Despite breaking both his wrist and leg in 1933-34, Crayston was signed by First Division champions Arsenal in 1934 as a replacement for Charlie Jones.
During this time, Crayston also became an England international; he made his debut in a 3-1 win against Germany on 4 December 1935, and in all won eight caps for his country between 1935 and 1937, scoring one goal.