2003–04 Arsenal F.C. season

English football club season the overall season more information about the Arsenal team that went unbeaten in the league from May 2003 to October 2004 The Invincibles (English football)#Arsenal May 2013 October 2017 Arsenal F.C. 2003–04 Arsène Wenger Peter Hill-Wood Highbury Premier League Winners FA Cup Semi-finals League Cup Semi-finals Community Shield Runner-up UEFA Champions League Quarter-finals Thierry Henry (30 goals) Thierry Henry (39 goals) 38,184 vs Manchester United(28 March 2004)Arsenal first team line up (2003–04) http://thearsenalhistory.com/stat/aftlu_files/sheet119.htm The Arsenal History 19 March 2013 5 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131105214031/http://www.thearsenalhistory.com/stat/aftlu_files/sheet119.htm dead Note: Information is in the section 2003–04. Attendances of friendlies not taken into account in average. 27,451 vs Rotherham United(28 October 2003) 38,078 _arsenal0204h _arsenal0204h _arsenal0204h _arsenal0204h _arsenal0204h FFFFFF DD0000 FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF _arsenal0304a _arsenal0304a _arsenal0304a _arsenal0304al FFFF00 FFFF00 FFFF00 0000FF FFFF00 2002–03 2004–05 The 2003–04 season was Arsenal Football Club's 12th season in the Premier League and their 78th 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 It began on 1 July 2003 and concluded on 30 June 2004, with competitive matches played between August and May. The club ended the Premier League campaign as champions without a single defeat – a record of 26 wins and 12 draws. Arsenal fared less well in the cups, eliminated in the FA Cup and League Cup semi-finals to Manchester United and Middlesbrough respectively, and at the quarter-final stage of the UEFA Champions League to Chelsea. The main addition to the first team was goalkeeper Jens Lehmann for £ 1.5 million; striker José Antonio Reyes was later purchased in the winter transfer window. Arsenal retained their best players and successfully negotiated new contracts for captain Patrick Vieira and midfielder Robert Pires. The stability of the squad meant Arsenal were considered front-runners for the Premier League title, along with Manchester United, and Chelsea who were taken over by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. A strong start to the season saw Arsenal top the league table after four matches. The team's draw at Manchester United in September marked an unsavoury episode between both clubs: several Arsenal players were charged and fined accordingly by The Football Association for their part in a mass brawl that occurred after the match. In November, Arsenal beat Dynamo Kyiv by a single goal and more impressively scored five against Inter Milan at the San Siro – two results which kick-started their Champions League campaign. At the turn of the year, the team won nine league matches in a row to consolidate first position. In the first week of April, they were eliminated from the FA Cup and Champions League, but by the end of the month had secured their status as league champions, with a 2–2 draw against local rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Thirty-four different players represented the club in five competitions and there were 15 different goalscorers. Arsenal's top goalscorer for the third year running was Thierry Henry, who scored 39 goals in 51 games. The Frenchman was given the accolade of PFA Players' Player of the Year by his fellow peers and the FWA Footballer of the Year by football writers. Although the Arsenal team were unsuccessful in cup competitions, their dominance in the league was regarded by many commentators as a standalone achievement. They acquired the nickname "The Invincibles", much like the Preston North End team that went unbeaten in the inaugural Football League season (1888-89). The club was awarded a golden replica trophy by the Premier League once the season concluded and they remained unbeaten for 49 games, setting a new record. In 2012, the Arsenal team of 2003–04 won the "Best Team" category in the Premier League 20 Seasons Awards. This would be last time they won the title until 22 years later. 3 Background 2002–03 Arsenal F.C. season 160px|thumb|Arsène Wenger, manager of Arsenal|alt=A coloured photograph of Arsène Wenger, who managed Arsenal for his eighth season Arsenal had finished the previous season as runners-up in the Premier League, overhauled by Manchester United in the final ten weeks of the season.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2992107.stm BBC Sport 4 May 2003 11 February 2012 Fletcher Paul Ten weeks that turned the title The club did, however, retain the FA Cup, with a 1–0 win against Southampton.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/18/match.facup Pires aim is true for muted Gunners The Observer London 18 May 2003 23 June 2012 Paul Wilson Such was Arsenal's effective start to the 2002–03 campaign, manager Arsène Wenger suggested his team could remain the whole season undefeated in all competitions:It's not impossible as A.C. Milan once did it but I can't see why it's so shocking to say it. Do you think Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea don't dream that as well? They're exactly the same. They just don't say it because they're scared to look ridiculous, but nobody is ridiculous in this job as we know anything can happen.Before the start of the league season, Wenger told reporters: "Nobody will finish above us in the league. It wouldn't surprise me if we were to go unbeaten for the whole of the season."We won't lose a game Anthony Clavan 80 Sunday Mirror London 18 August 2002 nbhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/2002/09/20/uk_rdp_ap/ Arsenal can go unbeaten all season, says Wenger Associated Press CNNSI.com 20 September 2002 18 July 2010 4 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131004230719/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/2002/09/20/uk_rdp_ap/ dead The team lost to Everton a month after Wenger's proclamation; teenager Wayne Rooney scored the match winner, which ended a run of 30 league games without defeat.Youngest goalscorer gets into the habit of wrecking records https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/21/match.sport The Guardian London Dominic Fifield 21 October 2002 16 June 2012 By February 2003, Arsenal moved five points clear of Manchester United at the top of the league table, but injuries to key players, not least captain Patrick Vieira, had destabilised the team.United the champions as Arsenal collapse https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/united-the-champions-as-arsenal-collapse-103339.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/united-the-champions-as-arsenal-collapse-103339.html 1 May 2022 subscription The Independent London Jason Burt 4 May 2003 8 July 2016 Draws in April, coupled with a defeat to Leeds United at home, ended Arsenal's chances of retaining the title. Wenger refuted opinions from the media that their season was a failure and said: Of course we want to win the league, but I think the most difficult thing for the club is to be consistent and we have been remarkably consistent. We lose the league to a team [Manchester United] who spends 50% more money every year – last year they bought a player for £30 million when they lost the championship. They will do the same next year and we [have] done miracles just to fight with them.4 May 2003 BBC Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger Radio London http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/audio/39177000/rm/_39177067_sport_wenger.ram In the close season, Chelsea was sold to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich for £140 million, the biggest takeover in British football history at the time.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/3036838.stm Russian businessman buys Chelsea BBC News 2 July 2003 18 July 2010In 2005, the Glazer family took ownership of Manchester United, which was valued at £800 million.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9904640/Arsenal-poised-to-be-subjected-to-1.5bn-takeover-bid-from-Middle-East-consortium-within-the-next-few-weeks.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9904640/Arsenal-poised-to-be-subjected-to-1.5bn-takeover-bid-from-Middle-East-consortium-within-the-next-few-weeks.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Arsenal poised to be subjected to £1.5bn takeover bid from Middle East consortium within the next few weeks Jason Burt The Sunday Telegraph London 2 March 2013 30 June 2013 See Glazer ownership of Manchester United for a fuller account. nb Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein however was displeased, and quipped that Abramovich had "parked his Russian tanks on our lawn and is firing £50 notes at us",https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/feb/02/arsene-wenger-chelsea-transfer Arsène Wenger blasts Chelsea for hypocrisy over £75m transfer spree Dominic Fifield The Guardian London 2 February 2011 30 June 2013 Abramovich was said to have placed a bid for Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, which was turned down at once.Hands off Henry Michael Hart Ken Dyer 63–64 Evening Standard London 19 July 2003 + League finish predictionsSourceNo.The GuardianThe average prediction of writers Richard Williams, Kevin McCarra, Michael Walker, Daniel Taylor, Dominic Fifield, Jon Brodkin and Ron Atkinson. nb 3rdhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/aug/16/newsstory.sport4 Guardian writers predict the season's winners and losers The Guardian London 16 August 2003 14 August 2013Guardian Unlimited 1sthttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/aug/15/sport.comment The amazing (and probably inaccurate) Guardian Unlimited Premiership predictor theguardian.com Sean Ingle Scott Murray Nick Harper Dan Rookwood 15 August 2003 30 June 2013The Independent 3rdLiverpool have the team to lift the crown Glenn Moore S1 The Independent London 16 August 2003The Independent on Sunday 5thBolt from the Blues: Chelsea enrich the Premiership picture Alex Hayes S7 The Independent on Sunday London 10 August 2003The Observer 1stSpecial review: Predictions S7 The Observer London 10 August 2003The Sunday Times 3rdArsenal S12 The Sunday Times 10 August 2003Sunday Tribune 2ndPreview S6–7 Sunday Tribune Dublin 10 August 2003 Arsenal's transfer activity in the summer was relatively quiet, given the financial constraints that came with the club's new stadium project.Such was the difficulty of raising cash, Arsenal introduced a bond scheme in the summer of 2003. This gave supporters a right to buy a season ticket at Highbury and at the new stadium, as well as entitlement to dividends of up to £100 per season depending on Arsenal's successes in the coming five years. For a price of between £3,500 and £5,000, 3,000 bonds were issued. Arsenal launched a similar scheme in the early 1990s to raise income for the redeveloped North Bank terrace at Highbury, which was criticised for pricing the less well-off from watching the game; the first scheme was reasonably successful as a third of all bonds were sold. Arsenal raised several million pounds through the second scheme, though did not reveal the number of buyers.Conn 2005 69 They also never specified whether this was spent on the team, or the financing of the stadium.Arsenal fans give bond plan cold reception Raoul Simons 70 Evening Standard London 7 May 2003 nb The club were able to keep the core of its team, successfully negotiating new contracts for Vieira and winger Robert Pires.https://www.thetimes.com/article/vieira-and-pires-put-end-to-speculation-j2khzrv233k Vieira and Pires put end to speculation Russell Kempson The Times 13 August 2003 20 August 2009 German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was the only major addition to the first team;https://www.arsenal.com/historic/players/jens-lehmann Jens Lehmann 9 December 2023 he replaced David Seaman who joined Manchester City. Ukrainian defender Oleh Luzhnyi ended his four-year association with the club by joining Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer, while striker Graham Barrett moved to Coventry City.Team-by-team guide to the Premiership 13–15 The Independent London 16 August 2003 Striker Francis Jeffers, who found opportunities limited in the first team, joined his former club Everton on a season-long loan.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3197723.stm Jeffers joins Everton 1 September 2003 4 August 2010 BBC Sport Giovanni van Bronckhorst moved to Barcelona on a similar deal, with a view to a permanent transfer at the end of the season.Wenger goes Dutch in forward planning Andy Hodges 26 The Independent London 27 August 2003 Several young players were acquired from academies abroad, namely Gaël Clichy from Cannes and Johan Djourou, formerly of Étoile Carouge.Fussball 37 Tages-Anzeiger Zurich 19 July 2003 In January 2004, Arsenal signed Spanish striker José Antonio Reyes from Sevilla and in April agreed a deal with Feyenoord for winger Robin van Persie.Wenger goes Dutch in forward planning Bill Edgar 51 The Times 29 April 2004 Wenger at the start of the season prioritised regaining the league title: "I feel it is very important in our minds to do this and I know the hunger is strong to do it," and named Newcastle United and Liverpool, along with Manchester United and Chelsea, as Arsenal's main rivals for the Premier League.Wenger: Title is top priority Martin Booth 93 Sunday Mirror London 24 August 2003I've no reason to be pessimistic Michael Hart 74–75 Evening Standard London 8 August 2003 Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson asserted that his old club were favourites because they had the "best players ... If they all remain fit week-in week-out then they will not be beaten."