Arsenal history: The injured hero and the FA Cup final that changed everything

Arsenal history: The injured hero and the FA Cup final that changed everything 90 years on, remembering Arsenal’s “Drake Final” triumph With Arsenal’s current league frustrations, it can sometimes help to look back at the moments that shaped this club’s greatness. One such moment came 90 years ago, when Arsenal secured only their second FA Cup in history, a victory that would later be remembered as the “Drake Final”. At the time, few could have imagined that Arsenal would go on to become the most successful club in FA Cup history, now boasting 14 titles.

Arsenal’s rise during the Golden era The Gunners were enjoying a golden era during the 1930s, winning five English top flight titles as well as two FA Cups. This success was built under the leadership of Herbert Chapman and later George Allison, two figures who helped shape Arsenal into the club we know today. Before Chapman’s arrival in 1925, Arsenal had struggled to compete for major honours.

They had only returned to the First Division six years earlier in 1919, following a controversial vote backed by then chairman Sir Henry Norris. By the time Chapman passed away from pneumonia in 1934, with Allison taking over shortly afterwards, Arsenal had already secured two league titles in 1931 and 1933, along with an FA Cup in 1932. They were also on course for an unprecedented league hat trick, which would be completed in 1935.

However, the 1935 to 1936 season proved more difficult. An ageing squad, injuries, and a strong Sunderland side prevented Arsenal from dominating the league. It became clear in the closing stages that a league quadruple was unlikely, particularly with key striker Ted Drake missing large parts of the campaign.