Arsenal's summer transfer window was quiet, with the transfer of
Bobby Gould to
Wolves for £50,000 as the only major business.
David Court was also sold to
Luton Town. Arsenal had a fruitful preseason, beating
Watford, Gothenburg Alliance (made up of players from the Gothenburg clubs),
Kungsbacka, and Crystal Palace, and tying the Copenhagen Football Alliance. Arsenal's season began away at
Everton, the
1970 League Champions. Due to pre-season injuries, Arsenal was missing
Peter Simpson (cartilage operation) and
Jon Sammels (broken leg).
John Roberts was deputized in defense, while
Pat Rice served as right back. Everton dominated, going up 1-0. Arsenal managed to equalize on the break.
John Radford set up the chance for
Charlie George who collided with the goalkeeper as he scored, cracking two bones in his ankle. Everton continued to attack fiercely and scored a controversial goal, as
Alan Ball had used both his head and hand to help secure an advantage for Everton. Arsenal managed to equalize through
George Graham and the opening match of the season ended 2-2. Back in the League, Arsenal went up against West Ham and beat them 2-0 (Graham and Kennedy). Leeds lost to Tottenham Hotspur at
Elland Road, reducing the gap between them to just one point. At
White Hart Lane, they played
Tottenham Hotspur, the last side to win the double, in the
1960–61 season, and Arsenal won. Storey was still out for the match with Kelly playing in his place. Chances occurred on both sides of the pitch, but no ball went in. However, three minutes from time, Kinnear tried to dribble in his own penalty area. The ever-enigmatic George regained the ball and crossed to Radford. Spurs goalkeeper
Pat Jennings made an excellent save to deny the goal. Armstrong collected the deflection and crossed to Kennedy. This time, there was no save to be made. Arsenal had scored. If Tottenham were to tie it up, it would give the championship to Leeds. Wilson collected the final corner of the match and the whistle blew. Arsenal had won the league for the first time in eighteen years, a record eighth title. ==Final league table==