1996–97 Arsenal F.C. season

English football club season September 2020 September 2013 Arsenal F.C. 1996–97 Stewart Houston (caretaker until 12 September) Pat Rice (caretaker until 30 September) Arsène Wenger Peter Hill-Wood Highbury FA Premier League 3rd FA Cup Fourth round Football League Cup Fourth round UEFA Cup First round Ian Wright (23) Ian Wright (30) 38,269 vs Newcastle United (3 May 1997) 33,461 vs Sheffield Wednesday (16 September 1996) 37,056Arsenal first team line up (1996–97) http://thearsenalhistory.com/stat/aftlu.htm The Arsenal History 19 March 2013 15 July 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160715102949/http://thearsenalhistory.com/stat/aftlu.htm dead Note: Information is in the section 1996–97. Attendances of friendlies not taken into account in average. _arsenal9697h _arsenal9697h _arsenal9697h _redhorizontal2 FFFFFF FF0000 FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF _arsenal9697A _arsenal9697A _arsenal9697A _yellowtop 101C35 F5D618 101C35 000040 000040 1995–96 1997–98 The 1996–97 season was Arsenal Football Club's fifth season in the FA Premier League and their 71st 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 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, narrowly 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. Arsenal sold several fringe players in the transfer window, notably David Hillier to Portsmouth and Paul Dickov to Manchester City. Midfielders Rémi Garde and Patrick Vieira were purchased from RC Strasbourg and Milan respectively. John Hartson moved to West Ham United in January 1997; he was replaced in the squad by teenager Nicolas Anelka, who joined Arsenal a month later from Paris Saint-Germain. A strong start to their league campaign, with one defeat in their first 12 matches saw Arsenal begin November in first spot. Although the club were winless during the Christmas period, their chances of winning the title remained intact. 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. 28 different players represented the club in four competitions and there were 12 different goalscorers. Ian Wright was Arsenal's top goalscorer of the season; he scored 30 goals in 41 appearances. 3 Background 1995–96 Arsenal F.C. season In June 1995, Arsenal appointed Bruce Rioch, who had just guided Bolton Wanderers to the League Cup final and promotion to the top flight, as manager.Rioch named Arsenal boss Michael Hart 72 Evening Standard London 8 June 1995 Under his stewardship, the club broke the English transfer record by paying Internazionale £7.5million for Dutch striker Dennis Bergkamp and the new signing formed an impressive partnership with Ian Wright.Soccer stars on the move Shiv Sharma 31 The Guardian Weekly London 2 July 1995I've got Wright on my side Richard Tanner 40 Daily Mirror London 26 October 1995 Arsenal reached the League Cup semi-finals and finished fifth in the FA Premier League at the end of 1995–96, securing a place in the following season's UEFA Cup.Arsenal fear the power of Fowler 27 The Independent London 1 May 1996Bergkamp sends Arsenal into Europe S6 Tom Chesshyre The Independent London 6 May 1996 Managerial changes A week before the start of the league season, Arsenal sacked manager Rioch and cited the decision was in the "best long-term interest of the club".Pass notes, no. 868: Bruce Rioch T3 The Guardian London 13 August 1996 It was alleged that a dispute over transfer funds with the board of directors prompted his departure; his relationship moreover with David Dein according to an insider was "no longer cordial".Rioch's reign brought to sudden end Russell Kempson 48 The Times London 13 August 1996 Stewart Houston was once again put in temporary charge, with Pat Rice serving as first team coach.Arsenal ditch Rioch and look abroad Martin Thorpe 22 The Guardian London 13 August 1996 Johan Cruyff was considered the favourite for the job;Terry Venables and David O'Leary were other names linked to the managerial position.Cruyff appears Arsenal's likely target Rob Hughes 48 The Times London 13 August 1996 Houston put his name forward for the job, but upon being told that he would not be considered, resigned to take over as manager of Division One side Queens Park Rangers, leaving Rice as the team's second caretaker manager of the