Arsenal entered Old Trafford on 24 October 2004 as football's untouchables, riding a 49-game unbeaten run in the Premier League that had earned them the legendary title of "The Invincibles." Their imperious form had seen them steamroll through the 2003/04 campaign without a single defeat, a feat unseen in English top-flight football since the late 19th century. But all good things must come to an end, and on a fiery afternoon in Manchester, Arsenal’s record-breaking streak came crashing down in controversial fashion.
The Build-Up
The match between Manchester United and Arsenal always carried a fiery intensity, and this encounter was no different. The rivalry between Arsène Wenger’s dynamic, attacking Arsenal side and Sir Alex Ferguson’s resilient, pragmatic Manchester United team had been brewing for years. However, Arsenal's unbeaten run added an extra layer of significance to this fixture. With Manchester United trailing their London rivals in the league, they were desperate to end Arsenal’s unbeaten streak and claw their way back into the title race.
Team Lineups
Manchester United XI:
- GK: Roy Carroll
- RB: Gary Neville
- CB: Rio Ferdinand (c)
- CB: Mikaël Silvestre
- LB: Gabriel Heinze
- RM: Cristiano Ronaldo
- CM: Phil Neville
- CM: Paul Scholes
- LM: Ryan Giggs
- FW: Wayne Rooney
- FW: Ruud van Nistelrooy
Arsenal XI:
- GK: Jens Lehmann
- RB: Lauren
- CB: Kolo Touré
- CB: Sol Campbell
- LB: Ashley Cole
- RM: Freddie Ljungberg
- CM: Patrick Vieira (c)
- CM: Edu
- LM: José Antonio Reyes
- FW: Dennis Bergkamp
- FW: Thierry Henry
The Game
From the opening whistle, the game was aggressive, physical, and packed with drama. Arsenal, boasting the likes of Henry, Reyes, and Vieira, tried to impose their flowing football on the game, but United and a young Wayne Rooney, had other ideas.
In a game dominated by battles all over the pitch, it was Rooney's performance that stood out. Celebrating his 19th birthday, Rooney was a constant menace, driving at Arsenal’s defence with his bullish style and quick feet. Despite Arsenal having their moments, they struggled to break down United’s defence marshalled by Ferdinand and Mikaël Silvestre.
The deadlock was broken in the second half when United were awarded a contentious penalty. A challenge between Sol Campbell and Rooney saw the young forward go down inside the box. Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had his own personal demons against Arsenal—most notably missing a last-minute penalty in a heated clash the previous season—stepped up and slotted home in the 73rd minute to give United a crucial lead.
Arsenal pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but it was Rooney who had the final say. In the 93rd minute, a swift counter-attack saw Alan Smith’s low cross find Rooney in space, and he calmly tapped in to seal a 2-0 victory, marking the end of Arsenal’s historic unbeaten run.
The Controversy
The game will always be remembered not just for the result but for the controversy that surrounded it. Arsenal felt aggrieved by referee Mike Riley’s decisions, particularly the penalty awarded to Rooney. Wenger and his players were visibly frustrated throughout the match, believing they had been unfairly treated. Post-match interviews and media coverage reflected the simmering tension, with Wenger accusing Manchester United of resorting to rough tactics and accusing Riley of bias.
"Pizzagate" – The Infamous Tunnel Incident
The drama didn’t end on the pitch. In the tunnel after the final whistle, tempers boiled over, culminating in the infamous “Pizzagate” incident. It was reported that in the heat of a confrontation between players and staff, a slice of pizza was thrown, allegedly by Arsenal’s Cesc Fàbregas, hitting Ferguson. The incident added to the already fiery rivalry between the two clubs and became part of Premier League folklore.
The Aftermath
For Arsenal, the loss marked the end of a glorious chapter. The Invincibles had achieved immortality, but the defeat at Old Trafford signalled a shift in momentum. Though Arsenal would still challenge for the Premier League title, they would never replicate the dominance of that 2003/04 season.
For United, the victory was a statement of intent. They had reminded Arsenal that they were not to be underestimated, and the result revitalised their own title ambitions. The game became a defining moment in the modern rivalry between Wenger and Ferguson, with both managers exchanging barbs and tactical blows for years to come.
Legacy of the Unbeaten Run
Despite the defeat, Arsenal’s 49-game unbeaten run remains one of the most remarkable achievements in English football history. From May 2003 to October 2004, Wenger’s side showcased a style of play that was both beautiful and ruthless. The likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Vieira, and Pires became synonymous with the golden era of Arsenal football.
The defeat at Old Trafford, however, showed that even the greatest teams can be undone. For Manchester United fans, it was a glorious day, and for Arsenal, it was a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football.
Conclusion
The match on 24 October 2004 will forever be etched in the memories of football fans as the day Arsenal’s incredible unbeaten run was halted. It was a game filled with drama, controversy, and rivalry, encapsulating everything that made the Premier League a thrilling spectacle. As much as the defeat stung for Arsenal, their 49-game run remains a testament to their brilliance, while for Manchester United, it was a day of triumph that fuelled their pursuit of more glory.