Arsenal reached the final of the 2007 and 2011 League Cups, losing 2–1 to Chelsea and Birmingham City respectively. The club had not gained a major trophy since the 2005 FA Cup until 17 May 2014 when, spearheaded by then club-record acquisition Mesut Özil, Arsenal beat Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup Final, coming back from a 2–0 deficit to win the match 3–2. A year later, Arsenal appeared in the FA Cup final for the second time in a row, defeating Aston Villa 4–0 in the final and becoming the most successful club in the tournament's history with 12 titles, a record which Manchester United would tie the following season.
1996–2018: The Wenger years
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal F.C. | 1996–2018: The Wenger years
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Arsenal later won the FA Cup for a record 13th time, defeating Chelsea 2–1 in the 2017 final and once more becoming the outright leader in terms of FA Cups won. The victory also saw Wenger become the first manager in English football history to win seven FA Cups. However, in that same season, Arsenal finished in the fifth position in the league, the first time they had finished outside the top four since before Wenger arrived in 1996. After another unspectacular league season the following year, Wenger announced his departure from the club on 20 April 2018, after 22 years as manager.
Arsenal F.C. | 1996–2018: The Wenger years
Arsenal reached the final of the 2007 and 2011 League Cups, losing 2–1 to Chelsea and Birmingham City respectively. The club had not gained a major trophy since the 2005 FA Cup until 17 May 2014 when, spearheaded by then club-record acquisition Mesut Özil, Arsenal beat Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup Final, coming back from a 2–0 deficit to win the match 3–2. A year later, Arsenal appeared in the FA Cup final for the second time in a row, defeating Aston Villa 4–0 in the final and becoming the most successful club in the tournament's history with 12 titles, a record which Manchester United would tie the following season.
Arsenal F.C. | 1996–2018: The Wenger years
A run of ten straight victories – a new record, was set, and Wenger became the first non-British manager to lead a team to win the league championship. Arsenal lost their final two matches of the league season, choosing to rest players for the upcoming FA Cup Final.
1997–98 Arsenal F.C. season | March–May
His decision was met by responses of praise throughout English and world football from many pundits and former players, who also thanked him for developing them as people. His final home match in charge was a 5–0 win over Burnley where his entrance was met to a standing ovation by supporters. The final match under the Wenger era was a 1–0 away victory against Huddersfield.
Arsenal F.C. | 1996–2018: The Wenger years
This latter feat came within a run of 49 league matches unbeaten from 7 May 2003 to 24 October 2004, a national record. Arsenal finished in either first or second place in the league in eight of Wenger's first nine seasons at the club, although on no occasion were they able to retain the title. The club had never progressed beyond the quarter-finals of the Champions League until 2005–06; in that season they became the first club from London in the competition's fifty-year history to reach the final, in which they were beaten 2–1 by Barcelona. In July 2006, they moved into the Emirates Stadium, after 93 years at Highbury.
Arsenal F.C. | 1996–2018: The Wenger years
Wenger commented after the game that his team "got the trophy we wanted" while defender Martin Keown said the FA Cup win was "the best ever". Winning captain David Seaman felt the disappointment of losing out to Manchester United in the league spurred the team on.
2002–03 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
Arsenal then won 2–0 at home against Chelsea in the Premier League on 19 January but were then knocked out of the FA Cup at the fourth round by Manchester United.
History of Arsenal F.C. (1966–present) | After Arsène Wenger (2018–present)
The club metamorphosed during the long tenure of manager Arsène Wenger, appointed in 1996. New, attacking football, an overhaul of dietary and fitness practices, and efficiency with money have defined his reign. Accumulating key players from Wenger's homeland, such as Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, Arsenal won a second League and Cup double in 1997–98 and a third in 2001–02. In addition, the club reached the final of the 1999–2000 UEFA Cup, were victorious in the 2003 and 2005 FA Cups, and won the Premier League in 2003–04 without losing a single match, an achievement which earned the side the nickname "The Invincibles".
Arsenal F.C. | 1996–2018: The Wenger years
The result was somewhat overshadowed by the foreign makeup of the team; former player Paul Merson called it a "joke" and PFA chairman Gordon Taylor noted it was a "worrying pattern for English football". When asked about his team selections, Wenger said: "I don't look at the passport of people, I look at their quality and their attitude."
2004–05 Arsenal F.C. season | January–February
Wenger guided Arsenal to further FA Cup success at the end of the season, after a period of nine years without silverware. His team retained the cup the following year, and victory against Chelsea in the 2017 final placed Wenger as the most successful manager in the competition's history with seven trophies. Wenger signed an extension once the season was over, but departed a year before his contract was over due to a run of poor results.
List of Arsenal F.C. managers | 1996–2018: Wenger era
Arsenal's return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years was also unsuccessful, as they failed to get past the group stage.
History of Arsenal F.C. (1966–present) | Wenger's arrival and two Doubles (1996–2003)
On 16 May 1998, Arsenal contested the 1998 FA Cup Final against Newcastle United. Without first choice striker Bergkamp, Wenger partnered Anelka with Wreh, leaving Wright on the substitutes bench. Arsenal scored in the 23rd minute; Overmars sprinted onto a pass from Petit, and used his pace to get past Alessandro Pistone and toe-poke the ball between goalkeeper Shay Given's legs. Anelka scored in the second half, from a pass by Parlour to settle the match. In his post-match interview, Wenger praised the "remarkable" Overmars: "[It is] even more so when you realise that he has scored so many goals in important games that we needed to win."
1997–98 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
Arsenal played out a 3–3 draw against Sheffield Wednesday, which relegated their opponents in the process. Arsenal ended their league campaign against Newcastle United at St James' Park. Wenger rested several first-team players to prioritise the 2000 UEFA Cup Final the following week. Arsenal lost 4–2, with Newcastle striker Alan Shearer notably scoring the 300th goal of his career.
