1998–99 Arsenal F.C. season

English football club season May 2013 December 2020 Arsenal F.C. 1998–99 Peter Hill-Wood Arsène Wenger Highbury (home domestic matches) Wembley Stadium (home UEFA Champions League matches) FA Premier League 2nd FA Cup Semi-final League Cup Fourth round FA Charity Shield Winners UEFA Champions League Group stage Nicolas Anelka (17) Nicolas Anelka (19) 38,022Arsenal first team line up (1998–99) http://thearsenalhistory.com/stat/aftlu.htm The Arsenal History 15 July 2012 15 July 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160715102949/http://thearsenalhistory.com/stat/aftlu.htm dead Note: Information is in the section 1998–99. Attendances of friendlies not taken into account in average. 73,707 vs Lens(25 November 1998) 37,161 vs Sheffield United(23 February 1999) 1997–98 1999–2000 _arsenal9899h _arsenal9899h _arsenal9899h _arsenal9899h _arsenalh9800 FFFFFF FF0000 FFFFFF FFFFFF FF0000 _arsenal9798a _arsenal9798a _arsenal9798a _arsenal9798a FFFF00 FFFF00 FFFF00 000040 000040 _arsenal9899t _arsenal9899h _arsenal39899 000040 000066 000040 FFFFFF FFFFFF European Away The 1998–99 season was Arsenal Football Club's seventh season in the FA Premier League and their 73rd consecutive season in the top flight of English football.https://www.arsenal.com/news/features/48523/behind-the-numbers- All-time Arsenal James Josh 18 June 2013 Arsenal F.C. 22 June 2023 live https://web.archive.org/web/20230622042610/https://www.arsenal.com/news/features/48523/behind-the-numbers- 22 June 2023https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/engall.html English Clubs Divisional Movements 1888–2016 Ross James Heneghan Michael Orford Stuart Culliton Eoin 25 August 2016 Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation 22 June 2023 live https://web.archive.org/web/20230622041929/https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/engall.html 22 June 2023 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. In the transfer window, Arsenal purchased several players, including Swedish midfielder Freddie Ljungberg and Argentine Nelson Vivas. Ian Wright – the club's all-time top goalscorer, left in the summer to play for West Ham United. Striker Nwankwo Kanu joined Arsenal in January 1999. Arsenal made an indifferent start to their league campaign with four consecutive draws from their first five matches. After defeat to Aston Villa in December 1998, the team embarked on a 19 match unbeaten run to steadily climb up the league table. A 6–1 win against Middlesbrough in April 1999 moved Arsenal to the top of the table for the first time in the season and victory against Tottenham Hotspur put the team three points clear as main challenger United drew with Liverpool. Both Arsenal and Manchester United went into the final two games of the league season on the same number of points, but the former's defeat to Leeds United all but ended their chances of retaining the title. 30 different players represented Arsenal in five competitions and there were 14 different goalscorers. Arsenal's top goalscorer was Nicolas Anelka, who scored 19 goals in 45 appearances. 3 Background 1997–98 Arsenal F.C. season In the 1997–98 season, Arsenal participated in the FA Premier League. The club made several new purchases, notably midfielders Emmanuel Petit and Marc Overmars from Monaco and Ajax respectively.All the Premier League's men Trevor Haylett 56 The Guardian London 8 August 1997 Ian Wright scored his 179th and 180th goals for Arsenal against Bolton Wanderers in September 1997 and in the process broke Cliff Bastin's goalscoring record at the club.Wright's 180 and counting Russell Thomas 23 The Guardian London 15 September 1997 A run of three defeats in four matches, starting away at Derby County in November, concluded with a 3–1 loss at home to Blackburn Rovers and left the team in sixth place.Football: Blackburn hand Arsenal a lesson in commitment and care Ken Jones https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-blackburn-hand-arsenal-a-lesson-in-commitment-and-care-1288879.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-blackburn-hand-arsenal-a-lesson-in-commitment-and-care-1288879.html 1 May 2022 subscription The Independent London 15 December 1997 15 August 2012 Although they were 12 points behind league leaders Manchester United by the end of February, a winning streak of nine matches ensured Arsenal won the championship, with a 4–0 win over Everton in May 1998.Arsenal crowned Premiership champions https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/87346.stm BBC News BBC 3 May 1998 15 August 2012 At Wembley Stadium, Arsenal beat Newcastle United 2–0 in the 1998 FA Cup Final to win the competition and complete a domestic double.Arsenal at the double https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/94885.stm BBC News BBC 16 May 1998 15 August 2012 Manager Arsène Wenger was awarded the Premier League Manager of the Season 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.http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/clubs/managers/profile.overview.html/arsene-wenger Premier League 15 August 2012 Manager profile, Arsene Wenger dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150822212433/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/clubs/managers/profile.overview.html/arsene-wenger 22 August 