season. Arsenal would eventually select Frenchman Arsène Wenger as their next manager, but did not officially announce his appointment until September 1996, once his contract with Japanese club Nagoya Grampus Eight was terminated by mutual consent.Wenger confirmed as Arsenal manager Glenn Moore 48 The Independent London 17 September 1996 He became Arsenal's 19th and highest-paid manager, on a three-year, £2 million contract. Transfers In No.PositionPlayerTransferred fromFeeDateRef DFValur GíslasonKR ReykjavíkUndisclosed16 July 1996http://www.soccerbase.com/players/home.sd?search=Valur+GIslason&type=playerAll Valur Gíslason Soccerbase 7 May 201324GKJohn LukicLeeds UnitedFree26 July 1996John Lukic rejoins Arsenal 31 Daily Mirror London 27 July 199619DFRémi GardeRC StrasbourgFree14 August 1996Arsenal sign two but wait for Wenger Rob Hughes 44 The Times London 15 August 19964MFPatrick VieiraAC Milan£3,500,00014 August 199611FWNicolas AnelkaParis Saint-GermainUndisclosed22 February 1997Nicky's nicked! Steve Bates 60 The People London 23 February 1997 Out No.PositionPlayerTransferred toFeeDateRef23FWPaul DickovManchester City£1,000,00023 August 1996Ball invests £1m in Dickov 20 The Guardian London 24 August 1996 21MFEddie McGoldrickManchester City£250,000 31 October 1996It's just Barmby money 13 Waikato Times Hamilton 1 November 199617DFDavid HillierPortsmouth£250,000 1 November 1996Dalglish joins Rangers 67 Evening Standard London 1 November 199616FWJohn HartsonWest Ham United£5,000,00014 February 1997West Ham capture Hartson for pounds 5m Nick Duxbury 32 The Independent London 15 February 199712DFAndy LinighanCrystal Palace£500,00021 January 1997Foreigners welcome says Perry 20 The Guardian London 22 January 199718MFSteve MorrowQueens Park Rangers£500,00027 March 1997Hammer Lomas 80 Evening Standard London 27 March 1997 Pre-season Friendly 19 July 1996 St Albans City 0–6 Arsenal Dixon ? ? Merson ? Hughes ? Paul Shaw ? ? St Albans Clarence Park W Friendly 27 July 1996 Birmingham City 1–0 Arsenal Birmingham St Andrew's L 11,101 Friendly 31 July 1996 Celtic 2–1 Arsenal Dixon ? Glasgow Celtic Park L 47,300 Richard Gough testimonial 3 August 1996 Rangers 3–0 Arsenal Glasgow Ibrox Stadium L 47,300 Friendly 7 August 1996 Fiorentina 2–0 Arsenal Florence Stadio Artemio Franchi L 18,000 Friendly 7 August 1996 Benfica 3–1 Arsenal Florence Stadio Artemio Franchi L 18,000 John Wark testimonial 10 August 1996 Ipswich Town 1–1 Arsenal Wright ? Ipswich Portman Road D 13,850 Friendly 13 August 1996 Northampton Town 3–1 Arsenal Hartson ? Northampton Sixfields Stadium L 7,478 Source: FA Premier League 1996–97 FA Premier League August–October 175px 0.21 0.05 350 Seaman 0.10 0.20 350 Keown 0.35 0.20 350 Bould 0.22 0.15 350 Adams 0.36 0.30 350 Winterburn 0.11 0.36 350 Merson 0.24 0.36 350 Vieira 0.35 0.36 350 Platt 0.05 0.30 350 Dixon 0.28 0.50 350 Hartson 0.15 0.50 350 WrightThe Arsenal team for Arsène Wenger's first match as manager, a 2–0 win against Blackburn Rovers.Wright tightens Blackburn noose Rob Hughes 27 The Times London 14 October 1996 Arsenal began their league campaign on 17 August 1996, at home to West Ham United. Three minutes before the half-hour, Hartson gave Arsenal the lead, after his initial shot came back off the post, for a tap-in.Hartson hits the hammers hard Amy Lawrence B3 The Observer London 18 August 1996 West Ham conceded a penalty in the second half when Marc Rieper handled Lee Dixon's cross; Bergkamp, in the absence of designated penalty taker Wright, struck the ball low to Luděk Mikloško's right to score the team's second goal. Arsenal suffered their first loss of the league season two days later away to Liverpool; Steve McManaman scored twice in six second half minutes.Mcmanaman makes merry Michael Walker 24 The Guardian London 20 August 1996 The team responded with a 2–0 win at Leicester City in a game where Wright started as a substitute but scored the decisive goal.Arsenal find there is still no substitute for Wright Philip Craigie 42 The Sunday Times London 25 August 1996 A 3–3 draw with Chelsea in the first week of September was described as "outstanding" by Houston after the team had recovered from a two-goal half-time deficit.Chelsea's imports fully taxed Rob Hughes 25 The Times London 5 September 1996 Although