History

16. Netbusting Gunners go goal crazy

Cliff Bastin

Arsenal hit 15 in the highest scoring game at Highbury 8 February 1941

The highest number of goals ever scored in a match at Highbury is an incredible 17!

On February 8, 1941 Arsenal ran out 15-2 winners over Clapham Orient in the Qualifying Round of the War Cup.

Due to many players' involvement in the war effort, matches from this period are not recognised as competitive fixtures.

Arsenal’s highest tally in a competitive match came in an FA Cup Third-Round tie on January 9, 1932. A total of 12 goals were scored as the Gunners won 11-1 against Darwen.

Cliff Bastin scored four goals, David Jack got a hat-trick and Joe Hulme and Jack Lambert grabbed two goals apiece as the Lancashire outfit suffered a comprehensive beating.

Despite the scoreline, it wasn’t a bad day for the Combinations League Club. They managed to build an entire new stand from their £35,000 share of the gate receipts and Herbert Chapman’s side donated a full red playing strip to the club.

They still wear the colours to this day.  

Highbury crowds witnessed 12 goals in a game on two occasions during the war years. In the first fixture after the outbreak of war, Charlton were beaten 8-4 on October 21, 1939. Luton Town suffered a 9-3 defeat on December 2, 1944.