2002–03 Arsenal F.C. season

English football club season May 2020 May 2013 Arsenal 2002–03 Arsène Wenger Peter Hill-Wood Highbury Premier League 2nd FA Cup Winners League Cup Third round FA Community Shield Winners UEFA Champions League Second group stage Thierry Henry (24) Thierry Henry (32) 38,164 vs Manchester United(16 April 2003) 19,059 vs Sunderland(6 November 2002) 38,041 _arsenal0204h _arsenal0204h _arsenal0204h _arsenal0204h _arsenal0204h FFFFFF DD0000 FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF _arsenal0203a _arsenal0203a _arsenal0203a _arsenal0203a _arsenal0203a 000040 000040 000040 000040 000040 _arsenal0102a _arsenal0102a _arsenal0102a _arsenal0203a _arsenal0203a EECB00 EECB00 EECB00 000040 000040 2001–02 2003–04 The 2002–03 season was Arsenal Football Club's 11th season in the Premier League and their 77th consecutive season in the top flight of English football.https://www.arsenal.com/news/features/48523/behind-the-numbers- All-time Arsenal James Josh 18 June 2013 Arsenal F.C. 22 June 2023 live https://web.archive.org/web/20230622042610/https://www.arsenal.com/news/features/48523/behind-the-numbers- 22 June 2023https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/engall.html English Clubs Divisional Movements 1888–2016 Ross James Heneghan Michael Orford Stuart Culliton Eoin 25 August 2016 Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation 22 June 2023 live https://web.archive.org/web/20230622041929/https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/engall.html 22 June 2023 The club retained the FA Cup, a feat last achieved by Tottenham Hotspur in 1982, but finished runners-up to Manchester United in the Premier League. In the UEFA Champions League, defeat to Valencia in the second group stage meant Arsenal exited the competition at the same round for the second successive year. Arsenal began the new campaign as league and cup double winners, and manager Arsène Wenger sought improvement in the Champions League, a competition the club failed in. The retirement of longtime defender Tony Adams meant French midfielder Patrick Vieira was appointed as captain; Pascal Cygan was signed as a replacement in defence. Other recruitments included defensive midfielders Gilberto Silva and Kolo Touré, while goalkeepers Alex Manninger and Richard Wright departed to join Espanyol and Everton respectively. In the league, a 4–1 win against Leeds United in September meant the club broke the record for scoring in consecutive games (47), and away league games without defeat (22). The club began 2003 in first position, but subsequently floundered; a draw to Aston Villa in April allowed Manchester United to move joint top. A further draw at Bolton Wanderers meant the league championship was, mathematically, out of Arsenal's hands and defeat to Leeds a week after ended their chances of retaining the league. Consolation came in retaining the FA Cup; a solitary goal scored by midfielder Robert Pires was enough to beat Southampton in the 2003 final. 30 different players represented the club in five competitions and there were 17 different goalscorers. Arsenal's top goalscorer was Thierry Henry, who scored 32 goals in 55 appearances. 3 Background 2001–02 Arsenal F.C. season Arsenal began the 2001–02 season in good form and a win against Liverpool in December 2001 – having gone down to ten men in the first half, helped them move second in the table.Arsenal pride comes after a fall https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/3019251/Arsenal-pride-comes-after-a-fall.html The Telegraph Henry Winter 23 December 2001 17 June 2012 22 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150522114852/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/3019251/Arsenal-pride-comes-after-a-fall.html live A draw against Southampton on 2 February 2002 started a run of 13 consecutive league wins – a new record, beginning against Everton.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/1975926.stm Arsenal's road to glory BBC Sport 8 May 2002 17 June 2012 6 November 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061106042127/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/1975926.stm live Arsenal won the league away to Manchester United at Old Trafford on 8 May 2002; the winning goal was scored by Sylvain Wiltord in the second half.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/1964495.stm Arsenal clinch Double 8 May 2002 17 June 2012 BBC Sport 25 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170825070447/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/1964495.stm live The result meant the team were unbeaten away from home all season, and in scoring four goals against Everton on the final day, became the first team to score in every league match they played.http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/42908/behind-the-numbers- Behind the Numbers: Scoring scoring Arsenal 11 April 2012 17 June 2012 Arsenal Football Club Arsenal.com https://web.archive.org/web/20120621232534/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/42908/behind-the-numbers- 21 June 2012 dead Arsenal completed the double, having beaten Chelsea 2–0 in the 2002 FA Cup Final. Wenger hoped his team's success would begin an era of dominating English football for years to come, citing a "shift of power".https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/1976435.stm Wenger hails 'shift of power' 9 May 2002 11 February 2010 BBC Sport We wanted tonight to be a shift of power, and to take the trophy back to Highbury. 25 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170825025444/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/1976435.stm live He moreover aimed for significant improvement in the Champions League, a competition where the club failed to reach higher than the quarter-finals.https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/wengers-french-option-6307808.html Wenger's French option Steve Stammers London Evening Standard 13 May 2002 27 May 2012 Such was Arsenal's impressive form in late summer, Wenger commented that his team could go the entire season undefeated.Wenger's actual quote was: "It's not impossible. I know it will be difficult for us to go through the season unbeaten. But if we keep the right attitude it's possible we can do it."We Won't Lose One Match Martin Lipton The Mirror London 21 September 2002 78–79 lower-alpha Arsenal's kit sponsorship with O2 came into action in the 2002–03 season, replacing the Sega Dreamcast.Mm02 teams up with Gunners https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/apr/19/marketingandpr.football The Guardian Julia Day 19 April 2002 18 June 2012 Transfers Wenger appointed midfielder Patrick Vieira as captain after Tony Adams announced his retirement from football.Vieira's Arsenal pledge https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/2183855.stm BBC Sport 9 August 2002 22 July 2012 12 July 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040712044959/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2183855.stm live Defender Lee Dixon left the club after 14 years, retiring at the age of 38.Dixon bows out https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/1981248.stm BBC Sport 11 May 2002 17 June 2012 Arsenal did not spend big in the transfer market unlike their rivals and only made subtle additions to the squad: World Cup winner Gilberto Silva and defender Pascal Cygan. English duo Martin Keown and goalkeeper David Seaman extended their stay at the club for two and one more years respectively. In the January transfer window, defender Matthew Upson was sold to Birmingham City and midfielder Steve Sidwell joined Reading