The Professor Who Taught Us Football!

Our definitive account of the Gunners history has reached the modern era. In the year 1996, a certain unknown, unestablished foreigner was given the mantle. The entire Premier League was skeptical. That skepticism has turned into affection and respect today for the man who heralded the Gunners into a higher domain, we have basked in glory under him and today 11Gunners looks at the arrival of the man, who has more in common with the club than his name, and his early years-the years of beginning of the transformation..

Arsenal had briefly tasted success in the 1994 European Cup Winners Cup final against Parma but the arrival of Wenger was the threshold of a new dawn. The style of the Professor was clearly distinct and his intentions were futuristic as he persuaded the club to invest in a new training ground and laid the foundation for the Emirates project. The club gave him his freedom to exercise his ingenuity and that relationship has worked magically for all- club, players and fans.

In his first full season in charge, he brought the Gunners their first Premier league triumph to staunch Ferguson’s monopoly over the same. An emphatic win over Everton on the final day ensured a league title and the zenith of success was reached with an equally impressive FA Cup triumph over Newcastle. Everyone stood up and took notice of this man who began building a team, rather a force which would deliver such high quality of football that had been previously unforeseen. That would take its time though and the fans suffered an agonizing time as we came close but failed at the finish line. Then came the 2001-02 season when it was time for all the diligence and rigor to pay off.

A squad marked by skill, pace and flawless co-ordination had been built by the Professor. With gunmen like Henry, Pires, Bergkamp, Ljungberg, Viera et al and the rigid back line of Sol Campbell, Keown and the skipper Adams; Arsenal scripted another Double. The League was won after a classic run of 13 victories towards the end of the season. The final nail in the coffin was handed to the Red Devils in their own hallowed den, boy it must have tasted sweet!!

The FA Cup was sealed after two strikes from Parlour and Ljungberg that were as good as any other you would ever see. This was no ordinary team. Everyone was awed by the class and the fluency of soccer, those who chanted “Boring-Boring Arsenal” were eating their words and looking for hideouts.

This was the result of Wenger’s amazing understanding of the game, the ability to make right decisions and the passion for the Beautiful Game. He is accredited with turning unkown names into footballing legends and Henry’s name tops the list in his disciples. The French striker till this day is indebted to the man who showed him the path.

There have been teams and there will be teams that will be remembered for numerous trophies but the style in which the Gunners did their bit distinguishes them from the rest. Next week we relive the season in which the ‘Impossible‘ was achieved. Till then, Keep Gunning..

Also Read:

11Moments- The ‘Beginning’

11Moments- I Am ‘Legend’: Herbert Chapman

11Moments- Of Glory and More

11Moments- Good Times Bad Times

11Moments- ‘Double’ The Fun: ‘71

11Moments- ‘Seconds’ To Glory: ‘89

11Moments- The ‘Invincibles’

11Moments- Henry Is ‘GOD’

11Moments- Highbury: A Fitting Farewell

11Moments- A New Beginning: The Emirates