Arsenal 1971 double winners: the story behind the shirt

Every Arsenal fan knows the modern history of the club under Arsène Wenger and now Mikel Arteta, but the roots of Arsenal’s greatness go back long before the Invincibles.

One of the most important moments in the club’s story came in 1971, when Arsenal won their first ever league and FA Cup double. That season not only delivered trophies, it also gave us one of the most iconic shirts in football history.

The road to the double

The 1970-71 campaign was a marathon that demanded consistency, resilience and a bit of magic. George Graham was a key figure, making 38 league appearances in the title run.

Club captain Frank McLintock, goalkeeper Bob Wilson and winger George Armstrong each played in all 42 league matches, showing incredible durability. John Radford, Ray Kennedy, Peter Storey, Bob McNab and Pat Rice also shouldered the load with 40 or more appearances each.

The league title went right down to the wire. Arsenal needed a result on the final day at White Hart Lane against Tottenham Hotspur. The match was tense, the atmosphere was hostile, and then Ray Kennedy rose to head in the goal that sealed a 1-0 victory.

Arsenal were champions of England, clinching the title at the home of their fiercest rivals. Days later, they beat Liverpool at Wembley in extra time to secure the FA Cup and complete the double.

The shirt that told the story

Click the shirt to buy it

The Arsenal 1971 shirt has become a piece of football heritage. Long-sleeved, with that unmistakable cannon on the chest, it carries the memories of a team that defined an era. For supporters, wearing it is not just about retro fashion, it is about connecting to the players who made history in red and white.

When you see that shirt today, you think of McLintock lifting trophies, Wilson standing firm in goal, Armstrong flying down the wing, and Kennedy’s header at White Hart Lane. It is more than just cotton and stitching. It is a symbol of Arsenal’s first double winning side and everything they stood for.

Why the 1971 double still matters

What makes 1971 special is not only the trophies, but the way that season shaped Arsenal’s identity. It proved the club could compete with the best, handle pressure, and triumph on the biggest stage. It set a standard that future Arsenal teams would aspire to.

For fans today, the echoes of 1971 are still there. Arteta’s Arsenal are once again fighting at the top of the league and dreaming of multiple trophies. Just as that team had leaders in McLintock and Wilson, the modern side has players who carry responsibility and belief. The link between past and present is clear, and the shirt keeps that history alive.

Owning a piece of history

For any Arsenal supporter, the 1971 shirt is more than a retro top. It is a reminder of where the club has come from and what it means to be part of the Arsenal story. Whether you were there at White Hart Lane in 1971 or you are part of a new generation of fans, pulling on that shirt is a way to celebrate one of the greatest moments in Arsenal’s history.