on an undisclosed fee.January's Premiership transfers in full https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/jan/31/newsstory.sport16 The Guardian 31 January 2003 17 June 2012 Goalkeeper Guillaume Warmuz signed a short-term contract with Arsenal, as cover for Seaman, Stuart Taylor and Rami Shaaban. In No.PositionPlayerTransferred fromFeeDateRef18? DFPascal CyganLille£2,100,00011 July 2002Cygan joins Arsenal https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2095996.stm BBC Sport 11 July 2002 8 June 2010 11 May 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080511145915/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2095996.stm live 19? MFGilberto SilvaAtlético Mineiro£4,500,0007 August 2002Silva joins Arsenal https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2157063.stm BBC Sport 28 July 2002 8 June 201024? GKRami ShaabanDjurgårdenUndisclosed30 August 2002https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2225912.stm Shaaban joins Arsenal BBC Sport 30 August 2002 29 April 2012 11 March 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040311110516/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2225912.stm live 20? GKGuillaume WarmuzLensUndisclosed31 January 2003https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2712803.stm Arsenal solve keeper crisis BBC Sport 31 January 2003 29 April 2012 4 September 2003 https://web.archive.org/web/20030904214627/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2712803.stm live Out No.PositionPlayerTransferred toFeeDateRef2DFLee DixonRetired1 July 20026DFTony AdamsRetired1 July 2002End of an Arsenal era https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2117779.stm Stuart Roach BBC Sport 11 August 2002 17 June 2012 7 March 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080307014933/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2117779.stm live 37FWCarlin ItongaReleased1 July 2002End of an Arsenal era https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/3032823/Club-by-club.html The Telegraph 17 August 2002 20 May 2018 21 May 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180521090137/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/3032823/Club-by-club.html live 13GKAlex ManningerEspanyol£960,0004 July 2002Manninger joins Espanyol https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2043343.stm BBC Sport 4 July 2002 14 June 2012 26 May 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040526095257/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2043343.stm live 40MFRohan RickettsTottenham HotspurFree transfer13 July 2002Transfers - July, 2002 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/2239086.stm BBC Sport 13 July 2002 20 May 201824GKRichard WrightEverton£3,500,00024 July 2002Wright agrees Everton move https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/2149205.stm BBC Sport 24 July 2002 8 June 2010 20 November 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20021120191526/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/everton/2149205.stm live 45MFSteve SidwellReadingUndisclosed20 January 2003https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/reading/2678087.stm Sidwell joins Reading BBC Sport 11 February 2003 17 June 2012 2 February 2003 https://web.archive.org/web/20030202003502/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/2678087.stm live 20DFMatthew UpsonBirmingham City£2,500,00022 January 2003https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/2652803.stm Birmingham sign Upson BBC Sport 11 February 2003 17 June 2012 17 June 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040617052827/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/2652803.stm live Pre-season To prepare for the upcoming season, Arsenal played a number of friendlies. On 17 June, they played Stevenage for Paul Fairclough's managerial testimonial, then travelled abroad to play Austrian teams Neuberg, and Rapid Wien, before competing in the Tri-team pre-season tournament, also in Austria, winning matches against both Panathinaikos and Roma. Their last match in Austria consisted of a strong 3–1 win against 1860 Munich, before travelling to Belgium to play Beveren, and eventually back to England, beating Barnet in their final pre-season game. 2002 7 17 y 20:00 BST Paul Fairclough Testimonial Stevenage Borough 1–6 Report Arsenal Trott 40 Juan 27Edu 57Chilvers 68Brown 75Paulinho 82Barrett 83 Broadhall Way Stevenage W 2002 7 26 y 19:00 CEST Friendly SV Neuberg AUT 2–8 Report ENG Arsenal Zilić ? ? Aliadière ? ?Bergkamp Edu Henry ? ?Wiltord Tavlaridis Oberwart Stadium Oberwart 3,500Neuberg – Arsenal London 2:8 (1:2) http://sport.orf.at/orfon/sport/020727-33463/33441bigstory_txt.html https://web.archive.org/web/20020826163807/http://sport.orf.at/orfon/sport/020727-33463/33441bigstory_txt.html 26 August 2002 Österreichischer Rundfunk Sport 26 July 2002 25 February 2012 or 5,000http://kovacs.heimat.eu/ https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025042/http://kovacs.heimat.eu/ dead 4 March 2016 SV Marsch Neuberg Kovacs.heimat.eu 26 July 2002 25 February 2012 W 2002 7 27 y 20:00 CEST Friendly Rapid Wien AUT 0–0 Report ENG Arsenal Linden Stadium Eisenstadt P 2002 8 1 y 19:00 CEST Tri-team pre-Season Tournament Arsenal ENG 1–0 Report GRE Panathinaikos Wiltord 28 Franz Fekete Stadium Kapfenberg W 2002 8 1 y 21:00 CEST Tri-team pre-Season Tournament Arsenal ENG 2–1 Report ITA Roma Henry 4Aliadière 44 Batistuta 17 Franz Fekete Stadium Kapfenberg W 2002 8 3 y 19:30 CEST Friendly 1860 Munich GER 1–3 Report ENG Arsenal Agostino 67 Henry 44 83 88 Innsbruck W 2002 8 4 y 19:30 CEST Friendly Beveren BEL 1–1 Report ENG Arsenal Wostijn 55 Barrett 66 Beveren D 2002 8 6 y 19:45 BST Friendly Barnet 1–2 Report Arsenal Arber 60 Kanu 22Upson 80 Underhill Stadium Barnet W Mid-Season Friendlies During the season, Arsenal played a number of friendlies at their training ground in London Colney. The dates and details of these matches are displayed below. 2002 9 11 y Friendly Arsenal 3–0 Report Reading Cygan 25Sidwell 73Juan 88 pen. Arsenal Training Centre London Colney W 2002 10 15 y 11:00 BST Friendly Arsenal 5–1 Report Queens Park Rangers Noble 49Pires 60Tavlaridis 73Bentley 80Edu 90 Doudou 17 Arsenal Training Centre London Colney W 2002 12 3 y Friendly Arsenal 3–0 Report Millwall Kanu 61 pen. 74Jeffers 63 Arsenal Training Centre London Colney W 2003 1 14 y Friendly Arsenal 2–0 Report Luton Town Jeffers 19 52 Arsenal Training Centre London Colney W FA Community Shield 2002 FA Community Shield As Premier League and FA Cup winners, Arsenal contested the 2002 FA Community Shield against league runners-up Liverpool. Gilberto, making his debut for Arsenal in the second half as a substitute, scored the winning goal, in a match where the team missed numerous chances.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/sep/02/match.sport15 The Guardian London 12 August 2002 18 June 2012 Williams Richard Arsenal show undimmed taste for titles as Silva shines 2002 8 11 y 14:00 BST Final Arsenal 1–0 Report Liverpool Gilberto Silva 68 Millennium Stadium Cardiff 67,337 Alan Wiley W Premier League 2002–03 FA Premier League A total of 20 teams competed in the Premier League in the 2002–03 season. Each team played 38 matches; two against every other team and 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=setSelectedId&nextPage=enSpecFeatures&id=3304&type=com.fapl.website.features.SpecialFeature&categoryCode=CompetitionExplained&breadcrumb= Rules of the Barclays Premiership competition Premier League 31 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20060511145346/http://www.premierleague.com/fapl.rac?command=setSelectedId&nextPage=enSpecFeatures&id=3304&type=com.fapl.website.features.SpecialFeature&categoryCode=CompetitionExplained&breadcrumb= 11 May 2006 August–October 23em "We're all fighting for second place now. It was demoralising. They just pass and move, pass and move. You find yourself working for nothing." —Leeds midfielder Olivier Dacourt, 28 September 2002https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/sep/30/match.leedsunited The Guardian London 30 September 2002 16 June 2012 Taylor Daniel Wenger goes for total football domination Arsenal began the season with a 2–0 home victory against promoted Birmingham City; goals from Thierry Henry and Sylvain Wiltord extended the club's winning run to fourteen matches – a new top-flight record.