Liverpool

The first postwar FA Cup whetted the appetite for the return of league action. The 1946-47 fixture list replicated that of the aborted 1939-40 season, trying to give a semblance of continuity. Liverpool became the first postwar champions, inheriting the title Everton had won eight years earlier. At the beginning of the season tlie two clubs had both vied for the signature of Newcasde hotshot

Albert Stubbins. Both offered ?12,500 and Stubbins is said to have opted for Anfield by tossing a coin. He proved his worth to the Reds, scoring 26 goals as Liverpool became involved in an exciting championship run-in.

The worst winter in hving memory meant that the season ran into June. Liverpool went top after a 2-1 away win at Wolves, ending the latter’s own tide hopes. They then had an agonising two-week wait to see if Stoke could overhaul diem by beating Sheffield United. The Potteries club lost and Liverpool were crowned champions for the fifth time.

Arsenal league champions

Opposite above left: Arsenal fans stream into Highbury. The Gunners topped the league in the 1947-48 season for the sixth time equalling the record set by Sunderland and Aston Villa.

Opposite above right: An enthusiastic Blackpool supporter gives vent to her feelings. Blackpool fans had much to be pleased about in the early 1950s having reached the FA Cup Final in 1948 and 1951 before winning in 1953. Both Mortensen and Matthews were stalwarts of the England team and Matthews was winner of the first Footballer of the Year award in 1948.

Opposite below: Middlesborough gives Chelsea an anxious moment at Stamford Bridge in 1948. Above: Players rush to the rescue as Arsenal teammates Mercer and Leslie Compton collide during their match with Blackpool in 1949.

Left: Ben Fenton undergoes treatment by Charlton trainer jimmy Trotter in 1949.

Third cup for Arsenal

Left: Fans queue overnight for tickets to the Arsenal v Spurs local derby in 1949. Although intense rivals the teams had shared Spurs* ground at White Hart Lane during the war when Highbury was used as a first-aid post and ARP centre.

Opposite above: Arsenal, the 1950 Cup winners, parade the trophy in Islington after defeating Liverpool 2-0, both goals scored by Reg Lewis. The Gunners were the first club to reach Wembley without playing outside their own city and the first to allow their players to spend the night before the Final at home.

Opposite below: Goring scores the first of Arsenal’s goals against Manchester City in their 4-1 victory in April 1950.