After finishing third the previous term, Arsenal battled with Preston North End in the 1952/53 season for the title, and ultimately finished level on points; however, Arsenal won the league for the seventh time on goal average, by a margin of 0.099.

With Preston having won their final game of the season two days before Arsenal faced Burnley in their final match, it meant Arsenal needed to win to claim the title.

Goals from Alex Forbes, Jimmy Logie and Doug Lishman ensured a 3–2 win.

In the FA Cup, Arsenal beat Doncaster Rovers, Bury and Burnley before being knocked out by eventual winners Blackpool in the quarter-finals.

The Gunners' biggest win was joint between the cup win over Bury and a league fixture against Derby County; both were won 6–2.