2005–06 Arsenal F.C. season

English football club season September 2013 November 2020 Arsenal 2005–06 The last ever game at Highbury.jpg 320px Thierry Henry preparing to take a corner kick for Arsenal's final ever game at Highbury against Wigan. Arsène Wenger Peter Hill-Wood Highbury Premier League 4th FA Cup Fourth round League Cup Semi-finals FA Community Shield Runners-up UEFA Champions League Runners-up Thierry Henry (27) Thierry Henry (33) 37,295 38,359 vs Wigan Athletic(7 May 2006) 34,498 vs Thun(14 September 2005) _arsenal0506h _arsenal0506h _classicfootball 800000 800000 800000 FFFFFF 800000 _arsenal0507a _arsenal0507a _arsenal0507a _arsenal0507a _arsenal0507al FFFF00 FFFF00 FFFF00 2B2B2B 2B2B2B _arsenal0405a _arsenal0405a _arsenal0405a _arsenal0405a _arsenal0405a 1144DC 1144DC 1144DC 1144DC 0000FF 2004–05 2006–07 The 2005–06 season was Arsenal Football Club's 14th season in the Premier League and their 80th 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 was the final season in which home matches were played at the club's Highbury stadium after 93 years; Arsenal intended to move to its new 60,000 capacity Emirates Stadium in time for the following season. The club ended their Premier League campaign in fourth, having pipped local rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the position on the final day. Arsenal became the first London club to reach a UEFA Champions League final, though lost 2–1 to Barcelona in Paris. In the League Cup, the club was eliminated in the semi-finals on aggregate score by Wigan Athletic and knocked out of the FA Cup, against Bolton Wanderers in the fourth round. Before the season commenced midfielder Patrick Vieira was sold to Juventus; striker Thierry Henry assumed his club captaincy role. Alexander Hleb was purchased from Stuttgart for an undisclosed fee in July 2005; in the winter transfer window Arsenal signed midfielder Abou Diaby, and forwards Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott. Arsenal lost to league champions Chelsea in the 2005 FA Community Shield at the Millennium Stadium. An indifferent start in the league saw Arsenal peak in second position after 13 matches, but a run of three consecutive defeats a month later had effectively ruled them out of title contention. On the final day, they beat Wigan Athletic 4–2 at Highbury; Tottenham Hotspur's defeat at West Ham United meant Arsenal secured fourth place. The team's performances in Europe were more striking; they eliminated Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal in the knockout stages. In the 2006 UEFA Champions League Final held at the Stade de France in Paris on 17 May 2006, goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was sent off for a professional foul on Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o. Although defender Sol Campbell gave Arsenal a first half lead from a set piece, the team conceded twice in the final 15 minutes to lose the match. To mark the final season at Highbury, Arsenal held a valedictory campaign titled "Highbury – The Final Salute". The club staged several themed matchdays and a redcurrant home kit replaced the common red to honour the shirts worn in 1913. 3 Background 2004–05 Arsenal F.C. season Arsenal began the preceding season as league champions; a win against Blackburn Rovers in August 2004 ensured they eclipsed Nottingham Forest's record of 42 league matches unbeaten.Arsenal 3–0 Blackburn http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3577058.stm BBC Sport 25 August 2004 19 July 2012 2 May 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210502105326/https://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/v5.js live The run extended to six more matches, before losing 2–0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford on 24 October 2004.Man Utd 2–0 Arsenal http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3727552.stm BBC Sport 24 October 2004 19 July 2012 24 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121024205357/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3727552.stm live Poor form throughout November allowed league leaders Chelsea to extend the gap at the top; Wenger conceded retaining the title in April 2005, calling his opponents "worthy champions ... they have been remarkably consistent."Wenger hails 'worthy champions' http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/s/155/155641_wenger_hails_worthy_champions.html https://archive.today/20130421043737/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/s/155/155641_wenger_hails_worthy_champions.html dead 21 April 2013 Manchester Evening News 21 April 2005 19 July 2012 A run of twelve league matches unbeaten, culminating in a 7–0 home win against Everton helped Arsenal finish in second place.Arsenal Annual Report 2004/2005 http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files/documents/oct_11/gun__1318505954_PDF_AHplc_2005_inside_FINAL.pdf Arsenal Football Club 2005 19 July 2012 8 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120108153505/http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files/documents/oct_11/gun__1318505954_PDF_AHplc_2005_inside_FINAL.pdf live In spite of exiting the Champions League to Bayern Munich in the second round, the team won the 2005 FA Cup Final against Manchester United – winning 5–4 on penalties after a goalless draw.Jens justifies the means for Wenger's pragmatic winners Sam Wallace https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/jens-justifies-the-means-for-wengers-pragmatic-winners-6145544.html The Independent London 23 May 2005 19 July 2012 19 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131219233026/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/jens-justifies-the-means-for-wengers-pragmatic-winners-6145544.html dead Highbury – The Final Salute thumb|right|200px|Arsenal prepared for their final season at Highbury|alt=A photograph of a green football turf, with the words Highbury, 1913–2006 etched in the middle. The 2005–06 season marked Arsenal's final season at Highbury, their home since 1913. The club planned to move half a mile to the Emirates Stadium, considered "vital to our future" by Wenger, as it financially would help them to compete at the top level.Wenger feels new stadium is vital http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4154480.stm BBC Sport 15 August 2005 15 May 2012 Nigel Adderley 9 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070909132053/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4154480.stm live To mark the valedictory campaign titled "Highbury – The Final Salute", the club staged many special activities on matchdays "...to celebrate the many great players and moments that this fantastic stadium has witnessed." A redcurrant home kit was designed to honour the shirts worn in the club's first season at Highbury.Simply red suits Arsenal https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/andrewbaker/2354145/Simply-red-suits-Arsenal.html The Daily Telegraph London 22 January 2005 21 July 2012 Andrew Baker 28 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131028080205/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/andrewbaker/2354145/Simply-red-suits-Arsenal.html dead It was adorned with gold lettering and accompanied by white shorts and redcurrant socks.The Arsenal home kit http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/the-arsenal-kit Arsenal F.C. 24 July 2012 17 July 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180717204240/https://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/the-arsenal-kit live +List of themed matchdays at Highburyhttp://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=the+club&article=352420&lid=Farewell+to+Highbury&Title=Themed+Matchdays Themed Matchdays 19 July 2012 Arsenal Football Club https://web.archive.org/web/20070531183650/http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=the%2Bclub&article=352420&lid=Farewell%2Bto%2BHighbury&Title=Themed%2BMatchdays 31 May 2007 dead MatchdayDatePlayers Day14 August 2005Goal Celebrations Day24 August 2005European Night14 September 20052 November 2005Doubles Day19 September 2005Internationals Day2 October 2005Wenger Day22 October 2005Memorial Day5 November 200549-ers Day26 November 2005League Cup Night29 