Arsene Wenger arrived on these shores as a little-known Frenchman, sparking an infamous Evening Standard billboard asking: “Arsene Who?”
But in his first full season, Wenger became the first foreign manager to win the Premier League and has since led Arsenal to glorious success, a new stadium and training ground.
Wenger is a trailblazer who has transformed Arsenal as a club, the way they play football. He won two Doubles and six FA Cups as well as becoming one of the most colourful and successful managers in the Premier League era.
But for all the years as Arsenal manager, one season stands out more than any other and that was the 'Invincibles' campaign, when they won the Premier League in 2003-04 while remaining unbeaten.
In pictures - Arsenal's Invincibles season:
Here, in his own words, Wenger explains in a new book - The Wenger Revolution - about the highs, lows and challenges of achieving his “life dream.”
The key moments were:
May 15, 2004, Arsenal 2 Leicester 1
“This is the final whistle of the final game unbeaten. For me it was my life dream. You work in a job where you never really know how good you are, but I didn’t think you can do more than go a whole season undefeated. To realise that life dream is a bit frightening, but it didn’t kill my hunger.”
April 9, 2004, Arsenal 4 Liverpool 2
“Thierry Henry saved us. We were 2-1 down having lost against Chelsea in the Champions League and Man United in the FA Cup in one week. We were wobbling. At half-time the guys were absolutely speechless. We had not lost a game in the league at that point but were not sure to win the title at that stage.
“Thierry sent Carragher to the stands to score a great goal. He was a super, super talent. He could do absolutely everything.”
Sep 21, 2003, Man United 0 Arsenal 0
“We drew 0-0 at Old Trafford in an emotional game. They were amazing battles in those days. You are hoping the damage will not be too big. Look how Man United had Ronaldo, Roy Keane, Van Nistelrooy. It was a fight. But we had fighters of our own. Lauren and Ashley Cole were not the last ones to fight. Ashley was not a massive guy but he was a real fighter. Lauren was a top fighter. A real boxer! You notice the strong personalities.”
April 25, 2004, Tottenham 2 Arsenal 2
“To win the league at White Hart Lane was exceptional. Even though we conceded a penalty in the last minute and Jens Lehmann and Sol Campbell nearly had a fight because Tottenham got a penalty to make a draw! We knew what we had to do. That was the title right there in front of us.”
Celebrations after winning the title in April 2004
“They were so happy together in the dressing room after the game. Like always when you win the league you switch off. I told them, ‘Now you can become immortal. Don’t miss it’.”
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The Wenger Revolution is available now. The offer code is: BBWENGER20, 20% off 9781472933874. Readers pay postage & Packaging. UK & IRE only. Valid until 29th October 2016.
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At least 8% of the publisher’s net proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to The Arsenal Foundation (Charity No. 1145668)
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