On this day in 1889, Arsenal played their first-ever Christmas Day match, securing a commanding 5-0 win over Preston Hornets. The game marked a historic milestone in the club’s early journey and laid the foundation for traditions that would define Arsenal for generations.
Arsenal played their first-ever Christmas Day game on this day in 1889, marking a historic milestone in the club’s early years.
The match, a commanding 5-0 victory over Preston Hornets, took place at the Manor Ground in Plumstead, where approximately 4,000 spectators braved the festive chill to watch the team in action.
It was a day that showcased Arsenal’s growing reputation and set the foundation for traditions that would shape their identity.
The starting lineup that day featured Beardsley, Crichton, McBean, Offer, Bates, Julian, Dixon, Campbell, Barbour, Charteris, and Connolly. At the heart of it was goalkeeper Frank Beardsley, who had previously played for Nottingham Forest.
Beardsley not only defended Arsenal’s goal but also contributed to the club’s iconic identity, bringing red kits from his former team. These kits became the precursor to the famous red and white colours that Arsenal still wear today.
Then known as Royal Arsenal, the team had been formed just three years earlier in 1886 as Dial Square. By the time of the 1889 match, they had already begun establishing themselves as a competitive side, and this emphatic victory underscored their early ambitions.
Arsenal’s association with Christmas Day football continued for decades. Their final league game played on the holiday took place on 25 December 1956, when they hosted Chelsea at Highbury. That match ended in a 1-1 draw, marking the end of an era when Christmas Day football was a cherished tradition in England.
From that first festive fixture in 1889 to the end of Christmas Day football in 1956, these games have been a significant chapter in Arsenal’s journey. They reflect not only the evolution of the club but also the cultural shifts in football itself.
Today, as we celebrate Arsenal’s legacy, it’s worth remembering the historic day in 1889 when the club first made its mark on Christmas Day football.