2015 Spare a thought for the losers in the wonderland world of awards in which the winners always share the spoils David Lacey 31 The Guardian London 9 May 1998 Transfers David Platt retired from career football at the end of the 1997–98 season.On this day – 7 July https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/on-this-day--7-july-6854987.html Evening Standard 7 July 1998 23 June 2012 Wright left the club to join West Ham United on a two-year contract in July 1998.Wright moves to West Ham https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/news/131857.stm BBC News BBC 13 July 1998 23 June 2012 Wenger intended to replace him with either striker Patrick Kluivert or winger Thierry Henry,Henry joins Juventus after missing out on 'dream club' Chris Taylor 24 The Guardian London 19 January 1999 but wages and interest from other clubs proved to be a stumbling block.Answer is Wright for West Ham Sarah Winterburn 27 The Guardian London 14 July 1998 Defender Nelson Vivas was purchased on a £1.6 million deal to provide cover for Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn.Arsenal hope to launch Vivas on Sunday Russell Thomas 24 The Guardian London 6 August 1998 Swedish midfielder Freddie Ljungberg joined the club on an undisclosed fee in September 1998, after reported interest from Chelsea.Chelsea just too late as Ljungberg joins Arsenal Stephen Bradfield 30 The Guardian London 13 September 1998 Wenger made the decision to sign him after his performance for the Sweden men's national football team against England; "I have been aware of Ljungberg for some time but after watching him against England I decided to move for him very quickly." In January 1999, Arsenal completed the signing of striker Nwankwo Kanu.Medical clears path for Kanu to join Arsenal 31 The Guardian London 16 January 1999 In No.PositionPlayerTransferred fromFeeDateRef22MFDavid GrondinSaint-Étienne£500,00019 June 1998Your guide to the 1998–99 Premiership fixtures 64 The Observer 9 August 1998 7DFNelson VivasLugano£1,600,0005 August 1998https://web.archive.org/web/19981206004829/http://www.arsenal.co.uk/content/vivasarrive.htm http://www.arsenal.co.uk/content/vivasarrive.htm World Cup defender signs for the Gunners Arsenal Football Club AFCi 6 December 1998 22 June 2012 8MFFreddie LjungbergHalmstadUndisclosed 11 September 1998https://web.archive.org/web/19981205220750/http://www.arsenal.co.uk/content/lun_join.htm http://www.arsenal.co.uk/content/lun_join.htm Fredrik Ljungberg signs for the Gunners Arsenal Football Club AFCi 5 December 1998 22 June 2012 26FWFabián CaballeroCerro PorteñoLoan29 October 1998http://arseweb.com/people/res_squad_9899.html Arsenal reserves 9 January 2016 10 August 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140810042411/http://arseweb.com/people/res_squad_9899.html deadhttp://arseweb.com/98-99/news/Transfers.html#news ArseWeb Transfer News/Rumours 9 January 2016 27 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160127105327/http://arseweb.com/98-99/news/Transfers.html#news deadMFJermaine PennantNotts County£2,000,0008 January 1999Arsenal sign £2m County wonderkid Steve Stammers 88 Evening Standard London 8 January 199925FWNwankwo KanuInternazionaleUndisclosed15 January 1999https://web.archive.org/web/20000918034847/http://www.arsenal.co.uk/content/kanusign.htm http://www.arsenal.co.uk/content/kanusign.htm Gunners sign Kanu Arsenal Football Club AFCi 18 September 2000 22 June 2012 27FWKaba DiawaraBordeauxUndisclosed29 January 1999https://web.archive.org/web/20000918034539/http://www.arsenal.co.uk/content/kabasign.htm http://www.arsenal.co.uk/content/kabasign.htm Arsenal sign Kaba Diawara Arsenal Football Club AFCi 18 September 2000 22 June 2012 Out No.PositionPlayerTransferred toFeeDateRefGKVince BartramGillinghamFree20 March 1998David Lacey weights up Premiership prospects David Lacey 26 The Guardian London 15 August 1998 7MFDavid PlattRetiredFWChris KiwomyaReleasedDFGavin McGowanLuton TownFree26 June 1998MFRichard HughesBournemouth£20,0001 July 19988FWIan WrightWest Ham United£750,00013 July 199825DFScott MarshallSouthamptonFree14 July 199832FWIsaiah RankinBradford City£1,300,00013 August 1998http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=10491 Isaiah Rankin Soccerbase 22 June 2012 Pre-season and friendlies To prepare for the upcoming season, Arsenal played a series of friendlies against, firstly, local sides Boreham Wood, Enfield Town and Luton Town, before travelling to Germany for their final pre-season games. Friendly 10 July 1998 Boreham Wood 2–5 Report Arsenal Hollingdale ?Daly ? ? Hughes? Wreh? Garde? Anelka? Rankin Borehamwood Meadow Park 2,832 W Friendly 18 July 1998 Enfield 0–0 Arsenal London 5,495 D Friendly 25 July 1998 Luton Town 1–1 Report Arsenal ? Bactuet Anelka ? Luton Kenilworth Road 5,118 D Friendly 31 July 1998 Sportfreunde Eisbachtal 0–4 Arsenal ? ? ? Boa Morte? Rankin Nentershausen Eisbachtalstadion 2,300 W Friendly 4 August 1998 Kickers Offenbach 0–4 Report Arsenal 22 Parlour27 60 Anelka74 Vernazza Offenbach am Main Stadion am Bieberer Berg 7,800 W South Asian Tour After the end of the season, Arsenal travelled to Asia to play the national sides of both Malaysia and Thailand. After a win against Malaysia, Arsenal suffered a shock loss to the Thai National Football team on 22 May. Friendly 19 May 1999 Malaysia 0–2 Report Arsenal 54 Anelka66 Petit Kuala Lumpur Bukit Jalil National Stadium 60,000 W Friendly 22 May 1999 Thailand 4–3 Report Arsenal Kiatisuk 5 87Thongchai 15Seksan ? ? Petit49 58 Kanu Bangkok Rajamangala Stadium 65,000 L FA Charity Shield 1998 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.