REVEALED: Something that Arsenal fans don’t know about their PL history

Arsenal fans have enjoyed plenty of penalty drama over the years, from the highs of Michael Tierney’s title-clinching spot-kick in ’89 to the agony of penalties lost. But deep in Premier League history lies a curious statistic that might surprise even the most ardent Gooner.

Arsenal, the club now synonymous with precision and penalty-taking prowess, actually missed their first five penalties ever taken in the Premier League.

Imagine the tension, the disbelief building with each missed opportunity. It began in October 1992, with Lee Dixon denied from the spot against Chelsea. A blip, everyone thought. But then Ian Wright, prolific from open play, faltered against Southampton in December.

The New Year brought no change in fortune. January saw Paul Merson’s attempt saved against Liverpool. By March, when Wright missed his second, this time against Norwich, whispers of a curse surely arose from the Highbury terraces.

Finally, in November ’93, the hoodoo continued as Wright, ever the brave soul, stepped up once more against Aston Villa, only to be denied yet again. Five penalties, five misses – an unthinkable start for a club of Arsenal’s stature.

While this penalty drought is a mere footnote in the grand tapestry of Arsenal’s history, it serves as a fascinating reminder that even the most dominant teams have their unexpected weaknesses. Thankfully for Gooners, this particular hoodoo was short-lived, and penalties have since become a regular source of goals rather than groans at the Emirates.