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/aug/19/match.arsenal The Guardian London 19 August 2002 12 February 2012 Walker Michael Champions pick up where they left off 28 January 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230128102727/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/aug/19/match.arsenal live A late equaliser by Wiltord in their next match at West Ham United earned Arsenal a point, having trailed 2–0 in the first half.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/aug/26/match.sport14 The Guardian London 26 August 2002 14 June 2012 Brodkin Jon Tenacity of Defoe rattles the aristocrats Three days later, a 5–2 win against West Bromwich Albion moved Arsenal to the top of the league table.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2216506.stm BBC Sport 27 August 2002 14 June 2012 Slick Arsenal crush Baggies 11 February 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040211023507/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2216506.stm live Although they drew to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, having lost captain Vieira through a sending-off,https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/sep/02/match.sport15 The Guardian London 2 September 2002 15 June 2012 Brodkin Jon Wenger hails his '10 lions' after captain cries foul a win against Manchester City meant Arsenal leapfrogged local rivals Tottenham Hotspur to first position.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/sep/11/match.sport3 The Guardian London 11 September 2002 15 June 2012 Brodkin Jon Henry sends Arsenal top A 3–0 win at Charlton Athletic on 15 September 2002 pleased Wenger, who indicated after the match the league was theirs to lose: "We know we can win the league. We know we can be stronger. At this stage last season we were not as good as we are now."https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/sep/16/match.sport9 The Guardian London 15 September 2002 15 June 2012 Thomas Russell Arsenal aim to plant their standard on foreign fields Striker Kanu scored a stoppage time winner against Bolton Wanderers to win their eleventh successive home game.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2258163.stm BBC Sport 21 September 2002 15 June 2012 Arsenal sneak late win 11 February 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060211163419/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2258163.stm live At Elland Road, Leeds United hosted Arsenal on 28 September 2002. Goals from Kolo Touré and Henry and a brace from Kanu ensured Arsenal eclipsed Nottingham Forest's record of 22 away league games without defeathttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/4778045/Henry-shears-sheepish-Leeds.html The Sunday Telegraph London 29 September 2002 16 June 2012 Barclay Patrick Henry shears sheepish Leeds and scored in 47 consecutive league matches, breaking Chesterfield Town's achievement.Arsenal blow away Leeds https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2272636.stm BBC Sport 28 September 2002 8 June 2010 14 June 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040614014618/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2272636.stm live Wenger hailed the performance as "edging nearer to perfection",Wenger hails 'outstanding' Arsenal https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2287084.stm BBC Sport 29 September 2002 14 January 2009 15 May 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040515192754/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2287084.stm live adding it evoked memories of the Ajax team in the 1970s: "We are playing great, 'Total Football'. Danger comes from everywhere."Henry perfects one-track mind https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/leeds-united/3035346/Henry-perfects-one-track-mind.html The Telegraph Henry Winter 30 September 2002 16 June 2012 22 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150522115614/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/leeds-united/3035346/Henry-perfects-one-track-mind.html live Leeds manager Terry Venables agreed: "Manchester United have been exceptional for 10 years – but I've not seen anything as good as that." Arsenal started October with a 3–1 win against Sunderland, breaking Manchester United's Premier League record of 30 matches unbeaten.Arsenal add another chapter to record book https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/07/match.arsenal The Guardian London Jon Brodkin 7 October 2002 16 June 2012 4 January 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190104180111/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/07/match.arsenal live They however suffered their first defeat of the season, against Everton; teenager Wayne Rooney scored from long range in the last minute of the match.Rooney ends Arsenal's run https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2317767.stm BBC Sport 19 October 2002 16 June 2012 29 January 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220129041307/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2317767.stm live Wenger used his post-match press conference to praise the striker: "At that age, Rooney is already a complete footballer. The guy can play. He's the best English under-20 I've seen since I came here [in 1996]."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 9 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131109035022/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/21/match.sport live In spite of dominating their next match against Blackburn Rovers – "27 goal attempts, 14 on target,"https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/28/match.arsenal The Guardian London 28 October 2002 16 June 2012 Thomas Russell Arsenal play the beautiful game but get beaten again Arsenal were beaten 2–1; the winning goal was scored by Dwight Yorke in the second half. It was the team's third consecutive defeat in all competitions, their worst run since November 2000, and moved league leaders Liverpool four points clear at the top of the table. November–February A Steve Marlet own goal gave Arsenal a much-needed 1–0 win against Fulham, ceasing their run of four defeats on 3 November 2002.Marlet gifts Arsenal the points in French farce https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/nov/04/match.sport The Guardian London David Lacey 4 November 2002 16 June 2012 Another 1–0 win, this time against Newcastle United moved Arsenal one point behind leaders Liverpool.Arsenal ease past Newcastle https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2388243.stm BBC Sport 9 November 2002 16 June 2012 10 June 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040610095838/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2388243.stm live Vieira's performance in particular was plauded in The Guardian as a "demonstration of tackling, control, awareness and movement that