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Arsenal
2005–06 season
ChairmanPeter Hill-Wood
ManagerArsène Wenger
StadiumHighbury
Premier League4th
FA CupFourth round
League CupSemi-finals
FA Community ShieldRunners-up
UEFA Champions LeagueRunners-up
Top goalscorerLeague: Thierry Henry (27)
All: Thierry Henry (33)
Highest home attendance38,359 vs Wigan Athletic
(7 May 2006)
Lowest home attendance34,498 vs Thun
(14 September 2005)
Average home league attendance37,295

The 2005–06 season was the 108th season of competitive football played by Arsenal. It was the final season in which home matches were played at the club's Highbury stadium after 93 years; Arsenal intended to move to its new 60,000 capacity Emirates Stadium in time for the following season. The club ended their Premier League campaign in fourth, having pipped local rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the position on the final day. Arsenal became the first London club to reach a UEFA Champions League final, though lost 2–1 to Barcelona in Paris. In the League Cup the club was eliminated in the semi-finals on aggregate score by Wigan Athletic and knocked out of the FA Cup, against Bolton Wanderers in the fourth round.

Before the season commenced midfielder Patrick Vieira was sold to Juventus; striker Thierry Henry assumed his club captaincy role. Alexander Hleb was purchased from Stuttgart for an undisclosed fee in July 2005; in the winter transfer window Arsenal signed midfielder Abou Diaby, and forwards Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott.

Arsenal lost to league champions Chelsea in the 2005 FA Community Shield at the Millennium Stadium. An indifferent start in the league saw Arsenal peak in second position after 13 matches, but a run of three consecutive defeats a month later had effectively ruled them out of title contention. On the final day, they beat Wigan Athletic 4–2 at Highbury; Tottenham Hotspur's defeat at West Ham United meant Arsenal secured fourth place. The team's performances in Europe were more striking; they eliminated Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal in the knockout stages. In the 2006 UEFA Champions League Final held at the Stade de France in Paris on 17 May 2006, goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was sent off for a professional foul on Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o. Although defender Sol Campbell gave Arsenal a first half lead from a set piece, the team conceded twice in the final 15 minutes to lose the match.

To mark the final season at Highbury, Arsenal held a valedictory campaign titled "Highbury – The Final Salute". The club staged several themed matchdays and a redcurrant home kit replaced the common red to honour the shirts worn in 1913.

Background

See also: 2004–05 Arsenal F.C. season

Arsenal began the preceding season as league champions; a win against Blackburn Rovers in August 2004 ensured they eclipsed Nottingham Forest's record of 42 league matches unbeaten.[1] The run extended to six more matches, before losing 2–0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford on 24 October 2004.[2] Poor form throughout November allowed league leaders Chelsea to extend the gap at the top; Wenger conceded retaining the title in April 2005, calling his opponents "worthy champions ... they have been remarkably consistent."[3] A run of twelve league matches unbeaten, culminating in a 7–0 home win against Everton helped Arsenal finish in second place.[4] In spite of exiting the Champions League to Bayern Munich in the second round, the team won the 2005 FA Cup Final against Manchester United – winning 5–4 on penalties after a goalless draw.[5]

Highbury – The Final Salute

A photograph of a green football turf, with the words Highbury, 1913–2006 etched in the middle.
Arsenal prepared for their final season at Highbury

The 2005–06 season marked Arsenal's final season at Highbury, their home since 1913. The club planned to move half a mile to the Emirates Stadium, considered "vital to our future" by Wenger, as it financially would help them to compete at the top level.[6] To mark the valedictory campaign titled "Highbury – The Final Salute", the club staged many special activities on matchdays "...to celebrate the many great players and moments that this fantastic stadium has witnessed."[4] A redcurrant home kit was designed to honour the shirts worn in the club's first season at Highbury.[7] It was adorned with gold lettering and accompanied by white shorts and redcurrant socks.[8]