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-arsenal-show-united-little-charity-1170865.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-arsenal-show-united-little-charity-1170865.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Arsenal show United little charity The Independent Moore Glenn 10 August 1998 16 July 2012 London 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. Final 9 August 1998 13:00 BST Arsenal 3–0 Manchester United Overmars 34Wreh 61Anelka 72 Wembley Stadium, London 67,342 Graham Poll (Cheshire) W FA Premier League 1998–99 FA Premier League August–October Arsenal began their defence of the league title against newly promoted team Nottingham Forest on 17 August 1998. A goal by Overmars, eleven minutes from the end gave Arsenal the lead; Geoff Thomas equalised for Nottingham Forest after Petit headed in the opening goal.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/152618.stm Overmars chops down Forest BBC News BBC 17 August 1998 19 June 2012 A goalless draw against LiverpoolThe double act agree: we have much to do Ian Ross 23 The Guardian London 24 August 1998 was followed by successive 0–0 draws, at home to Charlton AthleticPetit's red paints a black picture Russell Thomas 20 The Guardian London 31 August 1998 and away to Chelsea.Arsenal defy pressure as Dixon sees red David Lacey 26 The Guardian London 10 September 1998 Stephen Hughes scored a last minute equaliser at Filbert Street on 12 September 1998 to deny Leicester City a win.Heskey takes up smoking Jon Brodkin 23 The Guardian London 14 September 1998 After the match, Wenger admitted the club were looking for a new striker to replace Ian Wright, being impressed with Leicester City's goalscorer Emile Heskey: "We will still be buying a striker but unfortunately Leicester do not want to sell Heskey so we will have to go somewhere else ... I'm impressed by Heskey. 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.http://www.independent.ie/sport/fergie-shellshocked-by-awesome-gunners-433473.html Fergie shell-shocked by awesome Gunners The Daily Telegraph London Winter Henry 21 September 1998 18 June 2012 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.Di Canio puts rage in outrageous Trever Haylett 23 The Guardian London 14 September 1998 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.https://www.theguardian.com/football/1998/oct/04/match.sport Gunners back to Sunday best The Guardian London Lacey David 4 October 1998 19 June 2012 The team failed to convert several chances against Southampton, with the match ending in a 1–1 draw;Shot-shy Gunners need ammo Martin Thorpe 23 The Guardian London 19 October 1998 Anelka and Petit did however score against Blackburn Rovers the following game, thus putting pressure on opposing manager Roy Hodgson as Blackburn remained in the bottom four.https://www.theguardian.com/football/1998/oct/25/match.sport Arsenal pass another Sunday test The Guardian London Lacey David 25 October 1998 19 June 2012 The month ended with a 1–0 win away to Coventry City; Anelka scored his fifth league goal of the season, tapping the ball in the net after a counterattack started by Overmars.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-anelka-applies-the-pressure-1181956.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-anelka-applies-the-pressure-1181956.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Football: Anelka applies the pressure The Independent on Sunday London Warshaw Andrew 1 November 1998 18 June 2012 November–February 23em "Perhaps we gave our fans too much by winning the Double. Once you've eaten caviar, it is difficult to go back to sausages." —Arsène Wenger, 29 November 1998https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/quotes-of-the-week-1189408.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/quotes-of-the-week-1189408.html 1 May 2022 subscription The Independent London 5 December 1998 18 June 2012 Quotes of the Week Another 1–0 win, this time at home to Evertonhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/1998/nov/08/match.sport Anelka papers over cracks The Guardian London Thorpe Martin 8 November 1998 19 June 2012 was followed by a goalless draw against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.https://www.theguardian.com/football/1998/nov/14/match.sport4 Graham looking back to the future The Guardian London Lacey David 14 November 1998 19 June 2012 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.Arsenal feel the strains Martin Thorpe 22 The Guardian London 23 November 1998 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".Home guard save Gunners Russell Thomas 22 The Guardian London 7 December 1998 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.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-villa-revival-rocks-arsenal-1191462.