Source: Daily_Mail
The Wenger years: 10 reasons why the Frenchman has become a legend
Arsene Wenger is now the long-serving manager in the history of Arsenal.
But it hasn't all been about trophies since he joined in 1996. The Gunners' manager has also provided us with some unique memories. Sportsmail takes a look at some of Wenger's magic moments.
1998: First Double
Bolstered by the signings such of Emmanuel Petit, Marc Overmars and Nicolas Anelka, Wenger had a side that was capable of maintaining a challenge on the 1997/98 title.
A tight season was wrapped-up on May 3 when the Gunners demolished Everton 4-0 at Highbury with Tony Adams, of all people, bagging the fourth. The double was completed at Wembley a couple of weeks later with a 2-0 win over Newcastle.
Enlarge Arsenal Double 1998
Double, no trouble: Arsenal players celebrate after beating Newcastle to win the FA Cup in 1998
2004: The Invincibles
This remains Wenger's proudest moment. The league stats read like this ... Played 49, Won 36, Drawn 13, Lost None.
A run that lasted 17 months, included securing the Premier League crown at White Hart Lane, the home of their arch-rivals Tottenham.
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Invincibles: Wenger celebrates with the Premier League trophy in 2004
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Another title: Wenger celebrates in 2002
2002: FA Cup victory over Chelsea
Two fine goals from Sylvain Wiltord and ‘it’s only’ Ray Parlour completed a fine victory over London rivals Chelsea.
Tony Adams lifted the famous trophy with Patrick Vieira and, four days later, this happened ....
2002: Second double
The 2001/02 title race was closely-fought three-way race between the Gunners, Manchester United and Liverpool but Arsenal arrived at Old Trafford needing just a point to seal their third double.
Sylvain Wiltord popped up in the 56th minute to snatch victory in Sir Alex's backyard and the away supporters went berserk.
1996: present: Domination of arch-rivals Spurs
Ask any Arsenal fan and the one thing that pleases them almost as much as their success is how it is polarised against the abject failure of their north London rivals Tottenham.
As Wenger reigned, Spurs have tried a myriad of managers and thrown tens of millions of pounds at players ... but have just two Carling Cups to show for it.
1999-2007: The making of a man... Thierry Henry
Henry arrived at Highbury from Juventus a scrawny, yet talented, right-winger but Wenger had a plan to unleash his va-va-voom (sorry).
Encouraged into a more attacking role, Henry’s form blossomed and he became on of the finest striker the Premier had ever seen.
Thierry Henry
Arsenal great: Thierry Henry
2001: Twisting the knife... Wenger’s got Sol
As if winning doubles wasn’t enough to make neighbours Spurs feel put out Wenger wanted their best player too.
Despite reassurances he would stay, life-long Spurs man Campbell did the deed and moved up the road to Highbury where he won as many league titles in a few years as Tottenham have in their history.
Wenger and Sol Campbell
He's gone where? Wenger managed to poach Tottenham favourite Sol Campbell
1996-present: Facing up to Fergie
Few have the temerity to engage Sir Alex in a battle of minds, but the Professor has never shied away from the task, and has even come out on top on a few occasions.
From the straight-forward: ‘It's wrong the league programme is extended so Man United can rest up and win everything’ ...
To the down-right spiteful: ‘Ferguson's out of order. He has lost all sense of reality. He is going out looking for a confrontation, then asking the person he is confronting to apologise. He's pushed the cork in a bit far this time.’
Ooooh, get him!
Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson
Unforgettable rivalry: Wenger and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson argue the odds in 2004
1996-present: Should have gone to Specsavers
Wenger will always support his players but, sometimes the way he goes about it irks members of the football community.
Here’s a favourite ... Following Emmanuel Adebayor’s headbutt on Nicklas Bendtner in the League Cup tie against Spurs, the Arsenal boss remarked: ‘I did not know anything about it. I didn't see it.’
It makes you wonder, has he seen anything at all?
On his arrival at Highbury, the defensive unit of Adams, Bould, Dixon, Keown and a-like had a combined age of 3,769. That wouldn’t do.
Wenger now prides himself on developing young talent, emerging players that can win matches but also still shop at Mothercare.