was exceptional even by his standards."Vieira drives Gunners back to top form https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/nov/11/match.sport12 The Guardian London David Lacey 11 November 2002 25 April 2010 In the North London derby on 16 November 2002, Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotpsur 3–0 to go back at the top of the league table.Arsenal rout Spurs https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2430135.stm BBC Sport 16 November 2002 16 June 2012 18 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120618163804/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2430135.stm live The opening goal, scored by Henry was later voted the Goal of the Season by viewers of ITV's The Premiership,Wonder goals of Arsenal's striker 70 London Evening Standard 26 November 2003 having picked up the ball from Arsenal's side of the pitch and running past the opposition defence to shoot past goalkeeper Kasey Keller.Henry beggars his neighbours https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/nov/18/match.sport The Guardian London David Lacey 18 November 2002 16 June 2012 At St Mary's Stadium, Arsenal lost 3–2 to Southampton; striker James Beattie scored twice against an Arsenal defence, who conceded three goals in total for the first time since May 2001.Saints desecrate Wenger's road to Rome https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/nov/25/match.sport The Guardian London Russell Thomas 25 November 2002 16 June 2012 Defender Sol Campbell had been sent off in the match, and was suspended for a further game, against Manchester United. Arsenal ended the month with a 3–1 victory over visitors Aston Villa; midfielder Robert Pires scoring for the second successive league match and Henry adding a further two goals.Arsenal salute new king as Henry claims a place in history https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/dec/02/match.sport3 The Guardian London David Lacey 2 December 2002 16 June 2012 Arsenal faced Manchester United at Old Trafford on 7 December 2002; the home team had beaten title challengers Liverpool the previous weekend. Manchester United opened the scoring in the 21st minute – a poor clearance by Cygan allowed Juan Sebastián Verón to score.Man Utd's surge continues https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2535721.stm BBC Sport 7 December 2002 16 June 2012 25 August 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040825202620/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2535721.stm live Arsenal goalkeeper Rami Shaaban was substituted before the start of the second half, having pulled a thigh muscle. He was replaced by Stuart Taylor, who was helpless to prevent Paul Scholes from scoring a second goal, 15 minutes before the final whistle. A 1–1 draw at Tottenham HotspurSpurs let Arsenal off hook https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2553087.stm BBC Sport 15 December 2002 16 June 2012 was followed by a win against Middlesbrough; a goal apiece from Campbell and Pires meant Arsenal were top of the table on Christmas.Gunners hit target https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/dec/22/match.sport3 The Observer London Will Buckley 22 December 2002 16 June 2012 On Boxing Day, Arsenal came from a goal down to beat West Brom 2–1; in doing so, they extended their lead at the top to four points.Arsenal punish Baggies https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2575715.stm BBC Sport 26 December 2002 16 June 2012 Three days later, Arsenal's lead was increased to five points, having drawn with Liverpool.Liverpool hold Arsenal https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2597015.stm BBC Sport 29 December 2002 16 June 2012 19 June 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040619231932/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2597015.stm live In spite of conceding two late goals against Chelsea, Arsenal won by a solitary goal on New Year's Day to maintain their lead.Arsenal edge past Chelsea https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2606695.stm BBC Sport 1 January 2003 16 June 2012 17 June 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040617050626/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2606695.stm live Two goals from Henry against Birmingham City took his total for the club to 100 goals in all competitions;Arsenal brush Blues aside https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2617945.stm BBC Sport 12 January 2003 14 January 2009 28 June 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040628212619/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2617945.stm live Wenger declared the display – a 4–0 win, as his team's best since beating Leeds United in September.Henry's name up in lights as champions turn on power https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/jan/13/match.sport15 The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 13 January 2003 16 June 2012 Henry scored a hat-trick for Arsenal against West Ham United on 19 January 2003Henry destroys Hammers https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2648649.stm BBC Sport 19 January 2003 16 June 2012 12 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160112185443/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2648649.stm live but the team drew at Liverpool in spite of a polished performance; Emile Heskey headered the ball into the net, scoring for the home team after 90 minutes.Heskey heads off Gunners https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/jan/30/match.sport5 The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 30 January 2003 16 June 2012 On 1 February 2003, Pires scored a late goal against Fulham, extending Arsenal's lead to six points at the top.Pires puts gold top on Gunners' slim pickings https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/jan/30/match.sport5 The Guardian London David Lacey 3 February 2003 16 June 2012 This was followed by a 1–1 draw against Newcastle United; manager Sir Bobby Robson after the game criticised referee Neale Barry for his decision to send off midfielder Laurent Robert and Dennis Bergkamp's role in the dismissal, suggesting he "wasn't trying to play the ball to anybody. He kicked the ball against Laurent – I've seen other players do that and I don't like it."Football: Angry Robson slams Bergkamp https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-97384823/football-angry-robson-slams-bergkamp https://web.archive.org/web/20200904030655/https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-97384823/football-angry-robson-slams-bergkamp dead 4 September 2020 The News Letter 10 February 2003 18 June 2012 Damian Questia subscription Belfast, Northern Ireland Spellman Arsenal beat Manchester City 5–1 in their final trip to Maine Road on 22 February 2003. The first four goals, all scored before the half-hour, came at a time when "[Alex] Ferguson ordered the radio to be switched before they reached Old Trafford, presumably in ghastly silence."Arsenal force Ferguson to blink https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/feb/24/match.sport3 The Guardian London Daniel Taylor 24 February 2003 16 June 2012 March–May 23em "I've always plumped for Arsenal, until now. It seemed to me earlier in the season they could score goals whenever they wanted. But they've seen all these points being lost and, without sitting on the fence, I really don't have a clue now. It's all up for grabs." —Manager Graham Taylor, 5 April 2003https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/apr/07/match.astonvilla The Guardian London 7 April 2003 16 June 2012 Taylor Daniel Wenger