List of themed matchdays at Highbury[9]
Matchday Date
Players Day 14 August 2005
Goal Celebrations Day 24 August 2005
European Night 14 September 2005
2 November 2005
Doubles Day 19 September 2005
Internationals Day 2 October 2005
Wenger Day 22 October 2005
Memorial Day 5 November 2005
49-ers Day 26 November 2005
League Cup Night 29 November 2005
24 January 2006
Boxers v Jockeys Day 7 December 2005
Great Saves Day 18 December 2005
Hat-trick Heroes Day 28 December 2005
Back Four Day 3 January 2006
FA Cup Day 7 January 2006
1913 Day 14 January 2006
London Derbies Day 1 February 2006
Home Grown Players Day 11 February 2006
Managers Day 8 March 2006
Captains Day 12 March 2006
Junior Gunners Day 18 March 2006
Decades Day 28 March 2006
David Rocastle Day 1 April 2006
Dennis Bergkamp Day 15 April 2006
Records Day 19 April 2006
Kits Day 22 April 2006
Goals Day 7 May 2006

Transfers

Arsenal signed youth players Nicklas Bendtner, Vito Mannone and Armand Traoré in the summer transfer window. Belarusian Alexander Hleb joined the club for an undisclosed fee on 12 July 2005. Arsenal made four more additions during the season: goalkeeper Mart Poom, signed on a permanent deal, midfielder Abou Diaby, who reportedly turned down an offer to join Chelsea[10] and forwards Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott.

After the early departures of Jermaine Pennant and Stuart Taylor, club captain Patrick Vieira joined Italian side Juventus in a £13.7 million deal. Wenger did not intend to sign a replacement, saying "I am not in a hurry. We have Gilberto, Flamini, and Fàbregas. Pires can play in there also so we have plenty of players."[11] English midfielder David Bentley made his loan deal at Blackburn Rovers permanent in the January transfer window.

Pre-season

16 July 2005 Friendly Barnet 1–4 Arsenal Barnet
Sinclair 74' Report Hleb 2', Henry pen' (?), Bergkamp ?', Hoyte ?' Stadium: Underhill Stadium
20 July 2005 Friendly SC Weiz 0–5 Arsenal Weiz
19:00 CET Report Flamini 1', Henry 4', 37', Bentley 15', Bergkamp 50' Stadium: Sparkassen-Stadion
24 July 2005 Friendly SC Ritzing 2–5 Arsenal Ritzing
16:00 CET Pajer 38', Schiffer 75' Report Bergkamp 10', Henry 17', Reyes 35' (pen), Hleb 79', Larsson 90' Stadium: Sparkassen-Stadion
26 July 2005 Friendly FC Utrecht 0–3 Arsenal Bad Waltersdorf
Report Pires 13' (pen), Reyes 54', Henry 77'
29 July 2005 Amsterdam Tournament Ajax 0–1 Arsenal Amsterdam
Report Lupoli 87' Stadium: Amsterdam Arena
Attendance: 35,000
Referee: Dick van Egmond (Netherlands)
31 July 2005 Amsterdam Tournament Porto 1–2 Arsenal Amsterdam
Lisandro 37' Report Ljungberg 49', 58' Stadium: Amsterdam Arena
Attendance: 35,000
Referee: Ruud Bossen (Netherlands)

FA Community Shield

Main article: 2005 FA Community Shield

As winners of the FA Cup in the previous season, Arsenal contested the 2005 FA Community Shield against league champions Chelsea. Two goals scored by striker Didier Drogba in either half meant Arsenal lost the match. Wenger commented afterwards that Chelsea's gameplan made it difficult for the Arsenal defenders, and noted his opposition's strength was playing long balls.[37] When asked if he was concerned by the performance, Wenger replied: "Why should I worry? Did you see the game? You can worry for the Chelsea supporters."[37]

7 August 2005 Arsenal 1–2 Chelsea Cardiff, Wales
15:00 BST Fàbregas 64' Report Drogba 8', 58' Stadium: Millennium Stadium
Attendance: 58,014
Referee: Howard Webb

Premier League

Main article: 2005–06 FA Premier League

August–October

"If you look at the history of the championship, this is very early to have lost two games. If we lose more than four, it's going to be a struggle."