1999–2000 Arsenal F.C. season | March–May
A 6–1 defeat to Manchester United in February prompted Wenger to rule out their chances of winning the league. The team finished in second on 70 points, three fewer than in the previous season.
2000–01 Arsenal F.C. season | Introduction
Arsenal entered the FA Cup in the third round, receiving a bye as a Premier League club. Their opening match was a 1–0 victory against Carlisle United; Wiltord scored the winning goal in the 22nd minute. At Loftus Road, a 6–0 away win at Queens Park Rangers in the fourth round represented Wenger's "best win as Arsenal manager" and the club's best away win in the FA Cup for 64 years. Wiltord, who started the match against Chelsea as a substitute, came off the bench to score twice in the second half and sent Arsenal into the quarter-finals, where they enjoyed a comfortable win against Blackburn Rovers of the First Division.
2000–01 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
A run of two draws and losses in February was more severe, as it moved Arsenal down to fourth spot. Draws in April prompted Wenger to rule his team out of the title race and make priority to second spot, which came with a qualifying spot for the Champions League. Defeat to Newcastle United in the penultimate game of the season all but ended Arsenal's chances of finishing second, given Newcastle's superior goal difference. A win on the final day against Derby County meant the club finished third, level on points with Newcastle and Liverpool.
1996–97 Arsenal F.C. season | Introduction
Arsenal were unable to retain the FA Cup the following season as the team fell to Manchester United at the semi-final stage. It was not until 2001 that they appeared in another Cup final, where Michael Owen scored twice at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium to hand Liverpool the trophy. Arsenal regrouped the following year, starting a run of three FA Cup wins in four years. By 2015, Wenger had led Arsenal to a record-breaking 13th FA Cup and victory against Chelsea in 2017 earnt him the accolade of being the most successful manager in the competition's history. The 1998 Cup final was the climax to an eventful season for Wenger, who became the first manager born outside of the British Isles to complete the double.
1998 FA Cup Final | Aftermath and legacy
At Wembley Stadium, Arsenal beat Newcastle United 2–0 in the 1998 FA Cup Final to win the competition and complete a domestic double. Manager Arsène Wenger was awarded the Carling Manager of the Year award and striker Dennis Bergkamp was given the accolade of PFA Players' Player of the Year by his fellow peers and FWA Footballer of the Year by football writers, in recognition of Arsenal's achievements.
1998–99 Arsenal F.C. season | Background
Another FA Cup was won in 2005, this time on penalties against Manchester United. Wenger took Arsenal to their first UEFA Champions League final in 2006 and in the same year oversaw the club's relocation to the Emirates Stadium. In October 2009, Wenger surpassed Allinson to become Arsenal's longest serving manager and reflected the club were "maybe not crazy, but brave" to appoint him. During 2013–14, Wenger celebrated his 1,000th game in charge of Arsenal and in the process became the fourth manager in English football (after Sir Matt Busby, Dario Gradi and Sir Alex Ferguson) to do so. The match however did not go as Wenger planned, as the team were beaten 6–0 by Chelsea.
List of Arsenal F.C. managers | 1996–2018: Wenger era
Despite the signing of Freddie Ljungberg in 1998 and Thierry Henry a year later, a more barren period followed for Arsenal over the next few years, though they came close several times. Arsenal led the League for much of 1998–99, until a 1–0 loss to Leeds United allowed Manchester United to overtake them; Arsenal beat Aston Villa on the last day of the season but United's victory over Spurs meant they took the title. To rub it in further, Arsenal also lost the last ever FA Cup semi-final replay to Manchester United; Dennis Bergkamp had missed a penalty in normal time, and Ryan Giggs scored the winner in extra time after a mazy solo run through the Arsenal defence.
History of Arsenal F.C. (1966–present) | Wenger's arrival and two Doubles (1996–2003)
Arsenal exited the cup in the fourth round, with defeat to fellow Premier League side Leeds United. Striker Rod Wallace scored the only goal of the match.
1996–97 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
The goal was the last ever scored in a FA Cup semi-final replay; it was to be abolished from the following season.
1998–99 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
Arsenal responded to their third defeat of the season by putting a run together of three consecutive wins during the Christmas period – starting against Leeds United, followed by West Ham United and finally Charlton Athletic. The team ended the calendar year in fourth position, two points behind Chelsea. On 9 January 1999, Arsenal were held to a stalemate by Liverpool; Wenger, commenting on the performance was disappointed about Liverpool's approach, adding: "Usually we create chances and don't score, but today we just didn't create chances." A headed goal by Martin Keown, from a Petit corner earned Arsenal a 1–0 win the following week, away to Nottingham Forest.
1998–99 Arsenal F.C. season | November–February
Arsenal's final match under Wenger, however, diminished this dreadful form on the road, winning 0–1 at Huddersfield as Wenger bowed out as the Arsenal boss.
History of Arsenal F.C. (1966–present) | Return to Europa League and Wenger's departure (2017–18)
Arsenal entered the FA Cup in the third round (last 64), in which they were drawn to face fellow Premier League club West Ham United away from home. They came from a goal down to beat their London rivals and progress, but made an exit the following round against Stoke where an understrength side were undone in the final 20 minutes. Wenger defended his team selection, pointing out to the media: "We had 10 injuries and a very difficult programme coming up."
2009–10 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
Although Arsenal regained the FA Cup – on penalties against United – they finished second to Chelsea in the league. The move to the Emirates Stadium in 2006 coincided with a transitional phase for the club. Several experienced first teamers were displaced in favour of youth and the style of football shifted more towards ball retention. Arsenal have since failed to regain the league title; they nevertheless remained a fixture in the Champions League under Wenger's stewardship in the years after.
2003–04 Arsenal F.C. season | Aftermath and legacy
The defeat prompted Wenger to admit new players would be brought in during the transfer window.
