2003–04 Arsenal F.C. season
The 2003–04 season was Arsenal's 12th season in the Premier League, and their 74th consecutive season in the top division of English football.[1] In remarkable fashion, the team from North London managed to go through an entire league campaign undefeated[2][3] and regain their status as Premiership champions, thus becoming only the second team to do so since Preston North End in 1889. Manager Arsène Wenger had predicted in 2002 that his squad was good enough to go unbeaten for an entire season,[4] an accomplishment which he cited as a personal goal of his.[5]
Although the team did not achieve similar dominance in other competitions, being eliminated in Champions League quarter-final to Chelsea and reaching the FA Cup and Carling Cup semi finals, its league success was regarded by many commentators as a truly historic achievement.[6]
Arsenal's most significant signing of the summer was arguably former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, in a £1.5 million deal;[7] however, the club did also negotiate new contracts for captain Patrick Vieira and winger Robert Pirès.[8]
Background
Liverpool's comeback against Arsenal in the 2001 FA Cup Final prompted manager Arsène Wenger to admit new players would be brought in during the transfer window.[10] To fill with the void left by Emmanuel Petit in the centre of midfield, Giovanni van Bronckhorst was signed from Rangers for £8.5 million.[11] Defender Sol Campbell controversially moved from rivals Tottenham Hotspur on a free, while highly rated teenager Francis Jeffers was snapped up from Everton in an initial £8 million deal.[12] Junichi Inamoto and Richard Wright were also recruited with Nelson Vivas the only major player leaving the club.
Arsenal began the 2001-02 season relatively well and remained in the title race after an impressive away display at Liverpool in December. Despite going down to ten men in the first half, Thierry Henry converted a spot kick while Freddie Ljungberg scored a second through a counter attack. The win came off the back of Newcastle inflicting the Gunners' third and final defeat of the season. By March, Manchester United's slip up away to Derby installed Arsenal as favourites for the title. The Gunners won their eight remaining Premier League games — 13 in total, to regain the title without the services of in-form winger Robert Pirès who was injured. Five days previously the FA Cup was won, beating Chelsea 2–0 to complete the club's third double and second in four years. Wenger hoped his team's success would begin an era of dominating English football for years to come.[13] He also aimed for significant improvement in the Champions League, a competition where the club reached higher than the group stages twice in four attempts.
Although setting the Premier League alight in the first period of the subsequent 2002-03 season, Arsenal failed to retain the title, losing out to Manchester United who completed an 18 match unbeaten streak from the end of December. In an interview with the Daily Mirror a month after the season got underway, Wenger revealed his ambition would be for Arsenal to remain undefeated in all competitions, citing it as "possible" if the attitude was right.[4] He was often misquoted and widely ridiculed over the issue.[14][15] Wayne Rooney's stoppage time goal however in October inflicted their first defeat of the season away to Everton, followed by losses to Blackburn Rovers, Southampton and Manchester United. What seemed like the title being won again in Manchester - this time away to Manchester City as early as in February was up in the air by April after throwing away a two-nil lead away to Bolton Wanderers. Losing to Leeds United in the following match handed the league championship to Manchester United, who beat Charlton Athletic the previous morning.
Chelsea, who finished fourth at the expense of Liverpool, were taken over in the close season by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, with the aim of making them one of Europe's most lucrative teams.[16] In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Times, Abramovich revealed his interest in Arsenal pair Thierry Henry and Sol Campbell but wanted to keep the club's transfer targets private because of the inflationary repercussions.[17] Club captain Patrick Vieira was also linked with a move away from Highbury, with admirers Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea strongly interested. Wenger, though, ruled out any departures and warned against the implications of Chelsea's new found wealth.[18] After weeks of negotiations, Vieira eventually signed an extension to his current contract, while goalkeeper David Seaman departed to Manchester City, with German international Jens Lehmann joining on a £1.5 million deal.
