The 1975-76 league season proved to be the last one that saw Bertie Mee in charge at Arsenal as the gunners were embarrassingly poor in the top flight, narrowly escaping relegation, finishing the campaign off in a disappointing 17th place, their worst finish in 51 years. They also suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat against Wolves in the third round of the FA Cup to cap off a disastrous season for the Gunners. David O’Leary made his debut for the club, and went on to break the record of most ever appearances in an Arsenal shirt.
Terry Neill was installed as the new man in charge at Arsenal during the 1976 -77 season in a campaign which proved to be the last one featuring George Armstrong in the side. The Gunners made a sound improvement in the league after the debacle of the previous season, finishing the campaign off in eighth position, restoring some pride back in Highbury. The Gunners reached the quarter finals of the league cup however they suffered a 2-1 defeat against QPR.
Arsenal were a force in the league during the 1977- 78 campaign, finishing the season off in fifth place, with Frank Stapleton and Liam Brady playing well for the Gunners while Bob Wilson was solid in goal for Arsenal. They reached the final of the 1978 FA Cup, however a Graham Rix inspired team lost the final against Ipswich Town. Arsenal established themselves as a major force in the league in 1979 and 1980, finishing the campaigns off in seventh and fourth place respectively.