2000–01 Arsenal F.C. season | Final
Wenger assessed that it was "not impossible to win the title", adding "but when you see Manchester United winning again, realistically you would like to be in their position." A last-minute equaliser for Blackburn Rovers against Arsenal on 19 April 1997 was controversial given the manner the opposition had scored; with Hughes cramped, Vieira kicked the ball out in order for his teammate to be treated. It was anticipated "by the game's conventions", Blackburn should have thrown the ball back unchallenged, but striker Chris Sutton forced a corner. The result prompted Wenger to rule out any chance of winning the league: "The best team [Manchester United] has won.
1996–97 Arsenal F.C. season | March–May
The 1999 edition of the FA Charity Shield was contested between Manchester United and Arsenal. The game took place at Wembley Stadium on 1 August. Manchester United went ahead seven minutes before the end of the first half, but late goals from Kanu and Ray Parlour gave Arsenal victory in the match. Wenger believed the result showed that his team were "ready for the season" and thought it was "...psychologically important to beat United, especially after the great run they have had".
1999–2000 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Charity Shield
Arsenal started the season with a 3–0 win in the Charity Shield against last season's Premier League runners-up Manchester United. Goals came from Overmars in the first half, Christopher Wreh after 61 minutes and Nicolas Anelka 11 minutes after. The result was the first time that a club from Southern England had won the Shield outright since Tottenham Hotspur in 1962.
1998–99 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Charity Shield
Having later asserted he would never use the 4–5–1 system again, Wenger adopted the formation for Champions League matches and his approach resulted in Arsenal reaching the 2006 UEFA Champions League Final.
2005 FA Cup Final | Aftermath and legacy
As holders and participants of the top division, Arsenal entered the FA Cup in the third round, in which they were drawn to play Preston North End of the Second Division. Despite being 2–0 down in the first half, Arsenal came back to win the match 4–2 at Deepdale. In the fourth round, Arsenal played Wolverhampton Wanderers – a repeat of last year's semi-final. Goals from Overmars and Bergkamp helped Arsenal win 2–1; the match was overshadowed by the sending off of midfielder Petit. A fifth round tie against Sheffield United was replayed on 23 February 1999 at the suggestion of Wenger.
1998–99 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
They won the Premier League with two matches to spare, and later set a new divisional record for the most wins (30). Arsenal ended the season in fifth place, their lowest placing under manager Arsène Wenger, and missed out on UEFA Champions League football for the first time in 20 years. Wenger's future had been cast into doubt following a bad run of form in February and March, which saw the team lose 10–2 on aggregate against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and four of their five league matches. To arrest the decline, Wenger adopted a similar tactical change to Conte, playing three defenders at the back.
2017 FA Cup Final | Pre-match
Arsenal began the league season relatively well, but a run of three defeats in four matches between November and December 1997 left the team in sixth position before Christmas, and seemingly out of championship contention. Although they were 12 points behind reigning champions Manchester United at the end of February, a winning streak of ten matches ensured Arsenal won the championship with a 4–0 win over Everton on 3 May 1998. In recognition of the team's achievement, Wenger was awarded the Carling Manager of the Year award and striker Dennis Bergkamp was given the accolade of PFA Players' Player of the Year by his fellow peers and FWA Footballer of the Year by football writers.
1997–98 Arsenal F.C. season | Introduction
The signings of Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, Marc Overmars and Nicolas Anelka, combined with the club's many experienced players, helped Arsenal win the double in 1997–98. Wenger led Arsenal to another double in 2001–02; his team scored in every Premier League game that season and won their remaining 13 matches to clinch the title. A year later, Wenger became the first manager since Keith Burkinshaw 21 years previously to retain the FA Cup; Arsenal beat Southampton 1–0 in the final. Wenger won his third league title in 2003–04, which earnt distinction as he guided his team to an unbeaten league season, something achieved only once before in English football, by Preston North End in 1888–89.
List of Arsenal F.C. managers | 1996–2018: Wenger era
After a period of almost nine years without a trophy, which coincided with the club relocating to the Emirates Stadium, Wenger guided Arsenal to further FA Cup success in 2014, 2015 and 2017, before stepping down as manager a year later.
Arsène Wenger | Introduction
The team, however advanced into the UEFA Cup third round and Arsenal chose to revert to playing their home matches at Highbury. Arsenal beat Nantes and Deportivo de La Coruña over two legs and defeated Werder Bremen in the quarter-final; midfielder Ray Parlour scored a hat-trick in the second leg. In the semi-final against Lens, Arsenal secured a 3–1 aggregate win to face Turkish opposition Galatasaray in the final, who beat Leeds United.
Arsenal F.C. in European football | Arrival of Wenger: 1996–2005
Arsène Wenger was the longest-serving manager and won the most trophies. He won a record seven FA Cups, and his title-winning team set an English record for the longest top-flight unbeaten league run at 49 games between 2003 and 2004, receiving the nickname The Invincibles.
Arsenal F.C. | Introduction
As winners of the FA Cup in the previous season, Arsenal contested the 2005 FA Community Shield against league champions Chelsea. Two goals scored by striker Didier Drogba in either half meant Arsenal lost the match. Wenger commented afterwards that Chelsea's gameplan made it difficult for the Arsenal defenders, and noted his opposition's strength was playing long balls. When asked if he was concerned by the performance, Wenger replied: "Why should I worry? Did you see the game? You can worry for the Chelsea supporters."
2005–06 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Community Shield
Moments later the league champions extended their lead when Nicolas Anelka was put through to score. Arsenal's victory was heralded by the English press, and the club capped off its memorable season with an open-top bus parade. It was Arsène Wenger's first FA Cup triumph as a coach; he went on to win six more finals in a 22-year spell at the club to become the competition's most successful manager.
