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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Rob Smyth

Back on top: the season-by-season story of Arsenal’s return to title glory

A composite showing Arsenal players including Thierry Henry celebrating in 2005; Cesc Fàbregas on the ball in 2007; Arsène Wenger waving in 2018; and Bukayo Saka celebrating in 2022
Arsenal celebrate in 2005 with Thierry Henry; Cesc Fàbregas in 2007; Arsène Wenger says goodbye in 2018; Bukayo Saka exults in 2022 (clockwise from top left). Composite: Guardian Design; Getty Images; Tom Jenkins

2004-05 (2nd, 83pts)

The Invincibles were slain in Manchester on Sunday 24 October 2004, when Arsenal’s record 49-match unbeaten run ended in a traumatic, wildly controversial defeat at Old Trafford. It took a month for Arsenal to process their grief and rage; by the time they did, José Mourinho’s remorseless Chelsea had zoomed past them. Though Arsenal were still the most watchable team in England, something had died in them.

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