Arsenal Landmarks – The Invincibles, Henry's Record, Wenger's Farewell
While the Foxes have won four of their last eight meetings with the north London outfit, the Gunners in general have had the upper hand through our shared histories, winning 68 clashes, while City have come out on top on 32 occasions.
Saturday's 12:30pm BST kick-off will be another opportunity for Leicester to improve that record. Ahead of that fixture on Filbert Way, LCFC.com recalls some of the most defining moments of Arsenal's life in the 21st century - dominated by the presence of French manager Arsène Wenger...
On the final day of the 2003/04 season, Arsenal rounded off their astonishing unbeaten season by coming from behind to beat Leicester City 2-1 at Highbury to become the first side to go through a league season without defeat since Preston achieved the feat in 1888/89. Under the guidance of Arsène Wenger, the Invincibles side had a perfect blend of defensive solidity, midfield tenacity and creative flair throughout the team, with the likes of Sol Campbell, Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires and Thierry Henry all instrumental throughout the campaign; particularly the latter, who scored 30 league goals and was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
With 26 wins, 12 draws and zero defeats throughout the season, Wenger’s men romped home to the Premier League title with 90 points; 11 more than second-placed Chelsea. Despite their overall dominance and outstanding home form, City did hand the Gunners an early scare on the final day when Paul Dickov headed home after 25 minutes. However, despite their best efforts, the Foxes were unable to spoil the party, as Henry settled Arsenal’s nerves with a second-half penalty before Vieira rounded Ian Walker to secure all three points on a memorable afternoon at Highbury.
This UEFA Champions League clash away to Sparta Prague in 2005 will always be a special night in Arsenal’s history, with French forward and club legend Thierry Henry netting two goals to pass former record-holder Ian Wright as Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer. Absent for six weeks with a groin injury, Henry made his return to action in this group stage encounter and put the Gunners ahead in the 21st minute, tying Wright’s record of 185 with an extravagant effort with the outside of his right foot.
With 15 minutes remaining, the Frenchman then etched his name into Arsenal’s history books by netting the record-breaking 186th goal in the second half, calmly dispatching Robert Pires’ through ball. Possessing electric pace, composure in front of goal and a trademark bottom-corner finish, Henry spent eight years with Arsenal and will forever be known as one of the Premier League’s most iconic frontmen, having scored 228 goals for the club, including two strikes when he returned to the north Londoners on loan in January 2012. Henry’s legacy continues to live on at Emirates Stadium through a statue placed outside the ground emulating the Frenchman’s celebration when he slid to his knees after a goal against rivals Tottenham Hotspur in 2002.
A whole 7,876 days after first entering the dugout, legendary manager Arsène Wenger said goodbye to Emirates Stadium in May 2018 when he took charge of his final home game as Arsenal manager. Despite a disappointing campaign, it was a time for reflection and celebration when Burnley visited north London for this Premier League encounter, with Wenger getting the send-off he deserved both on and off the pitch. Arsenal outclassed their visitors on the day and ran out 5-0 winners thanks to goals from Alex Iwobi, Sead Kolašinac, Alexandre Lacazette and a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang double, handing Wenger his 475th win in 826 Premier League games.
It was a classy performance but this day meant far more than three points. A guard of honour was formed for the departing Frenchman and Emirates Stadium was draped in tributes, with giant ‘Merci Arsène’ banners outside of the ground and red t-shirts with the same message placed on each of the 60,000 seats within the stadium. Having imposed an iconic style of football through over 20 years of dedication, while lifting three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, Arsène Wenger’s name will be synonymous with Arsenal Football Club for many years to come.