Osun State Arsenal Supporters Club-History

History

Founding and Early Years

  • Founded: 1886 as Dial Square by workers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich.
  • Renamed to Royal Arsenal, then Woolwich Arsenal, before finally becoming Arsenal in 1914.
  • Joined the Football League: 1893, the first club from southern England to do so.

1920s–1930s: The Chapman Era

  • Herbert Chapman became manager in 1925 and revolutionized football tactics, introducing the “WM” formation and innovative ideas like numbered shirts.
  • Arsenal dominated English football in the 1930s, winning 5 league titles and 2 FA Cups during this era.
  • They moved to Highbury Stadium in 1913, where they played until 2006.

Post-War Years: 1940s–1970s

  • Arsenal won league titles in 1948, 1953, and the FA Cup in 1950 but experienced a dip in form during the 1950s and 1960s.
  • Their first “double” (winning the league and FA Cup in the same season) came in 1971 under Bertie Mee.

The 1980s

  • Arsenal won domestic cups in this decade but were overshadowed by dominant teams like Liverpool.
  • The arrival of George Graham as manager in 1986 brought defensive solidity and trophies, including the league title in 1989, famously won at Anfield in the final moments of the season.

Arsène Wenger Era (1996–2018)

  • Wenger modernized the club with new training methods, dietary changes, and attacking football.
  • Arsenal enjoyed massive success, winning three Premier League titles (1997–98, 2001–02, 2003–04).
    • The Invincibles (2003–04): Arsenal went unbeaten in the league, a feat unmatched in modern English football.
  • Wenger also led Arsenal to 7 FA Cups, making him the competition's most successful manager.
  • During his tenure, Arsenal moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2006 to increase revenue and compete financially.

Post-Wenger Era

  • After Wenger’s departure, Unai Emery and later Mikel Arteta took over as managers.
  • Under Arteta, Arsenal won the FA Cup in 2020 and began rebuilding towards title contention.

Club Achievements

  • Premier League Titles: 13 (last in 2003–04)
  • FA Cups: 14 (a record, last in 2020)
  • League Cups: 2
  • European Titles: 1 (Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994)
  • Numerous Community Shields

Rivalries

  • North London Derby with Tottenham Hotspur is one of the fiercest rivalries in football.
  • Long-standing rivalries also exist with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool.

Modern Era and Vision

  • Arsenal is known for its attacking football, commitment to youth development, and community involvement.
  • Under Arteta, they’ve re-established themselves as a competitive force in the Premier League and are working towards reclaiming domestic and European glory.

Premier League Table

Position Team Played Won Drawn Lost Points

Our Convener

Engr. Kehinde Raji: A Visionary Leader,Philanthropist and God loving personality.

Engr. Kehinde Raji, fondly known as Araj is a celebrated humanitarian renowned for his magnanimous philanthropic endeavours, a dynamic lover of people and a passionate advocate for community empowerment. As the convener of the Osun State Arsenal Supporters Club (OSARSC), he has seamlessly combined his unwavering passion for Arsenal Football Club and his commitment to uniting football enthusiasts in Osun State and beyond.

An ardent supporter of Arsenal FC since 1982 and also a shareholder, Engr. Kehinde Raji founded OSARSC to foster camaraderie, celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and create a thriving network for football lovers. Araj's leadership has transformed the club into a community-driven initiative that serves as a platform for promoting unity, sports development and grassroot empowerment.

Beyond football, Engr. Raji is the visionary founder of the Aaraji Empowerment Foundation (AEF), a non governmental organization dedicated to uplifting lives and empowering communities through education, skill acquisition programs, financial empowerment and basic needs for communities.
The 'Kejebu' convener's generosity and commitment to creating opportunities have earned him widespread admiration as a beacon of hope for many.

As the CEO of Aaraji Group, he exemplifies excellence in business leadership, consistently leveraging his success to give back to the society. His entrepreneurial achievements and dedication to philanthropy embodies his core belief that true success lies in the positive impact one has on others.

Araj's story is an inspiring testament to the power of passion, purpose and Godly service. Whether through his love for Arsenal FC, his philanthropic initiatives or his visionary leadership, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the lives of many, making the world a better place one initiative at a time.

On-going Tournament

As of January 23, 2025, Arsenal is participating in the following competitions for the 2024-2025 season:

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Premier League
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UEFA Champions League
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The Emirates FA Cup
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Carabao Cup (EFL Cup)