Linighan scored an injury time equaliser for Arsenal against Aston Villa, The Guardian match report suggested their most obvious problem in the match was "...despite Merson's valiant efforts, a lack of invention in midfield".Villa's time will come Martin Thorpe 23 The Guardian London 9 September 1996 Wright scored a hat-trick against Sheffield Wednesday on 16 September 1996, to record 100 league goals for Arsenal.Wright's hat-trick lifts the gloom Glenn Moore 23 The Independent London 17 September 1996 The game marked the debut of Patrick Vieira, who came on as a substitute for Ray Parlour. Goals by Hartson and Wright earned the team victory against Middlesbrough,Gunners are on the mark Michael Walker B3 The Observer London 22 September 1996 then the team won a third consecutive match – at home to Sunderland – to draw level on points with league leaders Liverpool.Arsenal cut through red sea Ian Ridley 32 The Independent on Sunday London 29 September 1996 Wenger's first match in charge of Arsenal was against winless Blackburn Rovers on 12 October 1996. Two goals, both scored by Wright, extended Arsenal's winning league run to four matches and helped consolidate their position.Shearer strikes for the summit Ivan Morrison 31 Scotland on Sunday Edinburgh 13 October 1996 A goalless draw at home to Coventry City was marred by an incident involving Wright and Coventry goalkeeper Steve Ogrizovic that resulted in the latter having a broken nose.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/wengers-rude-introduction-to-english-game-1359420.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/wengers-rude-introduction-to-english-game-1359420.html 1 May 2022 subscription live The Independent Ken Jones London 21 October 1996 23 April 2013 Wenger's rude introduction to English game October concluded with a home fixture against Leeds United; a 3–0 win for Arsenal marked defeat for former manager George Graham, who made his managerial return to Highbury.Graham makes unhappy return Rob Hughes 30 The Times London 28 October 1996 The team ended the month joint top of the table with Newcastle United, both on 24 points having played 11 games.http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/1996-1997/table/1996-10-28 English Premier League table, 28-10-1996 Statto Organisation 10 July 2013 23 October 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151023020128/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/1996-1997/table/1996-10-28 live November–February Arsenal's first fixture of November was against Wimbledon. Wright gave Arsenal the lead after six minutes, only for Vinnie Jones to head in the equaliser close to half-time.Fighting cocks of the South Amy Lawrence B3 The Observer London 3 November 1996 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.United find volumes of confidence David Lacey 24 The Guardian London 18 November 1996 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. Our organisation was excellent, we kept fighting and I am very optimistic for the future."Sea-sick Wenger Ken Lawrence 84 News of the World London 17 November 1996 Attention soon turned to the North London derby, where Arsenal faced Tottenham Hotspur on 24 November 1996. Arsenal had not beaten their neighbours in over three years and Tottenham were unbeaten at Highbury since September 1991. The match had ramifications in the league: a win potentially placed Arsenal in a position to move into first spot, if other results went in their favour.Beauty is any kind of goal against Spurs, says Wenger David Lacey 10 The Guardian London 23 November 1996 In the match, Wright put Arsenal into the lead through a penalty, but after 57 minutes, Sol Campbell headed on a long throw for Tottenham and the ball fell to Andy Sinton, whose shot "cannoned off the inside of the near post, then hit Lukic on the head and rebounded into the net".Gunners' late salvo destroys Spurs David Lacey 24 The Guardian London 25 November 1996 Two minutes before the 90-minute mark, Tony Adams scored the winner, and in injury time, Bergkamp added a third: he controlled a high ball with his left foot and evaded his marker Stephen Carr in a tight area to shoot. A 2–1 win against title challengers Newcastle United, having played three-quarters of the match with ten