November 200524 January 2006Boxers v Jockeys Day7 December 2005Great Saves Day18 December 2005Hat-trick Heroes Day28 December 2005Back Four Day3 January 2006FA Cup Day7 January 20061913 Day14 January 2006London Derbies Day1 February 2006Home Grown Players Day11 February 2006Managers Day8 March 2006Captains Day12 March 2006Junior Gunners Day18 March 2006Decades Day28 March 2006David Rocastle Day1 April 2006Dennis Bergkamp Day15 April 2006Records Day19 April 2006Kits Day22 April 2006Goals Day7 May 2006 Transfers Arsenal signed youth players Nicklas Bendtner, Vito Mannone and Armand Traoré in the summer transfer window. Belarusian Alexander Hleb joined the club for an undisclosed fee on 12 July 2005. Arsenal made four more additions during the season: goalkeeper Mart Poom, signed on a permanent deal, midfielder Abou Diaby, who reportedly turned down an offer to join ChelseaDiaby reveals Blues snub http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_6431419,00.html Sky Sports BSkyB Patrick Haond 6 October 2010 18 July 2012 5 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131005022532/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_6431419,00.html live and forwards Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott. After the early departures of Jermaine Pennant and Stuart Taylor, club captain Patrick Vieira joined Italian side Juventus in a £13.7 million deal. Wenger did not intend to sign a replacement, saying: "I am not in a hurry. We have Gilberto, Flamini, and Fàbregas. Pires can play in there also so we have plenty of players."Wenger in no hurry to replace Vieira http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-in-no-hurry-to-replace-vieira https://archive.today/20130117092533/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-in-no-hurry-to-replace-vieira dead 17 January 2013 Arsenal F.C. 18 July 2005 8 November 2012 English midfielder David Bentley made his loan deal at Blackburn Rovers permanent in the January transfer window. In No.PositionPlayerTransferred fromFeeDateRef33FWNicklas Bendtner Copenhagen£75,0001 July 2005Little and Large double act has won over Wenger Steve Stammers 63 London Evening Standard 25 October 2005GKVito Mannone Atalanta£350,0004 July 2005http://www.skysports.com/football/player/0,,11670_325859,00.html Vito Mannone Sky Sports 2 August 2012 29 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120829222608/http://www.skysports.com/football/player/0,,11670_325859,00.html liveDFArmand Traoré MonacoUndisclosed4 July 2005http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=41524 Armand Traore Soccerbase 3 August 2012 18 May 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120518110022/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=41524 live 13MFAlexander Hleb StuttgartUndisclosed12 July 2005http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4628093.stm Hleb completes switch to Arsenal BBC Sport 12 July 2005 3 August 2012 21 April 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090421000601/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4628093.stm live 2MFAbou Diaby Auxerre£2m13 January 2006http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4607920.stm Arsenal complete signing of Diaby BBC Sport 13 January 2006 3 August 2012 2 February 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060202120537/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4607920.stm live 25FWEmmanuel Adebayor MonacoUndisclosed13 January 2006http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4610630.stm Adebayor makes move to Highbury BBC Sport 13 January 2006 3 August 2012 24 December 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061224014714/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4610630.stm live 32FWTheo Walcott Southampton£5m20 January 2006http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4614538.stm Arsenal complete Walcott transfer BBC Sport 20 January 2006 3 August 2012 14 September 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080914134530/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4614538.stm live GKMart Poom SunderlandUndisclosed23 January 2006http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4641082.stm Gunners snap up goalkeeper Poom BBC Sport 23 January 2006 3 August 2012 14 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070914112542/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4641082.stm live Out No.PositionPlayerTransferred toFeeDateRefMFJermaine Pennant Birmingham City£3.0m25 April 2005http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/4480513.stm Pennant completes Birmingham move BBC Sport 25 April 2005 3 August 2012 2 May 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210502105339/https://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/v5.js live GKChris WrightBoston UnitedUndisclosed29 May 2005http://www1.skysports.com/football/player/56061/chris-wright Chris Wright Sky Sports 2 August 2014 8 August 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140808060406/http://www1.skysports.com/football/player/56061/chris-wright live 13GKStuart Taylor Aston VillaUndisclosed27 June 2005http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/4626853.stm Arsenal keeper Taylor joins Villa BBC Sport 27 June 2005 3 August 2012 7 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090307024557/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/4626853.stm live 4MFPatrick Vieira Juventus£13.7m14 July 2005http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4686017.stm Vieira delighted with Juve switch BBC Sport 15 July 2005 3 August 2012 27 April 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060427093415/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4686017.stm live DFFrank Simek Sheffield WednesdayFree27 July 2005http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/4640347.stm Transfers - July 2005 BBC Sport 27 July 2005 20 May 2018 29 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170829205758/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/4640347.stm live 31GKGraham Stack ReadingUndisclosed30 December 2005http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/4569304.stm Stack makes permanent Royals move BBC Sport 30 December 2005 5 August 2012 6 June 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070606184610/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/4569304.stm live 35MFPatrick Cregg FalkirkUndisclosed6 January 2006 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/4586954.stm Falkirk bring in midfielder Cregg BBC Sport 6 January 2006 5 August 2012 11 February 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060211190152/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/4586954.stm live 25MFDavid Bentley Blackburn RoversUndisclosed31 January 2006http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6303305.stm January sales BBC Sport 31 January 2006 3 August 2012 10 February 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070210062252/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6303305.stm live 26FWQuincy Owusu-Abeyie Spartak MoscowUndisclosed31 January 2006http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4667414.stm Moscow move for Arsenal youngster BBC Sport 31 January 2006 3 August 2012 13 February 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070213040629/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4667414.stm live Loans in No.PositionPlayerLoaned fromLoan commencedLoan expiredRefDFAlex Song Bastia11 August 2005End of season, view to sign permanentlyhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4692645.stm Arsenal take Song on season loan BBC Sport 11 August 2005 5 August 2012 27 April 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060427053535/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4692645.stm live GKMart Poom Sunderland31 August 2005End of seasonhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4201804.stm Poom makes loan switch to Arsenal BBC Sport 31 August 2005 5 August 2012 2 May 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210502105337/https://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/v5.js live Loans out No.PositionPlayerLoaned toLoan commencedLoan expiredRef31GKGraham Stack Reading7 July 2005January 