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-villa-revival-rocks-arsenal-1191462.html 1 May 2022 subscription Football: Villa revival rocks Arsenal The Independent London Shaw Phil 14 December 1998 19 June 2012 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,Arsenal back with big guns blazing David Lacey 19 The Guardian London 21 December 1998 followed by West Ham UnitedOvermars rekindles Arsenal's fire Amy Lawrence 35 The Observer 27 December 1998 and finally Charlton Athletic.https://www.theguardian.com/football/1998/dec/28/match.sport5 Arsenal back on track with good luck and bad The Guardian London Thorpe Martin 28 December 1998 19 June 2012 The team ended the calendar year in fourth position, two points behind Chelsea.http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/1998-1999/table/1998-12-29 Statto.com 19 June 2012 English Premier League table, 29-12-1998 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063541/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/1998-1999/table/1998-12-29 4 March 2016 live 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."Houllier's non-French resistance David Lacey 21 The Guardian London 11 January 1999 A headed goal by Martin Keown, from a Petit corner earned Arsenal a 1–0 win the following week, away to Nottingham Forest.https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/jan/18/match.sport Atkinson needs pass key to stop trapdoor opening on Forest The Guardian London Lacey David 18 January 1999 19 June 2012 Against Chelsea on the final day of January, Arsenal won 1–0 at Highbury to end the visitors 21-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/jan/31/match.sport2 Bergkamp's Blues breaker The Guardian London Lacey David 31 January 1999 19 June 2012 Wenger hailed the performance, saying "I knew my players were ready. After a few years you just know. It's like working for the weather forecast: you have a feeling whether it will rain or not."Wenger the weatherman gets his isobars just right Mike Ticher 21 The Guardian London 1 February 1999 An inspired performance by Bergkamp helped Arsenal win 0–4 at West Ham United in the first weekend of February.https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/feb/06/match.sport5 Bergkamp swoops to conquer The Guardian London Lacey David 6 February 1999 19 June 2012 He, however missed the following match, away to Manchester United, due to suspension along with Petit; Keown was absent due to a hamstring injury.Giggs ruled out 26 The Guardian London 17 February 1999 Arsenal conceded a first half penalty when Ray Parlour brought down Ronny Johnsen.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-rescued-by-cole-1071629.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-rescued-by-cole-1071629.html 1 May 2022 subscription live United rescued by Cole The Independent London Hodgson Guy 18 February 1999 18 June 2012 Dwight Yorke missed, chipping the ball wide of the right-hand post, and was made to pay early in the second half as new signing Nwankwo Kanu's through ball found striker Anelka, who scored. Andy Cole equalised moments after – Arsenal's first goal conceded in two months, and with both teams spurring chances to win the match, it ended in a 1–1 draw. Three days after, Anelka scored his first career hat-trick against Leicester City.https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/feb/20/match.arsenal Hat-trick for artful Anelka foxes Foxes The Observer Ridley Ian 21 February 1999 19 June 2012 Bergkamp after the match felt Arsenal were now equipped to push on for a title challenge, like last season: "It's all coming back. I feel it, for myself and for the team."https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/feb/20/match.arsenal1 Bergkamp and Arsenal in the mood The Guardian London Thomas Russell 22 February 1999 19 June 2012 A draw at Newcastle left the team three points behind Chelsea, in third position.https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/feb/28/match.sport Gunners misfire as Hamman pounces The Guardian London Hopps David 28 February 1999 19 June 2012 March–May Arsenal moved into second place with a 3–0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on 9 March 1999. A brace from Bergkamp and a debut goal scored by Kanu – dummying the goalkeeper inside the penalty box and shooting past the middle of the net - meant the club now picked up 27 points out of a possible last 33.https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/mar/10/match.sport Bergkamp keeps the Gunners firing The Guardian London Thorpe Martin 10 March 1999 19 June 2012 A 2–0 win against Evertonhttps://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-parlour-game-is-too-taxing-for-everton-1080423.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-parlour-game-is-too-taxing-for-everton-1080423.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Football: Parlour game is too taxing for Everton The Independent on Sunday London Slater Richard 14 March 1999 19 June 2012 was followed by another 2–0 win, at home to Coventry City.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-strachans-victims-of-the-class-divide-1082251.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-strachans-victims-of-the-class-divide-1082251.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Football: Strachan's victims of the class divide The Independent London Jones Ken 20 March 1999 19 June 2012 Arsenal drew 0–0 with Southampton on 3 April 1999, which left the team four points behind league leaders Manchester United.