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3140159.stm Title rivals have their say BBC Sport 11 August 2003 18 July 2010 Glenn Moore of The Independent wrote of Arsenal's chances: "They will be thereabouts, but unless Wenger finally puts his faith in youth, and the likes of Jérémie Aliadière, Jermaine Pennant and Phillipe Senderos repay him, they may lack the depth to sustain a title campaign." Defender Sol Campbell however believed the squad was "strong enough for the league and FA Cup", but doubted their chances of winning the UEFA Champions League.Europe is out of our league says Campbell Tony Paskin 61 Daily Express London 28 July 2003 The club's home strip remained unchanged from the previous season; a red jersey with white sleeves, shorts and socks.http://www.arsenal.com/arsenal-history/arsenal-s-heritage/arsenal-home-kits-a-pictorial-history Arsenal home kits Arsenal F.C 22 February 2013 21 August 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160730091811/http://www.arsenal.com/arsenal-history/arsenal-s-heritage/arsenal-home-kits-a-pictorial-history 30 July 2016 dmy-all The new away kit, a retro yellow jersey with a blue collar trim and shorts, was based on the Arsenal strip worn in the 1979 FA Cup Final.Shades of 1971 for Arsenal 68 Evening Standard London 14 July 2003http://www.arsenal.com/arsenal-history/arsenal-s-heritage/arsenal-away-kits-in-pictures Arsenal away kits Arsenal F.C 10 July 2013 21 August 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160730091807/http://www.arsenal.com/arsenal-history/arsenal-s-heritage/arsenal-away-kits-in-pictures 30 July 2016 dmy-all Transfers In No.PositionPlayerTransferred fromFeeDateRefDFPhilippe SenderosServetteUndisclosed1 June 2003https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2595961.stm Arsenal sign Swiss defender 20 December 2002 4 August 2010 BBC Sport 1GKJens LehmannBorussia Dortmund£1,500,00025 July 2003Lehmann ends Arsenal's goalkeeper search Neil Martin S6 The Guardian London 26 July 2003DFJohan DjourouÉtoile CarougeFree transfer1 August 2003https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/dec/31/arsenal-johan-djourou-premier-league Djourou reveals his desire to get nasty and cement a first-team place 31 December 2008 13 August 2010 The Guardian London22DFGaël ClichyCannes£250,0004 August 2003https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3123225.stm Arsenal sign Clichy 4 August 2003 3 August 2010 BBC Sport 57MFCesc FàbregasBarcelonaFree transfer19 August 2003Football: Young Gunner 51 Daily Mirror London 20 August 20039FWJosé Antonio ReyesSevilla£10,500,00028 January 2004https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3434355.stm Reyes passes Arsenal medical 28 January 2004 13 August 2010 BBC Sport FWRobin van PersieFeyenoord£3,000,00028 April 2004https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3659835.stm Arsenal sign Van Persie 28 April 2004 13 August 2010 BBC Sport Out No.PositionPlayerTransferred toFeeDateRefFWGraham BarrettCoventry CityFree transfer30 May 2003Football: Bright move Graham Rob Madill 80 Coventry Evening Telegraph 30 May 20031GKDavid SeamanManchester CityFree transfer4 June 2003https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/2961636.stm Seaman to join Man City 4 June 2003 4 August 2010 BBC Sport 22DFOleh LuzhnyiWolverhampton WanderersFree transfer22 July 2003Luzhny can't wait to start Brian Halford 45 Birmingham Evening Mail 22 July 200320GKGuillaume WarmuzBorussia DortmundUndisclosed27 July 2003In brief: Warmuz leaves Arsenal for Dortmund 24 The Independent London 28 July 200336DFJohn HallsStoke CityUndisclosed6 December 2003https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3258366.stm Transfers – December 2003 6 October 2003 20 May 2018 BBC Sport 29DFMoritz VolzFulhamUndisclosed16 January 2004Volz signs for Fulham http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2004/january/16/volz-signs-for-fulham Fulham Official Website 16 January 2004 10 April 201453MFJerome ThomasCharlton Athletic£100,0002 February 2004https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/charlton_athletic/3452433.stm Charlton sign Thomas BBC Sport 2 February 2005 20 May 2018FWJermaine BrownBoston UnitedReleased, free transfer26 February 2004Cercle Bruges set to become feeder club for Blackburn 61 The Independent London 27 February 2004 Loans in No.PositionPlayerLoaned fromDateLoan expiredRefDFMichal PapadopulosBaník Ostrava1 August 2003End of the seasonWindow of opportunity – The Premiership's arrivals and departures this summer 24 The Independent London 2 September 2003 Loans out No.PositionPlayerLoaned toDateLoan expired RefDFJuanMillwall1 August 200324 September 2003https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=29308 Juan, details and stats Soccerbase 14 August 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20090501183938/http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=29308 1 May 2009 live dmy-all31DFSebastian SvärdCopenhagen3 August 200320 December 2003https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=28933 Sebastian Svärd, details and stats Soccerbase 14 August 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20070807094434/http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=28933 7 August 2007 live dmy-all29DFMoritz VolzFulham7 August 2003End of the seasonFulham's volz deal 69 Daily Mirror London 8 August 200326DFIgors StepanovsBeverenStart of the season12 June 2004https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/news/0254-0d7b451a25c8-31642406da5f-1000--stepanovs-close-to-fitness/ Stepanovs close to fitness UEFA 12 June 2004 25 September 2020March 2025 medicmedic21MFJermaine PennantLeeds United20 August 200315 May 2004https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/3168151.stm Pennant completes Leeds switch 20 August 2003 4 August 2010 BBC Sport https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/3638963.stm Pennant extends Leeds stay 19 April 2004 4 August 2010 BBC Sport 16MFGiovanni van BronckhorstBarcelona26 August 2003End of the seasonVan Bronckhorst moves 25 The Irish Times Dublin 27 August 20039FWFrancis JeffersEverton1 September 2003End of the season36DFJohn HallsStoke City3 October 20036 December 2003https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3160306.stm Transfers – October 2003 3 October 2003 20 May 2018 BBC Sport 31DFSebastian SvärdStoke City29 December 200310 May 200424GKRami ShaabanWest Ham United16 January 2004Week beginning 16 February 2004https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3360833.stm Transfers – January 2004 18 January 2004 13 August 2013 BBC Sport Target Srnicek 55 Daily Mirror London 17 February 2004 Pre-season To prepare for the forthcoming season, Arsenal played a series of friendlies across Western Europe. Their first match ended in defeat against Peterborough United of the Second Division; goalkeeper Stuart Taylor was forced to come off the field after colliding with Peterborough substitute Lee Clarke in the second half.Scare for Arsenal Charles Carrick S5 The Daily Telegraph London 12 July 2003 Arsenal then played out a draw against Barnet, where trialist Yaya Touré – the brother of Kolo, was included in the team.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3080567.stm Barnet 0–0 Arsenal 19 July 2003 1 August 2013 BBC Sport In a 2011 interview, Wenger recalled Yaya's performance as being "completely average on the day" and noted his impatience stopped him from joining Arsenal; Touré went on to play for Barcelona before joining Manchester City in 2010.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/8961883/Manchester-City-midfielder-Yaya-Toure-the-one-who-got-away-for-Arsenal-manager-Arsene-Wenger.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/8961883/Manchester-City-midfielder-Yaya-Toure-the-one-who-got-away-for-Arsenal-manager-Arsene-Wenger.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure the one who got away for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger Paul Hayward 16 August 2011 1 August 2013 The Daily Telegraph London Arsenal undertook a tour in Austria, a year after crowd troubles forced their match in Eisenstadt to be abandoned.Arsenal in rapid return Adrian Stiles 73 Daily Star London 6 July 2003 Wenger was absent with a stomach upset so assistant manager Pat Rice took charge of Arsenal against SC Ritzing on 22 July 2003; the team came from two goals down to draw their second consecutive friendly.Wenger takes sick leave as Gunners scrape a draw Steve Stammers 60 Evening Standard London 23 July 2003 Rice was pleased with Philippe Senderos' cameo in defence and said: "Still some rough edges but he will only get better working with Martin Keown and Sol Campbell." Arsenal recorded their first win of the pre-season against Austria Wien. Bergkamp capped off a "superb individual display" by scoring the first goal and setting up the second for Jeffers.Football: Dennis is a Happy Kamper 68 Daily Mirror London 26 July 2003 The final match of the tour was against Beşiktaş, which required tightened security given the history between English and Turkish football supporters. Bergkamp scored the only goal of the match in the second half.Vieira poised to play after topping the foreign legion Steve Stammers 56 Evening Standard London 29 July 2003 An Arsenal XI in England two days later faced St Albans City, where they won 3–1. The main squad then travelled to Scotland to play Celtic on 2 August 2003. Both goals in the one-all draw came in the second half; the match marked the return of Vieira after three months out with a knee problem.Pat's magic Matt Driscoll S6 News of the World London 3 August 2003 Wenger revealed afterwards that he intended to use the pre-season as an experiment for his defence.Vieira returns to fray Neil Irvine S6 The Sunday Telegraph London 3 August 2003 He partnered centre back Campbell with Touré, who for much of last season played in midfield. Wenger was pleased with Touré's performance against Celtic and said: "He has quality. He was originally a central defender and, because we have kept a few clean sheets recently and he's played well, I thought we'd keep him there." An Arsenal XI travelled to Belgium for a game against Beveren and conceded two goals in the final five minutes to draw the match 2–2. Arsenal rounded off their pre-season preparations with a 3–0 win against Rangers on 5 August 2003.Vieira all the range Lee Reynolds 45 Daily Mirror London 6 August 2003 2003 7 11 y 19:30 Friendly Peterborough United 1–0 Report Arsenal Green 29 London Road Stadium Peterborough 8,756 Dermot Gallagher L 2003 7 19 y 15:00 Friendly Barnet 0–0 Report Arsenal Underhill Stadium Barnet 4,778 D 2003 7 22 y 19:00 Friendly SC Ritzing 2–2 Report Arsenal Sebasta 20El Senosy 25 Cygan 60Ljungberg 85 pen. Sonnenseestadion Ritzing 4,200 D 2003 7 25 y 19:00 Friendly Austria Wien 0–2 Report Arsenal Bergkamp 29Jeffers 44 Stade Rudolf-Tonn Schwechat 4,8000:2 gegen die Gunners http://www.fk-austria.at/ https://web.archive.org/web/20030730062033/http://www.fk-austria.at/ 30 July 2003 FK Austria Wien 25 July 2003 19 February 2012 de W 2003 7 29 y 18:00 Friendly Arsenal 1–0 Report Beşiktaş Bergkamp 48 Bad Waltersdorf Stadion Styria W 2003 7 31 y 19:30 Friendly St Albans City 1–3 Report Arsenal McDonnell 44 Volz 19 51Halls 60 Clarence Park St Albans 1,500 Gary Evetts W 2003 8 2 y 15:00 Friendly Celtic 1–1 Report Arsenal Miller 57 Kanu 70 Celtic Park Glasgow 44,396 Dougie McDonald D 2003 8 3 y 17:00 Friendly Beveren 2–2 Report Arsenal Kaïper 85Yapi Yapo 88 Nicolau 55Owusu-Abeyie 76 Freethiel Stadion Beveren 2,500 D 2003 8 5 y 19:45 Friendly Rangers 0–3 Report Arsenal Edu 31Lauren 47 pen.Campbell 58 Ibrox Stadium Glasgow 37,000 Kenny Clark W Colour key: Green = Arsenal win; Yellow = draw; Red = opponents win. FA Community Shield 2003 FA Community Shield The 2003 edition of the FA Community Shield, an annual English football match, was contested between Manchester United and Arsenal at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on 10 August. Arsenal participated in the match as a result of their FA Cup win in 2002–03, while Manchester United were the league champions. Lehmann made his first competitive start for Arsenal and Touré continued to partner Campbell in central defence.Howard's way is spot on as Reds lift Shield Nick Bradley 19 Irish News Dublin 11 August 2003 United took a 15th-minute lead through Mikaël Silvestre, but Henry equalised for Arsenal soon after, from a free-kick.