2006http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/4659819.stm Reading sign Stack in loan deal BBC Sport 7 July 2005 5 August 2012 9 March 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060309014746/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/4659819.stm live 30FWJérémie Aliadière West Ham United25 August 2005January 2006http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/4184190.stm West Ham seal Aliadiere loan deal BBC Sport 25 August 2005 5 August 2012 22 November 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20051122183352/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/4184190.stm live Wolverhampton Wanderers31 January 2006End of seasonhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wolverhampton_wanderers/4668298.stm Wolves snap up Aliadiere on loan BBC Sport 31 January 2005 5 August 2012 13 February 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060213034406/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wolverhampton_wanderers/4668298.stm live 25MFDavid Bentley Blackburn Rovers31 August 2005End of seasonhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackburn_rovers/4202716.stm Blackburn capture Bentley on loan BBC Sport 31 August 2005 5 August 2012 14 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070914010259/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackburn_rovers/4202716.stm live31DFJustin Hoyte Sunderland31 August 2005End of seasonhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/sep/01/newsstory.sport10 All the deadline-day transfers The Guardian 1 September 2005 5 August 2012 19 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140919215757/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/sep/01/newsstory.sport10 live 39GKMark Howard Falkirk29 January 2006End of seasonhttp://staging.arsenal.com/usa/sh/news/reserves-news/keeper-howard-joins-falkirk-on-loan Keeper Howard joins Falkirk on loan Arsenal F.C. 29 January 2006 5 August 2012 September 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes Pre-season Friendly 16 July 2005 Barnet 1–4 Report Arsenal Sinclair 74 Hleb 2, Henry pen ?, Bergkamp ?, Hoyte ? Barnet Underhill Stadium W Friendly 20 July 2005 19:00 CET SC Weiz 0–5 Report Arsenal Flamini 1, Henry 4 37, Bentley 15, Bergkamp 50 Weiz Sparkassen-Stadion W Friendly 24 July 2005 16:00 CET Ritzing 2–5 Report Arsenal Pajer 38, Schiffer 75 Bergkamp 10, Henry 17, Reyes 35 pen, Hleb 79, Larsson 90 Ritzing Sparkassen-Stadion W Friendly 26 July 2005 Utrecht 0–3 Report Arsenal Pires 13 pen, Reyes 54, Henry 77 Bad Waltersdorf W Amsterdam Tournament 29 July 2005 Ajax 0–1 Report Arsenal Lupoli 87 Amsterdam Amsterdam Arena 35,000 Dick van Egmond (Netherlands) W Amsterdam Tournament 31 July 2005 Porto 1–2 Report Arsenal Lisandro 37 Ljungberg 49 58 Amsterdam Amsterdam Arena 35,000 Ruud Bossen (Netherlands) W FA Community Shield 2005 FA Community Shield As winners of the FA Cup in the previous season, Arsenal contested the 2005 FA Community Shield against league champions Chelsea. Two goals scored by striker Didier Drogba meant Arsenal lost the match. Wenger commented afterwards that Chelsea's gameplan made it difficult for the Arsenal defenders, and noted his opposition's strength was playing long balls.Wenger is unimpressed by Chelsea http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4129954.stm BBC Sport 8 August 2005 5 August 2012 18 December 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061218125009/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4129954.stm live When asked if he was concerned by the performance, Wenger replied: "Why should I worry? Did you see the game? You can worry for the Chelsea supporters." 7 August 2005 15:00 BST Arsenal 1–2 Report Chelsea Fàbregas 64 Drogba 8 58 Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 58,014 Howard Webb L Premier League 2005–06 FA Premier League August–October 23em "If you look at the history of the championship, this is very early to have lost two games. If we lose more than four, it's going to be a struggle." —Ashley Cole, 10 September 2005https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/sep/12/match.sport1 The Guardian London 12 September 2005 17 July 2012 Walker Michael Wenger becomes prisoner of fortune 19 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140919220039/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/sep/12/match.sport1 live Arsenal began their final league season at Highbury against Newcastle United on 14 August 2005. In spite of having a man advantage after midfielder Jermaine Jenas was sent off for a challenge on Gilberto Silva, striker Thierry Henry scored from the penalty spot in the 81st minute.Arsenal 2–0 Newcastle http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4127052.stm BBC Sport 14 August 2005 18 July 2012 10 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170810004816/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4127052.stm live Robin van Persie added a second, four minutes from the end of the match. A fortunate goal from Drogba inflicted Arsenal's first defeat against Chelsea in the league for almost a decade.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/aug/22/match.sport15 The Guardian London 22 August 2005 18 July 2012 McCarra Kevin Chelsea make the most of Drogba's good fortune 19 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140919092726/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/aug/22/match.sport15 live The team responded with a 4–1 victory against Fulham, whereby Henry and defender Pascal Cygan both scored twice.Arsenal 4–1 Fulham http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4171162.stm BBC Sport 23 August 2005 18 July 2012 2 May 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210502105336/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4171162.stm live Arsenal lost away to Middlesbrough on 10 September 2005, in a performance derided by Wenger as being "unacceptable". A brace (two goals) from Sol Campbell against Evertonhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/sep/20/match.sport The Guardian London 20 September 2005 18 July 2012 McCarra Kevin Campbell double revives Arsenal 19 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140919220303/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/sep/20/match.sport live was followed by a goalless draw against newly promoted West Ham United.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/sep/25/match.sport4 The Observer 25 September 2005 18 July 2012 Lawrence Amy Arsenal lose their rhythm with Henry absent 19 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140919220425/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/sep/25/match.sport4 live An own goal scored by Stephen Clemence gave Arsenal a 1–0 victory in the first week of October at home to Birmingham City.https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/heroic-taylor-sunk-by-touch-of-misfortune-3g5sz6mt237 The Times London 3 October 2005 18 July 2012 Edgar Bill Heroic Taylor sunk by touch of misfortune 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518150205/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/footballleague/article2316002.ece live Despite being "technically the better side" away to West Bromwich Albion, Arsenal lost 2–1; Wenger after the match commented that the team "played with great spirit but ... were punished for a lack of experience and maturity because we didn't take advantage of the chances we created."https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/oct/17/match.sport3 The Guardian London 17 October 2005 18 July 2012 Weaver Paul Carter the self-starter forces Arsenal to kiss their title hopes goodbye 20 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140920015034/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/oct/17/match.sport3 live A penalty scored by Robert Pires was enough to secure three points against Manchester City.