Arsene Wenger’s 20 years at Arsenal: The highs and the lows

Having lost the corresponding home fixture 3-0 to Inter Milan, Arsenal responded in a manner that established them amongst Euope’s elite. WIth a brace by Frenchman Thierry Henry, Arsenal thrashed the Italian giants 5-1 at San Siro, a result which Wenger described as something “he could have predicted in his wildest dreams”.

Move from Highbury to Emirates

Wenger played a huge role in orchestrating Arsenal’s big stadium move in 2006. Although many Arsenal fans have complained of the 60000 plus seater stadium’s atmosphere, the move has been seen as one of the biggest decisions in the club’s history.

Ending the trophy drought

Probably the biggest slump in Wenger’s career as a manager was the near-decade trophy drought that drew the criticism of fans and pundits alike. But with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Hull City in the final, Arsenal clinched a record equalling 11th FA Cup and ended a tumultuous decade of taunts and flak.

The 1998 double

Although he would go on to do it again in 2002, the 1998 double would have a special place in Arsene Wenger’s heart. The Frenchman not only managed to win the 1997/98 league title but also clinched the FA Cup with Arsenal in his first full season in charge. He also was the subject of praise from players he inherited in the squad, notably club legend Tony Adams.

The Invincibles

Undoubtedly his biggest achievement in management, the 2003/04 season cemented Arsene Wenger a position in English football which is still unshakeable to certain extents. If finishing the season unbeaten wasn’t enough, Arsenal managing to seal the title at arch rivals Tottenham’s home ground was the sweet icing on the Premier League cake. The Invincibles have been legendary ever since.

THE LOWS
2006 Champions League

After a remarkable Champions League campaign in 2005/06 which saw them beat European giants Real Madrid and Juventus, Wenger’s managerial dream came to a bitter end in the final in Paris. The city would forever be associated with shattered dreams for Wenger, as Arsenal let slip up a lead in the final 15 minutes of the game losing 2-1 to Barcelona. Arsenal have struggled in Europe ever since.

2011 League Cup

By 2011, the frustration with Arsenal’s trophy drought had grown so much that a League Cup win was seen as the motivation that a young team required at that time. But a 2-1 defeat in the final to relegation-battlers Birmingham City saw the wait grow even further. The defeat is seen as one of the biggest upsets in Wenger’s career as Arsenal manager.

The Old Trafford debacle

Having lost club captain Cesc Fabregas and midfielder Samir Nasri in the transfer window, and a number of key players to injury, Arsenal entered the 2011/12 season with a young and depleted squad. As has been seen in recent history, Wenger was criticised for his lack of transfer activity and the result of that was seen in the late August clash against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. With United in fine form and shape and Arsenal in none whatsoever, United decimated Arsenal 8-2. The result today is still a subject of much humiliation for Wenger and Arsenal fans alike.

Wenger’s 1000th: Chelsea 6-0 Arsenal

If not special, Arsenal’s 2014 visit to arch rivals Chelsea was a game Arsene Wenger would never forget. Managing Arsenal for the 1000th time on the sidelines, Wenger saw his side capitulate against his nemesis Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea losing 6-0. A game remembered for referee Andre Marriner’s horror decision to send off the wrong player, it also ended Arsenal’s last chance at a title shot, having been at the top of the table for almost half a season.

Player exits

Apart from taxes and death, Arsenal losing a key player to a rival or a bigger European club has been a constant. From the exits of Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires to those of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie, player exodus has had a huge impact on Arsenal’s reputation as a big club. More over, it has brought up questions on Arsene Wenger’s ability to hold on to his best players and challenge big clubs across Europe.