They became the first southern member[nb 1] admitted into the Football League in 1893, having spent their first four seasons solely participating in cup tournaments and friendlies.
[5] Since that time, they have not fallen below the first tier of the English football league system and hold the record for the longest uninterrupted period in the top flight.
[6] The club's first team has competed in numerous nationally and internationally organised competitions, and all players who have played in 100 or more such matches are listed below.
[7] As of 2024, only eight players have made more than 500 appearances for Arsenal, including four of the so-called "famous five" defenders of the 1990s,[8] Tony Adams, Lee Dixon, David Seaman and Nigel Winterburn.
Statistics are correct up to and including the match played on 9 March 2025 64 players have captained Arsenal since it was founded as Dial Square F.C.