Key events
Battle of Old Trafford
On September 21, 2003, Arsenal played rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in what was regarded as a top of the table clash. Both teams occupied the top two places and won four out of their first five matches of the season, with Arsenal drawing at home to Portsmouth and Manchester United losing away to Southampton. The home side were without Paul Scholes due to injury, so Quinton Fortune remained in the centre of midfield. Sir Alex Ferguson made only one notable change from his team's 0–2 win at Charlton Athletic; defender Mikaël Silvestre came in for Nicky Butt. Arsenal who lost to Internazionale four days previously brought in Ray Parlour and Freddie Ljungberg to add steel into the midfield as opposed to Robert Pirès and Sylvain Wiltord. Defender Sol Campbell was also a key absentee following the death of his father.
In a match that offered very few clear cut opportunities, Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira was sent off for an alleged kick on striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, reducing his team to ten men. An extraordinary set of events soon followed in stoppage time as referee Steve Bennett awarded a penalty to Manchester United after he deemed Martin Keown of denying Diego Forlán from scoring. Van Nistelrooy stepped forward to take the spot kick but smacked it against the crossbar in what was the final action of the game. The striker was confronted by a group of Arsenal players — Martin Keown, Lauren, Ray Parlour, Ashley Cole and Kolo Touré after the final whistle, with United players Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gary Neville, Mikaël Silvestre, Quinton Fortune and Rio Ferdinand stepping in to exacerbate the issue.
Liverpool FC at Home
Towards the end of the season, just days after losing in the two cup competitions, Arsenal faced Liverpool at Highbury and were 2:1 down at half time due to goals from Sami Hyypiä, Michael Owen and a then equalizer from Thierry Henry. However in the second half Robert Pires brought Arsenal level for a second time, before Henry completed a hat-trick which lead Arsenal to a win. His second goal was scored after a brilliant mazy dribble that left Jamie Carragher and Hyypiä on the floor before finishing past Jerzy Dudek.[19]
Final game of the season
In their final game of the season Arsenal faced Leicester City. Their goal of remaining unbeaten looked to be in jeopardy as Leicester took the lead through former Arsenal striker Paul Dickov. However the Gunners were not to be denied their place in history, drawing level in the second half through a Thierry Henry penalty and then captain Patrick Vieira scoring the winner.[20]
Honours
To honour the club's achievement the Premier League commissioned a special gold version of the Premier League trophy which was presented at the start of the 2004–05 season in a game against Middlesbrough.[21] Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was awarded the LMA Manager of the Year award, making him the first person to win the accolade twice. He was also received the Barclaycard Manager of the Season award.
Thierry Henry was named the PFA Players' Player of the Year and PFA Fans' Player of the Year both for the second consecutive year.[22][23] Henry was also named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year.[24] The PFA team of the year featured six of Arsenal's Invincibles: Lauren, Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell, Patrick Vieira, Robert Pirès and Thierry Henry. Vieira and Kolo Toure also received nominations for PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year respectively.
Arsenal were also recognised for their fair play throughout the season winning the Barclaycard Premier League Fair Play Award. Similarly the Arsenal fans were judged to have been the best behaved in the division, winning the Behaviour of the Public League.[25]
Players
Squad information
Last updated: August 2009
Source: Arseweb.com (for country, number, position, appearances, age and since)
Ordered by Starting 11 then appearances.
Transfers
In
First team
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Reserves & academy
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Out
First team
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Reserves & Academy
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Loan in
First team
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Reserves & Academy
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Loan out
First team
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Reserves & Academy
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Squad stats
[R] - Reserve team player [L] - Out on loan [S] - Sold
Starting XI
This section shows the most used players for each position considering a 4–4–2 formation.
Scorers
All
|
League
|
Champions League
|
FA Cup
Carling Cup
|
Competitions
Overall
Source: Competitions
Premier League
Classification
Updated to games played on 18 May 2004
Source: statto.com
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
(C) = Champion; (R) = Relegated; (P) = Promoted; (O) = Play-off winner; (A) = Advances to a further round.
Only applicable when the season is not finished:
(Q) = Qualified to the phase of tournament indicated; (TQ) = Qualified to tournament, but not yet to the particular phase indicated; (DQ) = Disqualified from tournament.