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3125653.stm Man Utd win Community Shield 10 August 2003 13 August 2013 BBC Sport Jeffers was sent off in the second half for kicking out at Phil Neville and no further goals scored meant the outcome of the match was decided by a penalty shoot-out. Goalkeeper Tim Howard saved Van Bronckhorst and Pires' spot kicks as United won the game 4–3 on penalties. Wenger made reference to Arsenal's low crowd turnout after the match and suggested it meant there was "less and less appetite" for the Shield.Less appetite for Shield – Wenger Alistair Grant 47 Coventry Evening Telegraph 11 August 2003 He was unhappy with the league season commencing on the following Saturday: "I would have preferred to have had two more weeks, especially for the French players who were in the Confederations Cup. We certainly were not as fit as Manchester United and know many of our players were behind them fitness-wise." FA Community Shield 2003 FA Community Shield D 10 August 2003 14:00 BST Arsenal 1–1 Manchester United Henry 20 Silvestre 15 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff 59,923 Steve Bennett Edu Van Bronckhorst Wiltord Lauren Pires 3–4 Scholes Ferdinand Van Nistelrooy Solskjær Forlán Premier League 2003–04 FA Premier League The 2003–04 season of the Premier League saw 20 teams play 38 matches: two against every other team, with one match at each club's stadium. Three points were awarded for each win, one point per draw, and none for defeats. At the end of the season the top two teams qualified for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League; teams in third and fourth needed to play a qualifier.http://www.premierleague.com/fapl.rac?command=forwardOnly&nextPage=enFaqs&categoryCode=AboutUs Frequently asked questions about the F.A. Premier League Premier League 27 July 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20031004173055/http://www.premierleague.com/fapl.rac?command=forwardOnly&nextPage=enFaqs&categoryCode=AboutUs 4 October 2003 August–October 240px|thumb|Robert Pires scored Arsenal's winning goal against Liverpool in October 2003.|alt=A photograph of Robert Pires, who played as a midfielder for Arsenal Arsenal hosted Everton at Highbury on the opening weekend of the season. Campbell was sent off in the 25th minute for a professional foul on Everton midfielder Thomas Gravesen. Arsenal, despite their man disadvantage, went two goals up after 58 minutes, before Tomasz Radzinski scored for the visitors late on.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3140159.stm Campbell off in Arsenal win BBC Sport 16 August 2003 2 July 2013 A trip to the Riverside Stadium to face Middlesbrough a week after ended in a 4–0 win; the first three goals, scored by Henry, Gilberto Silva and Sylvain Wiltord, all came in the first half.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/aug/25/match.sport13 Arsenal get back to full power The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 25 August 2003 2 July 2013 Three days later, Campbell and Henry scored as Aston Villa were beaten by two goals.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/aug/28/match.sport Arsenal clamber back to the summit The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 28 August 2003 2 July 2013 Arsenal continued their perfect start to the season with an away win against Manchester City on 31 August 2003. As Campbell was suspended, Martin Keown came into the first team to partner Touré.Wenger's blast lifts Arsenal Matt Dickinson S13 The Times 1 September 2003 Although Arsenal conceded first – a "comical" own goal by Lauren – and played "the worst 45 minutes that any of their fans could remember" according to journalist Matt Dickinson, Wiltord equalised in the second half, before Freddie Ljungberg took advantage of a Seaman error to score the winning goal. After four matches, Arsenal stood in first position, three points clear of Manchester United.http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2003-08-31 English Premier League table, 31-08-2003 Statto Organisation 2 July 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20140408233828/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2003-08-31 8 April 2014 live dmy Due to international fixtures, Arsenal did not play another game for two weeks. On the resumption of club football, they faced newly promoted Portsmouth at home. Striker Teddy Sheringham gave the visitors a deserved lead, before Arsenal were awarded a penalty when Pires was adjudged to have been fouled in the penalty area by Dejan Stefanović.Portsmouth pass quality test Colin Malam S2 The Sunday Telegraph London 14 September 2003 Henry scored, and though their performance noticeably improved in the second half, the game ended in a draw. Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp complained about the penalty decision post-match and felt Pires "...was going to get a yellow card [for diving]." The player himself denied accusations that he deceived the referee: "I did not dive and I am not a cheat. That is not the way I play."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3109874.stm Pires: I am not a cheat BBC Sport 15 September 2003 2 July 2013 A week later, Arsenal travelled to face Manchester United at Old Trafford. Pires and Wiltord were dropped by Wenger in favour of Ray Parlour and Ljungberg; Campbell did not travel due to family bereavement.Deadlock at Old Trafford https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3084372.stm BBC Sport 21 September 2003 4 July 2013 In the 80th minute, Vieira was sent off for a second bookable offence: he attempted to kick out at striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, which was seen by referee Steve Bennett. With the score 0–0, United were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute, but Van Nistelrooy's spot kick hit the bar and rebounded back into play. At the final whistle, Van Nistelrooy was immediately confronted by several Arsenal players, which escalated into an altercation between both teams. Six of Arsenal's players (Ashley Cole, Lauren, Keown, Parlour, Lehmann, and Vieira) were later charged with improper conduct by The Football Association (FA), while the club were fined £175,000, the largest ever given to a club by the FA.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3128290.stm Eight charged after bust-up BBC Sport 24 September 2003 2 July 2013 Lauren received a four-game ban, whereas Vieira and Parlour were given one-match suspensions.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3228349.stm Arsenal players banned BBC Sport 30 October 2003 14 April 2014 In their next match, Arsenal defeated Newcastle United by three goals to two; the winner was a penalty scored by Henry.Arsenal down battling Newcastle https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3122924.stm BBC Sport 26 September 2003 4 July 2013 Vieira suffered an injury during the game; this commenced a period of him being in and out of the side for two months.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2426221/Vieira-back-for-Arsenal-after-injury-nightmare.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2426221/Vieira-back-for-Arsenal-after-injury-nightmare.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Vieira back for Arsenal after injury 'nightmare' 2 December 2003 4 July 2013 The Daily Telegraph John Ley London Arsenal then faced Liverpool on the first weekend of October at Anfield. In the absence of Vieira, Parlour was on duty as captain, while Campbell replaced Keown in defence.Lynam, Des (presenter) The Premiership Liverpool 1–2 Arsenal 09:27:07 am to 09:37:46 am ITV Sport Television production 5 October 2003Owen injured in Arsenal win https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3123608.stm BBC Sport 4 October 2003 26 July 2013 Aliadière was paired alongside Henry in attack. Arsenal went a goal down after 11 minutes, but equalised when Sami Hyypiä unintentionally diverted Edu's header from an Arsenal free-kick.Arsenal up for a fight Oliver Kay S11 The Times 6 October 2003 Pires scored the winner in the second half, which maintained the team's lead at the top of the league table.http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2003-10-05 English Premier League table, 05-10-2003 Statto Organisation 26 July 2013 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140531091917/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2003-10-05 31 May 2014 dmy-all The Times correspondent Oliver Kay described Arsenal's comeback as "spirited" and noted a difference with the team, in comparison to the previous season:...recent events have taught them to place substance ahead of style. It may be less attractive to the purists, but there is no doubt that their new rugged approach has given them a more fearsome look. A year ago, they were producing football of a splendour rarely witnessed in this country or elsewhere. This season, with such fluency proving elusive, they have been grinding out results with an efficiency bordering on the Teutonic. A tightly fought match against Chelsea at home was settled by a second-half error by goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, which presented Henry with his seventh league goal in nine matches. Cudicini slip keeps Arsenal in control Matt Dickinson S10 The Times 20 October 2003 Both teams up until that point were level on points at the top of the table and unbeaten.http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2003-10-14 English Premier League table, 20-10-2003 Statto Organisation 26 July 2013 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140531123618/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2003-10-14 31 May 2014 dmy-all Wenger noted after the match that Chelsea's bigger squad would serve them well as the season progressed, but stressed his smaller squad had stability: "We have been together for years and have the comfort of knowing we have won things before. When we are challenged, we become even more united."https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/henrywinter/2423626/Mixed-up-Chelsea-crumble-in-the-face-of-Arsenal-unity.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/henrywinter/2423626/Mixed-up-Chelsea-crumble-in-the-face-of-Arsenal-unity.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Mixed-up Chelsea crumble in the face of Arsenal unity The Daily Telegraph London Henry Winter 20 October 2003 26 July 2013 Arsenal ended October with a 1–1 draw against Charlton Athletic.Henry to the rescue again for Arsenal Bill Edgar S12 The Times 27 October 2003 After 10 games, Arsenal garnered 24 points. The point earnt at Charlton was enough for the team to move back into first position, which had been occupied by Chelsea.http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2003-10-26 English Premier League table, 26-10-2003 Statto Organisation 26 July 2013 live https://web.archive.org/web/20130731033719/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2003-10-26 31 July 2013 dmy-all November–December Arsenal began November with a trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United. There were no changes to the team from the Charlton game; for Leeds, Pennant started against his parent club after being granted permission by Wenger.Pennant: I will not go easy on Cole Paul Thomson 83 Evening Standard London 31 October 2003 Arsenal's victory by four goals to one was identical to the scoreline in the corresponding fixture of last season.https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/beauty-tames-reids-beast-3h56zxc68f9 Beauty tames Reid's beast The Times Rick Broadbent 3 November 2003 28 July 2013 In a match report for the News of the World, journalist Martin Samuel picked Henry as the man of the match and asserted Arsenal remained the team to beat.So poor for Reid Martin Samuel 53 News of the World London 2 November 2003 Attention soon turned to the North London derby, where Arsenal played Tottenham Hotspur on 8 November 2003. Tottenham had not beaten their rivals since November 1999 and their last win at Highbury had come a decade previously.Sol: Spurs is just another game..I've moved on John Cross 77 Daily Mirror London 8 November 2003https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/nov/09/match.sport5 Freddie flatters Gunners The Observer London Paul Wilson 9 November 2003 28 July 2013 Kanu was brought into the starting line-up to partner Henry, as Wiltord was ruled out with a calf strain.http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/match-report-arsenal-v-tottenham-hotspur-08-nov-2003 Match Report – Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur Arsenal F.C 21 May 2004 8 July 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160809101944/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/match-report-arsenal-v-tottenham-hotspur-08-nov-2003 9 August 2016 dmy-all Arsenal conceded an early goal after Darren Anderton capitalised on a defensive mix-up, but they scored two late goals in what was described as "another stuttering" performance in The Observer. The result put Arsenal four points clear in first, albeit temporarily as Chelsea's win at home to Newcastle United 24 hours later cut their gap to one point.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3233007.stm Chelsea thump sorry Magpies 9 November 2003 14 August 2013 BBC Sporthttp://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2003-11-09 English Premier League table, 09-11-2003 Statto Organisation 26 July 2013 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140302233627/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2003-11-09 2 March 2014 dmy-all 150px|left|thumb|Thierry Henry missed only one league match in the season, away to Leicester City.