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/311245.stm Arsenal held at the Dell BBC News BBC 3 April 1999 19 June 2012 A 1–0 victory against Blackburn Rovers three days later, helped them move a point behind first position.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/313249.stm Arsenal close the gap BBC News BBC 6 April 1999 19 June 2012 The team scored five goals against Wimbledonhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/323443.stm Gunners close the gap BBC News BBC 19 April 1999 19 June 2012 and hit Middlesbrough for six the following week; Kanu's first goal, Arsenal's third was described as an "illustration of the African's deceptive subtlety,"https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-kanu-the-inspiration-for-arsenal-1089670.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-kanu-the-inspiration-for-arsenal-1089670.html 1 May 2022 subscription Football: Kanu the inspiration for Arsenal The Independent London Turnbull Simon 26 April 1999 18 June 2012 side-stepping defender Dean Gordon before stroking the ball past the net. The result moved Arsenal to the top of the table for the first time in the season, albeit having played a match more than Manchester United. In May Arsenal beat Derby County 1–0 to return to first spot, after Manchester United recorded three points against Aston Villa.Anelka helps Arsenal to locate pressure point The Tunes London Holt Oliver 3 May 1999 A 3–1 away win against Tottenham Hotspur moved them three points clear after Paul Ince scored a late equaliser for Liverpool against Manchester United.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/336523.stm Old-boy Ince robs United BBC News BBC 5 May 1999 19 June 2012 Wenger was adamant that Ferguson's team were marginal favourites,https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-petit-puts-arsenal-on-the-way-1091868.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-petit-puts-arsenal-on-the-way-1091868.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Petit puts Arsenal on the way The Independent London Moore Glenn 6 May 1999 18 June 2012 We needed them to slip up to have a chance. We are not favourites, Manchester United have more games and therefore more chances to score goals. but it was evident the title race would be decided on the final day, akin to 1995.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/336515.stm Title race goes to the wire BBC News BBC 6 May 1999 19 June 2012 Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's late winner for Leeds United against Arsenal two days later all but ended their chances of retaining the league championship.https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/may/12/match.sport Arsenal's title grip slips The Guardian London Ross Ian 12 May 1999 18 June 2012 Although Manchester United drew their penultimate match away to Blackburn Rovers,https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/342408.stm Rovers down as United march on BBC News BBC 12 May 1999 19 June 2012 they eventually secured the title with a 2–1 victory at home to Tottenham Hotspur;One title down, two cups to go Ian Ross 25 The Guardian London 17 May 1999 a second half goal scored by Kanu against Aston Villa on the final day ensured Arsenal finished a point behind, in second place.Silence of the Gunners Martin Thorpe 28 The Guardian London 17 May 1999 Match results 1 17 August 1998 20:00 BST Arsenal 2–1 Report Nottingham Forest Petit 58Overmars 79 76 Thomas London Highbury 38,064 Mike Riley W 2 22 August 1998 15:00 BST Liverpool 0–0 Report Arsenal Liverpool Anfield 44,429 David Elleray D 3 29 August 1998 15:00 BST Arsenal 0–0 Report Charlton Athletic London Highbury 38,014 Graham Poll D 4 9 September 1998 20:00 BST Chelsea 0–0 Report Arsenal London Stamford Bridge 34,644 Stephen Lodge D 5 12 September 1998 15:00 BST Leicester City 1–1 Report Arsenal Heskey 28 90 Hughes London Filbert Street 21,628 Paul Durkin D 6 20 September 1998 16:00 BST Arsenal 3–0 Report Manchester United Adams 22Anelka 29Ljungberg 72 London Highbury 38,142 Graham Barber W 7 26 September 1998 15:00 BST Sheffield Wednesday 1–0 Report Arsenal Briscoe 89 Sheffield Hillsborough 27,949 Paul Alcock L 8 4 October 1998 15:00 BST Arsenal 3–0 Report Newcastle United Bergkamp 21 66 pen.Anelka 29 London Highbury 38,102 Mike Reed W 9 17 October 1998 15:00 BST Arsenal 1–1 Report Southampton Anelka 34 67 Howells London Highbury 38,027 Jeff Winter D 10 25 October 1998 16:00 BST Blackburn Rovers 1–2 Report Arsenal Johnson 64 25 Anelka39 Petit Blackburn Ewood Park 27,012 Dermot Gallagher W 11 31 October 1998 15:00 GMT Coventry City 0–1 Report Arsenal 25 Anelka Coventry Highfield Road 23,040 Uriah Rennie W 12 8 November 1998 15:00 GMT Arsenal 1–0 Report Everton Anelka 6 London Highbury 38,088 Gary Willard W 13 14 November 1998 15:00 GMT Arsenal 0–0 Report Tottenham Hotpsur London Highbury 38,278 Alan Wilkie D 14 21 November 1998 15:00 GMT Wimbledon 1–0 Report Arsenal Ekoku 77 London Selhurst Park 26,003 Mike Riley L 15 29 November 1998 15:00 GMT Arsenal 1–1 Report Middlesbrough Anelka 89 6 Deane London Highbury 38,075 Graham Barber D 16 5 December 1998 15:00 GMT Derby County 0–0 Report Arsenal Derby Pride Park 29,018 Mike Reed D 17 13 December 1998 15:00 GMT Aston Villa 3–2 Report Arsenal Joachim 62Dublin 65 83 14 45 Bergkamp Birmingham