Arsenals season was almost derailed by two cup exits in the space of a week. Although he did not score on that occasion, he did grab his first Arsenal goals with a brace in the FA Cup against Chelsea on February 15. The game was settled by an error from Carlo Cudicini, which presented Thierry Henry with the winner. The main incoming business was the recruitment of Jens Lehmann to replace David Seaman. Then, a last-gasp goal from Wayne Bridge knocked the Gunners out of the Champions League. Arsenals first encounter with Chelsea came at the end of October. With their hopes of a treble dashed, some wondered if Arsenals Premier League campaign might crumble. It would remain that way until May. 1 shirt. Once again, a Chelsea goalkeeper had gifted the victory to Arsenal. UEFA Champions League. We have been together for years and have the comfort of knowing we have won things before. First, Manchester United eliminated them from the FA Cup. Jose will be a great asset to our squad. In that 2003/04 season, it just so happens that Chelsea were also their major rivals. Arsene Wenger is preparing for his 1000th game as Arsenal manager. Tuesday, 4 November, 2003, UEFA Champions League. After the match, Wenger told The Telegraph: We have stability. In the very same month, Arsenal faced Claudio Ranieri's team in the league for the second and final time. With the table so tight, Arsenal decided to act decisively in the January transfer window. Arsenals first encounter with Chelsea came at the end of October. More than 100 million was spent on acquiring the likes of Hernan Crespo, Adrian Mutu, Damien Duff, Wayne Bridge, Joe Cole and Claude Makelele. From that point on, it was plain sailing. Arsenal started the season strongly and were top after just four games. Ruud van Nistelrooy was the man chosen to take the spot-kick.

Arsenals summer was far quieter. Tuesday, 20 April, 2004, UEFA Champions League. Wednesday, 5 May, 2004, UEFA Champions League. He can play on the left or on the right, in fact, anywhere as an offensive player. In September, Arsenal faced Manchester United at Old Trafford. However, after 15 minutes, an expertly curled ball from Dennis Bergkamp found Patrick Vieira, who strode beyond the defence before slotting home. Despite that victory, the race between Arsenal and Chelsea was still unbelievably close. All right reserved. It could be a momentous one: If the Gunners can achieve a positive result at Stamford Bridge, they will narrow Chelseas lead and increase their own opportunity of winning the Premier League. Lehmann, an experienced German international, had the strength of character required to withstand the pressure of inheriting Seamans No. Follow him on Twitterhere. Wednesday, 22 October, 2003, UEFA Champions League. Incredibly, Arsenal led the table at that stage by virtue of alphabetical order. However, in their very next game, the Gunners responded with a stirring 4-2 victory over Liverpool. Wednesday, 24 March, 2004, UEFA Champions League. On the final day of the Premier League season, Arsenal overcame Leicester to complete a remarkable unbeaten season. Tuesday, 9 March, 2004, UEFA Champions League. With the table so tight, Arsenal decided to act decisively in the January transfer window. The winner followed shortly afterwards, with Brazilian Edu tapping in after a fumble from Neil Sullivan. The repercussions were significant: Six Arsenal players were charged with improper conduct, and four were suspended. When we are challenged, we become even more united. After falling short in 2002/03, Arsene Wengers team were stable and determined to regain their title. Mourinho is now back again to do battle with Arsene Wenger. Incredibly, Arsenal led the table at that stage by virtue of alphabetical order. The win at Stamford Bridge took Arsenal seven points clear of Chelsea. Tuesday, 16 September, 2003, UEFA Champions League. The game was settled by an error from Carlo Cudicini, which presented. However, in their very next game, the Gunners responded with a stirring 4-2 victory over. Tuesday, 9 December, 2003, UEFA Champions League. It was just the sort of signing many Arsenal fans hoped Wenger would make in January 2014. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. When Van Nistelrooys penalty hit the crossbar, the Arsenal players erupted. The Gunners broke their record to bring in exciting young Spanish forward Jose Antonio Reyes. Arsenal started poorly, conceding after just 27 seconds. Wednesday, 26 November, 2003, UEFA Champions League. Wednesday, 20 August, 2003, UEFA Champions League. Abramovich arrived in June 2003 and handed Claudio Ranieri a blank cheque with which to rebuild his squad. Tuesday, 12 August, 2003, (c) 2017-2021 Tribuna Digital. Its now 10 years since Arsenal last won the title. Wednesday, 25 February, 2004, UEFA Champions League. However, the Gunners unbeaten start to the season was stil intact. Arsenal fans wait with baited breath to discover who will come out on top in 2014. Arguably Arsenals biggest summer deals were new contracts for Robert Pires and Patrick Vieira. Claudio Ranieri was sacked as Chelsea manager, and Jose Mourinho was promptly installed as his successor.

Van Nistelrooy had already incurred the wrath of the Arsenal players by overreacting to an outstretched leg from Patrick Vieira to get the Frenchman sent off. Upon completing the deal, the Arsenal manager told the, Reyes made his first appearance for the club as a second-half substitute against, With their hopes of a treble dashed, some wondered if Arsenals Premier League campaign might crumble. Just as it will be in 2013/14, the game was a Saturday lunchtime kick-off at Stamford Bridge. In the summer of 2003, Chelsea received a huge overhaul after being rescued from the prospect of administration by Roman Abramovich. Although the Gunners had started well, a pivotal moment was still to come which would prove to be the catalyst for an incredible campaign. The Gunners broke their record to bring in exciting young Spanish forward Jose Antonio Reyes. Reyes made his first appearance for the club as a second-half substitute against Manchester City in February. the race between Arsenal and Chelsea was still unbelievably close. At one stage prior to Christmas, the two teams were level on points, goal difference and goals scored. Upon completing the deal, the Arsenal manager told the BBC: He is a very talented young player, who can play in midfield or as a supporting striker. It was just the sort of signing many Arsenal fans hoped Wenger would make in January 2014. Martin Keown was at the centre of proceedings, jumping aggressively against the shell-shocked Dutchman. Tuesday, 6 April, 2004, UEFA Champions League. The Gunners' grip on the title was tightening. JamesMcNicholasis Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and will be following the club from a London base throughout the 2013-14 season. Wednesday, 1 October, 2003, UEFA Champions League. At one stage prior to Christmas, the two teams were level on points, goal difference and goals scored. With the game poised at 0-0, Diego Forlan was awarded a stoppage-time penalty.