1998 FA Cup Final | Introduction
Wenger got his first silverware, and became the first foreign manager to win the English league, the following season, when he steered the side to their second double. It had looked like Arsenal were out of the title race by December after losing 3–1 at home to Blackburn, but they overcame a twelve-point deficit to overtake Manchester United; a 4–0 home win over Everton on 3 May won the title with two matches to spare. On 16 May, Arsenal beat Newcastle United 2–0 in the FA Cup final to complete the double. To top it off, the same season Ian Wright broke Cliff Bastin's goalscoring record, bringing his tally to 185 goals before leaving the club in the summer of 1998.
History of Arsenal F.C. (1966–present) | Wenger's arrival and two Doubles (1996–2003)
The goalkeeper was dropped in Arsenal's next game, away to Aston Villa. Three first half goals by Ljungberg, Henry and Cole gave Arsenal a comfortable win. For the match against Crystal Palace on 14 February 2005, Wenger named an Arsenal squad that did not feature a single British player – a first in the club’s history. The team did not get off to the best of starts with Lehmann miskicking a back pass and Vieira losing possession routinely, but grew as the game went on and scored three goals in seven minutes. On his 200th league appearance, Henry scored in either half, with the result 5–1 to Arsenal.
2004–05 Arsenal F.C. season | January–February
Despite the loss of form and heavy fan disapproval towards the end of the season, Arsenal won the FA Cup for a record 13th time, beating Chelsea 2–1 in the final. The victory saw manager Arsène Wenger become the most successful manager in FA Cup history with seven wins. The season covers the period from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017.
2016–17 Arsenal F.C. season | Introduction
Financing for the stadium however meant Arsenal prioritised its expenditure instead of the squad and trophies. Though Wenger managed to solidify the club’s position in the Premier League's top four and secure the necessary funds to pay back its debtors, the 2005 Cup win represented Arsenal's last silverware for nine years. In 2014, he led Arsenal to a record-equalling 11th FA Cup, and became the record equalling most successful manager in the competition's history a year later, as his side beat Aston Villa. Like Arsenal, Manchester United endured a period of transition after the final. The Glazer's takeover of the club resulted in disaffected fans setting up F.C.
2005 FA Cup Final | Aftermath and legacy
Arsenal was drawn against Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final and it was their rivals who had taken the lead in the 14th minute. Vieira equalised before several players – "Pires, Parlour and Wiltord continued to squander chances". With 17 minutes remaining in the match, Pires scored via a tap-in to secure Arsenal's passage into the final.
2000–01 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
Wenger reshuffled the defence, dropping Dixon and Winterburn for Luzhny and Sylvinho, while Grimandi replaced Keown who was injured. Ljungberg and Henry scored for Arsenal in their 2–0 win to put the team third at the end of 1999. Adams suggested after the Leeds match that his opponents' inexperience and thin squad would jeopardise their chances of winning the league: "They are still involved in the UEFA Cup and the FA Cup as well. So come February time they will start to feel that pressure – and you don't know what it is like until you have been through it." On 3 January 2000, Arsenal played Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough and were held to a 1–1 draw.
1999–2000 Arsenal F.C. season | November–February
Arsenal beat Watford and continued their strong finish to the season with a 1–0 win at Everton to move into second place. Wenger believed Manchester United, who retained their status as champions in April, had benefited from the league being "organised" in their favour: "They had a winter break. They didn't play in the FA Cup. It was all wrong from the start. The break was good for them because at the same time we dropped points and so did the other teams. So when they came back they had the psychological advantage." Petit scored a 90th-minute winner for Arsenal against West Ham United and a further win against Chelsea ensured Arsenal finished second, as Leeds and Liverpool failed to win their respective matches.
1999–2000 Arsenal F.C. season | March–May
Together with the other clubs playing in European competitions, Arsenal entered the Football League Cup in the third round. The team were drawn to face First Division Stoke City, on the week of 21 October 1996. The tie ended 1–1 and was subject to a replay; Wright equalised for Arsenal after Mike Sheron gave Stoke a first half lead. Arsenal won the replay by five goals to two, but exited the cup in the fourth round against league rivals Liverpool – the result marked the first time in four years that Arsenal had conceded four goals. Wenger described Bould's dismissal for a second bookable offence as "hard", before congratulating his opponents: "Liverpool are the best team we have played against since I've been at Arsenal.
1996–97 Arsenal F.C. season | Football League Cup
The club faced French champions Lens, Ukraine's Dynamo Kiev and Panathinaikos of Greece in the group stages of the competition. Although they began the campaign in good stead, with two draws and a win, Arsenal lost 3–1 to Dynamo Kiev and at home to Lens – watched by a record crowd of 73,707, meaning the club could not reach higher than third place, failing to make the quarter-finals. Arsenal ended the 1998–99 league season as runners-up, qualifying for the group stages of the Champions League for the second successive year. Again, Arsenal finished in third spot in their group, this time behind Barcelona and Fiorentina.
Arsenal F.C. in European football | Arrival of Wenger: 1996–2005
In 2019, Arsenal, under new manager Unai Emery, managed to reach the final of the UEFA Europa League, where they lost 4–1 against fellow Premier League club Chelsea. This defeat ensured that Arsenal would spend its third consecutive season since 2017–18 out of the UEFA Champions League. Next season's Europa League campaign was a disappointing one as Arsenal bowed out of the competition in the round of 32, losing to Olympiacos on aggregate after extra time. By winning the 2020 FA Cup (and finishing 8th in the league), Arsenal qualified for the Europa League for the fourth consecutive season.
Arsenal F.C. in European football | Post-Wenger era
Fortunately the team rallied in the final weeks and took 8 points from their final 5 games, securing their Premier League spot. The FA Cup only added to the frustration, as they were embarrassingly knocked out at the first hurdle by London rivals Millwall, though they at least had a comparatively decent League Cup run, losing in the fifth round to eventual winners Liverpool. Despite their domestic troubles, the team reached the European Cup Winners' Cup final for the second year in succession. With 120 minutes showing on the clock in Paris, a penalty shoot-out was looking certain as Arsenal were drawing 1–1 with Real Zaragoza.
