Who captained Arsenal to the League and FA Cup double in 1971?

Frank McLintock and Arsenal's Legendary 1971 Double

Frank McLintock is one of the most celebrated captains in Arsenal's history, and for good reason. In the 1970–71 season, he led the Gunners to one of English football's most coveted achievements — winning both the First Division title and the FA Cup in the same season. It was only the fourth time in the twentieth century that any English club had managed the feat.

A Captain Forged Under Pressure

McLintock's journey to that trophy-laden night wasn't straightforward. He had actually lost four Wembley finals before finally tasting victory — a statistic that made many question whether he was destined to be a nearly man. Two League Cup finals and two FA Cup finals had ended in defeat. When Arsenal reached Wembley again in 1971, the weight of that record hung over him. He answered every doubt in the most emphatic way possible.

Born in Glasgow in 1939, McLintock was a combative, intelligent midfielder who later dropped into central defence, transforming himself under manager Bertie Mee and coach Don Howe. That positional switch was crucial — it made him the defensive linchpin of one of Arsenal's finest-ever sides.

The Title Race That Went to the Wire

The league title was secured on the final night of the season, 3 May 1971, at White Hart Lane — of all places. Arsenal needed to beat fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur by two clear goals to pip Leeds United to the championship. Ray Kennedy's late header in a 1–0 win wasn't enough on its own, but it turned out Leeds had already dropped points, meaning Arsenal claimed the title by a single point. Thousands of fans flooded the pitch in scenes of jubilant chaos.

FA Cup Glory at Wembley

Five days later, Arsenal faced Liverpool in the FA Cup Final. The match went to extra time, goalless after 90 minutes. Eddie Kelly and then Charlie George — who famously lay flat on his back in celebration — scored to give Arsenal a 2–1 win. McLintock lifted the trophy, completing the double and finally banishing his Wembley demons in the most dramatic fashion.

Recognition and Legacy

McLintock was named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year for the 1970–71 season, a thoroughly deserved honour that recognised not just his performances but his leadership across a gruelling campaign. Bertie Mee's side played 64 competitive matches that season — an extraordinary demand on a squad that met every challenge.

McLintock was awarded an MBE in 1972 and remains a beloved figure at Arsenal to this day. His name is synonymous with resilience, leadership, and that glorious double-winning season that put Arsenal firmly back among English football's elite after years in the wilderness.