|alt=A coloured portrait of footballer Thierry Henry, who was Arsenal's top goalscorer for the 2003–04 season Arsenal did not play another game for a fortnight because of the international football break. On the resumption of club football, they played Birmingham City away from home. As suspensions came into action and there were injuries to first-team players, Wenger was forced to reshuffle his team. Clichy was handed his full debut and Pascal Cygan made his first start of the season, partnering Campbell.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3273199.stm Arsenal stay top 22 November 2003 14 August 2013 BBC Sport Ljungberg opened the scoring for Arsenal inside four minutes; further goals by Bergkamp and Pires ensured the team won their third straight match of November.Arsenal kept flying at altitude by Bergkamp Nick Szczepanik S8 The Times 24 November 2003 By extending their unbeaten run from the start of the season to 13 league matches, Arsenal set a new Premier League record. They were then held by Fulham to a goalless draw who became the first team to deny Arsenal from scoring in 46 league matches at Highbury.Van Der Sar ensures Highbury hangover Nick Szczepanik S8 The Times 1 December 2003 The Guardian correspondent David Lacey summarised Arsenal's football on the day as "strong in the string section but short on percussion" and noted they reverted to the pattern of scoring a perfect goal, instead of being efficient.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/dec/01/match.sport10 Van der Sar puts brake on Arsenal juggernaut The Guardian London David Lacey 1 December 2003 28 July 2013 Chelsea's 1–0 win over Manchester United meant Arsenal moved down to second place on the final day of November.Money men at Chelsea make a quick profit Matt Dickinson S12 The Times 1 December 2003 Two more points were dropped in Arsenal's next match, away to Leicester City on the first weekend of December. Henry was absent from the starting team, as was captain Vieira. Arsenal had taken the lead at the hour mark through a Gilberto header, but conceded the equaliser in stoppage time.Hignett makes the Gunners pay for self-inflicted wound Nick Townsend S2 The Independent on Sunday London 7 December 2003 What made matters worse was the dismissal of Cole for a two-footed lunge on Ben Thatcher; he missed the team's next three fixtures as a result.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3296599.stm Cole apologises for dismissal 6 December 2003 29 July 2013 BBC Sport Wenger said afterwards: "It looked like Ashley wanted to get the ball but it was a two-footed tackle that was too high, it was a red card and we have to accept it." A goal from Bergkamp earned Arsenal a 1–0 win the following week, at home to Blackburn Rovers. Chelsea's defeat a day before meant that the win for Arsenal was enough to take them back top, a point clear of Manchester United, who were now in second place.Tired Arsenal are indebted to Bergkamp Glenn Moore 32 The Independent London 15 December 2003 Arsenal then travelled to the Reebok Stadium to play Bolton on 20 December 2003, the setting where their title challenge faltered eight months ago.Allardyce lifting the spirit George Caulkin S10 The Times 22 December 2003 Although they again picked up just a point, Wenger believed it was a useful one: "Provided Bolton keep playing like that, we will look back at this result and feel very happy. They are as good as a team as we have played." On Boxing Day, Henry scored twice for Arsenal in a 3–0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3316083.stm Arsenal 3–0 Wolves 26 December 2003 30 July 2013 BBC Sport Three days later, the team played Southampton. The only goal of the match came in the first half: Henry's through pass found Pires, "who slid the ball beneath the exposed Antti Niemi".Arsenal's French connection keep the pressure on United Rick Broadbent 36 The Times 30 December 2003 The win meant Arsenal had gone half the season without losing, and the team, according to The Times, had begun to "establish an aura of invincibility". Arsenal ended the calendar year in second place, with 45 points from 19 matches. They were one point behind leaders Manchester United and three ahead of Chelsea.http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2003-12-29 English Premier League table, 29-12-2003 Statto Organisation 30 July 2013 live https://web.archive.org/web/20131203012720/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2003-12-29 3 December 2013 dmy-all January–February On 7 January 2004, Arsenal played Everton at Goodison Park. Wenger made a host of changes: Cygan was recalled in central defence, which meant Touré was shifted onto the right and Lauren was dropped, while Parlour started in place of Gilberto in midfield.http://www.arsenal.com/matchday.asp?fxid=235037 Everton 1–1 Arsenal Arsenal F.C 4 January 2004 14 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20041205184027/http://www.arsenal.com/matchday.asp?fxid=235037 5 December 2004 Kanu had given Arsenal the lead in the first half, only for Radzinski to score a "richly deserved late equaliser" for Everton with fifteen minutes remaining.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jan/08/match.sport7 Radzinski checks Arsenal's stride The Guardian London Dominic Fifield 8 January 2004 28 July 2013 Manchester United's victory at Bolton on the same night increased the reigning champions' lead at the top to three points.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3362517.stm Bolton 1–2 Man Utd 6 January 2004 30 July 2013 BBC Sport Three days after the Everton match, Arsenal hosted Middlesbrough and put on a display Wenger described as one of the season's best: "We kept playing our natural game and could have scored more," he said.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jan/11/match.sport3 Henry enjoys toying with satanic Mills The Observer London Amy Lawrence 11 January 2004 28 July 2013Trouble at mills Martin Samuel S2 News of the World London 11 January 2004 The 4–1 win meant Arsenal moved back top of the league, albeit alphabetically, as their points, goal difference and goals scored were identical to that of Manchester United. A week later, Arsenal beat Aston Villa by two goals to nil; both of the team's goals were scored by Henry.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jan/19/match.sport11 Henry's speed of thought catches Villa cold The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 19 January 2004 30 July 2013 Controversy surrounded the Frenchman's first goal, a quickly-taken free-kick which prompted confusion amongst Villa's players and brought about a reaction towards referee Mark Halsey, who signalled it was permissible. After 22 games played, Arsenal were in first place, two points clear of Manchester United.http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2004-01-19 English Premier League table, 19-01-2004 Statto Organisation 30 July 2013 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140414235745/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2004-01-19 14 April 2014 dmy-all 246px #c6dbf7 right "Some people refuse to appreciate new Arsenal. They still believe this is the side that Nick Hornby said stood for boring and lucky and dirty and petulant and rich and mean. The truth is it is a privilege to watch new Arsenal. They are Prozac for those used to the prosaic." left Rick Broadbent's account of Arsenal's win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in The Times, 9 February 2004. Artistic Arsenal leave Wolves on the canvas Rick Broadbent S8 The Times 9 February 2004 Arsenal remained unbeaten throughout February, winning all five matches. In a home match against Manchester City, Reyes made his first appearance for the club, coming on as a substitute in the second half. He had no part in the winning goal, a "crunching, beautifully judged 25-yarder" scored by Henry.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/feb/02/match.sport13 Anelka spoils the portrait of Arsenal's three ages The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 2 February 2004 30 July 2013 Arsenal recorded an away win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on 7 February 2004, their 24th league match, which bettered a club record of games unbeaten from the start of the season (originally held by George Graham's team of 1990–91).https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/feb/09/match.sport2 They break records, they win games. But is it enough for Arsenal? The Guardian London Russell Thomas 9 February 2004 30 July 2013 Wenger in his post-match press conference played down the record, and said of the unbeaten run: "You need a little bit of luck and mental qualities." Henry reached a personal landmark against Southampton three days later, scoring his 100th and 101st Premier League goals.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2372869/Henry-puts-Arsenal-in-clear.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2372869/Henry-puts-Arsenal-in-clear.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Henry puts Arsenal in clear The Daily Telegraph London Henry Winter 11 February 2004 30 July 2013 The victory moved Arsenal five points clear at the top, although they had played one more game than Manchester United.http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2004-02-10 English Premier League table, 10-02-2004 Statto Organisation 30 July 2013 live https://web.archive.org/web/20130511114341/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2004-02-10 11 May 2013 dmy-all A Saturday lunchtime kick-off against Chelsea saw the return of Henry; he was absent in Arsenal's FA Cup fifth round win against the same opposition.http://www.arsenal.com/matchday.asp?fxid=235017 https://web.archive.org/web/20041205182745/http://www.arsenal.com/matchday.asp?fxid=235017 Chelsea 1–2 Arsenal Arsenal F.C Richard Clarke 21 February 2004 29 July 2016 5 December 2004 Arsenal found themselves a goal down after 27 seconds, but responded with an equaliser in the 15th minute – Bergkamp's "delicately curving pass" found Vieira on the left side to shoot the ball past goalkeeper Neil Sullivan.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/feb/23/match.sport8 Gunners turn ugly and hit new heights The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 23 February 2004 30 July 2013 The winner came six minutes later: Sullivan misjudged a corner taken by Henry, which allowed Edu to shoot into an empty net. Arsenal's lead was now seven and it represented "a stronger position than any they held last season" according to Wenger. Touré's transition into a defender was highlighted in The Times football supplement:Combined with Manchester United's loss of Rio Ferdinand,Ferdinand was found guilty of misconduct after missing a drugs test. In December 2003, he was banned from all forms of competitive football for eight months.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3333091.stm Ferdinand banned for eight months 19 December 2003 5 August 2013 BBC Sport United's appeal of the ban failed several months afterwards; Ferguson later cited his absence as one of the reasons behind the club's failure to retain the Premier League.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2386928/Ferguson-still-sore-at-loss-of-Ferdinand.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2386928/Ferguson-still-sore-at-loss-of-Ferdinand.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Ferguson still sore at loss of Ferdinand The Daily Telegraph London Sam Wallace 18 September 2004 4 August 2013 nb Kolo Touré's emergence as a capable centre half has probably represented a ten-point swing in the Premiership. If Touré and Campbell stay fit, Arsenal should be more than capable of holding on to their seven-point advantage and in Gaël Clichy, they have a promising replacement for Ashley Cole.Ranieri heads for exit Matt Dickinson S10 The Times 23 February 2004 The final match of the month was against Charlton at Highbury. Arsenal scored twice in the space of the opening four minutes, but by the end were "clinging to their lead like nervous kittens".https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/feb/29/match.sport5 Henry stars for leading lights The Observer London Kevin Mitchell 29 February 2004 30 July 2013 After 27 games, the team stood in first position and had accumulated 67 points. They were nine points clear of both Chelsea and Manchester United.http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2004-02-29 English Premier League table, 29-02-2004 Statto Organisation 30 July 2013 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140407060701/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2004-02-29 7 April 2014 dmy-all March–May Arsenal carried their good form into March; Henry and Pires scored in the defeat of Blackburn Rovers. It was a laboured performance from the league leaders, one which served a "...reminder of the old maxim that championships are won by teams who can pick up points when they are not playing well."https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/mar/14/match.sport1 Henry graft pushes Gunners on The Observer London Paul Wilson 14 March 2004 4 August 2013 Arsenal then played Bolton Wanderers at home; Wenger made one change from the previous match – Bergkamp replaced Reyes upfront.http://www.arsenal.com/matchday.asp?fxid=235084 https://web.archive.org/web/20041205191927/http://www.arsenal.com/matchday.asp?fxid=235084 Arsenal 2–1 Bolton Wanderers Arsenal F.C Chris Harris 20 March 2004 29 July 2016 5 December 2004 The blustery conditions forced the game to be delayed by 15 minutes, approximately the same amount of time it took Pires to score Arsenal's opener.Arsenal get the jitters Matt Dickinson S8 The Times 22 March 2004 By the 24th minute, it was 2–0: Henry's cross found Bergkamp, who shot the ball past Jussi Jääskeläinen at the first attempt. Although Bolton's performance improved after scoring just before half-time, the result was a ninth straight league win for Arsenal and kept them nine points clear at the top. The visit of Manchester United on 28 March 2004 provided a stern test for Arsenal - it was both clubs' first meeting since the fiasco at Old Trafford.Old Trafford was Arsenal's turning point James Lawton 77 The Independent London 27 March 2004 Cole, injured in the midweek Champions League game against Chelsea, was replaced by Clichy in the starting line-up, while Bergkamp was dropped for Reyes.http://www.arsenal.com/matchday.asp?fxid=235094 Arsenal 1–1 Manchester United Arsenal F.C 28 March 2004 21 August 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20041205192240/http://www.arsenal.com/matchday.asp?fxid=235094 5 December 2004 Henry gave Arsenal the lead with a long range shot that swerved past goalkeeper Roy Carroll.