—Ashley Cole, 10 September 2005[38]

Arsenal began their final league season at Highbury against Newcastle United on 14 August 2005. In spite of having a man advantage after midfielder Jermaine Jenas was sent off for a challenge on Gilberto Silva, striker Thierry Henry scored from the penalty spot in the 81st minute.[39] Robin van Persie added a second, four minutes from the end of the match.[39] A fortunate goal from Drogba inflicted Arsenal's first defeat against Chelsea in the league for almost a decade.[40] The team responded with a 4–1 victory against Fulham, whereby Henry and defender Pascal Cygan both scored twice.[41] Arsenal lost away to Middlesbrough on 10 September 2005, in a performance derided by Wenger as being "unacceptable".[38] A brace (two goals) from Sol Campbell against Everton[42] was followed by a goalless draw against newly promoted West Ham United.[43]

An own goal scored by Stephen Clemence gave Arsenal a 1–0 victory in the first week of October at home to Birmingham City.[44] Despite being "technically the better side" away to West Bromwich Albion, Arsenal lost 2–1; Wenger after the match commented that the team "played with great spirit but … were punished for a lack of experience and maturity because we didn't take advantage of the chances we created."[45] A penalty scored by Robert Pires was enough to secure three points against Manchester City.[46] The midfielder wasted a second penalty in the second half, choosing to recreate a spot kick executed by Johan Cruyff and Jesper Olsen for Ajax.[46] Having attempted to roll the ball towards onrushing Henry, Pires inadvertently flicked the ball twice, enabling referee Mike Riley to award a free-kick to Manchester City.[46] Although both players were scrutinised by Chelsea manager José Mourinho,[47] they were commended by Cryuff for showing a desire to try something different.[48] The final league match of October ended in a 1–1 draw against local rivals Tottenham Hotpsur.[49]

November–February

A coloured photograph of a man controlling a football. He is dressed in a red kit.
Luis García scored the winning goal for Liverpool against Arsenal

A 3–1 win at home to Sunderland on 5 November 2005 meant Arsenal moved third in the league table.[50] This was followed by a trip to the JJB Stadium; Arsenal beat Wigan Athletic 3–2 in a "hugely entertaining game on a cold, frosty afternoon".[51] Henry scored his 100th goal at Highbury against Blackburn Rovers to extend a club unbeaten run of nine matches.[52] Defeat at Bolton Wanderers in early December concerned Wenger, admitting the opponents showed the template required to beat his team.[53] A further defeat against Newcastle United, where Gilberto Silva was sent off in the second half highlighted the "physical absence" of Vieira in midfield.[54] In losing 2–0 to Chelsea a week after – their third successive defeat for the first time under Wenger, Arsenal lay in eighth position, 11 points behind Manchester United.[55] An early morning kick-off away to Charlton Athletic ended in a 1–0 victory for Arsenal; José Antonio Reyes scored his second goal in the league.[56] Four first-half goals against Portsmouth helped Arsenal to close the gap on second place by nine points.[57] They ended the calendar year and began 2006 with goalless draws against Aston Villa and Manchester United respectively.[58][59]

Arsenal recorded the biggest win of the league season, against Middlesbrough at Highbury. Henry scored a hat-trick in a 7–0 victory; the striker post-match deemed it was vital for the club to finish in the top four "…for me, for the club and for the fans."[60] They suffered two consecutive defeats: away to Everton[61] and at home to West Ham United.[62] In the latter match, Campbell was substituted at his request before the second half, having been at fault for Nigel Reo-Coker and Bobby Zamora's goals.[62] He "went missing" after the match, subsequently returning to training five days later.[63] Emmanuel Adebayor scored his first goal for Arsenal in a 2–0 win against Birmingham City on 4 February 2006.[64] A stoppage time goal scored by Gilberto earned the team a point against Bolton Wanderers at Highbury; they went 1–0 down in the 12th minute after Kevin Nolan chipped the ball past goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.[65] Arsenal conceded a late goal away to Liverpool on Valentine's Day – a result which left the club 10 points behind their opponents.[66] Defeat against Blackburn Rovers meant they lost for the second consecutive game.[67] Having collected just three wins out of a possible 14 away from home, Wenger admitted the form of the team remained "a big worry" given they needed to play five more.[67]

