The spectacular 20-yard strike that secured Arsenal's historic first Double
In short: In the 111th minute of the 1971 FA Cup Final, Charlie George did more than just score a goal. By latching onto a square ball from John Radford, he secured a spectacular winner that completed Arsenal's first-ever Double, immortalizing himself with a celebratory pose lying flat on his back.
Born in Islington on 10 October 1950, Charlie George rose through the youth ranks at Arsenal to become a central figure in their most successful era. His career was defined by moments of brilliance, such as his pivotal role in the 1970–71 season. Despite breaking his ankle in a collision with Everton's Gordon West, he returned to score five goals in 17 league appearances, helping secure the Division One title. His FA Cup heroics that year, including goals in the fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds, cemented his legend.
However, George's career was often marked by a rebellious streak that clashed with club management. During the 1971–72 season, he faced disciplinary action twice: once for headbutting Liverpool's Kevin Keegan and once for gesturing a V-sign to Derby County fans. This friction eventually led to his departure from Arsenal in July 1975, when he moved to Derby County for £100,000. At Derby, he became a beloved figure, earning the chant 'Charlie, Charlie, the King of Derby' after scoring a memorable hat-trick against Real Madrid in October 1975.
His journey continued through various continents, from the Minnesota Kicks in the USA—where he set an NASL record for the fastest playoff goal—to a loan spell at Nottingham Forest. During that loan in 1980, he scored the only goal in the home leg of the 1979 UEFA Super Cup against FC Barcelona. After stints in Hong Kong, Australia, and Scotland, George eventually retired from professional football, later returning to his former club, Arsenal, to work in corporate hospitality.
George's impact on English football is reflected in his ranking as the 9th greatest player in Arsenal's history. His career, though punctuated by injuries and disciplinary issues, remains a testament to the unpredictable nature of sporting greatness.
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