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/henrywinter/2375763/Arsenal-let-United-off-the-hook.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/henrywinter/2375763/Arsenal-let-United-off-the-hook.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Arsenal let United off the hook The Daily Telegraph London Henry Winter 29 March 2004 5 August 2013 With five minutes of the game left, Louis Saha evaded the Arsenal defence and scored the equaliser for Manchester United. Arsenal came close to a winner in injury time, only for Lauren to have his shot saved. The draw was no good for Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager of Manchester United, who afterwards conceded his team's chances: "They'll (Arsenal) go on to win the league now – I'm sure of that. They are playing with great determination ... a very strong team, so should win the league really".Keys, Richard (presenter); Tomlinson, Clare (interviewer) Ford Super Sunday: Arsenal vs. Manchester United Post match thoughts of Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson Sky Sports Television production 28 March 2004 In avoiding defeat, Arsenal set a new all-time league record of 30 matches unbeaten from the start of the season, originally held by Leeds and Liverpool.The aforementioned clubs set their records in a 42 and 40-match league season respectively;https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/arsenals-unbeaten-run-6960410.html Arsenal's unbeaten run Evening Standard London 9 May 2004 21 August 2016https://www.rsssf.org/engpaul/FLA/1973-74.html Season 1973–74 Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) 21 August 2016https://www.rsssf.org/engpaul/FLA/1987-88.html Season 1987–88 Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) 21 August 2016 although Preston North End were the first English side to go a league season unbeaten, they had only played 22 games.http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/first-unbeaten-football-premier-league-season First unbeaten football Premier League season Guinness World Records 21 August 2016 nbhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/mar/29/match.sport14 Saha accepts a rare gift as United steal Arsenal's thunder The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 29 March 2004 5 August 2013 They remained in first position at the end of March and were seven points in front of Chelsea with eight matches remaining.http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2004-03-28 English Premier League table, 28-03-2004 Statto Organisation 5 August 2013 live https://web.archive.org/web/20130802040243/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2004-03-28 2 August 2013 dmy-all thumb|Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira presented with the trophy at Highbury on the final day of the season against Leicester.|alt=A coloured photograph of a trophy presentation which took place on the Highbury pitch After two cup exits in the space of a week, Arsenal faced Liverpool on Good Friday at Highbury. Hyypiä opened the scoring for the visitors after five minutes, and in spite of Henry's equaliser just after the half-hour mark, Liverpool led again before the interval.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/henrywinter/2376560/Henry-reignites-Arsenal.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/henrywinter/2376560/Henry-reignites-Arsenal.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Henry reignites Arsenal The Daily Telegraph London Henry Winter 10 April 2004 6 August 2013 Arsenal responded by scoring twice in a minute; Henry's second goal saw the player hold off Dietmar Hamann in midfield, weave through defender Jamie Carragher, and place the ball past Jerzy Dudek.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3574331.stm Arsenal 4–2 Liverpool 9 April 2004 5 August 2013 BBC Sport The striker completed his hat-trick in the 78th minute, after good work by Bergkamp. Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier likened Arsenal to a "wounded animal" after the match and believed Henry was "the man who made the difference ... he set the tempo". Arsenal played out a goalless draw with Newcastle United on Bank Holiday Monday, and five days later faced Leeds United.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3592953.stm Newcastle 0–0 Arsenal 11 April 2004 5 August 2013 BBC Sport On a night where Henry scored four goals and was described by his manager as "the best striker in the world", Arsenal moved to within two wins of regaining the league title.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/apr/17/match.sport Henry's awesome foursome caps a broadside from the Gunners The Guardian London Jon Brodkin 17 April 2004 6 August 2013 With Chelsea unable to garner maximum points in their next two matches, Arsenal knew before their game away at Tottenham that a draw would guarantee their status as champions.Thompson, Georgie (narrator) The Premiership Years 89:52 Sky Sports Television production 15 May 2004 Cole returned for the derby after sitting out the Leeds match with an ankle injury.http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/match-report-tottenham-hotspur-v-arsenal-25-apr-2004 Tottenham 2–2 Arsenal Arsenal F.C Richard Clarke 20 May 2004 18 August 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160821020354/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/match-report-tottenham-hotspur-v-arsenal-25-apr-2004 21 August 2016 dmy-all Arsenal took an early lead when Vieira finished off a counter-attacking move.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/apr/26/match.tottenhamhotspur Unbeaten champions earn a place in history The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 26 April 2004 7 August 2013 Incisive football brought about the second goal, ten minutes before the break. Bergkamp passed the ball to Vieira, who cut it back for Pires to sidefoot. Tottenham replied in the second half by scoring twice – the equaliser a penalty – but it did not stop the Arsenal players celebrating at the final whistle "in front of their supporters' White Hart Lane enclave". This marked the second time that the club had been crowned league champions at their rivals' ground: the first time had been in 1971.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2377717/Champions-revel-in-title-success.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2377717/Champions-revel-in-title-success.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Champions revel in title success The Daily Telegraph London Henry Winter 26 April 2004 7 August 2013 Wenger praised his team for their success, telling the BBC: "We've been remarkably consistent, haven't lost a game and we have played stylish football. We have entertained people who just love football."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3650757.stm Wenger hails Arsenal unity 25 April 2004 7 August 2013 BBC Sport In May, successive draws at home to Birmingham City and Portsmouth left Arsenal with 84 points from 36 games.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/may/03/match.sport6 Arsenal coasting to the line and their place in history The Guardian London Jon Brodkin 3 May 2004 14 August 2013https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3663945.stm Portsmouth 1–1 Arsenal 4 May 2004 14 August 2013 BBC Sporthttp://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2004-05-04 English Premier League table, 04-05-2004 Statto Organisation 14 August 2013 live https://web.archive.org/web/20131203013635/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2003-2004/table/2004-05-04 3 December 2013 dmy-all Reyes scored the only goal of the match against Fulham; he profited from a mistake by goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar: "The Dutchman tried to go past the Arsenal forward, but instead gifted possession and with it the easiest of open goals."https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/may/10/match.sport10 Reyes puts Arsenal within one step of heaven The Guardian London Simon Burnton 10 May 2004 14 August 2013 Arsenal's final game of the league season was against Leicester City. They conceded the opening goal, but turned the match around in the second half through goals from Henry and Vieira. With 26 wins, 12 draws and no defeats, the team became the first since Preston North End in 1888–89 to go through a league season undefeated. Reviewing the match and overall season, Amy Lawrence of The Observer wrote: "Arsenal's achievement may not make them 'great' in everyone's opinion – those who define greatness only by European Cups, back-to-back titles, and triple cartwheels on the way to every goal – but it is staggering in its own right."https://www.theguardian.com/football/Observer_Match_Report/0,,-47757,00.html Vintage Bergkamp uncorks Wenger's premier crew The Observer London Amy Lawrence 16 May 2004 20 August 2009 Matches 2003 8 16 y 15:00 BST 1 Arsenal 2–1 Report Everton Campbell 0 25Henry 35 pen.Vieira 41Pires 58 Gravesen 74Rooney 78Li 2 80 87Radzinski 84 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,014 Mark Halsey W 2003 8 24 y 16:05 BST 2 Middlesbrough 0–4 Report Arsenal Cooper 25 Henry 5Gilberto Silva 13Wiltord 22 60 Riverside Stadium Middlesbrough 29,450 Dermot Gallagher W 2003 8 27 y 19:05 BST 3 Arsenal 2–0 Report Aston Villa Touré 40Campbell 57Vieira 22Bergkamp 80Henry 90 Hendrie 16Delaney 18Ángel 37Whittingham 71 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,010 Mike Dean W 2003 8 31 y 16:05 BST 4 Manchester City 1–2 Report Arsenal Lauren 10 o.g.Barton 49Sommeil 56Tarnat 74Tiatto 75 Cole 34Wiltord 48Lauren 59Ljungberg 72, 73 City of Manchester Stadium Manchester 46,436 Graham Poll W 2003 9 13 y 15:00 BST 5 Arsenal 1–1 Report Portsmouth Campbell 10Henry 40 pen.Touré 40 Sheringham 26De Zeeuw 45Stefanović 48Schemmel 65 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,052 Alan Wiley D 2003 9 21 y 16:05 BST 6 Manchester United 0–0 Report Arsenal Keane 22Van Nistelrooy 82, 90+1'Ronaldo 84Fortune 90 Touré 54Keown 61Vieira 2 79 81 Old Trafford Trafford 67,639 Steve Bennett D 2003 9 26 y 20:00 BST 7 Arsenal 3–2 Report Newcastle United Henry 18 80 pen.Gilberto Silva 67 Robert 26, 66Bernard 71 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,112 Mike Riley W 2003 10 4 y 12:30 BST 8 Liverpool 1–2 Report Arsenal Kewell 14Bišćan 67Welsh 85 Hyypiä 31 o.g.Cole 34Parlour 37Pires 68 Anfield Liverpool 44,374 Graham Barber W 2003 10 18 y 15:00 BST 9 Arsenal 2–1 Report Chelsea Edu 5Henry 75 Crespo 8Makélélé 11Hasselbaink 83 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,172 Paul Durkin W 2003 10 26 y 14:00 GMT 10 Charlton Athletic 1–1 Report Arsenal Di Canio 28 pen.Parker 35 Lauren 27Henry 39 The Valley Charlton 26,660 Steve Dunn D 2003 11 1 y 15:00 GMT 11 Leeds United 1–4 Report Arsenal Batty 30Olembé 51Smith 64 Henry 8 33Pires 16Gilberto Silva 50 Elland Road Leeds 36,491 Mike Dean W 2003 11 8 y 15:00 GMT 12 Arsenal 2–1 Report Tottenham Hotspur Parlour 10Pires 69Ljungberg 79 Anderton 5, 20Konchesky 14Richards 20Taricco 27 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,101 Mark Halsey W 2003 11 22 y 15:00 GMT 13 Birmingham City 0–3 Report Arsenal Cissé 7 Ljungberg 4Touré 14Edu 78Bergkamp 80Pires 88 St Andrew's Birmingham 29,588 Paul Durkin W 2003 11 30 y 14:00 GMT 14 Arsenal 0–0 Report Fulham Edu 90 Legwinski 57 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,063 Graham Barber D 2003 12 6 y 15:00 GMT 15 Leicester City 1–1 Report Arsenal Ferdinand 50Hignett 90 Lehmann 57Gilberto Silva 60Cole 0 73 Walkers Stadium Leicester 32,108 Rob Styles D 2003 12 14 y 14:00 GMT 16 Arsenal 1–0 Report Blackburn Rovers Bergkamp 11Gilberto Silva 29Cygan 67 Greško 6Ferguson 13Babbel 42Todd 77 Highbury Stadium Highbury 37,677 Andy D'Urso W 2003 12 20 y 15:00 GMT 17 Bolton Wanderers 1–1 Report Arsenal Campo 52Nolan 58Pedersen 83 Vieira 54Pires 57Henry 64 Reebok Stadium Bolton 28,003 Graham Poll D 2003 12 26 y 12:00 GMT 18 Arsenal 3–0 Report Wolverhampton Wanderers Craddock 13 o.g.Henry 20 89Aliadière 73Vieira 75 Butler 12Rae 28Ince 66Naylor 79Luzhnyi 80 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,003 Phil Dowd W 2003 12 29 y 20:00 GMT 19 Southampton 0–1 Report Arsenal McCann 87 Pires 35 St Mary's Stadium Southampton 32,151 Steve Dunn W 2004 1 7 y 20:00 GMT 20 Everton 1–1 Report Arsenal Radzinski 75 Parlour 22Kanu 29Lauren 45Ljungberg 54 Goodison Park Liverpool 38,726 Alan Wiley D 2004 1 10 y 15:00 GMT 21 Arsenal 4–1 Report Middlesbrough Gilberto Silva 20Henry 38 pen.Queudrue 45 o.g.Pires 57Ljungberg 68 Doriva 30Maccarone 86 pen. Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,117 Andy D'Urso W 2004 1 18 y 14:00 GMT 22 Aston Villa 0–2 Report Arsenal Delaney 29Mellberg 34Whittingham 45Barry 59 Henry 29 53 pen.Vieira 55 Villa Park Birmingham 39,380 Mark Halsey W 2004 2 1 y 16:05 GMT 23 Arsenal 2–1 Report Manchester City Tarnat 39 o.g., 37Parlour 63Henry 83Cole 90 Barton 60Sinclair 84Anelka 89, 0 90 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,103 Alan Wiley W 2004 2 7 y 15:00 GMT 24 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1–3 Report Arsenal Miller 11Ganea 26, 26Irwin 67 Bergkamp 9, 31Henry 58Touré 63 Molineux Stadium Wolverhampton 29,392 Phil Dowd W 2004 2 10 y 19:45 GMT 25 Arsenal 2–0 Report Southampton Henry 31 90Vieira 38Parlour 63 Baird 71Svensson 90Niemi 90 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,007 Neale Barry W 2004 2 21 y 12:30 GMT 26 Chelsea 1–2 Report Arsenal Guðjohnsen 1, 2 42 60Mutu 51Terry 67Lampard 67 Vieira 15Edu 21Lauren 60Henry 90 Stamford Bridge Fulham 41,847 Mike Riley W 2004 2 28 y 15:00 GMT 27 Arsenal 2–1 Report Charlton Athletic Pires 2Henry 4 Jensen 59 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,137 Graham Barber W 2004 3 13 y 15:00 GMT 28 Blackburn Rovers 0–2 Report Arsenal Andresen 54 Henry 57Edu 73Pires 87 Ewood Park Blackburn 28,627 Alan Wiley W 2004 3 20 y 15:00 GMT 29 Arsenal 2–1 Report Bolton Wanderers Pires 16Bergkamp 24Cole 62 Nolan 30Campo 41Pedersen 85 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,053 Graham Barber W 2004 3 28 y 16:05 BST 30 Arsenal 1–1 Report Manchester United Henry 50Clichy 70 Scholes 25Saha 86 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,184 Graham Poll D 2004 4 9 y 12:30 BST 31 Arsenal 4–2 Report Liverpool Cole 29Henry 31 50 78Pires 49Vieira 65Lauren 73 Hyypiä 5Owen 42Diouf 83 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,119 Alan Wiley W 2004 4 11 y 16:05 BST 32 Newcastle United 0–0 Report Arsenal Vieira 5 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 52,141 Paul Durkin D 2004 4 16 y 20:00 BST 33 Arsenal 5–0 Report Leeds United Pires 6Henry 27 33 pen. 50 67 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,094 Dermot Gallagher W 2004 4 25 y 16:05 BST 34 Tottenham Hotspur 2–2 Report Arsenal Redknapp 58, 62Keane 90+4 pen. Vieira 3Pires 35Lehmann 90 White Hart Lane Tottenham 36,097 Mark Halsey D 2004 5 1 y 12:30 BST 35 Arsenal 0–0 Report Birmingham City Johnson 16Savage 49 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,061 Graham Poll D 2004 5 4 y 20:00 BST 36 Portsmouth 1–1 Report Arsenal Yakubu 30 Campbell 42Reyes 50Parlour 49 Fratton Park Portsmouth 20,140 Mike Riley D 2004 5 9 y 16:05 BST 37 Fulham 0–1 Report Arsenal Davis 89 Reyes 9Vieira 52Henry 69Parlour 84 Loftus Road Shepherd's Bush 18,102 Mike Dean W 2004 5 15 y 14:00 BST 38 Arsenal 2–1 Report Leicester City Henry 47 pen.Vieira 66 Dickov 26Sinclair 47 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,419 Paul Durkin W Colour key: Green = Arsenal win; Yellow = draw. League table 2003–04 FA Premier League#League table ARS Results by round table b Round Ground H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H Result W/W/W/W/D/D/W/W/W/D/W/W/W/D/D/W/D/W/W/D/W/W/W/W/W/W/W/W/W/D/W/D/W/D/D/D/W/W Position 4/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/2/1/1/2/2/1/1/2/2/2/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1 Home Away green1 Win yellow1 Draw red1 Loss 1st 2nd 3rd red1 http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/2003-2004 Arsenal – 2003–04 Statto Organisation 15 November 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133056/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/2003-2004 24 September 2015 dmy-all November 2011 FA Cup 2003–04 FA Cup The FA Cup is English football's primary cup competition. It was first held in 1871–72 with only 15 teams entering;http://www.thefa.com/news/the-fa-cup/2014/jul/20-july-1871-charles-alcock-meeting-challenge-cup On This Day: 'FA Challenge Cup' born on 20 July 1871 The FA 20 July 2014 13 September 2016 the growth of the sport and changes to the competition's structure meant that by 2000, more than 600 teams took part.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/990479.stm The Cup's magic returns BBC Sport 25 October 2000 13 September 2016 Clubs in the Premier League enter the FA Cup in the third round and are drawn randomly out of a hat with the remaining clubs. If a match is drawn it is replayed, ordinarily at the ground of the team who were away for the first game. As with league fixtures, FA Cup matches are subject to change in the event of games being selected for television coverage and this often can be influenced by clashes with other competitions.http://www.thefa.com/thefacup/more/rules Rules of The FA Cup Challenge Cup The FA 13 September 2016 In the case of Arsenal, all but one of their ties (fourth round) was televised to the British audience.http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2004/02_february/05/facup_5thround.shtml FA Cup Fifth Round on BBC One 5 February 2004 9 September 2013 BBC Press Officehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2004/02_february/17/facup_quarterfinals.shtml FA Cup Quarter-finals live on BBC One 17 February 2004 9 September 2013 BBC Press Office 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.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2370474/Arsenal-finish-first-half-with-a-zero-from-hero.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2370474/Arsenal-finish-first-half-with-a-zero-from-hero.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Arsenal finish first half with a zero from hero The Daily Telegraph London Christopher Davies 1 January 2004 12 August 2013 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."https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jan/03/newsstory.sport3 Hat-trick stimulus raises the stakes for Wenger's men The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 3 January 2004 12 August 2013 thumb|left|A 2007 photograph of the Revie Stand at Elland Road, the ground where Arsenal faced Leeds United in the third round|alt=Arsenal opened their FA Cup campaign at Elland Road, where they played Leeds United; the match ended 4–1 in the visitors' favour. Arsenal were drawn to face Leeds United away in the third round; the match was played on the first weekend of January.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/3296895.stm FA Cup third round draw 17 December 2003 1 May 2012 BBC Sport Wenger made six changes to the team which started at Southampton in the league, including Cole replacing Clichy at left-back after serving his three-match suspension. After eight minutes, Leeds went ahead when Lehmann's goal clearance hit striker Mark Viduka and rebounded into the net.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/3349313.stm Leeds 1–4 Arsenal 4 January 2004 2 May 2012 BBC Sport Arsenal equalised through Henry, who converted Ljungberg's cross from the right on a volley. Additional goals from Edu, Pires and Touré inflicted a third defeat for Leeds against Arsenal. At home to Middlesbrough in the fourth round, Bergkamp opened the scoring for Arsenal, following good play from Parlour.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/3403683.stm Arsenal 4–1 Middlesbrough 24 January 2004 2 May 2012 BBC Sport Joseph-Désiré Job equalised for the away team four minutes after, but Ljungberg restored Arsenal's lead with a shot outside the penalty box and scored a second, direct from a corner. George Boateng was sent off for the visitors in the 86th minute for two bookable offences and substitute David Bentley added a fourth goal for Arsenal, chipping the ball over goalkeeper Schwarzer in the last minute of normal time. In the fifth round, Arsenal played Chelsea at Highbury. Five minutes before the end of the first half, striker Adrian Mutu gave Chelsea the lead, with a shot from 20 yards.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/3478989.stm Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea 15 February 2004 4 May 2012 BBC Sport Reyes, who replaced Henry in the starting eleven for the tie, levelled the scoreline with a long range effort. He beat goalkeeper Sullivan for pace to score his second, which later proved to be the winning goal of the match. The quarter-final pitted Arsenal against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on 6 March 2004. Henry opened the scoring in the 25th minute and further goals from himself, Ljungberg and Touré secured the team's passage into the last four of the competition.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/mar/08/match.portsmouth The Guardian London 8 March 2004 26 June 2013 McCarra Kevin Arsenal conjure up images of Ajax Edu was singled out for praise by The Guardian correspondent Kevin McCarra, who enthused over the visitors' performance: "Arsenal echoed the Ajax philosophy as players swapped position and kept changing the point of attack before the mesmerised eyes of the opposition." Manchester United were Arsenal's opponents for the semi-final, staged at Villa Park on 3 April 2004. Both teams had settled for a draw in the league the previous Sunday, but given this was for a place in the final, the stakes were much higher. United defender Gary Neville described the game as his team's "most important" of the season after they were eliminated from the Champions League and he deemed them "too far behind" in the Premier League.https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/now-for-the-match-united-dare-not-lose-j6wh9j2zl6s Now for the match United dare not lose The Times 3 April 2004 4 September 2013 Neville Gary Wenger rested Henry, mindful of the team's upcoming fixture congestion. Although Arsenal started the better of the two teams, it was United midfielder Paul Scholes who scored the only goal of the game which ensured their progress into the final.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/apr/05/match.arsenal Scholes shows United's fight and Arsenal's fallibility The Guardian London 5 April 2004 8 September 2013 Kevin McCarra 2004 1 4 y 16:05 GMT Third round Leeds United 1–4 Report Arsenal Viduka 8Bakke 36Smith 42 Henry 26Edu 33Gilberto Silva 84Pires 87Touré 90 Elland Road Leeds 31,207 Rob Styles W 2004 1 24 y 15:00 GMT Fourth round Arsenal 4–1 Report Middlesbrough Bergkamp 19Ljungberg 28 68Bentley 90 Job 23Zenden 84Riggott 84Parnaby 56Boateng 2 84 85 Highbury Stadium Highbury 37,256 Mike Dean W 2004 2 15 y 12:30 GMT Fifth round Arsenal 2–1 Report Chelsea Campbell 7Gilberto Silva 34Vieira 45Reyes 56 61 Melchiot 16Mutu 25, 40Makélélé 29Hasselbaink 60 Highbury Stadium Highbury 38,136 Paul Durkin W 2004 3 6 y 18:00 GMT Quarter-finals Portsmouth 1–5 Report Arsenal Sheringham 90 Henry 25 50Ljungberg 43 57Touré 43 Fratton Park Portsmouth 20,137 Jeff Winter W 2004 4 3 y 12:00 GMT Semi-finals Arsenal 0–1 Report Manchester United Pires 29Lehmann 52Touré 78Lauren 80 Scholes 32, 73 Villa Park Birmingham 39,939 Graham Barber L Colour key: Green = Arsenal win; Red = opponents win. Football League Cup 2003–04 Football League Cup The Football League Cup is a cup competition open to clubs in the Premier League and Football League. Like the FA Cup it is played on a knockout basis, with the exception of the semi-finals, which are contested over a two-legged tie. Wenger's tenure at Arsenal has seen him use the competition to field younger and lesser known players, something he and Ferguson were initially criticised for in 1997.Graham sees no benefit in fielding below-par teams Ian Parkes 32 The Independent London 15 October 1997 While Ferguson felt it was an unwanted distraction at the time, Wenger said: "If the competition wants to survive it must offer the incentive of a European place."https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-kids-needed-cup-says-albiston-1236217.