What Happened Next?
No1. Arsenal Invisibles
Having captured the Premiership title twice in between the domination of Manchester United, Arsenal’s third domestic league victory will not only be remembered for the completion of a hat trick of wins, but also for the style in which they were able to accomplish so much within a year and a half.
With United snatching away the Championship when Arsenal faltered at Bolton in 2003, the Gunners manager Arsene Wenger urged his team to show character and prove they could come back again and win the Premiership. Not only were their managers wise words heeded, Arsenal did the unthinkable and want through the whole season without losing a game set record after record in the process of doing so.
Beginning with an emphatic 6-1 win against Southampton at Highbury, Arsenal breezed through the next 49 games untouched playing some of the greatest football ever to be witnessed by English audiences. Despite their domestic dominance however the Gunners missed out on the European and FA Cup during the terrific run and were downed in their attempts to get to a half century by Manchester United.
Following the title win and the creation of a legacy, Arsenal find themselves in the present day fighting for the Premiership in 2007/8 with a much changed squad, but what ever happened to the history makers?
Jens Lehman – The German goalkeeper had the distinction of staying unbeaten as an Arsenal player until the Gunners were defeated during the 50th game at Old Trafford. Lehman, now 37 is still an Arsenal player and in the young squad is one of the longest serving.
Ashley Cole – After helping capture the FA Cup in 2005, Ashley Cole seemingly feel out of love with Arsenal and after being charged for a breach of contract when meeting Chelsea in 2006, his departure on the final day of the transfer window left a sour taste in the fans of Arsenal’s mouths after he criticized them along with Chairman David Dein for denying him a move to Stamford Bridge.
Gael Clichy – Having played deputy to Cole during much of the unbeaten run, Clichy now holds the position of left back in the Arsenal starting line up. After impressing last season, the young Frenchman will be hoping for an International call up soon.
Sol Campbell – The towering England central defender stayed for another two years at Highbury before his career ended in strange fashion. Leaving the ground at half time during a 4-2 defeat to West Ham, Campbell sighted ‘personal problems’ and was released by the club. He is now playing regularly for Portsmoth and has recently been named club captain.
Edu – Brazilian midfielder Edu played an integral role in the Championship season 2003/4, though he was mostly used as a bit part player for the rest of the unbeaten run. Deciding that his career lay away from Arsenal and in a bid to earn a call up to the Brazil squad, the South American joined and currently plays for Valancia.
Kolo Toure – Having joined in 2002, the forward converted to a central defender was a mark of consistency throughout the unbeaten run. Still playing for Arsenal, his experience is how invaluable and he is recognized as one of the best central defenders in the Premiership.
Lauren – The right back and central midfielder continued to play a major role in Arsenal’s successes for the next few seasons though with the emergence of several players his opportunities became less frequent. Deciding that he was no longer required, Wenger allowed Lauren to leave for Portsmouth last season.
Freddie Ljungberg – One of Arsenal’s longest serving players, Ljungberg scored some vital goals during Arsenal’s unbeaten run. In the next few seasons however the goals dried up and uncertainty during the summer led Ljungberg to exit for West Ham.
Gilberto – Arsenal’s Brazilian central midfielder is the longest serving player in the squad having signed in 2002 and continues to be a force for the Gunners. Chipping in with vital goals and providing a shield for the back for Gilberto spent much of last season as the club captain.
Robert Pires – Along with Freddy Ljungberg a key goal scoring component in the Arsenal machine. Having seen his opportunities limited to mainly substitute apperences Pires left for Villarreal last season, but has spent much time on the sidelines with injury.
Patrick Vieira – The midfield linchpin, Vieria’s rise through the club was a phenomenon and recognized as one of the best midfielders in the world he captained the club to the 2005 FA Cup. Despite that success he was told to Juventus the following summer and now players for Italian Champions Inter Milan.
Thierry Henry – The Gunners record breaking goal scorer is possibly the greatest departure from the great team of 2004. Having agreed to extend his contract on two occasions following speculation and apparent disappointment at poor performances, this Summer Henry finally did depart his ‘beloved’ Arsenal, signing for Barcelona.
Dennis Bergkamp – Perhaps the greatest ever import into English football, Bergkamp played a vital bit part role in the unbeaten run. His tenth season in 2006 however proved to be his last in football as he retired in style by having his testimonial as the first game in the brand new Emirates Stadium.
Jose Antonio Reyes – The Spanish forward who joined midway through the season of 2003/4 began to play a vital role late on in the ‘Invincibles’ team scoring vital goals as well as helping Arsenal progress in Europe. Deciding that England wasn’t for him however he returned to Spain last season where he was on loan at Real Madrid and despite not being retained by ‘Los Galactoco’s he joined Athletic in the Summer of 2007.
Ray Parlour – Workhorse midfielder and one of the clubs longest serving players, Parlour played an excellent role in the third of Arsenal’s title wins. After being released by Wenger he signed for Middlesbrough before joining Hull City this summer.
Gilles Grimandi – French midfielder who joined at the start of Wenger’s reign was often used a replacement or a compliment to Patrick Vieira in the early days of the invincible’s. He retired in 2004 after claiming a third League title and now works for the club as a scout.
