9 of the greatest comebacks in Arsenal’s history

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Arsenal Football Club is home to footballing greatness and an illustrious tradition that has successfully imprinted its name in the glorious history of the beautiful game of football. The Gunners have produced some of the greatest moments in domestic football history, from the hallowed grounds of Highbury to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have shown on numerous occasions they have a never-give-up attitude and have clawed victory from the jaws of defeat. 

Here, we have gathered 9 of the greatest comebacks in the entire history of Arsenal:

• Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League, 2012)

In a dramatic and exciting North London derby in 2012, Arsenal produced a stunning comeback to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 5-2 at the Emirates Stadium. Trailing 2-0 early in the first half, Arsenal responded with an astonishing five goals from Bacary Sagna, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott [2], and Tomas Rosicky. 

• Arsenal 2-1 Leicester City (Premier League, 2016)

In a critical and important match of the Premier League title race in 2016, Arsenal produced a moment of brilliance with a comeback win over Leicester City. The two clubs were battling for the title and with Leicester leading 1-0 at half-time, Arsenal’s title dreams were in danger of being over. However, Theo Walcott levelled things up in the 70th minute before Danny Welbeck scored a dramatic injury time winner for the Gunners to keep them in the hunt for the title. 

• Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth (Premier League, 2023)

The Gunners produced one of the most memorable moments of the Emirates Stadium era when they came from behind to beat Bournemouth in 2023. The Cherries took a shock lead after just 10 seconds before making it 2-0 shortly after. However, Arsenal staged a late comeback with substitute Reiss Nelson firing home a stunner in the 97th minute to claim a vital 3-2 win. The victory kept Arsenal’s title hopes alive and sparked jubilant celebrations at the Emirates.

• Arsenal 3-2 Hull City (FA Cup Final, 2014)

In the final of the FA Cup in 2014, Arsenal clashed against Hull City and staged a memorable comeback to win the trophy for the 11th time in their storied history. The Gunners were trailing 2-0 in the first 10 minutes of the match, but Arsenal displayed their incredible resilience to get their way back into the game. Santi Cazorla and Laurent Koscielny scored to level things up at 2-2 before Aaron Ramsey scored a dramatic winner to seal a 3-2 victory and hand Arsenal the FA Cup. 

• Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal (Premier League, 2009)

In the Premier League match in 2009, Arsenal battled Liverpool with a dramatic 4-4 draw at Anfield. After leading 1-0 at half-time, the Gunners found themselves 2-1 behind after Liverpool scored twice in quick succession after the break. Andrey Arshavin scored his second of the game to make it 2-2 before slamming home from the edge of the box to give Arsenal a 3-2 lead. It didn’t last long as Liverpool made it 3-3 just minutes later before going 4-3 ahead in the 90th minute. However, Arshavin scored a dramatic last gasp equaliser – his fourth of the game – to ensure the spoils were shared in one of the Premier League’s best games.

• Arsenal 3-0 AC Milan (Champions League, 2012)

In the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against AC Milan in 2012, Arsenal again produced a great comeback to almost overturn a 4-0 deficit from the first leg. A brilliant brace from Robin van Persie and a goal from Laurent Koscielny helped the club clinch a 3-0 victory for the Gunners over the mighty AC Milan. Unfortunately, they fell a little bit short of progressing to the next round, but this comeback proved that this club has the determination to fight against the best on the European stage. 

• Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona (Champions League, 2011)

In a enthralling Champions League battle at the Emirates Stadium in 2011, Arsenal successfully managed to produce an exciting comeback to defeat Barcelona 2-1 in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. After falling just behind to an early goal from David Villa, Arsenal equalised through Robin van Persie before Andrey Arshavin bagged a winner to secure a memorable win over the Catalan giants. The victory again gave Arsenal the confidence that they have what it takes to compete against the very best clubs in Europe. 

• Bolton 2-3 Arsenal (Premier League, 2008)

In a highly significant Premier League match against Bolton Wanderers in 2008, Arsenal again generated one of the greatest comebacks of their storied history and secured a vital victory in the title race. Bolton were leading 2-0 at half-time thanks to a double from Matt Taylor. However, Arsenal made it 2-1 in the 62nd minute through William Gallas before Roben van Persie equalised from the penalty spot. A Jlloyd Samuel own goal in the 90th minute gave Arsenal a crucial win as the Gunners battled for the title.

• Arsenal 5-3 Middlesbrough (Premier League, 2004)

In one of the most important games of the infamous 2004 season, Arsenal came from behind to beat Middlesbrough 5-3 at the Emirates and maintain their unbeaten run en route to winning the title without losing a game. Thierry Henry gave Arsenal an early lead but Middlesbrough shocked Highbury by racing into a 3-1 lead shortly after half-time. Dennis Bergkamp pulled one back before Robert Pires made it 3-3 in the 64th minute. Jose Antonio Reyes then scored a stunner just one minute later to give Arsenal the lead before Henry completed the comeback in injury time. 

Conclusion:

There are many other comebacks we could have put on the list, proving that Arsenal are a club that have a never say die attitude and don’t know when they are beaten. The Gunners have the spirit and resilience to stage memorable comebacks and give the fans belief that they will always give their all for the shirt. Supporters with Arsenal tickets who the players are always ready to dig deep and battle hard, even when they are losing. It’s what makes Arsenal FC one of the best clubs in the world. 

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