7 May 2003. The most wonderful moment in the history of Arsenal

7 May 2003

The start of Arsenal’s 49 games without defeat.

We had, as I recall, just lost the chance of winning the league through draw away to Bolton and an unexpected home defeat to Leeds a couple of days before.

On the walk up to Highbury for the Leeds game tickets from the touts were going at five times their face value.  Walking down St Thomas’ to the Southampton game the touts could not even give the tickets away.

But those of us who kept the faith were rewarded by something from heaven.  Robert Pires, and Jermaine Pennant both got hattricks, including Pires at his most audacious – a stunning performance with stunning goals.

We went on to beat the same team in the Cup Final on 17 May (playing Southampton that is, not, as my copy of the Official Arsenal Illustrated Yearbook helpfully says playing a team called “FA Cup Final”) 1-0, and the people who were not there didn’t think too much about that last league match.

At least they didn’t at the time.

But now it is to be remembered for all time as the opening match in what must surely be the must have DVD of all must have DVD’s.  The 49.

I was still feeling fairly miserable at the time of that match, and although I loved the evening, and was pleased we had won the cup, I felt really sad about losing out on the title… until I realised what Arsenal v Southampton 7 May 2003 came to signify.   The start of the 49.

For the rest of my life I can say, “I was there when it all began”.

PS: If you have any anniversaries that you would like added to our list (see link below) just drop a note below, and I’ll get them added in.

Arsenal Anniversaries

Arsenal History

2 Replies to “7 May 2003. The most wonderful moment in the history of Arsenal”

  1. Tony,
    The 6th May 2012 comes close to being another great moment in our Club’s history.
    Against the odds, we have been given a slightly unexpected lifeline to 3rd place.
    Our destiny this sorry season is once again in our own hands.

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