March–May

A coloured photograph of a man, crouching down on the right side. He is wearing a redcurrant shirt with white shorts; the shirt has 'Henry' and the letter 14 printed on the back. The landscape of the photograph is a filled section of a stadium.
Thierry Henry preparing to take a corner kick during the final match at Highbury

In the first week of March, Arsenal beat Fulham 4–0 with a "commanding performance" from Henry, who scored two goals.[68] The striker scored the winning goal against Liverpool in their next match, from a Steven Gerrard backpass.[69] A polished performance against Charlton Athletic[70] was followed by a five-goal win at home to Aston Villa on 1 April 2006.[71] Arsenal lost 2–0 to Manchester United and dropped two points against relegation-threatened Portsmouth, meaning a fourth-place finish was in Tottenham Hotspur's favour.[72][73]

Dennis Bergkamp scored his final goal for Arsenal against West Bromwich Albion in a 3–1 win; he came on as a substitute in the second half to set up Pires to score the winning goal, moments after Nigel Quashie had leveled the scoreline; fittingly the day was dedicated to him.[74] Arsenal drew 1–1 at home to Tottenham Hotspur, with Wenger choosing to rest players in mind for the club's Champions League semi-final. A 3–0 win away at Sunderland was overshadowed by a tackle on Abou Diaby, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.[75] Two late goals scored by Reyes against Manchester City moved Arsenal a point behind Tottenham Hotspur in fourth.[76] In the final competitive match played at Highbury, Arsenal faced Wigan Athletic, needing to better their rivals result to guarantee Champions League qualification. Henry scored a hat-trick in a six-goal match, helping Arsenal end the season with 67 points from 38 matches.[77] Tottenham Hotspur's defeat against West Ham United meant Arsenal finished fourth, a position Gilberto felt the club "deserved".[78]

