The Totally Football Show with James Richardson Totally Gold 03/04: Abramovich arrives but Arsenal go Invincible
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Jul 6, 2025 Michael Cox, a football writer and analyst, alongside Daniel Storey, a columnist with a knack for in-depth Premier League analysis, discuss Arsenal's iconic unbeaten season. They explore how Arsene Wenger's Gunners defied expectations and what made them so formidable. The episode touches on the seismic impact of Roman Abramovich's spending at Chelsea, pivotal moments like Ruud van Nistelrooy's penalty miss, and the broader cultural shifts in football broadcasting with ITV taking the lead. Also, memorable matches and key performances keep the nostalgia alive.
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Arsenal's Unique Invincible Style
- Arsenal's 2003-04 Invincibles were an attacking team, evolving from counter-attacking to possession-based play.
- They entertained neutrals while dominating, setting them apart from typical unbeaten run teams focused on defense.
Fluid Attack and Henry's Dominance
- Arsenal's attack was fluid and versatile, with players interchanging positions to disrupt defenses.
- Thierry Henry was a goal-scoring machine, almost a goal per game, setting unprecedented standards.
Wenger's Defensive Rebuild
- Wenger rebuilt Arsenal's defense in 2003-04 with new players creating a strong partnership.
- Kolo Touré's versatility was crucial, stepping in different roles and aiding the unbeaten run.