cannot hide Arsenal's anxiety as the title race is blown wide open On 2 March 2003, Arsenal opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the table, winning 2–0 against Charlton Athletic.Unstoppable Henry runs legs off Charlton https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/mar/03/match.sport5 The Guardian London Jon Brodkin 3 March 2003 16 June 2012 The result was enough for Irish bookmaker Paddy Power to pay out on punters backing Arsenal to retain their lead, despite Manchester United having a game in hand.Haul or nothing; Bookies write off United title bid https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-98306956/football-haul-or-nothing-bookies-write-off-united https://web.archive.org/web/20200903225545/https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-98306956/football-haul-or-nothing-bookies-write-off-united dead 3 September 2020 Daily Record Glasgow 4 March 2003 16 June 2012 Paul Questia subscription Jain The gap was cut to two points after Arsenal suffered their first defeat in 2003, against Blackburn Rovers.Arsenal undone by Blackburn https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2830411.stm BBC Sport 15 March 2003 16 June 2012 By the time Arsenal played Everton on 23 March 2003, they were displaced at the top of the table by Manchester United. A goal by Vieira moved the team two points clear once more.Arsenal back on top https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2847645.stm BBC Sport 23 March 2003 16 June 2012 22 May 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060522023635/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2847645.stm live An own goal scored by Touré meant Freddie Ljungberg's opener against Aston Villa was cancelled out and the match ended in a draw, albeit helping Arsenal back to first position on goal difference.Arsenal held by Villa https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2895671.stm BBC Sport 5 April 2003 16 June 2012 21 August 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040821190435/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2895671.stm live Leading up to the potential championship decider against Manchester United on 16 April 2003, Wenger was adamant his team were mentally ready to retain the title: "We want to be a team who makes history. That's what's really driving us on. We are not worrying about United too much. We are just concentrating on expressing our togetherness, our mental strength and our qualities. We have enough players who can win this game."Winner takes all as titans collide https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/apr/16/newsstory.sport5 The Guardian London Jon Brodkin Dominic Fifield 16 April 2003 16 June 2012 Having conceded a first half goal scored by Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arsenal overturned Manchester United's lead before Ryan Giggs equalised for the away team.United on pole as Campbell sees red https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/apr/17/match.arsenal The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 17 April 2003 16 June 2012 1 September 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200901193007/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/apr/17/match.arsenal live The match ended 2–2; Campbell was sent off for elbowing Ole Gunnar Solskjær and was banned the rest of the season, whereas Vieira limped off with an injury. Although the result helped Manchester United move back top, they had played one game more than Arsenal. Arsenal won their next match at Middlesbrough,https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/apr/21/match.sport2 The Guardian London 21 April 2003 16 June 2012 Walker Michael Arsenal's faith intact as Henry eases tension but squandered a two-goal lead away to Bolton Wanderers in the last ten minutes. The result, "a big blow" for Arsenal's title hopes,Wenger rues late lapses https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2400391/Wenger-rues-late-lapses.html The Sunday Telegraph Patrick Barclay 27 April 2003 16 June 2012 meant the championship was now in Manchester United's favour. With Manchester United beating Charlton Athletic 4–1 on 3 May 2003, Arsenal, a day later, needed a win against Leeds United to restore any hope of finishing top of the league.Man Utd close in on title https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2968005.stm BBC Sport 3 May 2003 16 June 2012 12 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160112185444/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2968005.stm live In a five-goal match, an 88th-minute goal by Mark Viduka ensured Leeds United's survival in the top division and Manchester United's recapture of the Premiership.Viduka's arrow pierces Highbury heart https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/05/match.arsenal The Guardian London Kevin McCarra 5 May 2003 16 June 2012 Wenger revoked suggestion that the league campaign was a "failure", arguing his team were consistent: 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 are in the cup final; we lose the league to a team who spends 50% more money every year – last year they bought a player for £30m pounds 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 https://news.bbc.co.uk/media/audio/39177000/rm/_39177067_sport_wenger.ram 16 June 2012 6 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160306025854/http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/audio/39177000/rm/_39177067_sport_wenger.ram live Arsenal won their final two matches of the league season, against Southampton – where Pires and Jermaine Pennant both scored a hat-trickArsenal hit Saints for six https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2994079.stm BBC Sport 7 May 2003 16 June 2012 20 June 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130620165218/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2994079.stm live – and Sunderland, ending the season with 78 points.Ljungberg treble sinks Sunderland https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2978129.stm BBC Sport 11 May 2003 16 June 2012 3 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170803222835/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2978129.stm live 2002 8 18 y 16:05 BST 1 Arsenal 2–0 Report Birmingham City Henry 9Wiltord 24 Purse 24Cissé 2 69 73 Highbury London 38,018 Mike Riley W 2002 8 24 y 15:00 BST 2 West Ham United 2–2 Report Arsenal J. Cole 44Kanouté 53Řepka 63Moncur 87 Bergkamp 18Edu 42A. Cole 53Henry 65Keown 68Vieira 75Wiltord 88 Boleyn Ground London 35,048 Neale Barry D 2002 8 27 y 20:00 BST 3 Arsenal 5–2 Report West Bromwich Albion Cole 3Lauren 21Edu 23Wiltord 24 77Keown 67Campbell 72Aliadière 90 McInnes 19Clement 39Dobie 52Roberts 87 Highbury London 37,920 Paul Durkin W 2002 9 1 y 16:05 BST 4 Chelsea 1–1 Report Arsenal Lampard 7Le Saux 12Zola 34de Lucas 42Grønkjær 54Melchiot 82 Vieira 2 33 50Wiltord 55Touré 60 Stamford Bridge London 40,037 Andy D'Urso D 2002 9 10 y 20:00 BST 5 Arsenal 2–1 Report Manchester City Wiltord 26Vieira 37Henry 42 Anelka 29Distin 35Benarbia 2 22 84 Highbury London 37,878 Clive Wilkes W 2002 9 14 y 15:00 BST 6 Charlton Athletic 0–3 Report Arsenal Keown 14A. Cole 26Henry 44Wiltord 67Luzhnyi 80Edu 88 The Valley London 26,080 Steve Dunn W 2002 9 21 y 15:00 BST 7 Arsenal 2–1 Report Bolton Wanderers Keown 19Henry 26Kanu 90+3 Farrelly 47Holdsworth 55Campo 2 8 79Jääskeläinen 82 Highbury London 37,974 David Pugh W 2002 9 28 y 12:00 BST 8 Leeds United 1–4 Report Arsenal Smith 6Dacourt 17Bakke 75Bowyer 76Kewell 85 Kanu 9 86Touré 20Vieira 40Henry 46Campbell 48 Elland Road Leeds 40,199 Alan Wiley W 2002 10 6 y 14:00 BST 9 Arsenal 3–1 Report Sunderland Kanu 3 9Vieira 45+2 Craddock 83 Highbury London 37,902 David Elleray W 2002 10 19 y 15:00 BST 10 Everton 2–1 Report Arsenal Radzinski 22Weir 39Pembridge 45+1Linderoth 89Rooney 90 Ljungberg 8Edu 90+4 Goodison Park Liverpool 39,038 Uriah Rennie L 2002 10 26 y 15:00 BST 11 Arsenal 1–2 Report Blackburn Rovers Edu 45Henry 83 Edu 6 o.g.