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-kids-needed-cup-says-albiston-1236217.html 1 May 2022 subscription United kids needed cup says Albiston The Independent London 16 October 1997 15 August 2013The Joker-Cola Cup; Wenger and Fergie leave out 19 stars to spark league fury Mark Irwin 4, 37 The Mirror London 14 October 1997 The winners of the League Cup in the 2003–04 season earnt entry into the UEFA Cup, unless they qualified for the UEFA Champions League through their league position.Markus Soleim https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eng04.html England 2003–04 Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) 15 February 2016 8 July 2016 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.http://cup.efl.com/competition/rules/ Rules English Football League 19 July 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160710153044/http://cup.efl.com/competition/rules/ 10 July 2016 dmy-all Arsenal entered the League Cup in the third round and were drawn at home to Rotherham United.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/3145236.stm Carling Cup draw 27 September 2003 29 July 2016 BBC Sport Wenger handed midfielder Cesc Fàbregas his debut at 16 years and 177 days.http://www.arsenal.com/history/club-records/appearances-and-attendances Appearances/Attendances Arsenal F.C 30 January 2012 Arsenal led from the 11th minute through an Aliadière goal, but conceded an equaliser late on which forced extra time.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/3204793.stm Arsenal 1–1 Rotherham 28 October 2003 1 December 2013 BBC Sport 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. As there were no further goals, the match was decided on penalties which Arsenal won 9–8 in the shootout. Fellow divisional opponents Wolverhampton Wanderers were defeated 5–1 by Arsenal in the fourth round; Vieira, absent through injury in September and October, made his first team return and played the full match.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2426278/Arsenals-reserves-of-strength.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2426278/Arsenals-reserves-of-strength.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Arsenal's reserves of strength Trevor Haylett The Daily Telegraph London 3 December 2003 1 December 2013 In the fifth round, Arsenal travelled to The Hawthorns to play West Bromwich Albion. Wenger added experience to the side to complement youth, with Parlour, Edu, Kanu and Keown all featuring. Arsenal took the lead in the 25th minute through Kanu. Lauren's cross from the right-hand side deflected in the direction of the striker.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/henrywinter/2427091/Referee-helps-the-Arsenal-second-string-finish-first.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/henrywinter/2427091/Referee-helps-the-Arsenal-second-string-finish-first.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Referee helps the Arsenal second string finish first Henry Winter The Daily Telegraph London 17 December 2003 1 December 2013 His header was saved by goalkeeper Russell Hoult, who was unable to deny Kanu shooting the rebounded ball into the net. Aliadière scored Arsenal's second goal of the match following Hoult's poor clearance. Arsenal exited the competition in the semi-finals against Middlesbrough. At Highbury, the setting for the first leg, Juninho scored the only goal of the tie.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jan/21/newsstory.carlingcup0304 Juninho gives Middlesbrough a leg up Jon Brodkin The Guardian London 21 January 2004 1 December 2013 Arsenal's task of progressing was made more difficult after Keown was sent off in the second leg and Boudewijn Zenden doubled Middlesbrough's aggregate scoreline. Though Edu equalised for Arsenal on the night, Reyes' own goal earnt Middlesbrough the win.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/feb/04/match.middlesbrough Boro have history within their grasp Michael Walker The Guardian London 4 February 2004 1 December 2013 Wenger opined of the result: "I don't think we deserved to lose; even when we were down to 10 men we were running the game." 2003 10 28 y 19:45 BST Third round Arsenal 1–1 yes Report Rotherham United Aliadière 11, 97 Swailes 20Sedgwick 56S. Barker 86Byfield 90Pollitt 0 101 Highbury Stadium Highbury 27,451 Barry Knight D Wiltord Edu Aliadière Cygan Owusu-Abeyie Kanu Smith Spicer Clichy Stack Wiltord 9–8 Swailes McIntosh Mullin Baudet Byfield Hurst Warne S. Barker R. Barker Montgomery Swailes 2003 12 2 y 19:45 GMT Fourth round Arsenal 5–1 Report Wolverhampton Wanderers Aliadière 24 71Simek 35Tavlaridis 54Kanu 68Wiltord 79Fàbregas 88 Blake 54Guðjónsson 72Rae 81 Highbury Stadium Highbury 28,161 Dermot Gallagher W 2003 12 16 y 20:00 GMT Fifth round West Bromwich Albion 0–2 Report Arsenal Kanu 25Tavlaridis 34Aliadière 57 The Hawthorns West Bromwich 20,369 Matt Messias W 2004 1 20 y 19:45 GMT Semi-finals first leg Arsenal 0–1 Report Middlesbrough Juninho 14, 53Queudrue 64Mills 71 Highbury Stadium Highbury 31,070 Steve Dunn L 2004 2 3 y 20:00 GMT Semi-finals second leg Middlesbrough 2–1 3–1 Report Arsenal Queudrue 60Zenden 69Reyes 85 o.g. Keown 0 45Bentley 73Edu 77 Riverside Stadium Middlesbrough 28,781 Dermot Gallagher L Colour key: Green = Arsenal win; Yellow = draw; Red = opponents win. UEFA Champions League 2003–04 UEFA Champions League The UEFA Champions League is a continental club football competition organised by UEFA. Founded in the 1950s as the European Champion Clubs' Cup, the competition was open to champion clubs of each country and arranged as a straight knockout tournament.Football's top club competition http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/background/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130919034648/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/background/index.html dead 19 September 2013 UEFA 19 August 2016 The growth of television rights saw the format rebranded in the 1990s to include a group stage and permit multiple entrants.Wenger predicts even bigger Champions' League http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/default.aspx?pageid=438&n=soccer----wenger-predicts-even-bigger-champions-league-1997-10-22 Hürriyet Daily News Istanbul 22 October 1997 19 August 2016 Arsenal had qualified for every Champions League season since 1998–99, but the club never progressed further than the quarter-final stage.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/sep/17/championsleague.sport1 Home has to be sweet for Arsenal The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 17 September 2003 19 August 2016 Ahead of the new campaign, Wenger assessed his team needed to perform in the home games, adding: "We are mature enough now and we must add that little bit of sparkle to make the difference." Group stage 2003–04 UEFA Champions League group stage#Group B thumb|right|250px|A notice outside Highbury, advertising Arsenal's upcoming match against Inter Milan.|alt=A placard advertising Arsenal's opening match in the Champions League against Inter Milan of Italy. Arsenal were drawn in Group B, along with Italian club Inter Milan, Lokomotiv Moscow of Russia and Ukraine's Dynamo Kyiv.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/champions_league/3186363.stm Man Utd face Rangers BBC Sport 28 August 2003 3 November 2013 Wenger believed the trips to Eastern Europe threatened his team's chances of winning the Premier League: "The other English teams have more comfortable groups than we do. It is tough to go to Russia – I always say that if you have to travel more than two hours it is difficult. Sometimes the players pay a high price in the games that follow the Champions League matches."Rodgers Martin Man to Mann 30 August 2003 Daily Mirror London http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+MAN+TO+MANN%3B+MAN+CITY+V+ARSENAL,+TOMORROW,+4.05PM+Prove...-a0107089474 3 November 2013 Arsenal opened their Champions League campaign with a 3–0 defeat against Inter Milan. Goals from Julio Ricardo Cruz, Andy van der Meyde and Obafemi Martins all in the first half extended Arsenal's run of six home games in the competition without a win.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/champions_league/3110724.stm Inter stun Gunners BBC Sport 17 September 2003 19 November 2013 Wenger said afterwards: "We can complain and cry the whole night but that will not change the result. The only thing we can do is to respond."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3118378.stm Wenger defiant in defeat BBC Sport 18 September 2003 19 November 2013 The team, without Campbell and Vieira, earned a draw away to Lokomotiv Moscow, but remained bottom of the group.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/nov/06/match.championsleague Cole header keeps Arsenal afloat The Guardian London Jon Brodkin 1 October 2003 19 November 2013 Arsenal lost to Dynamo in late October; Wenger's decision to shift from his preferred 4–4–2 formation caused the team to play more narrow than usual.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/oct/01/match.championsleague Arsenal back on the right track The Guardian London Matt Scott 22 October 2003 19 November 2013 Cole scored the winning goal in the reverse fixture at Highbury. A cross by Wiltord was flicked on by Henry in the direction of an incoming Cole, who dived to head the ball past goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovskyi.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/nov/06/match.championsleague Cole header keeps Arsenal afloat The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 6 November 2003 19 November 2013 The team scored four goals in the second half against Inter Milan and won 5–1. Wenger felt the result showed there was "...a special mental strength in the team", while Cole compared it to England's victory against Germany in 2001 but added "this was even better."https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2425801/Goal-blitz-re-ignites-Arsenals-campaign.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2425801/Goal-blitz-re-ignites-Arsenals-campaign.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Goal blitz re-ignites Arsenal's campaign The Daily Telegraph London Henry Winter 26 November 2003 19 November 2013 Arsenal won 2–0 against Lokomotiv Moscow to top Group B. Jacob Lekgetho's dismissal in the eighth minute meant the visitors played the remainder of the match with ten men.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/dec/11/match.arsenal Stylish Arsenal cruise through The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 11 December 2003 19 November 2013 Group B n ARS 2003 9 17 y 19:45 BST 1 Arsenal ENG 0–3 Report ITA Internazionale Cruz 22Van der Meyde 24Martins 41 Highbury Stadium Highbury 34,393 Manuel Mejuto González (Spain) L 2003 9 30 y 18:30 MSD 2 Lokomotiv Moscow RUS 0–0 Report ENG Arsenal Nizhegorodov 79 Lokomotiv Stadium Moscow, Russia 30,000 Jan Wegereef (Netherlands) D 2003 10 21 y 20:45 EET 3 Dynamo Kyiv UKR 2–1 https://archive.today/20130205042642/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2003/matches/round=1712/match=1056832/postmatch/report/index.html Report ENG Arsenal Shatskikh 27Belkevich 64 Henry 80 Olimpiysky NSC Kyiv, Ukraine 80,000 Konrad Plautz (Austria) L 2003 11 5 y 19:45 GMT 4 Arsenal ENG 1–0 Report UKR Dynamo Kyiv Silva 27Touré 74Cole 88 Leko 37 Highbury Stadium Highbury 34,419 Lucílio Batista (Portugal) W 2003 11 25 y 20:45 CET 5 Internazionale ITA 1–5 https://archive.today/20130208214957/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2003/matches/round=1712/match=1056864/postmatch/report/index.html Report ENG Arsenal Vieri 33 Henry 25 85Cygan 61Ljungberg 49Edu 88Pires 89 San Siro Milan, Italy 44,884 Wolfgang Stark (Germany) W 2003 12 10 y 19:45 GMT 6 Arsenal ENG 2–0 Report RUS Lokomotiv Moscow Pires 12Vieira 14Ljungberg 67 Evseev 38Lekgetho 2 8 45 Highbury Stadium Highbury 35,343 Ľuboš Micheľ (Slovakia) W Colour key: Green = Arsenal win; Yellow = draw; Red = opponents win. Knockout phase 2003–04 UEFA Champions League knockout stage Round of 16 Arsenal were paired up against Celta Vigo in the last 16 stage and the first leg was held at the Balaídos.Amy Lawrence https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/feb/22/sport.championsleague6 History on the side of Antic The Guardian London 22 February 2004 8 July 2016 Although they conceded two goals from set pieces, Arsenal scored three times to win the game which put the team in a favourable position given the away goals rule.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/apr/07/match.championsleague Spanish hoodoo banished by Pires The Guardian London Jon Brodkin 25 February 2004 1 December 2013 Their passage was secured with a 2–0 win on 10 March 2004; Henry scored both goals for the team.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/champions_league/3543099.stm Arsenal 2–0 Celta Vigo BBC Sport 10 March 2004 1 December 2013 2004 2 24 y 20:45 CET First leg Celta Vigo ESP 2–3 Report ENG Arsenal Edu 27Sylvinho 45José Ignacio 64 Edu 18 58, 87Pires 80Henry 88 Balaídos Vigo, Spain 21,000 Anders Frisk (Sweden) W 2004 3 10 y 19:45 BST Second leg Arsenal ENG 2–0 5–2 https://archive.today/20130208213515/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2003/matches/round=1713/match=1059566/postmatch/report/index.html Report ESP Celta Vigo Henry 14 34 Cáceres 2 36 74 Highbury Stadium Highbury 35,402 Pierluigi Collina (Italy) W Colour key: Green = Arsenal win; Yellow = draw; Red = opponents win. Quarter-finals In the quarter-finals, Arsenal were drawn to Premier League side Chelsea. The draw disappointed vice-chairman Dein: "One of the joys of playing in Europe is playing teams from overseas – and having played Chelsea three times, it is a bit anti-climactic."