men, moved Arsenal back to the top of the table.Newcastle toppled by Arsenal united Simon Barnes 1 The Times London 2 December 1996 Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 3–1 win at home to Southampton in early December.Arsenal give themselves room at top Brian Glanville 44 The Times London 5 December 1996 Against Derby County, Vieira scored his first goal for the club to earn Arsenal a point.Adams acts part in roving role Russell Thomas 22 The Guardian London 9 November 1996 The team then faced Nottingham Forest, which marked Stuart Pearce's debut as caretaker manager. Arsenal, without Seaman, Adams, Dixon and Vieira, succumbed to a 2–1 defeat, following the dismissal of Wright.Pearce's punchline arrives by proxy Richard Williams 21 The Guardian London 23 December 1996 The poor form over Christmas continued: Arsenal were held to a goalless draw away to Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing DayArsenal draw small comfort as bad spirits visit the play George Caulkin B1 The Guardian London 27 December 1996 and twice let their lead against Aston Villa slip, in spite of playing "...the best 45 minutes of football the Premiership has seen this season."Gunners draw on invention Glenn Moore S7 The Independent London 30 December 1996 On New Year's Day, Wright scored his 200th English league goal in Arsenal's 2–0 win against Middlesbrough; he began a three-game suspension thereafter, because of his red card against Nottingham Forest.Wright reaches scoring milestone for Arsenal Christopher Davies 35 The Daily Telegraph London 2 January 1997 Disciplinary problems continued to beset the club: Bergkamp's dismissal in the team's defeat to Sunderland on 11 January 1997 was Arsenal's fifth in ten matches.Bergkamp red card catches the mood Michael Walker 25 The Guardian London 13 January 1997 Wenger admitted the disciplinary record was in danger of damaging their title challenge, adding, "The other strange fact is that three out of five dismissals have been strikers, when that sort of thing normally happens to defenders. To me, that shows our strikers must be taking their fair share of kicks. When teams play Arsenal, the games are physical and we have to defend ourselves."Wenger: Pack in the cards or else! Mike Walters 38–39 Daily Mirror London 18 January 1997 Arsenal kept up with Manchester United and Liverpool with a win over Everton on 19 January 1997; the result kept them three points behind top spot with a game in hand.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-arsenal-exploit-their-stroke-of-good-fortune-1284110.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-arsenal-exploit-their-stroke-of-good-fortune-1284110.html 1 May 2022 subscription The Independent Glenn Moore London 20 January 1997 24 April 2013 Arsenal exploit their stroke of good fortune At Upton Park, the team recorded their sixth victory in seven visits to West Ham and moved second, behind "the advancing Manchester United".Wright strikes Hammers' blow David Lacey 24 The Guardian London 30 January 1997 February saw Arsenal's title challenge take a turn for the worse, as the team went on a four-match winless run. Back-to-back draws against Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur was followed by defeat to Manchester United.Graham's fingerprints all over stalemate Michael Walker 24 The Guardian London 3 February 1997https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-lukic-to-rescue-1278985.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-lukic-to-rescue-1278985.html 1 May 2022 subscription The Independent Stan Hey London 16 February 1997 24 April 2013 Lukic to rescue In the latter match, television footage showed Wright aiming a two-footed challenge on opposition goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, who was advancing to gather the ball in his half.Wright in trouble as United pull away David Lacey 26 The Guardian London 20 February 1997 The police stepped in to keep the players apart after the final whistle and informed the referee of the incident, which was to be later included in his report. 