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/oct/23/match.sport1 The Observer 23 October 2005 18 July 2012 Lawrence Amy It was your fault, Thierry, says 'Laurel and Hardy' star Pires 20 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140920015226/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/oct/23/match.sport1 live The midfielder wasted a second penalty in the second half, choosing to recreate a spot kick executed by Johan Cruyff and Jesper Olsen for Ajax. Having attempted to roll the ball towards onrushing Henry, Pires inadvertently flicked the ball twice, enabling referee Mike Riley to award a free-kick to Manchester City. Although both players were scrutinised by Chelsea manager José Mourinho,The world according to Mourinho http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/4392444.stm BBC Sport 31 October 2005 18 July 2012 You have to wonder why they did that penalty. Because they have so many penalties in the season, that's why. They have to do something special and different. 22 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090222112343/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/4392444.stm live they were commended by Cryuff for showing a desire to try something different.Cruyff defends Pires penalty http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_2352858,00.html Sky Sports BSkyB Alex Dunn 25 October 2005 18 July 2012 24 September 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924142948/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_2352858,00.html live The final league match of October ended in a 1–1 draw against local rivals Tottenham Hotpsur.Tottenham 1–1 Arsenal http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4366690.stm BBC Sport 29 October 2005 18 July 2012 9 November 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20051109223904/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4366690.stm live November–February thumb|190px|left|Luis García scored the winning goal for Liverpool against Arsenal|alt=A coloured photograph of a man controlling a football. He is dressed in a red kit. A 3–1 win at home to Sunderland on 5 November 2005 meant Arsenal moved third in the league table.Arsenal 3–1 Sunderland http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4387814.stm BBC Sport 5 November 2005 18 July 2012 20 December 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061220133403/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4387814.stm live This was followed by a trip to the JJB Stadium; Arsenal beat Wigan Athletic 3–2 in a "hugely entertaining game on a cold, frosty afternoon".https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/nov/20/match.sport5 The Observer 20 November 2005 18 July 2012 Wilson Paul Jewell's men forced to bow to gem of a display from Henry 15 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140515045916/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/nov/20/match.sport5 live Henry scored his 100th goal at Highbury against Blackburn Rovers to extend a club unbeaten run of nine matches.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-3-blackburn-rovers-0-van-persie-gives-fluent-reminder-of-arsenals-full-potential-517161.html The Independent London 28 November 2005 18 July 2012 Burt Jason Arsenal 3 Blackburn Rovers 0: Van Persie gives fluent reminder of Arsenal's full potential 15 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140515034811/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-3-blackburn-rovers-0-van-persie-gives-fluent-reminder-of-arsenals-full-potential-517161.html live Defeat at Bolton Wanderers in early December concerned Wenger, admitting the opponents showed the template required to beat his team.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bolton-wanderers-2-arsenal-0-fe-faye-fo-fum--the-bolton-formula-518132.html The Independent London 5 December 2005 18 July 2012 Hunter Andy Bolton Wanderers 2 Arsenal 0: Fe, Faye, Fo, Fum – the Bolton formula 15 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140515040143/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bolton-wanderers-2-arsenal-0-fe-faye-fo-fum--the-bolton-formula-518132.html live A further defeat against Newcastle United, where Gilberto Silva was sent off in the second half highlighted the "physical absence" of Vieira in midfield.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/dec/12/match.sport3 The Guardian London 12 December 2005 18 July 2012 Walker Michael Shearer teaches Arsenal the value of Vieira's valour 15 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140515051645/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/dec/12/match.sport3 live In losing 2–0 to Chelsea a week after – their third successive defeat for the first time under Wenger, Arsenal lay in eighth position, 11 points behind Manchester United.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-0-chelsea-2-fates-mock-lucky-arsenal-as-cole-gives-chelsea-control-of-destiny-519997.html The Independent London 19 December 2005 18 July 2012 Moore Glenn Arsenal 0 Chelsea 2: Fates mock 'lucky Arsenal' as Cole gives Chelsea control of destiny 15 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140515033627/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-0-chelsea-2-fates-mock-lucky-arsenal-as-cole-gives-chelsea-control-of-destiny-519997.html live An early morning kick-off away to Charlton Athletic ended in a 1–0 victory for Arsenal; José Antonio Reyes scored his second goal in the league.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/charlton-athletic-0-arsenal-1-arsenal-run-ends-in-style-and-sulks-520747.html The Independent London 27 December 2005 18 July 2012 Burt Jason Charlton Athletic 0 Arsenal 1: Arsenal run ends in style... and sulks 15 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140515035603/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/charlton-athletic-0-arsenal-1-arsenal-run-ends-in-style-and-sulks-520747.html live Four first-half goals against Portsmouth helped Arsenal to close the gap on second place by nine points.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/dec/29/match.sport2 The Guardian London 29 December 2005 18 July 2012 Brodkin Jon Arsenal's fluency leaves Portsmouth struggling in any language 15 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140515045540/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/dec/29/match.sport2 live They ended the calendar year and began 2006 with goalless draws against Aston Villa and Manchester United respectively.Aston Villa 0–0 Arsenal http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4560286.stm BBC Sport 31 December 2005 18 July 2012 2 January 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070102212314/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4560286.stm live Arsenal 0–0 Man Utd http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4562614.stm BBC Sport 3 January 2006 18 July 2012 18 December 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061218213027/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4562614.stm live Arsenal recorded the biggest win of the league season, against Middlesbrough at Highbury. Henry scored a hat-trick in a 7–0 victory; the striker post-match deemed it was vital for the club to finish in the top four "...for me, for the club and for the fans."https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/jan/16/match.sport6 The Guardian London 16 January 2006 20 July 2012 Scott Matt McClaren's lack of invention leaves Henry free to make history 15 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140515050416/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/jan/16/match.sport6 live They suffered two consecutive defeats: away to EvertonEverton 1–0 Arsenal http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4612194.stm BBC Sport 21 January 2006 20 July 2012 15 December 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061215232803/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4612194.stm live and at home to West Ham United.Arsenal 2–3 West Ham http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4657206.stm BBC Sport 1 February 2006 20 July 2012 27 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120327195228/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4657206.stm live In the latter match, Campbell was substituted at his request before the second half, having been at fault for Nigel Reo-Coker and Bobby Zamora's goals. He "went missing" after the match, subsequently returning to training five days later.