20 Years on from the Only Unbeaten side in the Premier League
- Mar 21, 2024
- 3 min read
This year marks 20 years since Arsenal became went the whole Premier League season undefeated, the only side to do so. Here is a tribute to this legendary side.
Wikimedia Commons | Creator: Ronnie Macdonald
There’s only been one Premier League team that’s ever been undefeated in a season. Arsenal. 38 Games. 26 wins. 12 draws. Invincibles. Preston North End are the only other team to achieve this in 1889, but the rules, pitch and even the ball, were all very different, and that was before the Premier League was established.
It’s arguable that this is the greatest club achievement ever. The treble? Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Arsenal’s Invincibles “stands above any other achievement”. The fact that no other team has achieved it makes it unique to Arsenal, and the Invincibles will stay synonymous with the red side of North London. Going a season without a single loss, especially in this era, is almost impossible. But Arsenal were in that small percentage that made it possible. The special moments?
Winning the league at White Hart Lane
Two teams in the same city is a recipe for disaster on matchday. But, to secure a league title in your neighbours’ back garden? A circumstance Tottenham fans were dreading.
Arsenal went 2-0 up , the perfect scenario. ‘Champions, champions champions’ bellowed from the stands but Tottenham made sure to make the North London Derby one to remember, by responding with two goals. However, a draw was enough to secure the title. So despite the celebrations, it was bittersweet for those Spurs fans who had to accept their arch-rivals were about to lift a title at their home. For the second time.
Comeback on the FINAL game
Imagine the pressure of being on the verge to be the only undefeated side ever in the Premier League Era. To then go a goal down. 1-0 Leicester.Sure, Arsenal won the title already but the shirts were printed, ‘Invincibles’. Nerves, anxiety, and apprehension were lingering around Highbury.
All calmed down by a goal from of course, Thierry Henry and then captain Patrick Vieira, extending that lead. The celebrations are one to remember, with Arsene Wenger holding the iconic shirt with the bold words of ‘Comical Wenger’ for suggesting they could go unbeaten. Classic.
Thierry Henry
Remember any Thierry Henry goal. Endless goals, countless moments. He’s the best goalscorer Arsenal have had, and this season topped it. The fact he didn’t win a Ballon D’or is still questionable.
30 goals that season, which seems the norm after Erling Haaland’s arrival. But a golden boot in the era of Ruud Van Nisterooy and Alan Shearer is impressive. Even more impressive when he is one of only two players to have won it three years in a row.
Legend. When you think of the best players to ever step foot in the Premier League, Henry is either the first name, or one of the first names you think of, and with that in your arsenal (no pun intended) this team was always going to be one to be reckoned with.
Any close calls?
Chelsea 04/05
Ronnie MacDonald
The special one. Mourinho’s arrival in hindsight was era-defining. In his debut season, Chelsea were unbeaten at home, and lost ONE game all season. Resilient, aggressive but entertaining in the Mourinho way. Chelsea just entered the talk with the big clubs, they were taken seriously and this created that nervous thought they could repeat the Invincibles. Of course, they didn’t, but the promise of Mourinho created that rivalry between him and Arsene Wenger.
Liverpool 19/20
Liverpool were unstoppable in 2019/20 , in their first title win in 30 years. There was an acceptance throughout the Arsenal fanbase that this might be time, this might be it. Arsenal’s greatest achievement could be repeated and that unique medal could be unique no more. It was March, Liverpool were still unbeaten... until Watford came forward. Watford
ended up getting relegated and the fact THEY were the team to put a halt to Liverpool’s dominance illustrates how difficult going unbeaten is.
A feat unparalleled since Preston North End in 1889, led by Thierry Henry and the resilient defence, Arsenal's unbeaten run showcased skill, determination, and a unique brand of attacking football, etching their legacy in the archives of football. It's been 20 years... will they celebrate that 20 years with a league title this season?
Ronnie Macdonald
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