1994–95 Arsenal F.C. season | Season summary
Today he did very well offensively and tried like crazy; too much for me." In Arsenal's next match, at home to Manchester United, goals from Tony Adams, Anelka and Freddie Ljungberg helped the champions inflict a 3–0 defeat; the result was Wenger's third consecutive win over rival manager Alex Ferguson. However, in the following match, Arsenal lost for the first time in the season, against Sheffield Wednesday. Substitute Lee Briscoe scored in the 89th minute, lobbing the ball precisely over goalkeeper Alex Manninger after Sheffield Wednesday striker Paolo Di Canio was sent off for pushing the referee. On 4 October 1998, Arsenal hosted Newcastle United at Highbury; Dennis Bergkamp scored his first league goal of the season in a 3–0 win.
1998–99 Arsenal F.C. season | August–October
The Fifth Round matches were scheduled for 13 February 1999. There were three replays, and one game replayed, Arsenal had beaten Sheffield United in the original tie. However, both sides felt that Arsenal's winning goal had been gained unfairly. Arsenal's boss Arsene Wenger wrote himself into FA Cup folklore with an act of sportsmanship that saw him offer to play the game again after Marc Overmars scored following Nwankwo Kanu's failure to return the ball to the Blades following an injury.
1998–99 FA Cup | Fifth Round
Together, with the other clubs playing in European football, Arsenal entered the Football League Cup in the third round, where they were drawn at home to Premier League club Sunderland. Although Arsenal went two goals ahead in the first half, Sunderland responded, scoring three times in 15 minutes. The result was Wenger's fifth defeat in six matches.
2002–03 Arsenal F.C. season | League Cup
In doing so, Wenger became the first non-British manager to win the league championship in England. Arsenal were favourites to win the FA Cup, and on course to complete a "unlikely" double. The fitness of Bergkamp, who was instrumental in Arsenal's successful season, was a major story in the days leading up to the final. The striker had limped out of their game against Derby County in late April, and after it emerged he pulled his hamstring Bergkamp was ruled out for the remainder of Arsenal's league campaign. Wenger revealed two days before the final that Bergkamp had resumed training and "medically he looked all right", but the player received a further setback when he suffered a reaction to his hamstring.
1998 FA Cup Final | Pre-match
Having watched the game from the stands in the first half, he assumed control in the second, suggesting the formation should accommodate four defenders instead of five. Arsenal finished third in the 1996–97 league season, missing out on qualification for the UEFA Champions League by goal difference. They, however qualified for the UEFA Cup first round, but lost to PAOK Salonika of Greece over two legs in September 1997. Arsenal completed the double in the 1997–98 season, and winning the league ensured the club participated in the Champions League for the first time since its rebranding in 1992. To benefit from increased revenue and higher attendances, Arsenal was granted permission from the Football Association and UEFA to host their home Champions League matches at Wembley Stadium.
Arsenal F.C. in European football | Arrival of Wenger: 1996–2005
Arsenal's first fixture of November was against Wimbledon. Wright after six minutes gave Arsenal the lead, only for Vinnie Jones to head in the equaliser, close to half time. Merson scored Arsenal's second, but Marcus Gayle replied immediately, "bund[ling] the ball past (David) Seaman". An own goal by Nigel Winterburn against Manchester United ended the champions run of three matches without a win and extended a barren run of Arsenal failing to score at Old Trafford since the creation of the Premier League. Wenger told the press he was not despondent about his first defeat as Arsenal manager: "Obviously, the way we lost was difficult to accept, but I'm happy with the way we played.
1996–97 Arsenal F.C. season | November–February
In a five-goal match, an 88th-minute goal by Mark Viduka ensured Leeds United's survival in the top division and Manchester United's recapture of the Premiership. Wenger revoked suggestion that the league campaign was a "failure", arguing his team were consistent: Arsenal won their final two matches of the league season, against Southampton – where Pires and Jermaine Pennant both scored a hat-trick – and Sunderland, ending the season with 78 points.
2002–03 Arsenal F.C. season | March–May
Arsenal entered the FA Cup in the third round proper, in which they were drawn to face Hereford United.
1984–85 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
During the 1994–95 English football season, Arsenal competed in the FA Premier League (known as the FA Carling Premiership for sponsorship reasons).
1994–95 Arsenal F.C. season | Introduction
Arsenal began the season in good form and equalled Nottingham Forest's unbeaten league run of 42 matches against Middlesbrough. The team set a new English division record and went a further seven games unbeaten before losing to Manchester United in controversial circumstances. Arsenal's form suffered as a result and defensive shortcomings became more apparent; two draws and a defeat in November reinforced Chelsea's position at the top of the table, where they remained for the rest of the season. At home to Crystal Palace in February 2005, Wenger named an Arsenal squad with no English players – a first in the club's history which attracted criticism from the media.
2004–05 Arsenal F.C. season | Introduction
During the 1995–96 English football season, Arsenal F.C. competed in the FA Premier League (known as the FA Carling Premiership for sponsorship reasons).
1995–96 Arsenal F.C. season | Introduction
On New Year's Day, Ljungberg scored two goals in Arsenal’s 3–1 win against Charlton Athletic. The team four days later drew at home to Manchester City. Arsenal lost further ground to Chelsea after defeat to Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. Wenger conceded that Chelsea were favourites to win the league because of their point advantage, but added: "We will keep going and fight until the last minute of the championship." Arsenal ended January with a 1–0 home win against Newcastle United. Wenger made four changes from the Bolton defeat, with Bergkamp the match scorer coming in place of Van Persie.
2004–05 Arsenal F.C. season | January–February
Dixon's late goal earnt Arsenal a point against Aston Villa on 5 March 2000. The team, without Adams, Keown and Overmars, lost to Middlesbrough a week later. Wenger conceded afterwards his team were paying for their participation in the UEFA Cup, as "…the recovery time is too short. We only had two and a half days, which is not enough, especially when you are travelling". Arsenal beat their rivals Tottenham a week later. Henry, Grimandi and Kanu each scored in Arsenal's 3–0 victory against Coventry City. After 30 games, Arsenal were in fourth position, two points behind Liverpool in third and 13 away from leaders Manchester United.
