Just read an interesting piece of article about Arsenal and Manchester United rivalry.. wanted to share with you.
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These days as both managers have mellowed and new threats have emerged to shake the dominance the two clubs held over the Premier League the rivalry has died down (although Patrice Evra did his best to bring it back by claiming it was like men against boys as United trounced Arsenal last season in the Champions League) but at its height every game was like going to war.
Although games between the two have always been competitive, the origins of the feud between the two can be said to stem from a clash that took place in 1987 after Brian McClair missed a dubiously awarded penalty and Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn felt the need to let him know how they felt. This was a precursor to the real fireworks in 1990 after Nigel Winterburn really got stuck in with a challenge on Denis Irwin. It sparked a 21 man brawl and saw United docked a point and Arsenal two.
Despite various smaller clashes since then, it was 13 years later that these scenes were replicated after Ruud Van Nistelrooy was a touch overzealous in an aerial challenge with Patrick Vieira. The French man took umbrage, kicking out at the striker leaving the ref no choice but to send Vieira off, who attempted to get at the player he felt had got him red carded. It kicked off a mini brawl but this was nothing compared to what would follow.
United were awarded a late penalty and Van Nistelrooy, who was normally deadly from the spot, missed the chance to stop the Invincibles before they were even formed as his penalty cannoned off the crossbar. Cue Martin Keown delivering a flying clothesline that would not have been out of place in WWF and for a couple of minutes the game descended into madness as the two teams again staged a battle on the turf of Old Trafford.
The ugly scenes saw Arsenal charged with failing to control their players while Patrick Vieira, Martin Keown, Ashley Cole, Lauren, Ray Parlour, Jens Lehmann, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo all faced individual charges.
Man Utd's Roy Keane and Arsenal's Patrick Viera during the bad ol' days.
Arsenal vs Manchester United is back.
the baap of all games. The one game which divides football fans all over the world.
The rivalry between both teams goes back long time. Though they are all mates outside, but on the pitch its just War !!
Its the 2nd of the big four games scheduled for arsenal in 3 weeks. Arsenal dropped to 3rd place after playing a goalless draw away at Aston villa. Both teams are desperately seeking for a win to have a shot at the premier league crown and stay in touching distance with league leaders, Chelsea.
Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger said
“We are very close in the League and so it is back to an Arsenal versus Manchester United of old,” said the manager.
“Last year we were out of it and the games had less meaning. Yes two years ago it was a big game but what is different this year is that we are on the way up so it is very interesting. It comes at a good moment for us.
“Over the years, Manchester United and Arsenal have had some tough games, and sometimes they were not easy on the physical side. But both teams always tried to play. It was very rarely a boring match.
“For me it is always one of the games of the season and so we are really up for it. We are on a good run and we have a good momentum. We want to continue that.
“And I always look forward to this match because it is one that promises good football.”
So the onus is on both teams to capitalise and stay up in the league. In the reverse fixture at old trafford, Arsenal were looking very strong, they dominated the possession most of the match and very deservingly opened the scoring through a stunner by Andreiy Arshavin. Then arsenal gave away 2 cheap goals, one a penalty and then a astonishing own goal by Abou diaby. Nevertheless its at our home now, and we are going to show how good we are and deliver and win the match.
Sol campbell might start the game in central defence with Willian gallas, if Thomas vermaelen isn't fully fit after the injury sustained in the game against Aston villa. Eduardo also picked up a hamstring injury against villa. Bendtner might start as a lone striker with Arshavin and Rosicky in a supporting role. In the midfield, captain courageous, cesc fabregas will lead with denilson, and probably alex song.
Whatever the result maybe, its gonna be a blockbuster. Sky sports have even capitalized on the popularity and staged a first ever 3D game in select countries. If you are a football fan, you not gonna miss this.
My predictions, 1st half goal by Man Yoo , 2 quick goals by Arsenal in 2nd half and Arsenal winning it 2-1. Go Gunners..
Andrey arshavin after scoring against Manchester Utd in old trafford
The 2009–10 season is Arsenal Football Club's 18th season in the Premier League. Arsenal's 2009–10 Premier League season began with a 6–1 victory away to Everton F.C. Arsenal suffered back-to-back Premier League losses on two separate occasions before the New Year, but the at the dawn of 2010, the club was near the top of the league table – in third position – as a result of a 13–2–4 record. Arsenal have also advanced to the 2009–10 UEFA Champions League knockout stage, where they next face Portuguese club Porto in a two-legged tie, after first eliminating Scottish club Celtic 5–1 on aggregate in the play-off round and then finishing atop their group, which included Greek club Olympiacos, Belgian club Standard Liège, and Dutch club AZ, with 13 points during the group stage.
I wanted to write this article for sometime now. Im a big fan of Arsenal since the last 10 years . Ive seen this club change and evolve under the leadership of Arsene Wenger.
Arsene Wenger is now the longest serving manager in the history of Arsenal. He took over as manager of Arsenal after the Bruce Rioch in 1996. Since 1996, he has been at the helm of Arsenal's managerial position till now. With Wenger at arsenal, its not always been about trophies and accolades, but hes given unique memories and made up the career of many great players of this decade. Its been a pleasure for all the Arsenal fans around the world to watch this team evolve in the last decade.
There has been some special moments while he has been in Arsenal.
Arsenal's 1st double in 1998 season and the 2nd double in 2002
Making of Legend called Thierry Henry
Showcasing the awesome Dennis Bergkamp to the world.
