The 1910/11 season started poorly with a home defeat to a very strong Manchester United side: 1-2. 15,000 in the crowd.
The second game two days later was seemingly uninspiring, although I have not found direct reports on the game. Bury 1 Arsenal 1. 10,000 there to see it.
Next up, Sheffield United at home on Saturday September 10. One point out of two games. Not the worst start, but not wonderful.
But there was worse news to come. Andy Ducat was injured in the game against Bury and would be out for a month. Ducat was considered the highlight of the team, he played for England at football and cricket and his loss was a severe blow.
Meanwhile we had other injury issues…
Gray played in total 200 games for Woolwich Arsenal (which shows his influence) while Lewis was considered a versatile inside left. Both had been injured in the first game and would be out for at least another three.
For the next game there would be a recall for Matthew Thomson – of whom more next time.
So two games in, and three players out – just like modern times!
The early table read
- Sunderland 4 points
- Manchester United 4 points
- Manchester City 3 points
- Nottingham Forest 3 points
- Bradford City 2 points
- Everton 2 points
- Tottenham Hotspur 2 points
- Notts. County 2 points
- Bristol City 2 points
- Middlesbrough 2 points
- Aston Villa 1 point
- Oldham Athletic 1 point
- Blackburn Rovers 1 point
- Woolwich Arsenal 1 point
- Bury 1 point
- Preston North End 1 point
- Liverpool 0 points
- Sheffield United 0 points
- Newcastle United 0 points
- The Wednesday 0 points
Two points for a win, one for a draw. Bottom two go down at the end of the season.