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.Wright to end feud Harry Harris 44, 40 Daily Mirror London 27 February 1997Peace breaks out in Wright 'feud' 30 The Independent London 11 April 1997 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.'"Jones keeps Wimbledon on course; Highbury gloom as Wenger gives up on the title chase David Lacey 24 The Guardian London 24 February 1997 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.http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/1996-1997/table/1997-02-26 English Premier League table, 26-02-1997 Statto Organisation 12 July 2013 4 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040356/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/1996-1997/table/1997-02-26 live March–May 25em true #FFFFF0 left Fair play is an English word. It is not a French word, and it has been copied all over the world. Unfortunately, it does not function any more here. –Arsène Wenger, 19 April 1997https://books.google.com/books?id=AV8UkEEl4dYC&pg=PT11 Quotations from the Public Comments of Arsene Wenger: Manager, Arsenal David Manson Virgin Books 24 April 2013 978-0-7535-1056-8 Bergkamp and Wright scored a goal apiece in Arsenal's 2–0 win against Everton on the first day of March.Arsenal get it Wright at last Ian Chadband 40 The Sunday Times London 2 March 1997 The team won by an identical scoreline at home to Nottingham Forest a week laterBergkamp shows stomach for renewed fight Russell Thomas 24 The Guardian London 10 March 1997 and then kept a third consecutive clean sheet against Southampton; midfielders Stephen Hughes and Paul Shaw both got themselves on the scoresheet.Wenger's weakened team show strength and spirit Martin Thorpe 24 The Guardian London 17 March 1997 Defeat at home to Liverpool on 24 March 1997 was marred by a dubious penalty awarded to striker Robbie Fowler. The player himself "stood and mouthed: 'No penalty!'" given Seaman made no contact in the penalty box, but the referee unaltered his decision. Although Fowler's spotkick was later saved, the ball rebounded to Jason McAteer, who scored.Liverpool finish off Arsenal Rob Hughes 52 The Times London 25 March 1997 Wenger ruled the team out of the title race again by saying after the match, "Everybody knows now that it was not a penalty, but I can understand that a referee took a wrong decision. That's football and it eliminates our chance of the championship." Wright scored his 27th goal of the season away at Chelsea in the first week of April; it took him seven goals short of breaking Cliff Bastin's career record at Arsenal.Wright dismisses Chelsea on the nod Oliver Holt 28 The Times London 7 April 1997 A win against Leicester City was Arsenal's fifth league win in six matches and boosted the club's chances of finishing second, which came with a spot in the Champions League.Secondary qualities fit in with thinking of Wenger Brian Glanville 31 The Times London 14 April 1997 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."Adams keeps Arsenal's title dream alive Ian Ridley 26 The Independent on Sunday London 14 April 1997 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.Gunners hit by Sutton's loss of spirit Kevin Connolly 68 The Sunday Times London 20 April 1997 It was anticipated that, "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. But the race for second place is still open and for many weeks I have thought that was the best we could achieve." A further draw against Coventry City, who were fighting to stay another season in the top-flight, moved Arsenal to within four points of Manchester United.Arsenal's guns spiked by Coventry Oliver Holt 56 The Times London 22 April 1997 They had, however, played two games more than the incumbent champions and one more than Liverpool, sitting in third. Robbie Elliott scored the winner for Newcastle United against Arsenal on 3 May 1997, which reignited their chances of finishing second.Dalglish cuts dash and turns on the dour power David Lacey A2 The Guardian London 5 May 1997 Arsenal ended their league campaign against Derby County, who staged their final match at the Baseball Ground. 