Østenstad 37Johansson 45Yorke 51Flitcroft 2 70 79 Highbury London 38,064 Graham Barber L 2002 11 3 y 14:00 GMT 12 Fulham 0–1 Report Arsenal Djetou 49 Marlet 31 o.g.Cygan 35Edu 67 Loftus Road London 18,800 Jeff Winter W 2002 11 9 y 15:00 GMT 13 Arsenal 1–0 Report Newcastle United Wiltord 25 Griffin 57Hugo Viana 68 Highbury London 38,121 Mike Dean W 2002 11 16 y 15:00 GMT 14 Arsenal 3–0 Report Tottenham Hotspur Henry 13Ljungberg 55Wiltord 71 Davies 2 23 27Poyet 49 Highbury London 38,152 Mike Riley W 2002 11 23 y 15:00 GMT 15 Southampton 3–2 Report Arsenal Beattie 45+3 58 pen.Delgado 67Marsden 70 Bergkamp 36Campbell 0 57A. Cole 60Pires 79Vieira 90+3 St Mary's Stadium Southampton 31,797 Paul Durkin L 2002 11 30 y 15:00 GMT 16 Arsenal 3–1 Report Aston Villa Pires 17Henry 49 82 pen.Luzhnyi 54Henry 87 Hitzlsperger 64, 69Taylor 84Dublin 90+2 Highbury London 38,090 Graham Barber W 17 7 December 2002 12:15 GMT Manchester United 2–0 Report Arsenal Verón 22Scholes 73 Manchester Old Trafford 67,650 Dermot Gallagher L 18 15 December 2002 14:00 GMT Tottenham Hotspur 1–1 Report Arsenal Ziege 11 Pires 45+1 pen. London White Hart Lane 36,076 Neale Barry D 19 21 December 2002 15:00 GMT Arsenal 2–0 Report Middlesbrough Campbell 45+1Pires 90+1 London Highbury 38,003 Steve Dunn W 20 26 December 2002 14:00 GMT West Bromwich Albion 1–2 Report Arsenal Dichio 3 Jeffers 48Henry 85 West Bromwich The Hawthorns 27,025 Graham Poll W 21 29 December 2002 16:05 GMT Arsenal 1–1 Report Liverpool Henry 79 pen. Murphy 70 pen. London Highbury 38,074 Jeff Winter D 22 1 January 2003 15:00 GMT Arsenal 3–2 Report Chelsea Desailly 9 o.g.van Bronckhorst 81Henry 82 Stanić 85Petit 86 London Highbury 38,096 Uriah Rennie W 23 12 January 2003 16:05 GMT Birmingham City 0–4 Report Arsenal Henry 6 70Pires 29Lauren 67 Birmingham St Andrew's 29,505 Steve Bennett W 24 19 January 2003 14:00 GMT Arsenal 3–1 Report West Ham United Henry 14 pen. 71 86 Defoe 40 London Highbury 38,053 Mike Dean W 25 29 January 2003 20:00 GMT Liverpool 2–2 Report Arsenal Riise 52Heskey 90+1 Pires 9Bergkamp 63 Liverpool Anfield 43,668 Mark Halsey D 26 1 February 2003 15:00 GMT Arsenal 2–1 Report Fulham Pires 17 90+1 Malbranque 29 London Highbury 38,050 Eddie Wolstenholme W 27 9 February 2003 16:05 GMT Newcastle United 1–1 Report Arsenal Robert 53 Henry 27 Newcastle upon Tyne St James' Park 52,157 Neale Barry D 28 22 February 2003 15:00 GMT Manchester City 1–5 Report Arsenal Anelka 87 Bergkamp 4Pires 12Henry 15Campbell 19Vieira 53 Manchester Maine Road 34,960 Paul Durkin W 29 2 March 2003 12:00 GMT Arsenal 2–0 Report Charlton Athletic Jeffers 26Pires 45+1 London Highbury 38,015 Rob Styles W 30 15 March 2003 15:00 GMT Blackburn Rovers 2–0 Report Arsenal Duff 22Tugay 52 Blackburn Ewood Park 29,840 Steve Bennett L 31 23 March 2003 16:05 GMT Arsenal 2–1 Report Everton Cygan 8Vieira 64 Rooney 56 London Highbury 38,042 Alan Wiley W 32 5 April 2003 15:00 BST Aston Villa 1–1 Report Arsenal Touré 71 o.g. Ljungberg 56 Birmingham Villa Park 42,602 Uriah Rennie D 33 16 April 2003 20:00 BST Arsenal 2–2 Report Manchester United Henry 51 62 van Nistelrooy 24Giggs 63 London Highbury 38,164 Mark Halsey D 34 19 April 2003 15:00 BST Middlesbrough 0–2 Report Arsenal Wiltord 48Henry 82 Middlesbrough Riverside Stadium 34,724 David Elleray W 35 26 April 2003 12:30 BST Bolton Wanderers 2–2 Report Arsenal Djorkaeff 74Keown 84 o.g.Laville 0 90+2 Wiltord 47Pires 56 Bolton Reebok Stadium 27,253 Andy D'Urso D 36 4 May 2003 16:05 BST Arsenal 2–3 Report Leeds United Henry 31Bergkamp 63 Kewell 5Harte 48Viduka 88 London Highbury Alan Wiley L 37 7 May 2003 19:45 BST Arsenal 6–1 Report Southampton Pires 8 22 46Pennant 15 18 25 Tessem 34 London Highbury 38,052 Uriah Rennie W 38 11 May 2003 15:00 BST Sunderland 0–4 Report Arsenal Henry 7Ljungberg 39 78 88 Sunderland Stadium of Light 40,188 Paul Durkin W Classification 2002–03 FA Premier League#Final League table ARS Results summary 15 2 2 47 20 8 7 4 38 22 http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2002-2003 Premier League – 2002–03 Statto Organisation 24 December 2013 24 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131224110315/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2002-2003 live December 2012 Results by round table b Round Ground H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/H/A Result W/D/W/D/W/W/W/W/W/L/L/W/W/W/L/W/L/D/W/W/D/W/W/W/D/W/D/W/W/L/W/D/D/W/D/L/W/W Position 3/4/1/2/1/1/1/1/1/2/2/2/2/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/2/2/2/2/2/2 Home Away green2 Win yellow2 Draw red2 Loss 1st 2nd 3rd red1 http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/2002-2003 Arsenal – 2002–03 Statto Organisation 24 December 2013 16 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131216194940/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/2002-2003 live December 2012 FA Cup 2002–03 FA Cup Arsenal entered the competition in the third round, receiving a bye as a Premier League club. Their opening match was a 2–0 home win against Oxford United on 4 January 2003.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/2607165.stm BBC Sport 4 January 2003 12 March 2012 Arsenal end Oxford dream 21 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170821091133/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/2607165.stm live Bergkamp scored his 100th goal for the club and an own goal by defender Scott McNiven ensured progression to the next round.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/jan/06/match.sport3 The Guardian London 6 January 2003 12 March 2012 Simon Burnton Bergkamp worthy of ton of respect Arsenal faced non-league side Farnborough Town but the match switched from Farnborough's ground at Cherrywood Road to Highbury due to concerns over safety.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/jan/09/sport.media The Guardian 9 January 2003 12 March 2012 Bradley Mark Farnborough to switch cup tie Farnborough as the home team began the match in disastrous fashion, conceding a goal scored by Campbell in the 19th minute, and going down to ten men after Christian Lee was sent off for a professional foul. Francis Jeffers scored twice before Rocky Baptiste added a consolation, beating Cygan for pace and despite having his first shot saved by goalkeeper Taylor, he managed to lift the ball over him and into the net. Lauren and Bergkamp each scored in the final 15 minutes to give Arsenal a 5–1 victory.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/2671825.stm BBC Sport 25 January 2003 12 March 2012 Arsenal cruise through 12 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120312112814/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/2671825.stm live Arsenal's fifth-round match was away to league rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on 16 February 2003. After Giggs missed the chance to score past an open goal, midfielder Edu gave Arsenal the lead through a free kick which took a deflection off David Beckham's shoulder. Wiltord scored the second goal of the match in the 52nd minute, running onto a pass from Edu and side-footing the ball past goalkeeper Fabien Barthez.