Few campaigns in English football can compare with the Premier League 96/97 season. It was a season defined by fierce competition, unforgettable matches, and legendary performances that transformed English soccer forever.
A Season Overview
This was the 1996/97 Premier League season, which started on August 31 and ended on May 11. Arsenal came into the season fresh off a league title, but times were beginning to change in England. Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United sought more golf after ending up third in the table last term.
Across the 1998/99 season, 20 sides competed for silverware including Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United. The 38-match-a-team sprint was a thrilling spectacle of aspiration, drama and footballing brilliance.
Key Matches of the Season
Manchester United vs. Arsenal
Man United vs Arsenal, Old Trafford: one of the season’s fixtures to be marked on your calendar. That match would become the beginning of a bitter rivalry that dragged on for years. Arsenal went ahead through a strike from Tony Adams but Manchester United replied with two goals by Eric Cantona. A 2-1 United win reflected their resolve and the Red Devils were ready to fight for a new crown.
Newcastle United 5-0 Manchester United
St. James’ Park, meanwhile, was the venue for another significant clash as Newcastle hosted Manchester United and Derek Allan looks back on an entertaining afternoon in Tyneside. However, it was the Toon who had the last laugh as a brutal display saw them comfortably to victory in an action-packed encounter. The flair of the likes of Ferdinand, who struck that day along with David Ginola en route to a Newcastle attacking masterclass meant this was one of the games not to be missed in 1996-97. The inevitable outcome as well as the fact that they can turn on strong displays like this will certainly boost confidence amongst the Newcastle fans of their title credentials.
Liverpool 1-2 Chelsea
The Premier League 96/97 season also included the battle for the fourth and final Champions League spot in which Liverpool overcame Chelsea at Anfield. Liverpool won the match 4-2 in one of their most attacking displays with goals from Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman, while Jamie Redknapp also thumped home a penalty. Chelsea showed much fight but Liverpool went through, thanks to their strong home record. The game was an important one that certainly enhanced the credentials of Liverpool as a member of Europe’s elite.
Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United
One of the most intense rivalries in football, there was seldom going to be a dull moment between Liverpool and Manchester United when they faced off back at the beginning of January icon. The game was a tight affair eventually won by Manchester United, 1-0 with Cantona getting on the scoresheet. This was a crucial three points in Manchester United’s own title challenge, mainly helping them to gain ground on table-toppers Arsenal.
Arsenal 0 v Liverpool 0
With the season winding down, Arsenal v Liverpool at Highbury was one of those rare title straddling games. The Gunners needed the win to stay top and they found one of their best displays this season; eventually winning 3-1. This Group H showdown saw a pair of attacking goals from Dennis Bergkamp and Ian Wright. It was a turning point for Arsenal and cemented their status as title challengers.
Final Day Drama: Manchester United vs Wimbledon
The final day, when Man United played Wimbledon at Selhurst Park proved to be the peak of this season. United had that title to wrap up, after all. In a 3-0 win, goals from Cantona and Ryan Giggs secured the Premier League for Manchester United. It was United’s first league title since 1994 and helped to further establish Ferguson as one of football’s great tactical minds.
Season MVPs
Many players from the 1996/97 season went on to make a name for themselves in the league:
Eric Cantona (Manchester United)The Frenchman had been an inspirational figure in Manchester United’s pursuit of the title with goal after important goals as well as assists that if not for him, could have meant dropped points at certain games.
Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal): The Dutch forward was an inventive power for Arsenal, flaunting his expertise and vision in the state: Opposition defenders dreaded facing him in tandem with Ian Wright.
Les Ferdinand (Newcastle United): the new boy plowed the ball into corners a week after his goal-scoring accuracy drove Newcastle’s title challenge.
Robbie Fowler (Liverpool) — The Liverpool striker was tireless up front and his goals kept the Reds in touch with Europe.
Impact on the Clubs
For the clubs that were affected, two decades of the 1996/97 season still live long in their memories. This triumph for Manchester United was the starting point of an era where they would go on to dominate English football. That success was the base for what ended up being an amazing period of a huge number, with United going on to win the Premier League many times across the next years.
Arsenal, who would go on to mount a challenge in the coming seasons despite ending up as runners-up. Newcastle United were also showing signs of what they could be but that promise would not last for many years later.
Liverpool showed greater ambition in their improvements and joined the battle at the top, though this ultimately required a big outlay followed by managerial change over subsequent seasons that Chelsea were all too familiar with.
Conclusion
Football fans will still remember the 1996/97 Premier League season. It is the exciting games, unforgettable player plays, and feisty rivalries that all combine to weave a compelling storyline that helped chart the course of the league going forth. Upon reflection, it is clear that the events of 1996/97 not only led to one unforgettable season but sowed seeds that developed into the global juggernaut almost as we watch today in Premier League football. To get the latest updates on sports history and analysis, continue following JustSports24!