Villa Park 39,217 Stephen Lodge L 18 20 December 1998 16:00 GMT Arsenal 3–1 Report Leeds United Bergkamp 28Vieira 53Petit 82 66 Hasselbaink London Highbury 38,025 Peter Jones W 19 26 December 1998 15:00 GMT Arsenal 1–0 Report West Ham United Overmars 7 London Highbury 38,098 Peter Jones W 20 28 December 1998 15:00 GMT Charlton Athletic 0–1 Report Arsenal 53 pen. Overmars London The Valley 20,043 Uriah Rennie W 21 9 January 1999 15:00 GMT Arsenal 0–0 Report Liverpool London Highbury 38,107 Graham Barber D 22 16 January 1999 15:00 GMT Nottingham Forest 0–1 Report Arsenal 34 Keown Nottingham City Ground 26,021 Paul Durkin W 23 31 January 1999 16:00 GMT Arsenal 1–0 Report Chelsea Bergkamp 32 London Highbury 38,121 Graham Poll W 24 6 February 1999 15:00 GMT West Ham United 0–4 Report Arsenal 35 Bergkamp45 Overmars83 Anelka87 Parlour London Boleyn Ground 26,042 Jeff Winter W 25 17 February 1999 20:00 GMT Manchester United 1–1 Report Arsenal Cole 71 58 Anelka Manchester Old Trafford 55,171 Gary Willard D 26 20 February 1999 15:00 GMT Arsenal 5–0 Report Leicester City Anelka 23 27 44 Parlour 42 48 London Highbury 38,069 Paul Durkin W 27 28 February 1999 16:00 GMT Newcastle United 1–1 Report Arsenal Hamann 77 36 Anelka Newcastle St. James' Park 36,708 Mike Reed D 28 9 March 1999 19:45 GMT Arsenal 3–0 Report Sheffield Wednesday Bergkamp 83 88Kanu 86 London Highbury 37,792 David Elleray W 29 13 March 1999 15:00 GMT Everton 0–2 Report Arsenal 16 Parlour69 pen. Bergkamp Liverpool Goodison Park 38,049 Uriah Rennie W 30 20 March 1999 15:00 GMT Arsenal 2–0 Report Coventry City Parlour 16Overmars 80 London Highbury 38,073 Paul Alcock W 31 3 April 1999 15:00 GMT Southampton 0–0 Report Arsenal Southampton The Dell 15,255 Peter Jones D 32 6 April 1999 19:45 BST Arsenal 1–0 Report Blackburn Rovers Bergkamp 42 London Highbury 37,762 Graham Poll W 33 19 April 1999 20:00 GMT Arsenal 5–1 Report Wimbledon Parlour 34Vieira 49Thatcher 56 o.g.Bergkamp 57Kanu 59 70 Cort London Highbury 37,992 Stephen Lodge W 34 24 April 1999 15:00 BST Middlesbrough 1–6 Report Arsenal Armstrong 87 4 pen. Overmars38 78 Anelka45 60 Kanu58 Vieira Middlesbrough Riverside Stadium 34,630 Stephen Lodge W 35 2 May 1999 16:00 BST Arsenal 1–0 Report Derby County Anelka 14 London Highbury 37,323 Neale Barry W 36 5 May 1999 20:00 BST Tottenham Hotspur 1–3 Report Arsenal Anderton 43 17 Petit33 Anelka85 Kanu London White Hart Lane 36,019 Steve Dunn W 37 11 May 1999 20:00 BST Leeds United 1–0 Report Arsenal Hasselbaink 86 Leeds Elland Road 40,124 Gary Willard L 38 16 May 1999 16:00 BST Arsenal 1–0 Report Aston Villa Kanu 66 London Highbury 38,308 Dermot Gallagher W Classification ARS 14 5 0 34 5 8 7 4 25 12 http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/1998-1999 Premier League – 1998–99 Statto Organisation 15 August 2012 live https://web.archive.org/web/20121018125733/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/1998-1999 18 October 2012 June 2012 table b Round Ground H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/A/A/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/A/H Result W/D/D/D/D/W/L/W/D/W/W/W/D/L/D/D/L/W/W/W/D/W/W/W/D/W/D/W/W/W/D/W/W/W/W/W/L/W Position 2/4/5/5/8/9/3/5/3/3/2/3/3/4/4/6/6/5/3/3/4/4/3/3/3/3/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/1/1/1/2/2 Home Away green2 Win yellow2 Draw red2 Loss 1st 2nd 3rd red1 http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/1998-1999 Arsenal – 1998–99 Statto Organisation 15 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120126043925/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/1998-1999 26 January 2012 live June 2012 FA Cup 1998–99 FA Cup 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.Petit ends Preston's Cup dream Oliver Holt 40 The Times London 5 January 1999 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.Petit provides latest blot on Arsenal character Kevin McCarra 42 The Times London 25 January 1999 A fifth round tie against Sheffield United was replayed on 23 February 1999 at the suggestion of Wenger.Arsenal cut prices for Cup rematch Tommy Staniforth https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-arsenal-cut-prices-for-cup-rematch-1071264.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-arsenal-cut-prices-for-cup-rematch-1071264.html 1 May 2022 subscription live The Independent London 16 February 1999 3 January 2011 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.The goal was an accident. I am sorry Russell Kempson 22 The Times London 15 February 1999 Arsenal went on to win the replay 2–1Overmars has gift of second sight Martin Thorpe https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/feb/24/match.sport The Guardian London 24 February 1999 3 January 2011 and a 1–0 victory against Derby County meant the team reached the semi-finals for the second consecutive season.Kanu's cup delight https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_cup/291593.stm BBC News BBC 6 March 1999 15 July 2012 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.Odds grow longer on treble chance Oliver Holt 45 The Times London 12 April 1999 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.Giggs magic sinks Gunners https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_cup/319696.stm BBC News BBC 14 April 1999 15 July 2012 United captain Roy Keane was red-carded for