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/2740035.stm BBC Sport 16 February 2003 13 March 2012 Arsenal cruise past Man Utd 12 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120312194407/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/2740035.stm live Vieira said of the performance: "We knew when we lost here in the league that we had lost the battle in midfield. We had to put that right, and we did."https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/jan/09/sport.media The Observer London 16 February 2003 13 March 2012 Wilson Paul Arsenal triumph as Giggs goes missing In the sixth round, Arsenal were drawn at home to Chelsea in a repeat of the previous season's final.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/2769829.stm BBC Sport 27 February 2003 13 March 2012 London giants collide 25 May 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060525000559/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/2769829.stm live Chelsea defender John Terry put his team ahead with a header from a set piece before Arsenal responded through Jeffers and Henry. Frank Lampard scored a late equaliser for the visiting team meaning the match was replayed at Stamford Bridge.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/2805009.stm BBC Sport 8 March 2003 13 March 2012 Chelsea hold Arsenal 11 June 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040611065252/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/2805009.stm live An own goal by Terry and a strike by Wiltord in the space of seven minutes during the replay gave Arsenal an early lead against Chelsea. Despite going down to ten men after Cygan was sent off and Terry scoring from a header, the away team scored a third goal through Lauren to ensure progression into the semi-finals.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/2873509.stm BBC Sport 25 March 2003 13 March 2012 Arsenal brush aside Chelsea 16 May 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180516105805/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/2873509.stm live In the semi-final against Sheffield United on 13 April 2003 at Old Trafford, Ljungberg scored the winning goal to help Arsenal reach their third successive FA Cup final appearance.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/2917575.stm BBC Sport 13 April 2003 13 March 2012 Arsenal sink brave Blades 4 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170804221226/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/2917575.stm live The match was remembered for Seaman, who on his 1,000th appearance in senior football produced a late save to deny Sheffield United from equalising.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/apr/14/match.sport9 The Guardian London 14 April 2003 12 March 2012 McCarra Kevin Super Seaman defies time and gravity to end Blades odyssey In the 2003 FA Cup Final against Southampton, a goal from Pires, scored in the first half was enough to ensure Arsenal won their ninth FA Cup, becoming the first team to retain the trophy in over 20 years.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/18/match.facup The Observer London 18 May 2003 23 June 2012 Paul Wilson Pires aim is true for muted Gunners 7 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140107035921/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/18/match.facup live Wenger commented after the game that his team "got the trophy we wanted"Keown hails 'best ever' win https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/3036631.stm 18 June 2012 BBC Sport 17 May 2003 28 June 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060628030451/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/3036631.stm live while defender Martin Keown said the FA Cup win was "the best ever". Winning captain David Seaman felt the disappointment of losing out to Manchester United in the league spurred the team on. The game was Seaman's final one for the club. 2003 1 4 y 15:00 GMT Third round Arsenal 2–0 Report Oxford United Bergkamp 15McNiven 67 o.g. Highbury London 35,432 Clive Wilkes W 2003 1 25 y 15:00 GMT Fourth round Farnborough Town 1–5 Report Arsenal Baptiste 71 Campbell 19Jeffers 23 68Bergkamp 74Lauren 78 Highbury London 35,108 Alan Wiley W 2003 2 15 y 12:15 GMT Fifth round Manchester United 0–2 Report Arsenal Edu 35Wiltord 52 Old Trafford Manchester 67,209 Jeff Winter W 2003 3 8 y 17:15 GMT Quarter-finals Arsenal 2–2 Report Chelsea Jeffers 37Henry 45 Terry 4Lampard 84 Highbury London 38,104 Paul Durkin D 2003 3 25 y 19:45 GMT Quarter-finals replay Chelsea 1–3 Report Arsenal Terry 79 Terry 24 o.g.Wiltord 33Lauren 82 Stamford Bridge London 41,456 David Elleray W 2003 4 13 y 13:30 GMT Semi-finals Arsenal 1–0 Report Sheffield United Ljungberg 34 Old Trafford Manchester 59,170 Graham Poll W 2003 5 17 y 15:00 GMT Final Arsenal 1–0 Report Southampton Pires 38 Millennium Stadium Cardiff 73,726 Graham Barber W League Cup 2002–03 Football League Cup Together with the other clubs playing in European football, Arsenal entered the Football League Cup in the third round, where they were drawn at home to Premier League club Sunderland. Although Arsenal went two goals ahead in the first half, Sunderland responded, scoring three times in 15 minutes.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/2390939.stm BBC Sport 6 November 2002 18 June 2012 Black Cats stun Arsenal 2 July 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040702111120/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2390939.stm live The result was Wenger's fifth defeat in six matches. 2002 11 6 y 19:45 GMT Third round Arsenal 2–3 Report Sunderland Pires 12Jeffers 33 Kyle 56Stewart 70 72 Highbury London 19,059 Alan Wiley L UEFA Champions League 2002–03 UEFA Champions League Group stage 2002–03 UEFA Champions League group stage#Group A thumb|260px|Arsenal greet their fans before their game at Auxerre, 2 October 2002 Arsenal were drawn in Group A, along with German club Borussia Dortmund, Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven and French side Auxerre.United renew Bayer rivalry https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/aug/30/championsleague.sport The Guardian London Michael Walker Vivek Chaudhary 30 August 2002 16 June 2012 A deflected goal by Bergkamp and a counterattack, finished off by Ljungberg on his comeback from injury gave Arsenal the perfect start in the group stages, at home to Borussia Dortmund.Ljungberg fires Gunners assault https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/sep/18/championsleague.sport6 The Guardian London Jon Brodkin 18 September 2002 17 June 2012 At the Philips Stadion, Arsenal produced an impressive display against PSV, winning 4–0.Quick Silva starts Arsenal goal rush https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/sep/26/championsleague.psveindhoven The Guardian London Jon Brodkin 26 September 2002 17 June 2012 24 December 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131224225845/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/sep/26/championsleague.psveindhoven live It was their first win in European football away from home in 19 months and the match set a new club record, as Gilberto scored the fastest goal in the competition at 20.07 seconds.Arsenal's quick Silva Stuart Roach https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/2282952.stm BBC Sport 26 September 2002 17 June 2012 22 December 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20021222010347/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2282952.stm live Against Auxerre, Gilberto scored for the second successive matchday to take Arsenal to nine points, but goals from Olivier Kapo and Khalilou Fadiga in the return game inflicted Arsenal's first defeat in the Champions League.Auxerre stun Arsenal https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/2346087.stm