Red cards, record fines, searing anger - When Arsenal vs Man Utd shapes a season

03 September 2023 , 05:30

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Martin Keown's infamous reaction to Rudd van Nistelrooy's missed penalty sums up the rivalry (Image: Getty Images)

It was the day which brought a simmering rivalry to the boil.

The infamous Battle of Old Trafford took place 20 years ago this month and still defines every showdown between two of English football’s great clubs.

Arsenal and Manchester United had been jostling and pushing each other ever since Arsene Wenger arrived in the Premier League in 1996 and had threatened Sir Alex Ferguson’s stranglehold on the major trophies.

Yes, there had been fierce rows between Arsenal and United. Even back to the George Graham days and the infamous 21 man brawl at Old Trafford in 1990. Ian Wright’s ugly clash with Peter Schmeichel in February 1997. Roy Keane’s long-running feud with Patrick Vieira.

Then there was the war of words between Fergie and Wenger. United and Arsenal shared the title between themselves for nearly a decade from the mid to late 90s before Chelsea won it 2005.

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But it was on September 21, 2003, when everything changed. That was the day which took the rivalry to a whole new level and will still provide the fire and anger when Arsenal face United at the Emirates on Sunday.

There may be new managers, new captains and even new fans. But everyone has been told about that day as it has shaped the rivalry ever since.

It was the day when Ruud van Nistelrooy missed a late penalty as he smashed the ball against the crossbar in what finished as a goalless draw.

Van Nistelrooy's missed penalty sparked wild scenes (Press Association)

Without that miss, Arsenal would not have finished that season as Invincibles and the only team to have won the Premier League title while going through the whole campaign unbeaten.

Arsenal’s players hated Van Nistelrooy with a passion. Yes, hated. It went beyond rivals and way beyond respect. They believed he crossed a line and was branded a “cheat” by Arsenal defender Martin Keown.

If there is one picture which illustrates the sheer hatred between the two clubs at the time then it is Keown roaring in the face of Van Nistelrooy after the United striker had missed the penalty.

Legendary Guardian chief football writer David Lacey described Keown as having a “gargoyle expression” on his face as if he was a monster from Greek mythology.

Vieira was sent off at Old Trafford in 2003 (AFP via Getty Images)

Vieira had already been sent off, Arsenal were fined a record £175,000 for failing to control its players and Lauren, Keown, Ray Parlour and Vieira were fined and received suspensions as well.

But it also worked for Arsenal. It added to their sense of invincibility. They had been down to ten men, conceded a late penalty and still had not lost at the ground of their biggest rivals.

Former Arsenal captain Gilberto recalled a feeling which galvanised the dressing room. “In the tunnel, you could see the fear in the opponents’ eyes. You could feel that. We had the winning mentality. That made the difference and that counts for a lot.”

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Arsenal went on to win the title. Undoubtedly, that victory 20 years ago gave Arsenal the belief they could make history. That is why huge games shape seasons and destiny. It is why Sunday is so important.

But it also heightened the bitterness between the two sets of players and managers. It exploded over the next few seasons, most notably the Battle of the Buffet.

That was when United beat Arsenal 2-0 at Old Trafford on October 22, 2004, they ended Arsenal’s 49 game unbeaten run which had carried them through the whole previous season.

That time Van Nistelrooy converted his penalty for the all-important opening goal. But it only came after more controversy when Arsenal accused Wayne Rooney of taking a dive under Sol Campbell’s challenge to win the spot kick.

Arsenal accused Wayne Rooney of diving in 2004 (Daily Mirror)

Campbell later told me: “It was a dive. If I left my foot there, but I moved my foot away, rather like the matador with the red cape… I didn’t shake his hand after the game.”

And it was actually Van Nistelrooy who sparked the Battle of the Buffet. The Dutch striker went into the United dressing room after the game, complaining about something Wenger had said.

Fergie was furious, stormed into the Arsenal dressing room and told Wenger to concentrate on his own affairs. It kicked off and Arsenal players pelted Ferguson with pizza.

John Cross