in domestic cup competitions. Despite challenges in the Premier League, the club lifted the FA Cup four times, highlighting their continued ability to perform on the big stage.
These victories—including memorable wins over Hull City, Aston Villa, and Chelsea- helped maintain the club’s winning culture during transitional years after moving to the Emirates Stadium.
This era kept Arsenal competitive and hopeful.
Why Arsenal Haven’t Won Many Recent Major Trophies
Arsenal fans have waited over 20 years for another league title. Here’s why the trophy drought happened:
The Post-Wenger Transition: Arsène Wenger left in 2018 after 22 years. Replacing such a long-serving manager was always going to be challenging. Arsenal went through Unai Emery before appointing Mikel Arteta in 2019.
Financial Constraints: The construction of Emirates Stadium in 2006 put financial pressure on the club. Arsenal couldn’t compete with the spending power of Manchester City, Chelsea, and later, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Increased Competition: The Premier League became more competitive. Manchester City’s investment created a dominant force. Liverpool rebuilt under Jürgen Klopp. Chelsea and Manchester United spent heavily. Breaking into the top four became harder than ever.
Squad Rebuilding: Arteta inherited an aging squad that needed major changes. He focused on bringing in young, hungry players rather than chasing immediate success. This long-term strategy takes time to bear fruit.
Youth Development Focus: Arsenal shifted its focus to developing young talent such as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Gabriel Martinelli. While this approach builds for the future, it means competing against more experienced teams in the present.
Arsenal’s Future Outlook
Arsenal fans have every reason to be optimistic. The team is competing at the highest level again. The gap to Manchester City is closing. The foundation Arteta has built looks strong.
The question isn’t if Arsenal will win major trophies again, it’s when. And based on recent performances, that “when” might be sooner than expected.
For now, Arsenal supporters can take pride in their club’s incredible history of 48 major trophies. The wait for number 49 continues, but the signs all point toward it happening soon.
The Gunners are rising again.
At the End
Arsenal’s long history shows why the club means so much to its fans. From league titles and record-breaking FA Cup wins to major moments in Europe, the Gunners have built a legacy filled with pride and passion.
Even though recent seasons brought challenges, the progress under Mikel Arteta and the rise of young stars have created real hope for what comes next.
Arsenal’s story is far from finished, and the chase for the next major trophy feels closer than ever. With a strong foundation and a hungry squad, the future looks bright for the red side of North London.
Ready for more football guides and club histories? Check out the next blog to keep learning.