1999–2000 Arsenal F.C. season | March–May
Wiltord scored a hat-trick in Arsenal's 3–0 win over West Ham United on 3 March 2001. A scoreless draw at Aston Villa was followed with a 2–0 win against Tottenham Hotspur; both clubs observed a minute's silence before the game, in honour of former Arsenal midfielder David Rocastle, who died at age 33. Arsenal rested several first-teamers for the trip to Manchester City and won the match 4–0. However, defeat to Middlesbrough three days after handed the league championship to Manchester United, for the third consecutive season. Wenger refuted criticism over the team's league performance, and said, "It's not just Arsenal's responsibility to push Manchester United.
2000–01 Arsenal F.C. season | March–May
A 4–0 defeat away to Liverpool concerned Wenger, who noted a lack of goals being problematic: "It has been our problem all season. We so very rarely score two in a match, and that makes life very difficult." Henry scored a hat-trick in a 6–1 win at home to Leicester City on Boxing Day. A draw against Sunderland, having been 2–0 up at half time meant Arsenal ended the calendar year in second place, eight points behind Manchester United. Charlton Athletic recorded their first victory over Arsenal in 44 years, on New Year's Day; Jonatan Johansson scored the winning goal in the first half.
2000–01 Arsenal F.C. season | November–February
Arsenal became only the second club to have won two doubles after they beat Newcastle United 2–0 and added the FA Cup to their Premiership title triumph.
1997–98 in English football | FA Cup
The club's only success during this time was an FA Cup win in 1978–79 against Manchester United. After stagnation in the 1980s, the return of former player George Graham as manager in 1986 brought a third period of glory. Arsenal won the League Cup in 1986–87, the Football League Centenary Trophy in 1988, two League title wins in 1988–89 and 1990–91, the FA Cup and League Cup double in 1992–93 and a second European trophy, the Cup Winners' Cup, in 1993–94. However, Graham's reputation was tarnished when it was revealed that he had taken kickbacks for signing certain players and he was sacked in 1995.
History of Arsenal F.C. (1966–present) | Introduction
Seasons in bold are seasons when the club won a Double of the league and FA Cup, or of the FA Cup and League Cup. The "2003–04" season was the only 38-match league season unbeaten in English football history. A special gold version of the Premier League trophy was commissioned and presented to the club the following season. As of "29 August 2020".
Arsenal F.C. | Honours
Arsenal entered the FA Cup in the third round proper, in which they were drawn to face Millwall.
1989–90 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
The final against Liverpool was a repeat performance; after Arsenal had gone 1–0 down to an Ian Rush goal, two Charlie Nicholas goals brought Arsenal their first League Cup triumph and their first major trophy for eight years. However, UEFA voted to continue the ban on English clubs in European competitions that was imposed in the wake of the Heysel disaster in 1985 for a third season, and this meant that Arsenal were unable to compete in the 1987–88 UEFA Cup.
History of Arsenal F.C. (1966–present) | The George Graham years (1986–95)
In spite of winning by three goals to one, having played with ten men for the majority of the game, they missed out on second by goal difference to Newcastle.
1996–97 Arsenal F.C. season | March–May
In the dying moments Chelsea nearly bagged a winning goal but Davide Zappacosta hit the woodwork. The match ended 2–2. On 7 January the Gunners began the FA Cup campaign and played in the third round against Nottingham Forest who were troubled and had no manager. Arsenal who were the defending champions of the competition were expected to win this tie comfortably against a team whom they hammered in the League Cup last season but it turned out that the match was a giant killing: Arsenal were humiliated 4–2 by the Championship team and were knocked out of the FA Cup third round for the first time under Arsène Wenger.
2017–18 Arsenal F.C. season | January
Another 1–0 win, this time at home to Everton was followed by a goalless draw against rivals Tottenham Hotspur. After defeat midweek in the Champions League, Arsenal played Wimbledon at Selhurst Park. Striker Efan Ekoku scored the winning goal to condemn Arsenal to a second successive loss; Patrick Vieira sustained a hamstring injury in the match. Two more draws, against Middlesbrough and Derby County left Arsenal in fourth position but Wenger took comfort in the latter match, praising Steve Bould and David Seaman: "the real symbols of spirit." They faced league leaders Aston Villa on 13 December 1998, and having taken a 2–0 lead, through two goals scored by Bergkamp, had in unprecedented circumstances conceded three goals in the second half to lose the match.
1998–99 Arsenal F.C. season | November–February
Arsenal entered the FA Cup in the third round proper, in which they were drawn to face Millwall.
1987–88 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
During the 1993–94 English football season, Arsenal F.C. competed in the FA Premier League.
1993–94 Arsenal F.C. season | Introduction
Although Wenger was disappointed with the manner of the defeat, he saw some encouragement: "What's positive for everyone is that Manchester United are dropping points as well. But we need to rectify the fact we concede goals at home." October ended with a draw against Sunderland, where notably former Arsenal player Stefan Schwarz equalised for the home side and Patrick Vieira missed a penalty.
2001–02 Arsenal F.C. season | August–October
Arsenal entered the FA Cup in the third round (last 64), in which they were drawn to face Wrexham of the Football League Fourth Division away from home. Smith's goal had given Arsenal the lead just before half time, but Wrexham equalised through a Mickey Thomas free kick with eight minutes of the match remaining. Steve Watkin scored the winning goal two minutes after, once Adams failed to clear the ball in the penalty box. The cup exit did not prompt Graham to criticise his players; he bluntly said: "I thought they played very well. We just didn't finish them off." The result was described by BBC Sport in 2011 as "one of the greatest FA Cup giant-killings of all time".