Arsene Wenger – Following the league success the Frenchman celebrated ten years in charge by guiding Arsenal to another top four finish. Despite the departure of David Dein last season Wenger remains confident that Arsenal can once more win back the Premiership despite their youthful outlook.
With United snatching away the Championship when Arsenal faltered at Bolton in 2003, the Gunners manager Arsene Wenger urged his team to show character and prove they could come back again and win the Premiership. Not only were their managers wise words heeded, Arsenal did the unthinkable and want through the whole season without losing a game set record after record in the process of doing so.
Beginning with an emphatic 6-1 win against Southampton at Highbury, Arsenal breezed through the next 49 games untouched playing some of the greatest football ever to be witnessed by English audiences. Despite their domestic dominance however the Gunners missed out on the European and FA Cup during the terrific run and were downed in their attempts to get to a half century by Manchester United.
Following the title win and the creation of a legacy, Arsenal find themselves in the present day fighting for the Premiership in 2007/8 with a much changed squad, but what ever happened to the history makers?
Jens Lehman – The German goalkeeper had the distinction of staying unbeaten as an Arsenal player until the Gunners were defeated during the 50th game at Old Trafford. Lehman, now 37 is still an Arsenal player and in the young squad is one of the longest serving.
Ashley Cole – After helping capture the FA Cup in 2005, Ashley Cole seemingly feel out of love with Arsenal and after being charged for a breach of contract when meeting Chelsea in 2006, his departure on the final day of the transfer window left a sour taste in the fans of Arsenal’s mouths after he criticized them along with Chairman David Dein for denying him a move to Stamford Bridge.
Gael Clichy – Having played deputy to Cole during much of the unbeaten run, Clichy now holds the position of left back in the Arsenal starting line up. After impressing last season, the young Frenchman will be hoping for an International call up soon.
Sol Campbell – The towering England central defender stayed for another two years at Highbury before his career ended in strange fashion. Leaving the ground at half time during a 4-2 defeat to West Ham, Campbell sighted ‘personal problems’ and was released by the club. He is now playing regularly for Portsmoth and has recently been named club captain.
Edu – Brazilian midfielder Edu played an integral role in the Championship season 2003/4, though he was mostly used as a bit part player for the rest of the unbeaten run. Deciding that his career lay away from Arsenal and in a bid to earn a call up to the Brazil squad, the South American joined and currently plays for Valancia.
Kolo Toure – Having joined in 2002, the forward converted to a central defender was a mark of consistency throughout the unbeaten run. Still playing for Arsenal, his experience is how invaluable and he is recognized as one of the best central defenders in the Premiership.
Lauren – The right back and central midfielder continued to play a major role in Arsenal’s successes for the next few seasons though with the emergence of several players his opportunities became less frequent. Deciding that he was no longer required, Wenger allowed Lauren to leave for Portsmouth last season.
Freddie Ljungberg – One of Arsenal’s longest serving players, Ljungberg scored some vital goals during Arsenal’s unbeaten run. In the next few seasons however the goals dried up and uncertainty during the summer led Ljungberg to exit for West Ham.
Gilberto – Arsenal’s Brazilian central midfielder is the longest serving player in the squad having signed in 2002 and continues to be a force for the Gunners. Chipping in with vital goals and providing a shield for the back for Gilberto spent much of last season as the club captain.
Robert Pires – Along with Freddy Ljungberg a key goal scoring component in the Arsenal machine. Having seen his opportunities limited to mainly substitute apperences Pires left for Villarreal last season, but has spent much time on the sidelines with injury.
Patrick Vieira – The midfield linchpin, Vieria’s rise through the club was a phenomenon and recognized as one of the best midfielders in the world he captained the club to the 2005 FA Cup. Despite that success he was told to Juventus the following summer and now players for Italian Champions Inter Milan.
Thierry Henry – The Gunners record breaking goal scorer is possibly the greatest departure from the great team of 2004. Having agreed to extend his contract on two occasions following speculation and apparent disappointment at poor performances, this Summer Henry finally did depart his ‘beloved’ Arsenal, signing for Barcelona.
Dennis Bergkamp – Perhaps the greatest ever import into English football, Bergkamp played a vital bit part role in the unbeaten run. His tenth season in 2006 however proved to be his last in football as he retired in style by having his testimonial as the first game in the brand new Emirates Stadium.
Jose Antonio Reyes – The Spanish forward who joined midway through the season of 2003/4 began to play a vital role late on in the ‘Invincibles’ team scoring vital goals as well as helping Arsenal progress in Europe. Deciding that England wasn’t for him however he returned to Spain last season where he was on loan at Real Madrid and despite not being retained by ‘Los Galactoco’s he joined Athletic in the Summer of 2007.
Ray Parlour – Workhorse midfielder and one of the clubs longest serving players, Parlour played an excellent role in the third of Arsenal’s title wins. After being released by Wenger he signed for Middlesbrough before joining Hull City this summer.
Gilles Grimandi – French midfielder who joined at the start of Wenger’s reign was often used a replacement or a compliment to Patrick Vieira in the early days of the invincible’s. He retired in 2004 after claiming a third League title and now works for the club as a scout.
Arsene Wenger – Following the league success the Frenchman celebrated ten years in charge by guiding Arsenal to another top four finish. Despite the departure of David Dein last season Wenger remains confident that Arsenal can once more win back the Premiership despite their youthful outlook.