two bookable offences, with his team playing the last thirty minutes of normal time a man down. In injury time, Phil Neville fouled Parlour in the penalty area, conceding a penalty. Peter Schmeichel parried away Bergkamp's resultant spot kick and the game went into extra time. Giggs scored partway through the second half of extra time. Picking up possession on the halfway line after a loose pass from Patrick Vieira, he dribbled past the entire Arsenal back line before shooting just under Seaman's bar. Giggs ran celebrating towards the United fans, and the team held on win 2–1. The goal was the last ever scored in a FA Cup semi-final replay; it was to be abolished from the following season.No more second chances https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/319935.stm BBC News BBC 15 April 1999 15 August 2012 Third round 4 January 1999 19:45 GMT Preston North End 2–4 Arsenal Nogan 17 21 44 Boa Morte60 79 Petit81 Overmars Preston Deepdale 21,099 W Fourth round 24 January 1999 15:30 GMT Wolverhampton Wanderers 1–2 Arsenal Flo 37 10 Overmars69 Bergkamp Wolverhampton Molineux Stadium 27,511 Steve Dunn (Bristol) W Fifth round 13 February 1999 Arsenal 2–1 Sheffield United Vieira 28Overmars 76 48 Marcelo London Highbury 38,020 Peter Jones (Loughborough) The fifth round tie against Sheffield United was replayed on 23 February 1999 at the suggestion of Arsene Wenger. After Arsenal's winning goal, scored by Marc Overmars came from the failure to return the ball to the opposition, in order to get defender Lee Morris off the pitch.The replay was accepted by the FA and Sheffield United. W Fifth round replay 23 February 1999 19:45 Arsenal 2–1 Sheffield United Overmars 15Bergkamp 37 86 Morris London Highbury 37,161 Peter Jones (Loughborough) W The fifth round tie against Sheffield United was replayed on 23 February 1999 at the suggestion of Arsene Wenger. After Arsenal's winning goal, scored by Marc Overmars came from the failure to return the ball to the opposition, in order to get defender Lee Morris off the pitch. The replay was accepted by the FA and Sheffield United. Sixth round 6 March 1999 15:00 Arsenal 1–0 Details Derby County Kanu 89 London Highbury 38,046 Steve Dunn (Gloucestershire) W Semi-finals 11 April 1999 12:30 Arsenal 0–0 yes Manchester United Birmingham Villa Park 39,217 David Elleray (Kent) D Semi-finals replay 14 April 1999 19:45 Manchester United 1–2 yes Arsenal Beckham 17Giggs 109 Bergkamp 69 Birmingham Villa Park 30,223 David Elleray (Kent) L League Cup 1998–99 Football League Cup In the third round of the League Cup, Arsenal faced Derby County at Pride Park. Wenger made several first team changes to give his younger players playing time; Arsenal ran out 2–1 winners, a performance where "every touch by a Derby player was greeted with ironic cheers."Wenger's winners have a little in reserve Daniel Taylor 28 The Guardian London 29 October 1998 However, the team were beaten comprehensively in the next round to Chelsea at Highbury, losing 0–5. The result inflicted Arsenal's biggest defeat in over eight years and Wenger defended his team selection, virtually a 'second team': "I knew before the game that this kind of thing might happen. You only had to look at the team sheets. If we had won I would still have gone on playing the same side because the players need the experience."Vialli leads humiliation of Arsenal David Lacey 29 The Guardian London 12 November 1998 Bergkamp, who was rested for the match, echoed his manager's comments: "We had a lot of young players on the field against Chelsea and, although they were feeling very down after losing like that, they will learn from it. To be honest, the scoreline doesn't mean anything, whether it was 1–0 or 5–0. The supporters will feel bad but I hope they understand Saturday will be a different game [at home to Tottenham Hotspur]."https://web.archive.org/web/19990129020738/http://www.arsenal.co.uk/content/berg5nil.htm http://www.arsenal.co.uk/content/berg5nil.htm/ Dennis defends cup youngsters AFCi Arsenal Football Club 29 January 1999 15 June 2012 Third round 28 October 1998 19:45 GMT Derby County 1–2 Report Arsenal Sturridge 83 21 o.g. Carsley55 Vivas Derby Pride Park Stadium 25,621 Stephen Lodge W Fourth round 11 November 1998 20:00 GMT Arsenal 0–5 Report Chelsea 34 pen. Leboeuf49 73 Vialli65 80 Poyet London Highbury 37,562 David Elleray L UEFA Champions League 1998–99 UEFA Champions League Group stage 1998–99 UEFA Champions League group stage#Group E Winning the Premier League the previous season ensured Arsenal's qualification into the UEFA Champions League. They last participated in Europe's premier competition seven years ago, losing to Portuguese club Benfica, in the second round; the competition since was rebranded.Football: Focus on Europe: Wary Wenger's Euro vision is magnified by troublesome Lens Amy Lawrence 25 The Observer London 13 September 1998 In order to boost attendance figures, Arsenal was granted permission by UEFA and the Football Association to host their home Champions League matches at Wembley Stadium.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/138932.stm Arsenal get Wembley go-ahead BBC News BBC 24 July 1998 23 May 2012 A Wembley spokesman added "We would be delighted for Arsenal to use the stadium. It makes financial sense."Arsenal receive UEFA blessing to play at Wembley Mike Ticher 21 The Guardian London 21 July 1998 The club were drawn in Group E, along with French champions Lens, Ukraine's Dynamo Kyiv and Panathinaikos of Greece.