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/notts-county/6222803/Sol-Campbell-your-numbers-up.html The Daily Telegraph London 23 September 2009 20 July 2012 Norrish Mike Sol Campbell: your number's up 27 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110727014603/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/notts-county/6222803/Sol-Campbell-your-numbers-up.html live Emmanuel Adebayor scored his first goal for Arsenal in a 2–0 win against Birmingham City on 4 February 2006.Birmingham 2–0 Arsenal http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4657224.stm BBC Sport 4 February 2006 20 July 2012 15 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140515021921/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4657224.stm live A stoppage time goal scored by Gilberto earned the team a point against Bolton Wanderers at Highbury; they went 1–0 down in the 12th minute after Kevin Nolan chipped the ball past goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/13/match.sport5 The Guardian London 13 February 2006 20 July 2012 Brodkin Jon Gilberto's leveller steadies junior Gunners for Anfield but seniors still shoot their mouths off 15 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140515051523/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/13/match.sport5 live Arsenal conceded a late goal away to Liverpool on Valentine's Day – a result which left the club 10 points behind their opponents.Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4703844.stm BBC Sport 14 February 2006 20 July 2012 15 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140515021637/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4703844.stm live Defeat against Blackburn Rovers meant they lost for the second consecutive game.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/27/match.sport6 The Guardian London 27 February 2006 20 July 2012 Bierely Steve Blackburn's dream nearer reality as away-day nightmare dogs Arsenal 15 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140515050303/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/27/match.sport6 live Having collected just three wins out of a possible 14 away from home, Wenger admitted the form of the team remained "a big worry" given they needed to play five more. March–May In the first week of March, Arsenal beat Fulham 4–0 with a "commanding performance" from Henry, who scored two goals.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/mar/06/match.sport3 The Guardian London 6 March 2006 22 July 2012 Lacey David Coleman leads the chorus of praise for king Henry's command performance 21 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194819/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/mar/06/match.sport3 live The striker scored the winning goal against Liverpool in their next match, from a Steven Gerrard backpass.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2333579/Henry-feeds-on-Gerrards-generosity.html The Daily Telegraph London 13 March 2006 22 July 2012 Winter Henry Henry feeds on Gerrard's generosity 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518135817/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2333579/Henry-feeds-on-Gerrards-generosity.html live A polished performance against Charlton Athletichttps://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-3-charlton-athletic-0-arsenal-must-tie-wenger-into-new-contract-as-well-as-henry-470619.html The Independent London 20 March 2006 22 July 2012 Burt Jason Arsenal 3 Charlton Athletic 0: Arsenal must tie Wenger into new contract as well as Henry 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095512/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-3-charlton-athletic-0-arsenal-must-tie-wenger-into-new-contract-as-well-as-henry-470619.html dead was followed by a five-goal win at home to Aston Villa on 1 April 2006.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/apr/03/match.sport7 The Guardian London 3 April 2006 22 July 2012 Thomas Russell Wenger set on adding Henry to his victories 22 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140922034219/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/apr/03/match.sport7 live Arsenal lost 2–0 to Manchester United and dropped two points against relegation-threatened Portsmouth, meaning a fourth-place finish was in Tottenham Hotspur's favour.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4867736.stm Man Utd 2–0 Arsenal 9 April 2006 22 July 2012 BBC Sport 7 October 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071007002618/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4867736.stm live https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/apr/13/match.sport1 The Guardian London 13 April 2006 22 July 2012 Scott Matt Campbell injury sums up bad night for Arsenal 22 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140922034511/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/apr/13/match.sport1 live Dennis Bergkamp scored his final goal for Arsenal against West Bromwich Albion in a 3–1 win; he came on as a substitute in the second half to set up Pires to score the winning goal, moments after Nigel Quashie had leveled the scoreline; fittingly the day was dedicated to him.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4890626.stm Arsenal 3–1 West Brom 15 April 2006 22 July 2012 BBC Sport 21 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170821090758/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4890626.stm live Arsenal drew 1–1 at home to Tottenham Hotspur, with Wenger choosing to rest players in mind for the club's Champions League semi-final. A 3–0 win away at Sunderland was overshadowed by a tackle on Abou Diaby, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.Diaby injury mars Arsenal victory http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4963628.stm BBC Sport 1 May 2006 22 July 2012 15 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170815191330/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4963628.stm live Two late goals scored by Reyes against Manchester City moved Arsenal a point behind Tottenham Hotspur in fourth.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/may/05/match.sport1 The Guardian London 5 May 2006 22 July 2012 Fifield Dominic Timely double from Reyes keeps Gunners firing on two fronts 15 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140515051601/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/may/05/match.sport1 live In the final competitive match played at Highbury, Arsenal faced Wigan Athletic, needing to better their rivals result to guarantee Champions League qualification. Henry scored a hat-trick in a six-goal match, helping Arsenal end the season with 67 points from 38 matches.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4957444.stm Arsenal 4–2 Wigan 7 May 2006 22 July 2012 BBC Sport 19 June 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060619131343/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4957444.stm live Tottenham Hotspur's defeat against West Ham United meant Arsenal finished fourth, a position Gilberto felt the club "deserved".http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4982984.stm Henry delight at Highbury finale 7 May 2006 22 July 2012 BBC Sport 15 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140515014857/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4982984.stm live Match results 1 14 August 2005 13:30 BST Arsenal 2–0 Report Newcastle United Henry 81 pen.van Persie 87 Jenas 0 32 London Highbury 38,072 Steve Bennett W 2 21 August 2005 16:00 BST Chelsea 1–0 Report Arsenal Drogba 73 London Stamford Bridge 42,136 Graham Poll L 3 24 August 2005 19:45 BST Arsenal 4–1 Report Fulham Cygan 32 90+1Henry 53 82 Jensen 22 London Highbury 37,867 Mark Clattenburg W 4 10 September 2005 17:15 BST Middlesbrough 2–1 Report Arsenal Yakubu 40Maccarone 59 Reyes 90+3 Middlesbrough Riverside Stadium 28,075 Mike Riley L 5 19 September 2005 20:00 BST Arsenal 2–0 Report Everton Campbell 11 30 London Highbury 38,121 Alan Wiley W 6 24 September 2005 15:00 BST West Ham United 0–0 Report Arsenal London Upton Park 34,742 Mike Dean D 7 2 October 2005 13:30 BST Arsenal 1–0 Report Birmingham City Clemence 81 o.g. Cunningham 0 24 London Highbury 37,891 Chris Foy W 8 15 October 2005 15:00 BST West Bromwich Albion 2–1 Report Arsenal Kanu 37Carter 76 Senderos 17 West Bromwich