Fast forward to the 2001/02 Premier League season and once again it was one of those vintage Premier Leagueseasons that will live in long memory. Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal had one such moment of glory when they lifted their second Premier League crown. A clear and concise deep dive into the stand-out moments, angling game-ch turning points, as well unforgettable matches… of the 2001/02 Premier League Season!
Arsenal’s Unstoppable Season
Arsenal:2001/02 Barclays Premier League Liverpool had been the champions of Europe just six months prior in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, Arsenal meanwhile secured their second league and cup double under Arsène Wenger; With his side going across an entire league campaign- being unbeaten away from him put them level with Manchester United who won the title like that as it went alongside a monstrous winning streak. The Gunners certainly served up some sexy, flowing football in those days and before long we’d all be lauding the “Invincibles” as well.
But the Gunners were never far away from standout displays given they had immense talent at their fingertips like Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Patrick Vieira. Thierry Henry, in particular, was a stunning acquisition; and he duly finished his debut season at Arsenal as the club’s top scorer — with 24 league goals to boot. With a lightning pace, a silky style of play, and an incredible goal-scoring ability that ran defenses ragged the length of Europe, he was arguably your quintessential Premier League ‘striker’ back in his potent prime.
The Title-Clinching Moment
2001/02 Premier League The week it all turned around for Arsenal in their season was May 8th of that year when they won at Old Trafford with Sylvain Wiltord scoring the decisive goal. Arsenal clinched the Premier League title in their biggest rivals’ backyard, with just a single goal from Sylvain Wiltord securing the win that day. This victory was never about winning the title for Arsenal but a show of dominance over English football’s traditional big four.
Manchester United’s Struggles
Manchester United Although the team was at its peak during the late 90s and early noughties, domestically (at least) Man Utd had a problematic season. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men had secured three Premier League titles in a row but they could not maintain their extraordinary level of performance once the 2001/02 Premier League campaign got underway. They never found any kind of rhythm, despite stunning performances by the likes of Roy Keane and David Beckham to Ruud van Nistelrooy.
But more than anything else it was their inconsistencies — particularly at the back— that haunted United for so much of this season. Yet, injuries and erratic defensive form saw them shipping goals the likes you would rarely see from a Ferguson team. He would hit 23 in the league to take the Golden Boot but United ended again third — ten points back from Arsenal’s title.
So Close Yet So Far For Liverpool
Managed by Gérard Houllier, Liverpool went on to have a much better season in the Premier League that year and ended as runners-up behind Arsenal. This was the Reds’ highest finish in Premier League history and Liverpool fans must have sensed that they were finally on course to claim their first title for a long while. His Houllier team was industrious, defensively solid, and a organized bunch on the field.
The Anfield charge was inspired by Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen, who notched 19 league goals in his brilliance. Owen and Emile Heskey were a frightening duo up top who terrified the life out of opposing defenses, but they just missed out on title glory to Arsenal. This consigned Liverpool to 80 points, seven fewer than Arsenal.
Leeds United: A Stunning Season
Leeds United 2001/02 Premier League, Key players — Ian Harte, Harry Kewell & Robbie Keane One of the more shocking teams to grace his era from the English Premier League was Leeds. A late autumn surge had seen Leeds installed as outside contenders, having only missed out on a first English title in 10 years to eventual defending champions Liverpool after losing their Champions League semi-final earlier that year. David OLearys other group, however, this Leeds was the dynamic young one entirely Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka to a lesser degree Alan Smith.
Leeds spent most of the season in the top three after a strong start. However, a poor run of form in the final few games left them to settle for fifth and no Champions League football. Ankle-biters, definitely — we all know the 4-3 triumph against Liverpool at Elland Road was one of THE games of the first season in the Premier League for anyone who wasn’t actively willing Leeds to lose.
Top Six Clashes,2001/02 Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur 3-5 Manchester United
White Hart Lane– This is one of the most iconic matches in PL history. Manchester United was shell-shocked and three goals down at the break. Courtesy of Tottenham Hotspur. However, United struck with five unanswered goals in an impressive performance in the second half as they won 5-3. But goals from Andy Cole, Laurent Blanc, Rujson van Nistelrooy, and Juan Sebastián Verón to make it 3-2 on aggregate before David Beckham scored a late consolation free-kick showed United’s fighting spirit.
Arsenal 2-0 Chelsea:It was the game that was played on a disabled audience because to Dutch international scorer who participated in that match had retired as a PFA after being injured again.
It was the same as Arsenal, who looked for another London rivalry to dominate. Freddie Ljungberg and Sylvain Wiltord scored as Arsenal won 2-0 at the Bridge in a classic Race fixture. For Arsenal, that trigger was winning something.
The Relegation Battle
But there was so much to play for in the lower rungs where it would be a case of fight or flight throughout. Ipswich Town -6 One of the surprises relegated in 2002, as they’d finished fifth one year earlier. Playing: Derby County and Leicester City (struggled throughout the year)Latching in their burrows, both tried to wriggle free but it was too late; with this loss came an end to miserable Premier League campaigns.
The 2001/02 Premier League Season Legacy
This season was packed full of drama, standout moments, and some top-class football in the Premier League 2001/02. FA Cup final 1971: Arsenal was officially one of the greatest teams in English football history at this point with Manchester United struggling to keep up.