1991–92 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
It was not until Wenger's arrival in October 1996 that Arsenal reemerged as a serious league competitor. By the end of the 1996–97 season, Manchester United amassed their fourth title in five seasons, whereas Arsenal finished the campaign in third – their highest position since the formation of the Premier League in 1992. During the season, Wenger commented on rule changes which permitted an extension to the league calendar: "It's wrong the programme is extended so Manchester United can rest and win everything." His observation irked Ferguson, who replied: "He has no experience of English football. He has come here from Japan, and now he is telling everyone how to organise our football.
Arsenal F.C.–Manchester United F.C. rivalry | Ferguson and Wenger
A penalty scored by Henry against Middlesbrough ensured a fifth successive league win for Arsenal. They were held to a stalemate against Derby County; this was followed by defeat at Goodison Park away to Everton in which Wenger called the team performance as "not acceptable". Arsenal lost their second consecutive league match against Leeds United when a deflected Olivier Dacourt free-kick went past goalkeeper Alex Manninger and into his net. A win against Southampton came before a 5–0 victory at home to Newcastle United where Ray Parlour scored a hat-trick. The Christmas period began with a 1–1 draw against local rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
2000–01 Arsenal F.C. season | November–February
In spite of playing the second half against Wimbledon with ten men after the dismissal of Luzhny, Arsenal defeated their London rivals by three goals to one. Before the game away to Leeds United on 16 April 2000, both clubs observed a minute's silence to honour the two Leeds fans who were murdered in Istanbul. Wenger and his players then presented bouquets of flowers to their counterparts. Arsenal went ahead in the 21st minute – Henry beat defender Jonathan Woodgate for pace and scored his 20th goal of the season. Further goals by Keown, Kanu and Overmars resulted in a 4–0 win and lifted Arsenal above Leeds into third, with a better goal difference.
1999–2000 Arsenal F.C. season | March–May
We didn't deserve to lose to Manchester United but we did deserve to lose to Liverpool."
1996–97 Arsenal F.C. season | Football League Cup
Wenger praised his team's character and told reporters: "We were very frustrated last year. We have shown a lot of strength to come back here – beating Liverpool and Newcastle on the way." He was adamant Arsenal would win the league the following Wednesday: "This team knows how to win. I said three or four months ago that we will win the championship and the FA Cup. They really want to do it. And we will do it." The goalscorers Parlour and Ljungberg both agreed winning at any cost was most important on the day, after the misery of the 2001 final.
2002 FA Cup Final | Post-match
The 1998–99 season was the 101st season of competitive football played by Arsenal. The club, managed by Arsène Wenger, entered the campaign as Premier League and FA Cup double winners. They ended this campaign as league runners-up, a point behind Manchester United, who secured the title on the final day of the season. United also eliminated Arsenal in a FA Cup semi-final replay; Ryan Giggs scored an extra time winner in the 109th minute. Arsenal competed in Europe's premier club competition – the UEFA Champions League – for the first time since its rebrand in 1992, but failed to progress past the group stage.
1998–99 Arsenal F.C. season | Introduction
A 0–0 draw at home against Crystal Palace meant Arsenal needed to play a fifth round replay at Selhurst Park on 25 February 1998. Goals from Anelka and Bergkamp ensured victory for an understrength Arsenal team. Against West Ham United in the quarter-finals, Arsenal conceded the first goal when Frank Lampard's corner kick was converted into the goal net by Ian Pearce, through a first-time shot. Although Bergkamp scored a penalty to equalise, Arsenal had to settle for a replay, staged at Upton Park, where it ended 4–3 on penalties after another draw. A goal by Wreh against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the semi-finals meant Arsenal reached their 13th FA Cup final.
1997–98 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
Wright protested his innocence and complained he was subject to racial abuse by Schmeichel – at which point the FA intervened and met with representatives of both clubs. Both players eventually agreed to end their feud and by April released statements highlighting this. The month ended with a home defeat to Wimbledon, which prompted Wenger to rule out their championship hopes: "'Yes, for the title of course,' he replied when asked if the result had ended the team's interest in the Premiership, 'but for Europe, no.'" After 28 games, Arsenal were in fourth position having played two more games than Newcastle in third and one more than Manchester United, who were six points clear in first.
1996–97 Arsenal F.C. season | November–February
A 3–0 win at Charlton Athletic on 15 September 2002 pleased Wenger, who indicated after the match the league was theirs to lose: "We know we can win the league. We know we can be stronger. At this stage last season we were not as good as we are now." Striker Kanu scored a stoppage time winner against Bolton Wanderers to win their eleventh successive home game. At Elland Road, Leeds United hosted Arsenal on 28 September 2002. Goals from Kolo Touré and Henry and a brace from Kanu ensured Arsenal eclipsed Nottingham Forest's record of 22 away league games without defeat and scored in 47 consecutive league matches, breaking Chesterfield Town's achievement.
2002–03 Arsenal F.C. season | August–October
League Cup matches are subject to change in the event of games being selected for television coverage, inclement weather and potential competition clashes. All rounds up until the final are played in midweek. Arsenal entered the League Cup in the third round and were drawn at home to Rotherham United. Wenger handed midfielder Cesc Fàbregas his debut at 16 years and 177 days; as of 2016 is still the youngest player to turn out for the club. Arsenal led from the 11th minute through an Aliadière goal, but conceded an equaliser late on which forced extra time. Rotherham goalkeeper Mike Pollitt was sent off for handling the ball outside his penalty area; his substitute Gary Montgomery denied Wiltord from scoring the winner.
2003–04 Arsenal F.C. season | Football League Cup
Despite winning seven of their final eight games, Arsenal finished in fifth place and failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 1997, as fan pressure on both manager Arsène Wenger and share-owner Stan Kroenke grew. While they did win the FA Cup for the third time in four seasons, making Wenger the most successful manager in the competition's history, they endured yet another disastrous Champions League run, losing at the last-16 stage for a seventh successive year. Manchester United finished in sixth place, one place lower than the previous season, in José Mourinho's first season in charge with their failure to turn any one of their 15 draws into victories, though they did at least win the EFL Cup and won the Europa League final, winning the competition for the first time in their history and therefore securing a place in the Champions League.