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/159716.stm United drawn against Euro giants 29 August 1998 15 July 2012 BBC News BBC In the opening match against Lens, Arsenal conceded a late equaliser having dominated possession and chances.Arsenal toast their twin towers Martin Thorpe 28 The Guardian London 17 September 1998 A win against PanathinaikosLast-gasp Lens deny Gunners Martin Thorpe 31 The Guardian London 1 October 1998 was followed by a draw at home to Dynamo Kyiv; Serhii Rebrov scoring the equaliser in stoppage time.Justice just in time for Dynamo Martin Thorpe 31 The Guardian London 22 October 1998 In the reverse fixture, Arsenal – depleted due to injuries, lost 3–1Dynamo's surge blacks out Arsenal Martin Thorpe 28 The Guardian London 5 November 1998 and a further defeat, at home to Lens meant the team effectively were out of the competition.Lens see off Arsenal's Euro hopes Martin Thorpe https://www.theguardian.com/football/1998/nov/25/newsstory.sport6 The Guardian London 25 November 1998 24 May 2012 An understrength Arsenal team won their final group game away to Panathinaikos but finished third in Group B; Wenger asserted after the match that his main aim was to retain the Premier League, going further to describe the group as "very average".Wasteful Arsenal count the cost Matt Dickinson 45 The Times London 11 December 1998 Group E n ARS 1 16 September 1998 20:45 CEST Lens 1–1 Report Arsenal Vairelles 90 56 Overmars Lens, France Stade Félix Bollaert 33,371 Hellmut Krug (Germany) D 2 30 September 1998 19:45 BST Arsenal 2–1 Report Panathinaikos Adams 64Keown 72 88 Mauro London, England Wembley Stadium 73,454 Antonio López Nieto (Spain) W 3 21 October 1998 19:45 GMT Arsenal 1–1 Report Dynamo Kyiv Bergkamp 74 90 Rebrov London, England Wembley Stadium 73,256 Ryszard Wójcik (Poland) D 4 4 November 1998 21:45 EST Dynamo Kyiv 3–1 Report Arsenal Rebrov 27 pen.Holovko 62Shevchenko 72 83 Hughes Kyiv, Ukraine Olimpiysky National Sports Complex 53,000 Piero Ceccarini (Italy) L 5 25 November 1998 19:45 GMT Arsenal 0–1 Report Lens 72 Debève London, England Wembley Stadium 73,707 Markus Merk (Germany) L 6 9 December 1998 21:45 EST Panathinaikos 1–3 Arsenal Sypniewski 74 65 o.g. Asanović80 Anelka86 Boa Morte Athens, Greece Spiridon Louis 41,105 Stefano Braschi (Italy) W Player statistics Arsenal used a total of 30 players during the 1998–99 season and there were 14 different goalscorers. There were also three squad members who did not make a first-team appearance in the campaign. Overmars featured in 49 matches – the most of any Arsenal player in the campaign. Vivas made the most appearances as a substitute with 18. The team scored a total of 82 goals in all competitions. The highest scorer was Anelka, with 19 goals, followed by Bergkamp who scored 16 goals. Three Arsenal players were sent off during the season: Dixon, Keown and Petit (twice). Key No. = Squad number Pos = Playing position Nat. = Nationality Apps = Appearances GK = Goalkeeper DF = Defender MF = Midfielder FW = Forward 12px|alt=|Yellow cards = Yellow cards 12px|alt=|Red cards = Red cards Numbers in parentheses denote appearances as substitute. Players with number struck through and marked Left club during playing season left the club during the playing season. No.Pos.Nat.NameFA Premier LeagueFA CupLeague CupFA Charity ShieldUEFA Champions LeagueTotalDisciplineAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals13px|Booked|alt=A yellow rectangular card13px|Sent off|alt=A red rectangular card1GKENGDavid Seaman 32050001060440002DFENGLee Dixon 36050001050480713DFENGNigel Winterburn 30060501050420804MFFRAPatrick Vieira 3435 (1)1001030434705DFENGSteve Bould 14 (5)03 (1)000(1)02 (1)019 (8)0306DFENGTony Adams 26150001041362407DFARGNelson Vivas 10 (13)04 (2)021002 (3)018 (18)1508MFSWEFreddie Ljungberg 10 (6)12 (1)020000014 (7)1409FWFRANicolas Anelka 34 (1)175000115144 (1)190010FWNEDDennis Bergkamp 28 (1)126310103140 (1)165011MFNEDMarc Overmars 3766 (1)400114148 (1)122012FWLBRChristopher Wreh 3 (9)00020(1)1308 (10)10013GKAUTAlex Manninger 60202000001000014DFENGMartin Keown 341400010514427115MFENGRay Parlour 356700010404763016MFENGStephen Hughes 4 (10)12 (2)020(1)02 (2)110 (15)20017MFFRAEmmanuel Petit 26 (1)43200103033 (1)68218DFFRAGilles Grimandi 3 (5)01 (1)020(1)01 (1)07 (8)01019MFFRARémi Garde 6 (4)02 (2)020003 (2)013 (8)02020DFENGMatthew Upson (5)0102000004 (5)00021MFPORLuís Boa Morte 2 (6)01120(1)02 (1)15 (7)20022DFFRADavid Grondin 1000200010400023MFGERAlberto Méndez 00101 (1)000113 (1)10025FWNGRNwankwo Kanu 5 (7)6(5)10000005 (12)80026FWARGFabián Caballero (1)0(1)0(1)00000(3)00027FWFRAKaba Diawara 2 (10)01 (2)00000003 (12)00028MFENGMichael Black00000000(1)0(1)00029DFENGJason Crowe 0000(1)00000(1)00030MFENGPaolo Vernazza 0000000010100032FWENGOmer Riza0000(1)00000(1)000 Source:Arsenal disciplinary record, 1998/99 http://www.arseweb.com/history/stats/discip99.html Arseweb 12 May 1999 27 April 2014 27 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140427231600/http://www.arseweb.com/history/stats/discip99.html dead See also 1998–99 in English football List of Arsenal F.C. seasons References Arsenal Category:Arsenal F.C. seasons