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.Adams off but Baseball party goals on Ed Jones A2 The Guardian London 12 May 1997 Match results 1 17 August 1996 15:00 BST Arsenal 2–0 West Ham United Hartson 27Bergkamp 40 pen. London Highbury W 38,056 Paul Durkin 2 19 August 1996 20:00 BST Liverpool 2–0 Arsenal McManaman 68 74 Liverpool Anfield L 38,103 Gary Willard 3 24 August 1996 15:00 BST Leicester City 0–2 Arsenal 27 pen. Bergkamp90 Wright Leicester Filbert Street W 20,429 Graham Barber 4 4 September 1996 19:45 BST Arsenal 3–3 Chelsea Merson 44Keown 64Wright 77 6 pen. Leboeuf30 Vialli90 Wise London Highbury D 38,132 Keith Burge 5 7 September 1996 15:00 BST Aston Villa 2–2 Arsenal Milošević 39 63 70 Merson90 Linighan Birmingham Villa Park D 37,944 Mike Riley 6 16 September 1996 20:00 BST Arsenal 4–1 Sheffield Wednesday Platt 57Wright 61 pen. 78 89 25 Booth London Highbury W 33,461 Mike Reed 7 21 September 1996 15:00 BST Middlesbrough 0–2 Arsenal 3 Hartson27 Wright Middlesbrough Riverside Stadium W 29,629 Martin Bodenham 8 28 September 1996 15:00 BST Arsenal 2–0 Sunderland Hartson 73Parlour 88 London Highbury W 38,016 Paul Danson 9 12 October 1996 15:00 BST Blackburn Rovers 0–2 Arsenal 3 51 Wright Blackburn Ewood Park W 24,303 Steve Dunn 10 19 October 1996 15:00 BST Arsenal 0–0 Coventry City London Highbury D 38,140 Peter Jones 11 26 October 1996 15:00 BST Arsenal 3–0 Leeds United Dixon 1Bergkamp 5Wright 56 London Highbury W 38,076 Alan Wilkie 12 2 November 1996 15:00 GMT Wimbledon 2–2 Arsenal Jones 44Gayle 67 6 Wright64 Merson London Selhurst Park D 25,521 Paul Alcock 13 16 November 1996 15:00 GMT Manchester United 1–0 Arsenal Winterburn 63 o.g. Manchester Old Trafford L 55,210 Graham Poll 14 24 November 1996 16:00 GMT Arsenal 3–1 Tottenham Hotspur Wright 28 pen.Adams 88Bergkamp 90 57 Sinton London Highbury W 38,264 David Elleray 15 30 November 1996 15:00 GMT Newcastle United 1–2 Arsenal Shearer 21 11 Dixon60 Wright Newcastle upon Tyne St James' Park W 36,565 Graham Barber 16 4 December 1996 19:45 GMT Arsenal 3–1 Southampton Merson 43Wright 57 pen.Shaw 89 81 Berkovic London Highbury W 38,033 Peter Jones 17 7 December 1996 15:00 GMT Arsenal 2–2 Derby County Adams 45Vieira 90 62 Sturridge71 Powell London Highbury D 38,018 Martin Bodenham 18 21 December 1996 15:00 GMT Nottingham Forest 2–1 Arsenal Haaland 67 89 63 Wright Nottingham City Ground L 27,384 Stephen Lodge 19 26 December 1996 17:45 GMT Sheffield Wednesday 0–0 Arsenal Sheffield Hillsborough D 23,245 Roger Dilkes 20 28 December 1996 15:00 GMT Arsenal 2–2 Aston Villa Wright 13Merson 73 68 Milošević74 Yorke London Highbury D 38,130 Jeff Winter 21 1 January 1997 15:00 GMT Arsenal 2–0 Middlesbrough Bergkamp 15Wright 44 London Highbury W 37,573 Mike Reed 22 11 January 1997 15:00 GMT Sunderland 1–0 Arsenal Adams 66 o.g. Sunderland Roker Park L 21,154 Mike Riley 23 19 January 1997 16:00 GMT Arsenal 3–1 Everton Bergkamp 55Vieira 57Merson 69 90 Ferguson London Highbury W 38,095 Keith Burge 24 29 January 1997 19:45 GMT West Ham United 1–2 Arsenal Rose 63 o.g. 8 Parlour67 Wright London Boleyn Ground W 24,382 Martin Bodenham 25 1 February 1997 15:00 GMT Leeds United 0–0 Arsenal Leeds Elland Road D 35,502 David Elleray 26 15 February 1997 15:00 GMT Tottenham Hotspur 0–0 Arsenal London White Hart Lane D 33,039 Graham Poll 27 19 February 1997 20:00 GMT Arsenal 1–2 Manchester United Bergkamp 69 18 A. Cole32 Solskjær London Highbury L 38,172 Martin Bodenham 28 23 February 1997 16:00 GMT Arsenal 0–1 Wimbledon 21 Jones London Highbury L 37,854 Peter Jones 29 1 March 1997 15:00 GMT Everton 0–2 Arsenal 21 Bergkamp27 Wright Liverpool Goodison Park W 36,980 Paul Danson 30 8 March 1997 15:00 GMT Arsenal 2–0 Nottingham Forest Bergkamp 50 79 pen. London Highbury W 38,206 Mike Reed 31 15 March 1997 15:00 GMT Southampton 0–2 Arsenal 41 Hughes72 Shaw Southampton The Dell W 15,144 Jeff Winter 32 24 March 1997 20:00 GMT Arsenal 1–2 Liverpool Wright 78 50 Collymore65 McAteer London Highbury L 38,068 Gerald Ashby 33 5 April 1997 11:15 BST Chelsea 0–3 Arsenal 22 Wright53 Platt80 Bergkamp London Stamford Bridge W 28,182 Roger Dilkes 34 12 April 1997 15:00 BST Arsenal 2–0 Leicester City Adams 35Platt 66 London Highbury W 38,044 Stephen Lodge 35 19 April 1997 15:00 BST Arsenal 1–1 Blackburn Rovers Platt 18 89 Flitcroft London Highbury D 38,086 Mike Riley 36 21 April 1997 20:00 BST Coventry City 1–1 Arsenal Dublin 2 19 pen. Wright Coventry Highfield Road D 19,998 Keith Burge 37 3 May 1997 15:00 BST Arsenal 0–1 Newcastle United 44 Elliott London Highbury L 38,179 Martin Bodenham 38 11 May 1997 16:00 BST Derby County 1–3 Arsenal Ward 9 55 90 Wright82 