2016–17 in English football | Premier League
In the case of Arsenal, all but one of their ties (fourth round) was televised to the British audience. Arsenal entered the 2003–04 edition as holders of the cup. The team were undefeated in 14 cup ties since their 2–1 loss to Liverpool in the 2001 FA Cup Final, and aimed to win the competition for a third season in succession, something last achieved by Blackburn Rovers from 1884 to 1886. Henry believed Arsenal's good cup form showed they were "interested" in the competition and hoped their success would continue. The FA Cup was not high in Wenger's priority list – "The [Premier League] and the Champions League are more important," but he clarified this never meant Arsenal intended to neglect the competition: "You win what you can and go as far as you can." Arsenal were drawn to face Leeds United away in the third round; the match was played on the first weekend of January.
2003–04 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
Arsenal entered the FA Cup in the third round, in which they were drawn to face Sheffield Wednesday.
1949–50 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
The winning goal, scored by Overmars came from failure to return the ball to the opposition, in order to get defender Lee Morris off the pitch. Arsenal went on to win the replay 2–1 and a 1–0 victory against Derby County meant the team reached the semi-finals for the second consecutive season. Arsenal played league challengers Manchester United on 11 April 1999. Neither team was able to score even after extra time had been played, therefore the match was decided in a replay four days later. David Beckham opened the scoring for United from a long range shot, but Bergkamp equalised with a shot that deflected off United's centre back Jaap Stam.
1998–99 Arsenal F.C. season | FA Cup
The 1996–97 season was the 99th season of competitive football played by Arsenal. The club dismissed manager Bruce Rioch in the close season, who spent a year in-charge. After much speculation, Frenchman Arsène Wenger was appointed as his replacement – the club's first manager born outside of the British Isles. At the end of the campaign, Arsenal finished third in the Premier League and missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification. They made exits in the fourth round of both the FA Cup and Football League Cup to Leeds United and Liverpool respectively. In Europe, the club were eliminated in the UEFA Cup first round to Borussia Mönchengladbach of Germany.
1996–97 Arsenal F.C. season | Introduction
Arsenal's win had sealed a league and cup double and Wenger, the club's manager, described it as "the greatest moment of my sporting life." Speaking to the media, he complimented his team for their performance and said of the season: "We kept getting better and so has the mixture between the foreign and English players." Wenger reserved praise for the goalscorers Overmars ("a world-class player") and Anelka ("Nicolas is very young. But you saw in the second half today what he can do"), and felt the turning point in the match was Shearer's shot hitting the post. He sympathised with Newcastle, as did his captain, Adams who said afterwards: "The team and their fans did everything they could out there, but it was our day.
1998 FA Cup Final | Post-match
The team, thus, qualified for the UEFA Cup, missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification to second place Newcastle United.
1997–98 Arsenal F.C. season | Background
Wenger was named manager of Arsenal in 1996, and two years later, he led the club to a Premier League and FA Cup double. The club won another league and cup double in 2002 and retained the FA Cup a year later. In 2004, Wenger managed Arsenal to an undefeated domestic league season, a feat last accomplished by Preston North End, 115 years previously. Arsenal later eclipsed Nottingham Forest's record of 42 league matches unbeaten and went seven more matches before losing in October 2004 (which resulted in the so-called "Battle of the Buffet"). The team made their first appearance in a Champions League final in 2006, though they lost to Barcelona.
Arsène Wenger | Introduction
The 2005 final was Vieira's last match as an Arsenal player; he joined Juventus in the close season for a combined total fee of €20 million. Wenger's decision to sell his captain was made so the team could benefit from Fàbregas, who broke into the first eleven during the season. In later years, Wenger deviated from his usual counter-attacking style, and imposed a fluent system, with less emphasis on physicality. The immediate seasons after Arsenal relocated to the Emirates Stadium in 2006 saw Wenger sell several experienced players, and integrate more young talent, as a means of fostering an identity with the club.
2005 FA Cup Final | Aftermath and legacy
Arsenal was drawn against Tottenham Hotspur in the two-legged semifinal. In the first leg, at the Emirates, Arsenal scored a late equaliser to even the tie at 1–1. However, a 5–1 victory for Tottenham in the return leg meant it was their first victory over their north London rivals in nine years. Wenger after the game defended his policy to play a young side, adding: "The only regret I have is to have played the players who should not have played."
2007–08 Arsenal F.C. season | League Cup
In an otherwise positive reflection of Arsenal's season, Glenn Moore wrote for "The Independent": "There may thus have been some truth in Arsène Wenger's declaration that Arsenal's achievement was a greater triumph than winning the Champions' League. Arsenal's prolonged celebrations reflected the scale of this landmark and yet, when they reflect in the summer break, how many players will agree with Wenger?". A one-off golden replica trophy was commissioned by the Premier League thereafter; it was awarded to Arsenal before their first home game of the following season. The team eclipsed the league record of 42 matches without defeat (set by Nottingham Forest) against Blackburn Rovers and went seven more matches unbeaten until they lost – away to Manchester United in October 2004.
2003–04 Arsenal F.C. season | Aftermath and legacy
Arsenal went on to win eight of their last nine fixtures, but Wenger admitted his team were outsiders for the final: "This time we are not favourites, it’s quite even or maybe Chelsea are ahead, so it’s a bit similar to what happened in the semi-final against Manchester City. That’s part of what makes it all exciting as well." Of his future he said, "It will not be my last match anyway, because I will stay, no matter what happens, in football." Conte described Wenger as one of the greats in football, and felt he would remain as Arsenal manager come the season's end.
2017 FA Cup Final | Pre-match