Results summary
| Overall |
Home |
Away |
| Pld |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
GD |
Pts |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
GD |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
GD |
| 38 |
26 |
12 |
0 |
73 |
26 |
+47 |
90 |
15 |
4 |
0 |
40 |
14 |
+26 |
11 |
8 |
0 |
33 |
12 |
+21 |
Last updated: 18 May 2004
Source: statto.com
Results by round
| Round |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
32 |
33 |
34 |
35 |
36 |
37 |
38 |
| Ground |
H |
A |
H |
A |
H |
A |
H |
A |
H |
A |
A |
H |
A |
H |
A |
H |
A |
H |
A |
A |
H |
A |
H |
A |
H |
A |
H |
A |
H |
H |
H |
A |
H |
A |
H |
A |
A |
H |
| Result |
W |
W |
W |
W |
D |
D |
W |
W |
W |
D |
W |
W |
W |
D |
D |
W |
D |
W |
W |
D |
W |
W |
W |
W |
W |
W |
W |
W |
W |
D |
W |
D |
W |
D |
D |
D |
W |
W |
| Position |
4 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Source: statto.com
Ground: A = Away; H = Home. Result: D = Draw; L = Lose; W = Win; P = Postponed.
Matches
Pre-season
Competitive
Premier League
UEFA Champions League
Group stage
Group B
Source: Competition article
Round of 16
Quarter-finals
FA Cup
Main article: 2003–04 FA CupLegacy
Arsenal's achievement of going unbeaten in the league earned them the praise of many involved in world football. French international Michel Platini applauded their approach to the game[44] while Roberto Carlos, regarded as one of Real Madrid's galácticos likened the team's style to "samba football".[44] Former Arsenal manager George Graham pinpointed the success to defensive improvements which rued them last season[45] and former striker Alan Smith felt the team were "certainly the best Highbury's ever seen".[46] Brian Clough who was at the helm during Forest's record breaking run of 42 league matches without defeat hailed Wenger's success as "nothing short of incredible"[47] while Preston North End, the last team to remain undefeated in the top-tier English division sent their congratulations, describing the feat as "fabulous".[48] Furthermore in recognition of their accomplishment, the Premier League awarded Arsenal a commemorative golden replica trophy to be presented before their first home game of the season.
See also
References
- ^ "Arsenal Football Club". PremierLeague.com. http://www.premierleague.com/page/arsenal. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
- ^ "The Unbeaten Record". Arsenal.com. http://www.arsenal.com/history/club-records/the-unbeaten-record. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
- ^ "Arsenal's invincibles make history". CNN.com. 15 May 2004. http://www.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/football/05/15/england.saturday/index.html. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
- ^ a b Lipton, Martin (2002-09-21). "We Won't Lose One Match". The Mirror. "It's not impossible. I know it will be difficult for us to go through the season unbeaten. But if we keep the right attitude it's possible we can do it."
- ^ Townsend, Nick (2004-05-16). "The men for all season". London: The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/the-men-for-all-season-563630.html. Retrieved 2009-08-20. "It is the biggest moment since I arrived. My dream has always been to play a whole season unbeaten. It's something unique."
- ^ Lawrence, Amy (2004-05-16). "Vintage Bergkamp uncorks Wenger's premier crew". London: guardian.co.uk. http://football.guardian.co.uk/Observer_Match_Report/0,,-47757,00.html. Retrieved 2009-08-20. "Arsenal's achievement may not make them 'great' in everyone's opinion – those who define greatness only by European Cups, back-to-back titles, and triple cartwheels on the way to every goal – but it is staggering in its own right."
- ^ a b "Arsenal seal Lehmann deal". BBC Sport. 2003-07-25. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3088221.stm. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
- ^ Kempson, Russell (2003-08-13). "Vieira and Pires put end to speculation". London: The Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article872390.ece. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
- ^ "Wenger targets unbeaten season". BBC Sport. 21 September 2002. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2272194.stm. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
- ^ "Wenger targets fresh blood". BBC Sport. 13 May 2001. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1327326.stm. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
- ^ Hughes, Ian (13 August 2001). "Gio could be key to Arsenal glory". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/1484947.stm. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
- ^ "£10m Jeffers moves to Arsenal". BBC Sport. 14 July 2001. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/1369272.stm. Retrieved 21 September 2010.
- ^ "Wenger hails 'shift of power'". BBC Sport. 9 May 2002. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/1976435.stm. Retrieved 11 February 2010. "We wanted tonight to be a shift of power, and to take the trophy back to Highbury."