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/champions_league/3499906.stm English clubs to meet BBC Sport 12 March 2004 1 December 2013 The first leg, played at Stamford Bridge ended in a draw with Guðjohnsen and Pires scoring for their respective clubs. Arsenal were unable to take advantage of Marcel Desailly's dismissal in the second half, but Wenger felt his team were in a good position to progress: "Our main aim will be to win the game at Highbury and we know we can do that."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3556519.stm Wenger targets victory BBC Sport 24 March 2004 1 December 2013 Henry, rested for the FA Cup semi-final match, started alongside Reyes for the second leg. It was the latter forward who gave Arsenal the lead in injury time of the first half, but Frank Lampard equalised for Chelsea in the 51st minute. With three minutes remaining of the match, defender Wayne Bridge scored to eliminate Arsenal from the competition.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/apr/07/match.championsleague Chelsea tear heart out of Gunners The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 7 April 2004 1 December 2013 2004 3 24 y 19:45 BST First leg Chelsea ENG 1–1 https://archive.today/20130205090328/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2003/matches/round=1714/match=1062125/postmatch/report/index.html Report ENG Arsenal Guðjohnsen 53Makélélé 65Desailly 2 80 83 Pires 59 Stamford Bridge Fulham, England 40,778 Manuel Mejuto González (Spain) D 2004 4 6 y 19:45 BST Second leg Arsenal ENG 1–2 2–3 https://archive.today/20130205015127/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2003/matches/round=1714/match=1062129/postmatch/report/index.html Report ENG Chelsea Lauren 36Reyes 45+1 Gallas 9Hasselbaink 15Lampard 51Cole 84Bridge 87 Highbury Stadium Highbury 35,486 Markus Merk (Germany) L Colour key: Green = Arsenal win; Yellow = draw; Red = opponents win. Player statistics Arsenal used a total of 34 players during the 2003–04 season and there were 15 different goalscorers. There were also three squad members who did not make a first-team appearance in the campaign. The team played in a 4–4–2 formation throughout the season, with two wide midfielders. Touré featured in 55 matches – the most of any Arsenal player in the campaign and Lehmann started in all 38 league matches. The team scored a total of 114 goals in all competitions. The highest scorer was Henry, with 39 goals, followed by Pires who scored 19 goals. Three of Arsenal's goals in the 2003–04 season (Henry against Manchester City and Liverpool, Vieira against Tottenham Hotspur) were shortlisted for Goal of the Season by viewers of ITV's The Premiership.Lynam, Des (presenter) The Premiership Goal of the Season competition 00:08.25 am to 00:13:00 am ITV Sport Television production 15 May 2004 Five Arsenal players were sent off during the season: Jeffers, Vieira, Campbell, Cole and Keown. 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. No.Pos.Nat.NamePremier LeagueFA CupLeague CupCommunity ShieldChampions LeagueTotalDisciplineAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals13px|Booked|alt=A yellow rectangular card13px|Sent off|alt=A red rectangular card1GK GER Jens Lehmann380500010100540303DFENG Ashley Cole32040101091471614MFFRA Patrick Vieira 2935020106 (1)043 (1)31315DFENG Martin Keown 3 (7)0103000108 (7)0117MFFRA Robert Pires33 (3)143 (1)100(1)010446 (5)19108MFSWE Freddie Ljungberg27 (3)44400108 (1)240 (4)10209FWENGFrancis JeffersLoaned out until season end following Charity Shield000000(1)000(1)0019FWESP José Antonio Reyes7 (6)22 (1)210002 (2)112 (9)50010FWNED Dennis Bergkamp21 (7)43100104 (2)029 (9)52011FWFRA Sylvain Wiltord8 (4)30031(1)03 (1)014 (6)40012DFCMR Lauren30 (2)05010108045 (2)07014FWFRA Thierry Henry37302 (1)3001110550 (1)394015MFENG Ray Parlour16 (9)02 (1)030104 (1)026 (11)08016MFNEDGiovanni van BronckhorstLoaned out until season end following Charity Shield000000(1)000(1)00017MFBRA Edu13 (17)24 (1)141(1)07 (1)328 (20)75018DFFRA Pascal Cygan10 (8)00030002 (1)015 (9)02019MFBRA Gilberto Silva29 (3)43010105 (3)039 (6)45022DFFRA Gaël Clichy7 (5)01 (3)050001014 (8)01023DFENG Sol Campbell351500010905013125FWNGRNwankwo Kanu3 (7)11 (2)042001 (6)09 (15)30027DFGREStathis Tavlaridis0000300000302028DFCIVKolo Touré36 (1)14 (1)2201010053 (2)36030FWFRAJérémie Aliadière3 (7)0103000(1)07 (8)42032FWCZEMichal Papadopulos0000(1)00000(1)00033GKIRLGraham Stack0000500000500037MFENGDavid Bentley10(2)14000(1)05 (3)11045DFENGJustin Hoyte(1)0002000002 (1)00051DFUSAFrank Simek0000100000101052FWENGJohn Spicer 0000(1)00000(1)00053MFENGJerome Thomas 00001 (2)000001 (2)00054FWGHAQuincy Owusu-Abeyie 00001 (2)000001 (2)00055MFISLÓlafur Ingi Skúlason 0000(1)00000(1)00056FWENGRyan Smith 0000(3)00000(3)00057MFESPCesc Fàbregas00002 (1)100002 (1)100 Source:http://espnfc.com/team/squad/_/id/359/season/2003/league/all/arsenal?cc=5739 Arsenal squad statistics – 2003/04 ESPN FC 10 April 2004 Awards In recognition of the team's achievement, Wenger was awarded the Barclaycard Manager of the Year. A spokesman for the awards panel said of the decision: "Arsène Wenger is a very worthy recipient of this accolade and has sent his team into the history books. Arsenal have played exciting attacking football throughout the season and finishing it unbeaten is a feat that may not be repeated for another 100 years."http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_2299422,00.html Gunners duo land more awards James Pearson Sky Sports 17 May 2004 14 January 2012 Henry was given the accolade of PFA Players' Player of the Year by his fellow peers and the FWA Footballer of the Year by football writers for the second consecutive season. He came runner-up in both the 2003 FIFA World Player of the Year and the 2003 Ballon d'Or.https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/nedved-henry-deserved-to-win-6971310.html Nedved: Henry deserved to win Evening Standard London 23 December 2003 5 October 2013 Three Arsenal players received the Premier League Player of the Month award – Henry twice in January and April 2004, and Bergkamp and Edu shared the accolade in February 2004 after the judges "felt it was appropriate that we make a joint award".Arsenal treble 40 Evening Times Glasgow 13 March 2004 Wenger was the Premier League Manager of the Month in August 2003 and February 2004.https://www.premierleague.com/managers/1137/overview Premier League 10 July 2016 Manager profile, Arsene Wenger 18 September 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160918230030/https://www.premierleague.com/managers/1137/overview dead Aftermath and legacy The Invincibles (football) thumb|right|250px|Arsenal's players and fans celebrate their Premier League win with an open-top bus parade.|alt=A photograph of Arsenal supporters celebrating the club's achievement with a parade which took place at Islington A day after the Leicester City match, Arsenal paraded the Premier League trophy on an open-top bus, in front of more than 250,000 fans.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/may/17/newsstory.sport5 The Guardian Jon Brodkin London 17 May 2004 28 June 2013 'I would love to win title and Champions League together' The victory parade commenced at Highbury and ended at Islington Town Hall. At the town hall balcony, Vieira addressed the crowd: "It has been a fantastic season. We achieved something unbelievable but we couldn't have done it without the fans."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3718795.stm Arsenal savour title glory 16 May 2004 25 August 2010 BBC Sport In an interview with the BBC, Dein added: "We've seen history made and I'd be surprised if it happens again. It's just been a privilege to watch Arsenal this season." Arsenal's achievement of going through the league season unbeaten received considerable praise from those involved in football. Derek Shaw, the chairman of Preston offered his congratulations as they equalled his club's record of completing a league season without defeat, set 115 years previously.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/preston/3721585.stm Preston applaud Arsenal 17 May 2004 25 August 2010 BBC Sport Brazilian Roberto Carlos likened Arsenal's style of play to "samba football" while Michel Platini applauded the team's "great flair and spirit".Wenger still troubled by Europe lapse Bob Wilson https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2377753/Wenger-still-troubled-by-Europe-lapse.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2377753/Wenger-still-troubled-by-Europe-lapse.html 12 January 2022 subscription live The Daily Telegraph 27 April 2004 12 February 2010 London Former Arsenal manager George Graham attributed the success to defensive improvements, since mistakes the previous season had proved costly and former striker Alan Smith felt the team were "certainly the best Highbury's ever seen".Arsenal's defence has the Graham seal of approval Roy Collins https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2375288/Arsenals-defence-has-the-Graham-seal-of-approval.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2375288/Arsenals-defence-has-the-Graham-seal-of-approval.html 12 January 2022 subscription live The Daily Telegraph 21 March 2004 12 February 2010 Londonhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/may/16/arsenal 'Arsenal are quite simply the most fluid, devastating team that the British Isles has seen' – Alan Hansen 16 May 2004 12 February 2010 The Observer London 246px #c6dbf7 right "Without a doubt going the whole season unbeaten is my greatest achievement. If you win the championship you feel someone else can come in and do better than you. It was always my dream to go the whole season unbeaten because there's not much more anyone can do to beat that." –Arsène Wenger, September 2009https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/8274019.stm Wenger has 'no plans to retire' 24 September 2009 28 June 2013 BBC Sport thumb|190px|left|The Premier League commissioned a unique gold trophy to commemorate Arsenal's achievement.2024-05-19 The Invincibles Collection https://www.arsenal.com/news/invincibles-collection 2024-05-17 The Invincibles Collection en The British press unanimously praised Arsenal's feat once the season drew to a close; the News of the World branded the team as "Immortals", while The Sunday Times led with the headline "Arsenal the New Invincibles".https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3718989.stm Media praise for "Invincibles" 17 May 2004 28 June 2013 BBC Sport 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?".https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wengers-invincibles-need-european-success-563652.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wengers-invincibles-need-european-success-563652.html 1 May 2022 subscription The Independent Glenn Moore London 17 May 2004 14 August 2010 Wenger's invincibles need European success 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.Gunners spirit is untouchable David Hytner 61 Daily Express London 24 August 2004 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.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/aug/26/match.arsenal The Guardian Kevin McCarra London 26 August 2004 14 August 2010 Henry launches Arsenal to record mark Although Arsenal regained the FA Cup – on penalties against United – they finished second to Chelsea in the league.Time for Wenger to ring changes Rob Hughes http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/football/article134814.ece The Sunday Times 22 May 2005 28 June 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20150529000343/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/football/article134814.ece 29 May 2015 dead dmy 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.https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/may/28/barcelona-champions-league-arsene-wenger The Guardian Richard Williams London 28 May 2009 28 June 2013 Barcelona's triumph holds hope for Arsène Wenger's brand of football Arsenal would not win the league title again until the 2025–26 season; they nevertheless remained a fixture in the Champions League under Wenger's stewardship in the years after.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/apr/29/arsene-wenger-real-barcelona-manchester-city The Guardian Dominic Fifield London 29 April 2016 10 July 2016 Arsène Wenger reveals he rejected Real, Barcelona and Manchester City The title win at White Hart Lane came third in a list of Arsenal's Greatest 50 Moments, and the performance at the San Siro was ranked tenth.http://www.arsenal.com/history/gunners-greatest-50-moments Greatest 50 Moments 28 June 2013 Arsenal F.C In 2012, the Arsenal team of 2003–04 won the "Best Team" category in the Premier League 20 Seasons Awards.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18070486 Arsenal's 'Invincibles' voted greatest Premier League team 15 May 2012 28 June 2013 BBC Sport See also English football 2003–04 in English football List of Arsenal F.C. seasons Notes nb References Specific Sources Conn David David Conn The Beautiful Game?: Searching for the Soul of Football 2005 Random House London 1-4464-2042-6 External links Tribute to the Invincibles at Arsenal.com Category:Arsenal F.C. seasons Arsenal 2004