The Hawthorns 26,604 Barry Knight L 9 22 October 2005 15:00 BST Arsenal 1–0 Report Manchester City Pires 61 pen. London Highbury 38,189 Mike Riley W 10 29 October 2005 13:00 BST Tottenham Hotspur 1–1 Report Arsenal King 17 Pires 77 London White Hart Lane 36,154 Steve Bennett D 11 5 November 2005 15:00 GMT Arsenal 3–1 Report Sunderland van Persie 12Henry 36 82 Stubbs 75 London Highbury 38,210 Alan Wiley W 12 19 November 2005 12:45 GMT Wigan Athletic 2–3 Report Arsenal Camara 28Bullard 45 van Persie 11Henry 21 41 Wigan JJB Stadium 25,004 Graham Poll W 13 26 November 2005 15:00 GMT Arsenal 3–0 Report Blackburn Rovers Fàbregas 4Henry 45van Persie 90 London Higbury 38,192 Chris Foy W 14 3 December 2005 15:00 GMT Bolton Wanderers 2–0 Report Arsenal Faye 20Giannakopoulos 32 Bolton Reebok Stadium 26,792 Howard Webb L 15 10 December 2005 17:15 GMT Newcastle United 1–0 Report Arsenal Solano 82 Gilberto 0 57 Newcastle-upon-Tyne St James' Park 52,297 Dermot Gallagher L 16 18 December 2005 16:00 GMT Arsenal 0–2 Report Chelsea Robben 39J. Cole 73 London Highbury 38,347 Rob Styles L 17 26 December 2005 12:45 GMT Charlton Athletic 0–1 Report Arsenal Murphy 0 72 Reyes 58 London The Valley 27,111 Steve Bennett W 18 28 December 2005 19:45 GMT Arsenal 4–0 Report Portsmouth Bergkamp 7Reyes 13Henry 37 43 pen. London Highbury 38,223 Mark Clattenburg W 19 31 December 2005 12:45 GMT Aston Villa 0–0 Report Arsenal Birmingham Villa Park 37,114 Uriah Rennie D 20 3 January 2006 20:00 GMT Arsenal 0–0 Report Manchester United London Highbury 38,313 Graham Poll D 21 14 January 2006 15:00 GMT Arsenal 7–0 Report Middlesbrough Henry 20 30 68Senderos 22Pires 45+2Silva 59Hleb 84 Doriva 0 72 London Highbury 38,186 Rob Styles W 22 21 January 2006 12:45 GMT Everton 1–0 Report Arsenal Beattie 13 Liverpool Goodison Park 36,920 Alan Wiley L 23 1 February 2006 20:00 GMT Arsenal 2–3 Report West Ham United Henry 45Pires 89 Reo-Coker 25Zamora 32Etherington 80 London Highbury 38,216 Mark Halsey L 24 4 February 2006 15:00 GMT Birmingham City 0–2 Report Arsenal Adebayor 21Henry 63 Birmingham St Andrew's 27,075 Mike Riley W 25 11 February 2006 15:00 GMT Arsenal 1–1 Report Bolton Wanderers Silva 90+3 Nolan 12 London Highbury 38,193 Howard Webb D 26 14 February 2006 20:00 GMT Liverpool 1–0 Report Arsenal Luis García 87 Liverpool Anfield 44,012 Graham Poll L 27 25 February 2006 15:00 GMT Blackburn Rovers 1–0 Report Arsenal Pedersen 18 Blackburn Ewood Park 22,504 Uriah Rennie L 28 4 March 2006 15:00 GMT Fulham 0–4 Report Arsenal Henry 31 77Adebayor 35Fàbregas 86 London Craven Cottage 22,397 Rob Styles W 29 12 March 2006 16:00 GMT Arsenal 2–1 Report Liverpool Henry 21 83 Luis García 76 London Highbury 38,221 Steve Bennett W 30 18 March 2006 15:00 GMT Arsenal 3–0 Report Charlton Athletic Pires 12Adebayor 32Hleb 49 London Highbury 38,223 Dermot Gallagher W 31 1 April 2006 15:00 BST Arsenal 5–0 Report Aston Villa Adebayor 19Henry 25 46van Persie 71Diaby 80 London Highbury 38,183 Mark Atkinson W 32 9 April 2006 16:00 BST Manchester United 2–0 Report Arsenal Rooney 54Park 78 Manchester Old Trafford 70,908 Graham Poll L 33 12 April 2006 20:00 BST Portsmouth 1–1 Report Arsenal LuaLua 66 Henry 36 Portsmouth Fratton Park 20,230 Uriah Rennie D 34 15 April 2006 15:00 BST Arsenal 3–1 Report West Bromwich Albion Hleb 44Pires 76Bergkamp 89 Quashie 72 London Highbury 38,167 Mike Dean W 35 22 April 2006 12:45 BST Arsenal 1–1 Report Tottenham Hotspur Henry 84 Keane 66 London Highbury 38,326 Steve Bennett D 36 1 May 2006 17:15 BST Sunderland 0–3 Report Arsenal Collins 29 o.g.Fàbregas 40Henry 43 Sunderland Stadium of Light 44,003 Dermot Gallagher W 37 4 May 2006 19:45 BST Manchester City 1–3 Report Arsenal Sommeil 38 Ljungberg 30Reyes 78 84 Manchester City of Manchester Stadium 41,875 Graham Poll W 38 7 May 2006 15:00 BST Arsenal 4–2 Report Wigan Athletic Pires 8Henry 35 56 76 pen. Scharner 10Thompson 33 London Highbury 38,359 Uriah Rennie W Classification ARS Results summary 14 3 2 48 13 6 4 9 20 18 http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2005-2006 Premier League – 2005–06 Statto Organisation 15 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120817022011/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2005-2006 17 August 2012 live June 2012 Results by round table b Round Ground H/A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /A /A /H /A /H /A /H /H /A /H /A /H /A /A /A /H /H /H /A /A /H /H /A /A /H Result W/L/W/L/W/D/W/L/W/D/W/W/W/L/L/L/W/W/D/D/W/L/L/W/D/L/L/W/W/W/W/L/D/W/D/W/W/W Position 3/9/4/8/7/7/7/8/7/7/3/4/2/5/6/8/7/6/6/5/5/5/6/5/5/5/6/5/5/5/5/6/5/5/5/5/5/4 Home Away green2 Win yellow2 Draw red2 Loss 1st 2nd 3rd green1 blue1 lavender red1 http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/2005-2006 Arsenal – 2005–06 Statto Organisation 15 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121001075103/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/2005-2006 1 October 2012 live July 2013 FA Cup 2005–06 FA Cup Arsenal entered the competition in the third round, receiving a bye as a Premier League club. Their opening match was a 2–1 home win against Cardiff City on 7 January 2006, with both goals scored by Pires.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4565096.stm BBC Sport 7 January 2006 17 July 2012 Arsenal 2–1 Cardiff 11 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170811035355/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4565096.stm live Arsenal faced Bolton Wanderers the following round; an understrength team lost 1–0 after Giannakopulos headed in the winning goal, six minutes from the end of the match.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4634286.stm BBC Sport 28 January 2006 17 July 2012 Bolton 1–0 Arsenal 2 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090602083113/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4634286.stm live Third round 7 January 2006 Arsenal 2–1 Report Cardiff City Pires 6 18 Jerome 87 London Highbury 36,552 Martin Atkinson W Fourth round 28 January 2006 Bolton Wanderers 1–0 Report Arsenal Giannakopulos 84 Bolton Reebok Stadium 13,326 Mike Dean L Football League Cup 2005–06 Football League Cup Arsenal entered the Football League Cup in the third round, where they were drawn away to Sunderland.Plum draws for Grimsby and Barnet http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4274286.stm BBC Sport 24 September 2005 7 August 2012 29 October 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20051029210008/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4274286.stm live A 3–0 victory meant they progressed to the fourth round, where they beat First Division club Reading by an identical scoreline.Sunderland 0–3 Arsenal http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4366938.stm BBC Sport 25 October 2005 7 August 2012 27 April 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060427094655/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4366938.stm live Arsenal 3–0 Reading http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4472914.stm BBC Sport 29 November 2005 7 August 2012 3 April 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090403082428/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4472914.stm live Extra time and penalties was required in Arsenal's fifth round tie against Doncaster Rovers, after a 2–2 draw in 90 minutes. Two saves by goalkeeper Manuel Almunia helped Arsenal win 3–1 on penalties and reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 1998.Doncaster Rovers 2 Arsenal 2: Almunia to rescue after Doncaster force Arsenal to work overtime https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/doncaster-rovers-2-arsenal-2-almunia-to-rescue-after-doncaster-force-arsenal-to-work-overtime-520373.html The Independent London Jon Culley 22 December 2005 7 August 2012 20 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131220132600/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/doncaster-rovers-2-arsenal-2-almunia-to-rescue-after-doncaster-force-arsenal-to-work-overtime-520373.html live They faced Wigan Athletic, losing 1–0 in the first leg and in spite of winning the second leg 2–1 with a full strength team, Arsenal was eliminated on the away goals rule.Arsenal 2–1 Wigan (agg 2–2) http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4639638.stm