Who Is Arsenal No 1?

Arsenal Football Club is one of the most popular football clubs in England and around the world. They have a rich history in the game, with numerous trophies and a loyal fan base. However, one question that has been on the minds of Arsenal supporters for years is “Who is Arsenal No 1?” In this article, we will dive deep into the history of the club and its goalkeepers to answer this burning question.

The Early Years

Arsenal Football Club was founded in 1886, and in the early years, they didn't have a designated goalkeeper. In fact, the goalkeeper position was not yet fully established as a distinct role on the team. The goalkeeper was often one of the outfield players, with no specific training in the position.

It wasn't until the late 1800s that the position became more specialized, and Arsenal began to have designated goalkeepers. The early goalkeepers included players such as William Fordyce and Jack McBean, but they were not standout performers.

The 1930s: The Era of Frank Moss

Frank Moss was Arsenal No 1 in the 1930s, and he was one of the best goalkeepers of his time. Moss joined Arsenal in 1926 and quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper. He played a major role in Arsenal's success during the 1930s, as they won five league titles and two FA Cups.

Moss was known for his athleticism, shot-stopping ability, and commanding presence in the penalty area. He was also a great communicator and was able to organize his defense effectively. Moss was a true legend of Arsenal, and he is still remembered fondly by fans today.

The 1950s: Jack Kelsey Takes Over

Jack Kelsey became Arsenal No 1 in the 1950s and played for the club until 1962. Kelsey was a Welsh international and one of the best goalkeepers of his generation. He was known for his agility, reflexes, and bravery in the air.

Kelsey played a major role in Arsenal's success during the 1950s, as they won two league titles and an FA Cup. He was also a mainstay in the Welsh national team and represented his country in two World Cups.

The 1970s: Bob Wilson and Pat Jennings

Bob Wilson and Pat Jennings shared the Arsenal No 1 position in the 1970s. Wilson was a Scottish international and a fan favorite at Arsenal. He was known for his quick reflexes, excellent shot-stopping ability, and great distribution.

Jennings, on the other hand, was an experienced Northern Irish goalkeeper who joined Arsenal from Tottenham Hotspur. He was a calm and composed goalkeeper, who was excellent at dealing with crosses and one-on-one situations.

Together, Wilson and Jennings helped Arsenal win the league title in 1971 and the FA Cup in 1970 and 1971.

The 1990s: David Seaman

David Seaman is perhaps the most iconic Arsenal goalkeeper of all time. He joined the club from Queens Park Rangers in 1990 and quickly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Seaman played a major role in Arsenal's success during the 1990s, as they won three league titles and four FA Cups. He was known for his incredible shot-stopping ability, commanding presence in the penalty area, and exceptional distribution.

Seaman also had a unique look, with his ponytail and thick mustache becoming a trademark of his time at Arsenal. He is still remembered fondly by fans today and is often cited as one of the greatest goalkeepers in English football history.

The Modern Era: Petr Cech and Bernd Leno

In recent years, Arsenal has had a number of goalkeepers, with Petr Cech and Bernd Leno being two of the most notable. Cech joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2015 and played for the club until 2019. He was a highly experienced goalkeeper who had won numerous trophies with Chelsea and the Czech Republic.

Leno, on the other hand, joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018 and has quickly established himself as a top-class goalkeeper. He is known for his excellent shot-stopping ability, quick reflexes, and ability to play out from the back.

Both Cech and Leno have been important players for Arsenal in recent years, and it is difficult to say who is Arsenal No 1 at the moment. Leno is currently the first-choice goalkeeper, but Cech has left a lasting legacy at the club and is still highly respected by fans.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the question of who is Arsenal No 1 has been a topic of debate for many years. The club has had some incredible goalkeepers over the years, including Frank Moss, Jack Kelsey, Bob Wilson, Pat Jennings, David Seaman, Petr Cech, and Bernd Leno.

Each goalkeeper brought their own unique style and strengths to the team, and all of them have played a major role in the success of Arsenal Football Club. While it is difficult to say who is the best Arsenal goalkeeper of all time, one thing is for sure – the club has been fortunate to have had so many incredible players in the position.