BBC Sport 22 October 2002 17 June 2012 In spite of taking the lead against Borussia Dortmund on Matchday 5, Arsenal conceded two goals to lose 2–1.Arsenal qualify with little celebration https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/31/championsleague.sport1 The Guardian London Jon Brodkin 31 October 2002 17 June 2012 4 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131004230809/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/31/championsleague.sport1 live A fourth straight defeat represented the club's worst run in 19 years but with PSV beating Auxerre, Arsenal qualified for the second group stage with a game to spare – that match ending in a 0–0 draw against PSV.Arsenal top Group https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/2440285.stm BBC Sport 12 November 2002 17 June 2012 7 June 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040607230351/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/2440285.stm live Group A n ARS 2002 9 17 y 20:45 CEST 1 Arsenal ENG 2–0 Report GER Borussia Dortmund Bergkamp 62Ljungberg 77 14 Dedê Highbury London, England 34,907 Anders Frisk (Sweden) W 2002 9 25 y 20:45 CEST 2 PSV Eindhoven NED 0–4 Report ENG Arsenal Ooijer 20Vennegoor of Hesselink 55 1 Gilberto Silva34 Lauren66 Ljungberg81 90+2 Henry Philips Stadion Eindhoven, Netherlands 24,000 Ľuboš Micheľ (Slovakia) W 2002 10 2 y 20:45 CEST 3 Auxerre FRA 0–1 Report ENG Arsenal Jaurès 77 48 Gilberto Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps Auxerre, France 21,000 Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium) W 2002 10 22 y 20:45 CET 4 Arsenal ENG 1–2 Report FRA Auxerre Kanu 53Campbell 68Vieira 87 8 Kapo27 Fadiga42 Boumsong56 Faye Highbury London, England 35,206 Domenico Messina (Italy) L 2002 10 30 y 20:45 CET 5 Borussia Dortmund GER 2–1 Report ENG Arsenal Rosický 38 62 pen.Reuter 77 18 Henry Westfalenstadion Dortmund, Germany 52,000 Manuel Mejuto González (Spain) L 2002 11 12 y 20:45 CET 6 Arsenal ENG 0–0 Report NED PSV Eindhoven 1 29 35 Touré 25 Vogel45+1 Ooijer65 Hofland90 Vennegoor of Hesselink90+2 van Bommel Highbury London, England 35,274 Tom Henning Øvrebø (Norway) D Second group stage 2002–03 UEFA Champions League second group stage#Group B Henry scored his first hat-trick in Europe for Arsenal against Roma on 27 November 2002 with the player stating; "It's wonderful to score a hat-trick but it's even more important that I did so in a game we've won."Emperor of Rome; Roma 1 Arsenal 3: Henry rocks Italians with historic treble Martin Lipton https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-94706316/football-emperor-of-rome-roma-1-arsenal-3-henry Daily Mirror London 28 November 2002 23 May 2012 4 September 2020 Questia subscription https://web.archive.org/web/20200904033713/https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-94706316/football-emperor-of-rome-roma-1-arsenal-3-henry dead The result was followed with four consecutive draws – three at home against Roma, Valencia and Ajax. Arsenal only needed a draw to progress into the knockout stages, but lost 2–1 to Valencia at the Mestalla on 19 March 2003.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/champions_league/2858229.stm BBC Sport 19 March 2003 17 June 2012 Arsenal crash out in Valencia 22 May 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060522085442/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/2858229.stm live Reflecting later on the Champions League campaign, Wenger commented that "we lost our qualification at home".9 June 2003 Arsenal FC – End of Season 2002/03 DVD Arsenal Football Club B000096KG3 co.uk Group B n ARS 2002 11 27 y 20:45 CET 7 Roma ITA 1–3 Report ENG Arsenal Cassano 4Samuel 41Emerson 74Batistuta 80 6 70 75 Henry Stadio Olimpico Rome, Italy 70,000 Ľuboš Micheľ (Slovakia) W 2002 12 10 y 20:45 CET 8 Arsenal ENG 0–0 Report ESP Valencia 0 72 Angulo Highbury London, England 34,793 Kim Milton Nielsen (Denmark) D 2002 2 18 y 20:45 CET 9 Arsenal ENG 1–1 Report NED Ajax Wiltord 5Pires 90+1 17 de Jong56 Pasanen79 Lobonț82 Boukhari Highbury London, England 35,427 Lucílio Batista (Portugal) D 2003 2 26 y 20:45 CET 10 Ajax NED 0–0 Report ENG Arsenal 39 Cole75 Vieira Amsterdam Arena Amsterdam, Netherlands 51,025 Valentin Ivanov (Russia) D 2003 3 11 y 20:45 CET 11 Arsenal ENG 1–1 Report ITA Roma Vieira 12van Bronckhorst 29 28 Cassano32 Samuel45+2 Cassano67 Aldair Highbury London, England 35,472 Urs Meier (Germany) D 2003 3 19 y 20:45 CET 12 Valencia ESP 2–1 Report ENG Arsenal Carew 34 57Carboni 36Pellegrino 54Aimar 76 42 Vieira49 Henry90+3 Pires Mestalla Stadium Valencia, Spain 50,000 Kyros Vassaras (Greece) L Player statistics Arsenal used a total of 30 players during the 2002–03 season and there were 17 different goalscorers. There were also two squad members who did not make a first-team appearance in the campaign. Henry featured in 55 matches, three of which he came on as a substitute. The team scored a total of 112 goals in all competitions. The highest goalscorer was Henry, with 32 goals, followed by Pires who scored 16 goals. Four Arsenal players were sent off during the season: Vieira, Cygan, Campbell (twice) and Touré. Key No. = Squad number Pos = Playing position Nat. = Nationality Apps = Appearances GK = Goalkeeper DF = Defender MF = Midfielder FW = Forward 12px|alt=|Yellow cards = Yellow cards 12px|alt=|Red cards = Red cards Numbers in parentheses denote appearances as substitute. Players with number struck through and marked Left club during playing season left the club during the playing season. No.Pos.Nat.NamePremier LeagueFA CupLeague CupCommunity ShieldChampions LeagueTotalDisciplineAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals13px|Booked|alt=A yellow rectangular card13px|Sent off|alt=A red rectangular card1 GK ENG David Seaman28050001090430003 DFENG Ashley Cole30 (1)13000109043 (1)1704 MFFRA Patrick Vieira 2435000101204241115 DFENG Martin Keown 22 (2)05000104 (1)032 (3)0707MFFRA Robert Pires21 (5)145 (1)111008 (1)035 (7)16208MFSWE Freddie Ljungberg19 (1)63 (1)100007 (1)229 (3)9009FWENG Francis Jeffers2 (14)26311001 (4)010 (18)61010FWNED Dennis Bergkamp23 (6)42 (2)200116 (1)132 (9)73011FWFRA Sylvain Wiltord27 (7)103 (4)2001010 (2)141 (13)132012DFCMR Lauren26 (1)26200109 (1)042 (2)48013GKENG Stuart Taylor7 (1)02010001 (1)011 (2)00014FWFRA Thierry Henry37242 (3)1001012752 (3)3210015MFENG Ray Parlour14 (5)0600010(2)021 (7)04016MFNED Giovanni van Bronckhorst9 (11)13 (2)010002 (2)015 (15)12017MFBRA Edu12 (6)25 (1)100101 (3)019 (10)35018DFFRA Pascal Cygan16 (2)12000009 (2)027 (4)14119MFBRA Gilberto Silva32 (3)01 (2)000(1)111 (1)244 (7)31020DFENG Matthew Upson0010000000100021MFENG Jermaine Pennant1 (4)30010000 (1)02 (4)30022DFUKR Oleh Luzhnyi11 (6)02010003 (1)017 (7)03023DFENG Sol Campbell3325100101004934224GKSWERami Shaaban3000000020500025FWNGRNwankwo Kanu10 (7)51010002 (6)114 (13)60026DFLATIgors Stepanovs 2000100010400027DFGREStathis Tavlaridis0 (1)0001000001 (1)00028MFCIVKolo Touré9 (17)23 (2)010(1)03 (4)016 (24)22129DFGERMoritz Volz0000100000(1)00030FWFRAJérémie Aliadière(3)100000000(3)10031MFDENSebastian Svärd 0010100000200035MFENGDavid Bentley 00(1)0000000000040MFENGRyan Garry 1000(1)000001 (1)00042DFENGJustin Hoyte (1)0000000000000 Source:http://soccernet.espn.go.com/team/squad/_/id/359/season/2002/league/all/arsenal?cc=5739 https://archive.today/20130102234904/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/team/squad/_/id/359/season/2002/league/all/arsenal?cc=5739 dead 2 January 2013 Arsenal Squad Stats – 2002/03 ESPN Soccernet 17 June 2012 See also 2002–03 in English football List of Arsenal F.C. seasons Notes lower-alpha References Arsenal Category:Arsenal F.C. seasons