Arsenal's Year

2001-02 saw Arsenal end Manchester United's domestic dominance by winning the League and FA Cup double and leaving United empty handed for only the third time in 11 seasons.

The season began with great optimism as United went on a pre-season spending spree. Firstly Dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy was recruited from PSV Eindhoven for a record breaking £19 million. That record did not last long, however, as only weeks later United paid Lazio a wopping £28 million for Argentine playmaker Juan Sebastian Veron.

It was hoped both players would give United an extra edge to not only remain dominant in England but also conquer Europe again and bring home an elusive third European Cup.

It was not to be.

An inspired Arsenal were too strong for United over the course of the Premiership season and as the Reds stuttered towards the finishing line, the Gunners were in irresistable form, finishing worthy champions.

Defeat in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup added to United's disappointment but it was the away goals defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions' League semi-final that was the bitterest pill to swallow.

One of the few highlights of a season to forget was Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to shelve his retirement plans and remain as Old Trafford supremo. There was much rebuilding to be done, however, if United were to reclaim their Premiership crown from Arsenal.

2001-02 Season Review

August 2001
September 2001
October 2001
November 2001
December 2001 January 2002
February 2002
March 2002
April 2002
May 2002

All 2001-02 Match Reports

Premiership

Europe

FA Cup

Other

2001-02 Results

2001-02 Final Premiership Table

Random Editorial

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Browse through the collection of Editorials written by the RedCafe.net staff throughout the 2001-02 season, with all the major issues analysed and discussed...