Match results

14 August 2005 1 Arsenal 2–0 Newcastle United London
13:30 BST Henry 81' (pen.)
van Persie 87'		 Report Jenas Red card 32' Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,072
Referee: Steve Bennett
21 August 2005 2 Chelsea 1–0 Arsenal London
16:00 BST Drogba 73' Report Stadium: Stamford Bridge
Attendance: 42,136
Referee: Graham Poll
24 August 2005 3 Arsenal 4–1 Fulham London
19:45 BST Cygan 32', 90+1'
Henry 53', 82'		 Report Jensen 22' Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 37,867
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
10 September 2005 4 Middlesbrough 2–1 Arsenal Middlesbrough
17:15 BST Yakubu 40'
Maccarone 59'		 Report Reyes 90+3' Stadium: Riverside Stadium
Attendance: 28,075
Referee: Mike Riley
19 September 2005 5 Arsenal 2–0 Everton London
20:00 BST Campbell 11', 30' Report Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,121
Referee: Alan Wiley
24 September 2005 6 West Ham United 0–0 Arsenal London
15:00 BST Report Stadium: Upton Park
Attendance: 34,742
Referee: Mike Dean
2 October 2005 7 Arsenal 1–0 Birmingham City London
13:30 BST Clemence 81' (o.g.) Report Cunningham Red card 24' Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 37,891
Referee: Chris Foy
15 October 2005 8 West Bromwich Albion 2–1 Arsenal West Bromwich
15:00 BST Kanu 37'
Carter 76'		 Report Senderos 17' Stadium: The Hawthorns
Attendance: 26,604
Referee: Barry Knight
22 October 2005 9 Arsenal 1–0 Manchester City London
15:00 BST Pires 61' (pen.) Report Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,189
Referee: Mike Riley
29 October 2005 10 Tottenham Hotspur 1–1 Arsenal London
13:00 BST King 17' Report Pires 77' Stadium: White Hart Lane
Attendance: 36,154
Referee: Steve Bennett
5 November 2005 11 Arsenal 3–1 Sunderland London
15:00 GMT van Persie 12'
Henry 36', 82'		 Report Stubbs 75' Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,210
Referee: Alan Wiley
19 November 2005 12 Wigan Athletic 2–3 Arsenal Wigan
12:45 GMT Camara 28'
Bullard 45'		 Report van Persie 11'
Henry 21', 41'		 Stadium: JJB Stadium
Attendance: 25,004
Referee: Graham Poll
26 November 2005 13 Arsenal 3–0 Blackburn Rovers London
15:00 GMT Fàbregas 4'
Henry 45'
van Persie 90'		 Report Stadium: Higbury
Attendance: 38,192
Referee: Chris Foy
3 December 2005 14 Bolton Wanderers 2–0 Arsenal Bolton
15:00 GMT Faye 20'
Giannakopoulos 32'		 Report Stadium: Reebok Stadium
Attendance: 26,792
Referee: Howard Webb
10 December 2005 15 Newcastle United 1–0 Arsenal Newcastle-upon-Tyne
17:15 GMT Solano 82' Report Gilberto Red card Stadium: St James' Park
Attendance: 52,297
Referee: Dermot Gallagher
18 December 2005 16 Arsenal 0–2 Chelsea London
16:00 GMT Report Robben 39'
J. Cole 73'		 Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,347
Referee: Rob Styles
26 December 2005 17 Charlton Athletic 0–1 Arsenal London
12:45 GMT Murphy Red card Report Reyes 58' Stadium: The Valley
Attendance: 27,111
Referee: Steve Bennett
28 December 2005 18 Arsenal 4–0 Portsmouth London
19:45 GMT Bergkamp 7'
Reyes 13'
Henry 37', 43' (pen.)		 Report Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,223
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
31 December 2005 19 Aston Villa 0–0 Arsenal Birmingham
12:45 GMT Report Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 37,114
Referee: Uriah Rennie
3 January 2006 20 Arsenal 0–0 Manchester United London
20:00 GMT Report Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,313
Referee: Graham Poll
14 January 2006 21 Arsenal 7–0 Middlesbrough London
15:00 GMT Henry 20', 30', 68'
Senderos 22'
Pires 45+2'
Silva 59'
Hleb 84'		 Report Doriva Red card  72' Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,186
Referee: Rob Styles
21 January 2006 22 Everton 1–0 Arsenal Liverpool
12:45 GMT Beattie 13' Report Stadium: Goodison Park
Attendance: 36,920
Referee: Alan Wiley
1 February 2006 23 Arsenal 2–3 West Ham United London
20:00 GMT Henry 45'
Pires 89'		 Report Reo-Coker 25'
Zamora 32'
Etherington 80'		 Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,216
Referee: Mark Halsey
4 February 2006 24 Birmingham City 0–2 Arsenal Birmingham
15:00 GMT Report Adebayor 21'
Henry 63'		 Stadium: St Andrew's
Attendance: 27,075
Referee: Mike Riley
11 February 2006 25 Arsenal 1–1 Bolton Wanderers London
15:00 GMT Silva 90+3' Report Nolan 12' Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,193
Referee: Howard Webb
14 February 2006 26 Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal Liverpool
20:00 GMT Luis García 87' Report Stadium: Anfield
Attendance: 44,012
Referee: Graham Poll
25 February 2006 27 Blackburn Rovers 1–0 Arsenal Blackburn
15:00 GMT Pedersen 18' Report Stadium: Ewood Park
Attendance: 22,504
Referee: Uriah Rennie
4 March 2006 28 Fulham 0–4 Arsenal London
15:00 GMT Report Henry 31', 77'
Adebayor 35'
Fàbregas 86'		 Stadium: Craven Cottage
Attendance: 22,397
Referee: Rob Styles
12 March 2006 29 Arsenal 2–1 Liverpool London
16:00 GMT Henry 21', 83' Report Luis García 76' Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,221
Referee: Steve Bennett
18 March 2006 30 Arsenal 3–0 Charlton Athletic London
15:00 GMT Pires 12'
Adebayor 32'
Hleb 49'		 Report Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,223
Referee: Dermot Gallagher
1 April 2006 31 Arsenal 5–0 Aston Villa London
15:00 BST Adebayor 19'
Henry 25', 46'
van Persie 71'
Diaby 80'		 Report Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,183
Referee: Mark Atkinson
9 April 2006 32 Manchester United 2–0 Arsenal Manchester
16:00 BST Rooney 54'
Park 78'		 Report Stadium: Old Trafford
Attendance: 70,908
Referee: Graham Poll
12 April 2006 33 Portsmouth 1–1 Arsenal Portsmouth
20:00 BST LuaLua 66' Report Henry 36' Stadium: Fratton Park
Attendance: 20,230
Referee: Uriah Rennie
15 April 2006 34 Arsenal 3–1 West Bromwich Albion London
15:00 BST Hleb 44'
Pires 76'
Bergkamp 89'		 Report Quashie 72' Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,167
Referee: Mike Dean
22 April 2006 35 Arsenal 1–1 Tottenham Hotspur London
12:45 BST Henry 84' Report Keane 66' Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,326
Referee: Steve Bennett
1 May 2006 36 Sunderland 0–3 Arsenal Sunderland
17:15 BST Report Collins 29' (o.g.)
Fàbregas 40'
Henry 43'		 Stadium: Stadium of Light
Attendance: 44,003
Referee: Dermot Gallagher
4 May 2006 37 Manchester City 1–3 Arsenal Manchester
19:45 BST Sommeil 38' Report Ljungberg 30'
Reyes 78', 84'		 Stadium: City of Manchester Stadium
Attendance: 41,875
Referee: Graham Poll
7 May 2006 38 Arsenal 4–2 Wigan Athletic London
15:00 BST Pires 8'
Henry 35', 56', 76' (pen.)		 Report Scharner 10'
Thompson 33'		 Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 38,359
Referee: Uriah Rennie

