[1] In this season they moved from the common of Plumstead Ground to the privately owned Sportsman Ground, in order to charge an entrance fee to view games.

[2] This season was notable for their inaugural participation in the London Senior Cup, and home and away games against enduring rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.

Below is a list of all Arsenal Players reported to play for them that season, and all confirmed appearances and goals.

[3] Players who predominantly played as goalkeepers are marked in Italics.

There was no manager for the 1887-88 season, though Fred Beardsley, Arthur Brown (both players) and Duncan Porteous[3] were positioned as joint-secretaries amongst others, after Elijah Watkins left the position of secretary at the beginning of the season.