BBC Sport 24 January 2006 7 August 2012 13 February 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070213101935/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4639638.stm live Third round 25 October 2005 Sunderland 0–3 Report Arsenal Eboué 61van Persie 67 87 pen. Sunderland Stadium of Light 47,366 Matt Messias W Fourth round 29 November 2005 Arsenal 3–0 Report Reading Reyes 12van Persie 42Lupoli 65 London Highbury 36,167 Lee Mason W Quarter-finals 21 December 2005 Doncaster Rovers 2–2 yes 1–3 Report Arsenal McIndoe 2Green 104 Owusu-Abeyie 63Gilberto 120 Doncaster Belle Vue 10,006 Phil Dowd W Semi-final, first leg 10 January 2006 Wigan Athletic 1–0 Report Arsenal Scharner 78 Wigan JJB Stadium 12,181 Howard Webb L Semi-final, second leg 24 January 2006 19:45 GMT Arsenal 2–1 yes 2–2a Report Wigan Athletic Henry 65van Persie 108 Roberts 119 London Highbury 37,086 Phil Dowd W UEFA Champions League 2005–06 UEFA Champions League Group stage 2005–06 UEFA Champions League group stage#Group B Arsenal qualified for the group stages of the Champions League in the 2005–06 season on virtue of finishing runners-up in the Premier League the preceding season. They were drawn in Group B, along with Swiss' Thun, Czech club Sparta Prague and Ajax of the Netherlands.Reds and Chelsea in Euro rematch http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4182054.stm BBC Sport 25 August 2005 17 July 2012 28 August 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060828053940/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4182054.stm live In spite of Van Persie's dismissal against Thun in the opening group match, Arsenal won 2–1, courtesy of a late goal by substitute Bergkamp.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2365306/Bergkamp-just-beats-clock.html Bergkamp just beats clock 15 September 2005 17 July 2012 The Daily Telegraph Winter Henry London 5 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120205154528/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2365306/Bergkamp-just-beats-clock.html live A 2–1 win against AjaxAjax 1–2 Arsenal http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4280456.stm BBC Sport 27 September 2005 17 July 2012 28 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070828025740/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4280456.stm live was followed by a 2–0 victory against Sparta Prague; Henry scored both goals to surpass Ian Wright's all-time leading scorer record.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2366875/Henry-strikes-twice-to-secure-Arsenal-record.html Henry strikes twice to secure Arsenal record 19 October 2005 17 July 2012 The Daily Telegraph Davies Christopher London 10 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121110130207/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2366875/Henry-strikes-twice-to-secure-Arsenal-record.html live A goal from Henry and two from Van Persie in the reverse fixture meant the club reached the knockout stages.Arsenal 3–0 Sparta Prague http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4387982.stm BBC Sport 2 November 2005 17 July 2012 24 May 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060524025616/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4387982.stm live A win at Thun on 22 November 2005 ensured Arsenal topped the group; they ended the group stages with a draw at Highbury against Ajax.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/nov/23/match.sport1 Pires on hand as Arsenal enjoy a spot of good fortune 23 November 2005 17 July 2012 The Guardian Scott Matt London 20 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140920041644/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/nov/23/match.sport1 live https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/dec/08/match.arsenal Wenger's changes fail to strike gold as Henry plays the fool 8 December 2005 17 July 2012 The Guardian Scott Matt 2 May 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210502105337/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/dec/08/match.arsenal live Group B n ARS 1 14 September 2005 19:45 BST Arsenal 2–1 Report Thun van Persie 0 45Silva 51Bergkamp 90+2 Ferreira 53 London, England Highbury 34,498 Grzegorz Gilewski (Poland) W 2 27 September 2005 20:45 CET Ajax 1–2 Report Arsenal Rosenberg 71 Ljungberg 2Pires 69 pen. Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam Arena 47,820 Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain) W 3 18 October 2005 20:45 CET Sparta Prague 0–2 Report Arsenal Henry 21 74 Prague, Czech Republic Stadion Letná 12,528 Wolfgang Stark (Germany) W 4 2 November 2005 19:45 GMT Arsenal 3–0 Report Sparta Prague Henry 23van Persie 81 86 London, England Highbury 35,155 Alain Sars (France) W 5 22 November 2005 20:45 CET Thun 0–1 Report Arsenal Deumi 0 35 Pires 88 pen. Bern, Switzerland Stade de Suisse 31,330 Lucílio Batista (Portugal) W 6 7 December 2005 19:45 GMT Arsenal 0–0 Report Ajax London, England Highbury 35,376 Eduardo Iturralde González (Spain) D Knockout phase 2005–06 UEFA Champions League knockout stage First knockout round The club faced Real Madrid in the last 16 – the first encounter between both clubs in the competition.Be strong, warns Wenger https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/dec/18/newsstory.sport7 The Observer Kevin Mitchell 18 December 2005 17 July 2012 2 May 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210502105341/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/dec/18/newsstory.sport7 live A solo goal by Henry at the Santiago Bernabéu in the first leg inflicted the home team's first defeat in 18 Champions League matches.Henry storms Real citadel to reignite Gunners Matt Scott https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/22/championsleague200506.championsleague The Guardian London 22 February 2006 26 May 2012 23 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131023080614/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/feb/22/championsleague200506.championsleague live A disciplined display at home a fortnight after helped Arsenal to reach the quarter-finals and become the sole English representative left in the competition.Proud Arsenal carry the flag for England Kevin McCarra https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/mar/09/championsleague200506.championsleague4 The Guardian London 9 March 2006 26 May 2012 21 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194913/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/mar/09/championsleague200506.championsleague4 live First leg 21 February 2006 20:45 CET Real Madrid 0–1 Report Arsenal Henry 47 Madrid, Spain Santiago Bernabéu 80,000 Stefano Farina (Italy) W Second leg 8 March 2006 19:45 GMT Arsenal 0–0 1–0 Report Real Madrid London, England Highbury 35,487 Ľuboš Micheľ (Slovakia) D Quarter-finals At home to Juventus, Arsenal won 2–0 with goals from Fàbregas and Henry; the match was overshadowed by the return of former captain Vieira.Arsenal 2–0 Juventus http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4841992.stm BBC Sport 28 March 2006 17 July 2012 16 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170816195527/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4841992.stm live A goalless draw at the Stadio delle Alpi meant the club progressed into the semi-finals against Villarreal.Arsenal hold nerve as Nedved sees red Kevin McCarra https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/apr/06/match.sport The Guardian London 6 April 2006 26 May 2012 22 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140922034315/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/apr/06/match.sport live First leg 28 March 2006 19:45 GMT Arsenal 2–0 Report Juventus Fàbregas 40Henry 69 Camoranesi 0 87Zebina 0 89 London, England Highbury 35,472 Peter Fröjdfeldt (Sweden) W Second leg 5 April 2006 20:45 CEST Juventus 0–0 0–2 Report Arsenal Turin, Italy Stadio delle Alpi 50,000 Herbert Fandel (Germany) D Semi-finals In the club's final European match at Highbury, Touré scored a first-half goal to give Arsenal a 1–0 win over Villarreal.Arsenal bring Highbury curtain down in style Henry Winter https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2335599/Arsenal-bring-Highbury-curtain-down-in-style.html The Daily