Classification

Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
2 Manchester United 38 25 8 5 72 34 +38 83 Qualification for the Champions League group stage[a]
3 Liverpool 38 25 7 6 57 25 +32 82 Qualification for the Champions League third qualifying round
4 Arsenal 38 20 7 11 68 31 +37 67
5 Tottenham Hotspur 38 18 11 9 53 38 +15 65 Qualification for the UEFA Cup first round
6 Blackburn Rovers 38 19 6 13 51 42 +9 63
Source: Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
Notes:
  1. ^ Since Manchester United qualified for the Champions League, their place in the UEFA Cup as League Cup winners passed down to the league and was awarded to Blackburn Rovers as the highest-placed team not already qualified for European competitions.

Results summary

Overall Home Away
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts W D L GF GA GD W D L GF GA GD
38 20 7 11 68 31  +37 67 14 3 2 48 13  +35 6 4 9 20 18  +2

Source: [79]

Results by round

Round1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738
GroundHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHAHAHAAAHHHAAHHAAH
ResultWLWLWDWLWDWWWLLLWWDDWLLWDLLWWWWLDWDWWW
Position39487778773425687665556555655556555554
Source: [80]
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

FA Cup

Main article: 2005–06 FA Cup

Arsenal entered the competition in the third round, receiving a bye as a Premier League club. Their opening match was a 2–0 home win against Cardiff City on 7 January 2006, with both goals scored by Pires.[81] Arsenal faced Bolton Wanderers the following round; an understrength team lost 1–0 after Giannakopulos headed in the winning goal, six minutes from the end of the match.[82]