Bergkamp Derby Baseball Ground W 18,287 Paul Durkin Classification ARS Results summary 10 5 4 36 18 9 6 4 26 14 http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/1996-1997 Premier League – 1996–97 Statto Organisation 21 June 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130706113525/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/1996-1997 6 July 2013 live May 1997 Results by round table b Round Ground H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/A/H/A/H/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A Result W/L/W/D/D/W/W/W/W/D/W/D/L/W/W/W/D/L/D/D/W/L/W/W/D/D/L/L/W/W/W/L/W/W/D/D/L/W Position 3/7/3/5/8/7/3/2/2/1/1/1/3/2/1/1/1/2/2/3/2/2/3/2/3/3/3/4/3/2/3/3/2/2/2/2/3/3 Home Away green2 Win yellow2 Draw red2 Loss 1st 2nd 3rd red1 http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/1996-1997 Arsenal – 1996–97 Statto Organisation 21 June 2013 2 July 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130702083413/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/1996-1997 live May 1997 FA Cup 1996–97 FA Cup Arsenal entered the competition in the third round, by virtue of their Premier League status. Their opening match was a score draw against Sunderland, which highlighted the team's shortcomings in attack, as Wright was out of the side.Arsenal miss Wright balance Ian Ridley 30 The Independent London 5 January 1997 In the replay staged at Roker Park, Bergkamp scored the opener early in the second half, in what he described as "...not only a beautiful goal, it was an important goal".Bergkamp gem silences Roker David Lacey 22 The Guardian London 16 January 1997 The player received the ball from Merson and with the Sunderland defence closing in, twice dragged the ball with his studs, before curling it beyond goalkeeper Lionel Pérez' reach. Hughes increased the team's lead on the hour mark, by heading the ball in at the far post; it was his first goal at senior level. 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.Graham still master of Highbury David Lacey 22 The Guardian London 5 February 1997 Third round 4 January 1997 15:00 GMT Arsenal 1–1 Sunderland Hartson 10 20 Gray Williams Melville London Highbury Steve Dunn D 37,793 Third round replay 15 January 1997 19:45 GMT Sunderland 0–2 Arsenal 46 Bergkamp65 Hughes Sunderland Roker Park Steve Dunn W 15,277 Fourth round 4 February 1997 19:45 GMT Arsenal 0–1 Leeds United Hughes Merson Hartson 12 Wallace Halle London Highbury Paul Durkin L 38,115 Football League Cup 1996–97 Football League Cup 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.Draw leads Villa to Elland Road 30 The Times London 26 September 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.Wright delivers rough justice 33 The Times London Rob Hughes 24 October 1996 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.Wright opens floodgates for Arsenal 33 The Times London Brian Glanville 14 November 1996Wenger's men have mountain to climb Michael Hart 28 Evening Standard London 28 November 1996 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. We didn't deserve to lose to Manchester United but we did deserve to lose to Liverpool." Third round 23 October 1996 19:45 BST Stoke City 1–1 Arsenal Sheron 26 78 Wright Hartson Vieira Winterburn Stoke-on-Trent Victoria Ground Keith Burge D 20,804 Third round replay 13 November 1996 19:45 GMT Arsenal 5–2 Stoke City Wright 41 pen. 63Platt 46Bergkamp 68Merson 73 35 88 Sheron London Highbury Gary Willard W 33,961 Fourth round 27 November 1996 19:45 GMT Liverpool 4–2 Arsenal McManaman 26Fowler 39 pen. 52Berger 72James 13 pen. 68 pen. Wright2 52 Bould Liverpool Anfield Alan Wilkie L 32,814 UEFA Cup 1996–97 UEFA Cup Arsenal entered the UEFA Cup in the first round, a competition which they qualified for by virtue of finishing fifth the previous league season. They were drawn to play German team Borussia Mönchengladbach, twice winners of the cup in the 1970s.Arsenal wait for news of German destination Russell Kempson 29 The Times London 30 August 1996 In the first leg, staged at Highbury, Arsenal lost Bergkamp through injury before the half-hour; the player was replaced by fellow Dutchman Glenn Helder.Arsenal fall short of normal virtues Martin Thorpe 20 The Guardian London 11 September 1996 Monchengladbach took the lead in