By Anna 
The fixture between Arsenal F.C. and Everton F.C. is one of the longest-running rivalries in English football history. Spanning well over a century, the Arsenal F.C. vs Everton F.C. timeline is filled with drama, goals, legendary players, and shifting fortunes. As founding members of the Premier League and stalwarts of top-tier English football, both clubs have left their mark on each other in memorable ways.
This article walks you through the key moments and evolution of the Arsenal F.C. vs Everton F.C. timeline, offering a historical lens on one of the league’s most enduring rivalries.
Early Encounters (1905–1940s)
The very first recorded match between the two sides took place on October 7, 1905, when Woolwich Arsenal (as Arsenal was then known) played Everton in a First Division clash. Everton won that inaugural meeting 2-1 at Goodison Park.
In these early decades, Arsenal and Everton mostly traded wins and draws, with neither team dominating the fixture consistently. The interwar years saw Arsenal rise under Herbert Chapman’s revolutionary management, culminating in league titles during the 1930s. Everton, led by legends such as Dixie Dean, also captured the league title in 1931–32.
Post-War Period and Shifting Power (1950s–1970s)
The Arsenal F.C. vs Everton F.C. timeline during the 1950s and 60s witnessed fluctuating dominance. Arsenal experienced a dry spell, while Everton enjoyed strong form, clinching the league in 1962–63 and the FA Cup in 1966.
Arsenal returned to prominence in the 1970–71 season with their famous league and FA Cup double. Both teams had competitive squads, and their matchups during this time often attracted large attendances and media attention.
Notably, in 1970, Arsenal beat Everton 2-1 at Highbury, a critical win in their title push that season. These were closely fought games, often decided by small margins and big names.
The 1980s: Everton’s Resurgence
The 1980s brought an era of success for Everton under Howard Kendall, while Arsenal had a more turbulent period before George Graham took the reins.
Everton’s 1984–85 season was among the most dominant in English football history. They won the league title and the European Cup Winners’ Cup. During this peak, they recorded some important wins over Arsenal, including a 2-0 home victory in 1986 that solidified their position at the top.
However, Arsenal would hit back in the late 80s, most notably in the 1988–89 season. Though not directly against Everton, the 2-0 win at Anfield that secured Arsenal the league was part of a campaign where Arsenal edged out strong rivals, including the Toffees.
The fixture remained competitive, and by now, it was clear that the Arsenal F.C. vs Everton F.C. timeline was etched with both glory and grit.
Premier League Era (1992–2010)
When the Premier League launched in 1992, Arsenal and Everton continued their historic rivalry in a more globalized football environment. Arsenal, under Arsène Wenger from 1996, entered a golden era of stylish, winning football.
Wenger’s Arsenal were often too strong for Everton in the late 1990s and early 2000s. During the “Invincibles” season of 2003–04, Arsenal beat Everton 4-1 on the opening day of the season and went on to remain unbeaten for the entire campaign. Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Patrick Vieira regularly shone in these meetings.
Everton, however, had their share of bright moments. Under David Moyes, they became a consistent top-half team. In 2010, a memorable 2-2 draw at the Emirates showed Everton’s resilience, with goals from Steven Pienaar and Tim Cahill nearly toppling Arsenal on their home turf.
The Arsenal F.C. vs Everton F.C. timeline in this era is marked by Arsenal’s dominance, though Everton consistently proved to be a tough opponent.
2010s to Present: Competitive Balance
The last decade has seen more balance in this historic rivalry. While Arsenal has remained a top-six club, Everton has continued to challenge the status quo with managerial changes, investment, and player development.
One of the more memorable games came in April 2019, when Everton beat Arsenal 1-0 at Goodison Park, with Phil Jagielka scoring the lone goal. It was a symbolic moment showing how competitive the fixture had become.
In the 2020–21 season, Everton did the double over Arsenal for the first time since the 1985–86 campaign. They won 1-0 at home and followed it up with a 1-0 away victory at the Emirates — a testament to their defensive discipline and strategic play under then-manager Carlo Ancelotti.
In recent years, new stars like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard have carried Arsenal’s flag, while Everton has introduced talents like Dominic Calvert-Lewin. These rising names continue to add fresh chapters to the Arsenal F.C. vs Everton F.C. timeline.
Key Statistics
As of 2024, here are some key stats from this legendary fixture:
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Total matches (all competitions): Over 220
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Arsenal wins: ~110+
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Everton wins: ~65+
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Draws: ~45
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Biggest Arsenal win: 7-0 (2005)
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Biggest Everton win: 6-1 (1985)
These numbers reflect Arsenal’s historical edge, but also showcase the fixture’s competitiveness and longevity.
Conclusion: A Rivalry of Tradition and Respect
The Arsenal F.C. vs Everton F.C. timeline is more than just a series of football matches. It represents over 100 years of competitive spirit, evolving strategies, and changing football philosophies. Each club has contributed richly to English football, and their matchups continue to capture the attention of fans and pundits alike.
As both clubs look to the future—Arsenal under Mikel Arteta’s guidance and Everton building a new era—this historic rivalry is sure to continue delivering moments that fans will cherish.
Whether at the Emirates or Goodison Park, every encounter is another chapter in the ever-evolving Arsenal F.C. vs Everton F.C. timeline—a timeline built on passion, legacy, and the beautiful game.