Despite a lackluster finish to the season, Arteta and his young Arsenal team truly exceeded all expectations and went on to have a marvelous season. Even a top 4 spot looked questionable for the Gunners before the season began, and they ended it by becoming legit title challengers to the dominant Manchester City. It could even be argued that Arsenal might've won the league if not for several injury issues to key players. Even though the heartbreak of losing out on the title remains, the future looks extremely bright for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta. Let us now forget about the future for the time being, and go back to the golden era of Arsenal. An era that saw Arsene Wenger and players achieved eternal legendary status in the world of football. This article will look back at the outstanding Invincibles season of Arsenal.
The Invincibles' Journey Begins
The 2003-04 Premier League season was shaping up to be an excellent one, with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal being seen by many to be favorites to win the League. Another aspect that made the new season interesting was the rise of a new emerging giant. It was the first ever season of Chelsea under Roman Abramovich, and an astonishing £100 million was spent on transfers to bring the very best to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal began their season with victories over the likes of Everton, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Manchester City. The gunners were at first place after 4 matches, 3 points ahead of United.
The gunners continued their winning streak against Portsmouth, and then came their most important match till then. Arsenal went to Old Trafford for the toughest test of their season so far, which ended 0-0. It was an infamous match that season, as the game ended in an altercation between both team members that resulted in bans and suspensions.
Arsene Wenger's team kept their undefeated streak alive, with the likes of Newcastle, Liverpool, and Chelsea also beaten by the Gunners. Arsenal ended October with a 1–1 draw against Charlton Athletic. They lead the Premier League after 10 games with 24 points.
A Winter of Dominance
Arsenal's next 3 games saw them earn victories over Leeds United, arch-rivals Tottenham, and Birmingham City. Arsenal's short winning-streak was however over after a 0-0 draw against Fulham. The drop in form continued after yet another draw against Leicester City. Wenger's men went back to winning ways against Blackburn Rovers, but yet again dropped points after a draw against Bolton. This was followed by wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton which saw the Gunners finish the calendar year 2nd with 45 points, one behind Manchester United.
The new year saw Arsenal share points against Everton, but the Gunners striked back with a dominating 4-1 display against Middlesbrough. This winning momentum continued with a 2-0 win against Aston Villa. After 22 games, the Gunners were still unbeaten and League leaders with 2 more points than Manchester United.
Arsenal went on to win all 5 of their league matches in February, with Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton Chelsea, and Charlton being the victims of their brilliance. With 67 points at this time of the season, Arsenal had a 9 point lead over Manchester United and Chelsea.
Sealing the Title and Making History
As the end of the season was approaching, It was not only about winning the league for Arsenal anymore. It was something more than that they looked to achieve. The Gunners wanted to write their names forever in the history books by winning the League undefeated, to become the first ever team to do so in a 38-game league season.
Arsenal's brilliant form continued in March, as Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers were the next 2 teams that Arsenal went on to overcome. A major hurdle was coming for Arsenal in their next match, as they were going to face Manchester United yet again. This match ended in a draw as well, ending 1-1.
The upcoming week saw Arsenal crash out of 2 cups, but they responding with a magnificent comeback against Liverpool in the league that saw them win 4-2. Their next match was against rivals Tottenham at White Hart Lane. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, but the point was enough as Arsenal were crowned Premier League Champions.
Arsenal started the month of May with 2 consecutive draws against Birmingham City and Portsmouth.Their final game of the league season was against Leicester City, which they ended up winning 2-1. History was made, as the Gunners ended the season undefeated. They became the first ever team since Preston North End in 1888–89 to go through a league season undefeated. Arsene Wenger and his men went on to write their names in the history books of football.
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