Each week, we'll reminisce about our incredible Invincible season 20 years on by looking back at what was going on at the club on and off the pitch, as well as remembering key news stories and the pop culture buzz at the time.
Two weeks ago, Wolves and Southampton were defeated to open up a five-point lead at the top of table, and after following that up by defeating Chelsea in the FA Cup, the Blues would be faced again six days later in a huge league clash.
Setting the scene
Our quest to retain the FA Cup continued as Claudio Ranieri’s side were beaten 2-1 at Highbury in the fifth round, but the teams would meet again the following week with a massive three points at stake.
We went into the game on the back of five successive league wins and six points ahead of the Blues in third spot - who were hoping that home advantage would see that advantage halved to pull them back into contention again.
Wenger’s words
Following the news that the club had secured funding for our new stadium and were pressing forward with the plans, Wenger was thrilled: “The first time it occurred to me that we needed a bigger stadium was in 1998,” he said.
“I’ve been quite heavily involved in the planning since then at board level, but only as a consulting voice. I can just say that I pushed the project forward, like all the directors did, and as manager I feel I have a responsibility to try and develop the club.
“Obviously there is an element of risk but we have all gone for it. The main request is that we keep a successful team, then there is not much risk. That will mean the stadium is full and it will bring in income which will pay off the debt. We need a successful team, but we can afford it.”
From the dressing room
After completing a century of Premier League goals against Southampton a fortnight earlier, Thierry Henry reflected on his achievement. “It’s something amazing. What means the most to me is that I have done it at one club.
“Some of the players on the list have done it at more than one team, but like Wrighty I’ve done it all at Arsenal. That proves loyalty and desire for the team that I have. To reach the 100 mark is amazing, but to do it for one team is even more special.
“It took me a while until I scored, but once I was off the mark, I didn’t stop. I hope I will carry on as long as I can. It’s better if you can do it really quickly, but that wasn’t my target.”
On the pitch
GAME 26: CHELSEA 1-2 ARSENAL
February 21, 2004
Wenger’s side came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, six days after his team had done the same thing at Highbury in the FA Cup fifth round.
And this controlled, crafted win - coupled with Manchester United’s draw at home to Leeds - meant that we climbed seven points clear at the top of the table.
Extending that advantage seemed unlikely when Eidur Gudjohnsen put Chelsea into the lead after only 27 seconds. But, like the week before, we responded with two quick goals.
Firstly, Patrick Vieira slotted home from Dennis Bergkamp’s clever pass in the 15th minute. Then six minutes later Edu hooked in after Neil Sullivan flagged at Henry’s corner, who was back in action after a foot injury kept him out of the previous contest.
Chelsea threatened straight after the interval but, when Gudjohnsen was dismissed for a second yellow card, their challenge petered away.
Gilberto had two fine chances to finish but, no matter, we had matters under control by the end. Chelsea exhausted all their substitute options and were never able to catch us. A deserved victory therefore on an important day in the title race.
Where we stood
| P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | |
| Arsenal | 26 | 19 | 7 | 0 | 51 | 17 | 64 |
| Man Utd | 26 | 18 | 3 | 5 | 50 | 24 | 57 |
| Chelsea | 26 | 17 | 4 | 5 | 47 | 21 | 55 |
| Newcastle | 26 | 10 | 11 | 5 | 37 | 27 | 41 |
| Charlton | 26 | 11 | 7 | 8 | 37 | 32 | 40 |
What the press said
“Awesome, unbeaten, unstoppable. The manner in which Arsene Wenger’s side squeezed the championship life out of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was another object lesson in the Gunners’ greatness.” - Daily Mirror
“Same result, same story, same old Arsenal, poor old Chelsea.” - The Observer
“Arsenal seized control of the Premiership title race as they taught Chelsea yet another lesson in the art of becoming champions.” - Sunday Mirror
Elsewhere this week
Following the win in west London, we beat Celta Vigo 3-2 in the first knockout stage of the Champions League. Edu scored twice with Robert Pires also on target.
A press conference was held at the training ground to announce the stadium news, with the board and Wenger tackling questions about the move.
Jeremie Aliadiere marked his return from injury by scoring in the reserves’ 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Image of the week
Wenger stands on where the centre spot of the new stadium would be after paying a visit to the site in Ashburton Grove. “When were were talking about the stadium I said we wanted three important things,” he said at the time.
“To keep the ambience and atmosphere of Highbury, to keep the quality of the pitch we are known for, and if possible to stay as close to Highbury. At the moment we have achieved the third one, I hope we can achieve the first two points as well.”
UK number ones
Top 40: Take Me To The Clouds Above - LMC v U2 (second week at no. 1)
Album chart: Call Off the Search - Katie Melua (third week at no. 1)
Box office: Cheaper by the Dozen
In the news this week
The British Olympic Association banned European 100-metre champion Dwain Chambers from competing in the Olympics for life following a positive test for the designer steroid THG.
Wales, Juventus and Leeds United icon John Charles died aged 72. He was deemed to be one of the greatest players in the world during the 1950s and 1960s.
Controversial film The Passion of the Christ opens in theatres in the United States. A woman in Kansas dies of a heart attack while viewing the harrowing crucifixion scene.
Find out what happened next as Charlton Athletic headed to Highbury for a London derby
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