- ^ Moore, Glenn (17 May 2004). "Wenger's invincibles need European success". The Independent (London). http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wengers-invincibles-need-european-success-563652.html. Retrieved 14 August 210.
- ^ http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2004/05/17/story413143737.asp
- ^ "Russian businessman buys Chelsea". BBC Sport. 2 July 2003. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/3036838.stm. Retrieved 18 July 2010.
- ^ Lewis, William (6 July 2003). "Chelsea bid £30m for Henry". London: The Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article1148472.ece. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
- ^ Campbell, Denis (20 July 2003). "Roman's army". London: guardian.co.uk. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2003/jul/20/sport.comment2. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
- ^ McCarra, Kevin (10 April 2004). "Henry triple tonic banishes the demons". BBC News (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2004/apr/10/match.sport?INTCMP=SRCH.
- ^ "Arsenal make history". BBC News. 15 May 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3696197.stm.
- ^ "Arsenal given 'special trophy'". Daily Mail (London). 18 May 2004. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-303236/Arsenal-given-special-trophy.html.
- ^ http://www.webcitation.org/5k5GYErBT
- ^ "Pfa Fans' Player Of The Year". Sky Sports. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_2297593,00.html.
- ^ http://www.webcitation.org/mainframe.php
- ^ http://web.archive.org/web/20041027082515/http://www.thefa.com/Features/EnglishDomestic/Postings/2004/08/Arsenal_FairPlay.htm
- ^ "Arsenal sign Clichy". BBC Sport. 4 August 2003. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3123225.stm. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
- ^ "Reyes passes Arsenal medical". BBC Sport. 28 January 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3434355.stm. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
- ^ "Arsenal sign Van Persie". BBC Sport. 28 April 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3659835.stm. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
- ^ "Arsenal sign Swiss defender". BBC Sport. 20 December 2002. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2595961.stm. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
- ^ "Premier League: Djourou reveals his desire to get nasty and cement a first-team place". London: guardian.co.uk. 31 December 2008. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/dec/31/arsenal-johan-djourou-premier-league. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
- ^ "Francesc Fàbregas, details and stats". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=36694. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
- ^ "Seaman to join Man City". BBC Sport. 4 June 2003. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/2961636.stm. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
- ^ "Luzhny fit for Wolves". BBC Sport. 7 July 2003. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wolverhampton_wanderers/3046068.stm. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
- ^ "Soccerbase – Graham Barrett, details and stats". http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=18804. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
- ^ "Lehmann seals Arsenal switch". uefa.com. 26 July 2003. http://en.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=85684.html. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
- ^ a b "Moritz Volz, details and stats". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=23157. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
- ^ a b "Jermaine Brown, details and stats". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=28918. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
- ^ "Michal Papadopulos, details and stats". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=37163. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
- ^ "Igors Stepanovs, details and stats". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=19507. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
- ^ "Pennant completes Leeds switch". BBC Sport. 20 August 2003. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/3168151.stm. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
- ^ "Jeffers joins Everton". BBC Sport. 1 September 2003. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3197723.stm. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
- ^ "Juan, details and stats". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=29308. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
- ^ a b "Sebastian Svärd, details and stats". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=28933. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
- ^ a b Wilson, Bob (2004-04-27). "Wenger still troubled by Europe lapse". London: Telegraph.co.uk. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2377753/Wenger-still-troubled-by-Europe-lapse.html. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
- ^ Collins, Roy (2004-03-21). "Arsenal's defence has the Graham seal of approval". London: Telegraph.co.uk. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2375288/Arsenals-defence-has-the-Graham-seal-of-approval.html. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
- ^ "'Arsenal are quite simply the most fluid, devastating team that the British Isles has seen' – Alan Hansen". London: The Observer. 2004-05-16. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2004/may/16/arsenal. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
- ^ "Cloughie salutes Wenger's men". London: guardian.co.uk. 2004-08-26. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2004/aug/26/newsstory.sport. Retrieved 2010-10-06.
- ^ "Preston applaud Arsenal". BBC Sport. 2004-05-17. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/preston/3721585.stm. Retrieved 2010-08-25.
External links
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