the 37th minute, after Peter Nielsen's forward pass met Andrzej Juskowiak, who slipped the ball past an advancing Seaman. Moments after the second half commenced, the away team doubled their lead: captain Stefan Effenberg had taken advantage of Linighan's defensive mistake, which allowed him to shoot. Although Seaman saved the first shot, Effenberg followed up and placed the ball into the top corner of the net. Merson half the deficit in the 54th minute, but Stephan Paßlack increased Monchengladbach's advantage with ten minutes to go; he headed the ball unchallenged past Seaman. Wright scored Arsenal's second goal of the match in stoppage time, on a night where Houston admitted it was "my worst night in Europe". A fortnight later, Arsenal played the second leg, with Adams returning to the side, deployed in a five-man defence.Arsenal's dreams are ended by Juskowiak Derrick Whyte 28 The Independent London 26 September 1996 This did not keep Monchengladbach quiet, for it was they who scored the opening goal, through Juskowiak. Wright replied for Arsenal two minutes before the break and the team brought the aggregate scoreline level, when Merson "pump[ed] home a cracking 25-yard drive into the top right-hand corner." Effenberg equalised, by which point Arsenal had made attacking substitutions to score a third goal. Late in the match, Juskowiak scored his second on the counter, to help Monchengladbach win 6–4 on aggregate score. Wenger, who was in attendance, did not precede over the match officially, but suggested "one or two changes" to caretaker manager and later assistant Pat Rice during the interval. First leg 10 September 1996 19:45 BST Arsenal 2–3 Borussia Mönchengladbach Merson 54Wright 90 37 Juskowiak47 Effenberg81 Paßlack London Highbury Urs Meier L 36,900 Second leg 25 September 1996 19:45 BST Borussia Mönchengladbach 3–2 6–4 Arsenal Juskowiak 23 89Effenberg 75 43 Wright51 Merson Cologne Müngersdorfer Stadion Antonio Jesús López Nieto L 30,000 Squad statistics Arsenal used a total of 28 players during the 1996–97 season and there were 12 different goalscorers. There were also five squad members who did not make a first-team appearance in the campaign. Bould and Wright featured in 40 matches – the most of any Arsenal player in the campaign; Winterburn started in all 38 league matches. Parlour made the most appearances as a substitute with 15. The team scored a total of 76 goals in all competitions. The highest scorer was Wright, with 30 goals, followed by Bergkamp who scored 14 goals. Four Arsenal players were sent off during the season: Wright, Bergkamp, Bould and Adams. 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 CupUEFA CupTotalDisciplineAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals13px|Booked|alt=A yellow rectangular card13px|Sent off|alt=A red rectangular card1GKENGDavid Seaman 220202020280002DFENGLee Dixon 31 (1)210301036 (1)2803DFENGNigel Winterburn 380203020450604MFFRAPatrick Vieira 30 (1)230301037 (1)21205DFENGSteve Bould 33030301 (1)040 (1)0616DFENGTony Adams 27 (1)330301034 (1)3627MFENGDavid Platt 27 (1)410312033 (1)5408FWENGIan Wright 30 (5)2310352236 (5)301119FWENGPaul Merson 3363031224092010FWNEDDennis Bergkamp 28 (1)1221211133 (1)145111MFNEDGlenn Helder(2)00000(2)0(4)00011FWFRANicolas Anelka (4)0000000(4)00012DFENGAndy Linighan10 (1)100002012 (1)10014DFENGMartin Keown 3313030204118015MFENGRay Parlour 17 (13)200(1)01 (1)021 (15)28016FWWALJohn Hartson 14 (5)3211 (2)02018 (8)40017DFENGDavid Hillier(2)0000000(2)00018DFNIRSteve Morrow5 (9)020(2)0007 (11)00019DFFRARémi Garde 7 (4)00000007 (4)02022MFENGIan Selley (1)0000000(1)00023FWSCOPaul Dickov(1)0000000(1)00024GKENGJohn Lukic 1501010001700025DFSCOScott Marshall 6 (1)00000006 (1)01026GKENGLee Harper 10000000100027FWENGPaul Shaw 1 (7)2(1)000001 (8)20028MFENGStephen Hughes 9 (5)121000011 (5)22030DFENGGavin McGowan 10000000100031DFENGMatthew Rose 100000001000 Source: See also English football 1996–97 in English football List of Arsenal F.C. seasons References General 1996–97 calendar http://www.arseweb.com/cgi-bin/p?96-97/calendar.awf Arseweb.com 26 September 2013 28 September 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130928081335/http://www.arseweb.com/cgi-bin/p?96-97/calendar.awf dead Specific Category:Arsenal F.C. seasons Arsenal