2004 : The Invincibles. One of the greatest achievement by Arsenal and Arsene.
The final stats read : Played 49, Won 36, Drawn 13, Lost None
FA cup victory in 2002.
Snapping Sol Campbell from arch rivals Tottenham , who later on became on of the successful defenders at Arsenal.
Dominance over Arch rivals Tottenham in the whole of last decade.
Runner up in Champions League 2005 -06 , because the run up to the final was just memorable with some great performances.
The Rivalry with Alex ferguson and Manchester United has been really fulfilling to watch the competitive spirit between the 2 managers and both teams. Perhaps the most successful managers of English club football. Leave aside the rivalry, but both managers don't shy to give appreciation for each other.
The Belief of Arsene wenger in his youth policy, thereby unearthing some gems in to mainstream football like Cesc fabregas, Theo walcott, Mathieu flamini, and more recently Jack wilshere.
Its like Arsene Wenger was born to be at Arsenal, even his name is embedded in club's name.
Theres more to write about Wenger, its just unending..
There has been some frustrating moments too in the last few years. many trophyless seasons, but finally we all gooners believe " IN ARSENE WE TRUST "
The Official Website of Arsenal football club Arsenal.com announced the list of all time greatest 50 players, based on a poll voted by all Arsenal Fans across the World.
It was great to see a mixed bag of old and new legends in the list...
Here are the results from 1 - 50
Arsenal were founded as Dial Square in 1886 by workers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, but were renamed Royal Arsenal shortly afterwards. They renamed themselves again to Woolwich Arsenal after turning professional in 1891. The club joined the Football League in 1893, starting out in the Second Division, and won promotion to the First Division in 1904. However, the club's geographic isolation resulted in lower attendances than those of other clubs, which led to the club becoming mired in financial problems. In 1913, soon after relegation back to the Second Division, they moved across the Thames to the new Arsenal Stadium in Highbury, north London. They dropped "Woolwich" from their name the following year. Arsenal only finished in fifth place in 1919, but nevertheless were elected to rejoin the First Division at the expense of local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, by reportedly dubious means.
In 1925, Arsenal appointed the highly successful Herbert Chapman as manager. Chapman had won the league with HuddersfieldTown in 1924 and 1925, and he brought Arsenal their first period of major success. His revolutionary tactics and training, along with star players such as Alex James and Cliff Bastin, laid the foundations of the club's domination of English football in the 1930s. Between 1930 and 1938, Arsenal won the First Division five times and the FA Cup twice, although Chapman did not live to see all of these achievements, as he died of pneumonia in 1934. In addition, Chapman was reportedly behind the 1932 renaming of the local London Underground station from "Gillespie Road" to "Arsenal", making it the only Tube station to be named specifically after a football club.
Following the suspension of English professional football during World War II, Arsenal won the league in 1948 and 1953 and the FA Cup in 1950. However, their fortunes began to wane; unable to attract players of the same calibre as they had in the '30s, the club spent most of the 1950s and 1960s in trophyless mediocrity. Even former England captain Billy Wright could not bring the club any success as manager.
Arsenal's second successful era began with the surprise appointment of club physiotherapist Bertie Mee as manager in 1966. After losing two League Cup finals, they won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, their first European trophy, in 1970. This was followed by an even greater triumph: their first League and FA Cup double in 1971. However, the following decade was characterised by a series of near misses. Arsenal finished as First Division runners-up in 1973, lost three FA Cup finals (1972, 1978 and 1980) and lost the 1980 Cup Winners' Cup final on penalties. The club's only success during this time was an FA Cup win in 1979, with a last-minute 3–2 victory over Manchester United that is widely regarded as a classic.
The return of former player George Graham as manager in 1986 brought a third period of glory. Arsenal won the League Cup in 1987, Graham's first season in charge. This was followed by a League title win in 1989, won with a last-minute goal in the final game of the season against fellow title challengers Liverpool. Graham's Arsenal won another title in 1991, losing only one match, the FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993 and a second European trophy, the Cup Winners' Cup, in 1994. However, Graham's reputation was tarnished when it was revealed that he had taken kickbacks from agent Rune Hauge for signing certain players, and he was sacked in 1995. His replacement, Bruce Rioch, lasted for only one season, leaving the club after a dispute over transfer funds.
The club's success in the late 1990s and 2000s owes a great deal to the appointment of manager Arsène Wenger in 1996. Wenger brought new tactics, a new training regime and several foreign players who complemented the existing English talent. Arsenal won a second league and cup double in 1998 and a third in 2002. In addition, the club reached the final of the 2000 UEFA Cup (losing on penalties to Galatasaray), were victorious in the 2003 and 2005 FA Cups, and won the Premier League in 2004 without losing a single match, which earned the side the nickname "The Invincibles"; in all, the club went 49 league matches unbeaten, a national record.
Arsenal have finished in either first or second place in the league in eight of Wenger's ten seasons at the club, and they are one of only four teams (along with Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea) to have won the Premier League since its formation in 1993. Until recently, Arsenal had never progressed beyond the Champions League quarter-finals; in 2005-06 however, they reached the competition's final, becoming the first club from London to do so in the competition's fifty year history. Arsenal lost the final 2-1 to FC Barcelona; having gone down to ten men early on, with goalkeeper Jens Lehmann sent off for a professional foul, they went 1-0 up through Sol Campbell. However, Barcelona came back with late goals from Eto'o and Belletti to win.