Telegraph London 20 April 2006 17 July 2012 10 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121110130325/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2335599/Arsenal-bring-Highbury-curtain-down-in-style.html live A late penalty save by goalkeeper Lehmann in the second leg helped Arsenal become the first London club to reach a Champions League final.Lehmann the hero as Arsenal triumph Henry Winter https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2335921/Lehmann-the-hero-as-Arsenal-triumph.html The Daily Telegraph London 26 April 2006 27 May 2012 21 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140121222615/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2335921/Lehmann-the-hero-as-Arsenal-triumph.html live The result, another goalless draw was Arsenal's tenth clean sheet in a row – a new competition record.Lehmann a saviour from the spot as Arsenal pack their bags for Paris Kevin McCarra https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/apr/26/championsleague.arsenal The Guardian London 26 April 2006 27 May 2012 17 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131217013713/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/apr/26/championsleague.arsenal live Campbell, returning from injury praised the team performance in his post-match interview: "It's brilliant for us. It's also great for the manager Arsène Wenger to get to the final in France – I'm sure he will get a great reception."Wenger hails penalty hero Lehmann http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4940592.stm BBC Sport 25 April 2006 27 May 2012 10 May 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070510121843/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4940592.stm live First leg 19 April 2006 19:45 BST Arsenal 1–0 Report Villarreal Touré 41 London, England Highbury 35,438 Konrad Plautz (Austria) W Second leg 25 April 2006 20:45 CEST Villarreal 0–0 0–1 Report Arsenal Villarreal, Spain Estadio El Madrigal 22,000 Ivan Ivanov (Russia) D Final 2006 UEFA Champions League Final thumb|right|190px|Play during the first half|alt=A coloured action photograph of a football match in progress. There are a group of men, four of which wearing yellow shirts and black shorts. Five are wearing red and blue striped shirts. In the final against Barcelona at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris, Arsenal fielded a 4–5–1 formation, with Eboué replacing the injured Lauren, and Cole making a return at left-back for Flamini.Barcelona 2–1 Arsenal http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4773353.stm BBC Sport 17 May 2006 27 May 2012 9 October 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071009001809/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4773353.stm live Lehmann was sent off in 18th minute for a professional foul on striker Samuel Eto'o. Wenger reacted by substituting Pires for goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, altering the formation. In spite of the disadvantage, Arsenal took the lead in the 37th minute, after Henry's free kick was headed in by Campbell. Henry missed a chance in the second half to give Arsenal a two-nil lead before Eto'o equalised with 14 minutes left. Substitute Henrik Larsson set up Juliano Belletti to score the winner for Barcelona. Wenger used his post-match press conference to criticise referee Terje Hauge for sending off Lehmann, a view later shared by club captain Henry and FIFA president Sepp Blatter.Referee regrets Lehmann red card http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4993994.stm BBC Sport 18 May 2006 27 May 2012 24 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090524021945/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4993994.stm live Final 17 May 2006 20:45 CEST Barcelona 2–1 Report Arsenal Oleguer 69Eto'o 76Belletti 81Larsson 90+3 Lehmann 0 18Eboué 22Campbell 37Henry 51 Paris, France Stade de France 79,610 Terje Hauge (Norway) L Squad statistics Arsenal used a total of 34 players during the 2005–06 season and there were 16 different goalscorers. There were also six squad members who did not make a first-team appearance in the campaign. The team played in a 4–4–2 formation for much of the season, though Wenger deployed a 4–5–1 formation in Europe – a five-man midfield with Ljungberg playing behind the main striker Henry.Wenger out to exorcise ghosts of invincibles' painful end https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/apr/08/newsstory.sport4 The Guardian London Jon Brodkin 8 April 2006 8 December 2013 13 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131213073540/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/apr/08/newsstory.sport4 live Wenger – The benefits of a fifth midfielder http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-the-benefits-of-a-fifth-midfielder Arsenal F.C. Chris Harris 10 November 2008 8 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131212093232/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-the-benefits-of-a-fifth-midfielder 12 December 2013 dead Fàbregas featured in 50 matches – the most of any Arsenal player in the campaign; Lehmann started in all 38 league matches. The team scored a total of 96 goals in all competitions. The highest scorer was Henry, with 33 goals, followed by Van Persie and Pires who both scored 11 goals. Four Arsenal players were sent off during the season: Lehmann, Fàbregas, Van Persie and Gilberto. Key No. = Squad number Pos = Playing position Nat. = Nationality Apps = Appearances GK = Goalkeeper DF = Defender MF = Midfielder FW = Forward 12px|alt=|Yellow cards = Yellow cards 12px|alt=|Red cards = Red cards Numbers in parentheses denote appearances as substitute. Players with number struck through and marked Left club during playing season left the club during the playing season. Players with names in italics and marked * were on loan from another club for the whole of their season with Arsenal. No.Pos.Nat.NamePremier LeagueFA CupLeague CupCommunity ShieldChampions LeagueTotalDisciplineAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals13px|Booked|alt=A yellow rectangular card13px|Sent off|alt=A red rectangular card1GK GER Jens Lehmann38000001080470112MFFRA Abou Diaby9 (3)1101000(2)011 (5)1303DFENG Ashley Cole9 (2)00000103013 (2)0307MFFRA Robert Pires23 (10)712(1)0107 (5)232 (16)11108MFSWE Freddie Ljungberg21 (4)11010109132 (4)2209FWESP José Antonio Reyes22 (4)52031(1)011 (1)038 (6)69010FWNED Dennis Bergkamp8 (16)21010101 (3)112 (19)31011FWNED Robin van Persie13 (11)5203 (1)4(1)03 (4)221 (17)114112DFCMR Lauren2201010105 (1)030 (1)07013MFBLR Alexander Hleb17 (8)31030(1)09 (1)030 (10)31014FWFRA Thierry Henry30 (2)2700111010 (1)542 (3)335015MFESPCesc Fàbregas30 (5)300(1)01110 (3)141 (9)57116MFFRAMathieu Flamini19 (12)0202 (1)01011 (1)035 (14)06017MFCMRAlex Song*3 (2)00020001 (1)06 (3)00018DFFRA Pascal Cygan11 (1)2003 (1)0(1)02 (1)016 (4)27019MFBRA Gilberto Silva3321031(1)010147 (1)44120DFSUI Philippe Senderos19 (1)22050107034 (1)24022DFFRA Gaël Clichy5 (2)00000002 (2)07 (4)01023DFENG Sol Campbell202102010612931024GKESP Manuel Almunia002050005 (1)012 (1)01025FWENGDavid Bentley Left club during playing season(1)000(1)00000(2)00025FWTOG Emmanuel Adebayor12 (1)40000000012 (1)40026FWNEDQuincy Owusu-Abeyie Left club during playing season(4)0(1)041001 (2)05 (7)10027DFCIV Emmanuel Eboué11 (7)00031009 (2)024 (9)11028DFCIVKolo Touré3300000101214614029MFSWESebastian Larsson2 (1)0(1)02 (2)000105 (4)00031DFENGJustin Hoyte000000(1)000(1)00033FWDENNicklas Bendtner0000(3)00000(3)00035MFIRLPatrick Cregg Left club during playing season0000(1)00000(1)00036DFSUIJohan Djourou6 (1)02030000011 (1)01038DFENGKerrea Gilbert20203 (1)000(1)07 (2)02041FWITAArturo Lupoli(1)0002 (2)100002 (3)10044MFENGFabrice Muamba0000(2)00000(2)00045FWIRLAnthony Stokes0000(1)00000(1)000Own Goals2 Source:First Team Stats http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/statistics?season=2005/06 Arsenal F.C. 1 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20131212094141/http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/statistics?season=2005%2F06 12 December 2013 dead See also English football 2005–06 in English football List of Arsenal F.C. seasons References External links Arsenal play in European Cup Final at Arsenal.com 2005-06 Arsenal