7 January 2006 Third round Arsenal 2–1 Cardiff City London
Pires 6', 18' Report Jerome 87' Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 36,552
Referee: Martin Atkinson
28 January 2006 Fourth round Bolton Wanderers 1–0 Arsenal Bolton
Giannakopulos 84' Report Stadium: Reebok Stadium
Attendance: 13,326
Referee: Mike Dean

Football League Cup

Main article: 2005–06 Football League Cup

Arsenal entered the Football League Cup in the third round, where they were drawn away to Sunderland.[83] A 3–0 victory meant they progressed to the fourth round, where they beat First Division club Reading by an identical scoreline.[84][85] Extra time and penalties was required in Arsenal's fifth round tie against Doncaster Rovers, after a 2–2 draw in 90 minutes. Two saves by goalkeeper Manuel Almunia helped Arsenal win 3–1 on penalties and reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 1998.[86] They faced Wigan Athletic, losing 1–0 in the first leg and in spite of winning the second leg 2–1 with a full strength team, Arsenal was eliminated on the away goals rule.[87]

25 October 2005 Third round Sunderland 0–3 Arsenal Sunderland
Report Eboué 61'
van Persie 67', 87' (pen.)		 Stadium: Stadium of Light
Attendance: 47,366
Referee: Matt Messias
29 November 2005 Fourth round Arsenal 3–0 Reading London
Reyes 12'
van Persie 42'
Lupoli 65'		 Report Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 36,167
Referee: Lee Mason
21 December 2005 Fifth round Doncaster Rovers 2–2 (a.e.t.)
(1–3 p)		 Arsenal Doncaster
McIndoe 2'
Green 104'		 Report Owusu-Abeyie 63'
Gilberto 120'		 Stadium: Belle Vue
Attendance: 10,006
Referee: Phil Dowd
10 January 2006 Semi-final, first leg Wigan Athletic 1–0 Arsenal Wigan
Scharner 78' Report Stadium: JJB Stadium
Attendance: 12,181
Referee: Howard Webb
24 January 2006 Semi-final, second leg Arsenal 2–1 (a.e.t.)
(2–2a agg.)		 Wigan Athletic London
19:45 GMT Henry 65'
van Persie 108'		 Report Roberts 119' Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 37,086
Referee: Phil Dowd

UEFA Champions League

Main article: 2005–06 UEFA Champions League

Group stage

Main article: 2005–06 UEFA Champions League group stage § Group B

Arsenal qualified for the group stages of the Champions League in the 2005–06 season on virtue of finishing runners-up in the Premier League the preceding season. They were drawn in Group B, along with Swiss' Thun, Czech club Sparta Prague and Ajax of the Netherlands.[88] In spite of Van Persie's dismissal against Thun in the opening group match, Arsenal won 2–1, courtesy of a late goal by substitute Bergkamp.[89] A 2–1 win against Ajax[90] was followed by a 2–0 victory against Sparta Prague; Henry scored both goals to surpass Ian Wright's all-time leading scorer record.[91] A goal from Henry and two from Van Persie in the reverse fixture meant the club reached the knockout stages.[92] A win at Thun on 22 November 2005 ensured Arsenal topped the group; they ended the group stages with a draw at Highbury against Ajax.[93][94]

Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 England Arsenal 6 5 1 0 10 2 +8 16 Advance to knockout stage
2 Netherlands Ajax 6 3 2 1 10 6 +4 11
3 Switzerland Thun 6 1 1 4 4 9 −5 4 Transfer to UEFA Cup
4 Czech Republic Sparta Prague 6 0 2 4 2 9 −7 2
Source: RSSSF
14 September 2005 1 Arsenal 2–1 Thun London, England
19:45 BST van Persie Red card 45'
Silva 51'
Bergkamp 90+2'		 Report Ferreira 53' Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 34,498
Referee: Grzegorz Gilewski (Poland)
27 September 2005 2 Ajax 1–2 Arsenal Amsterdam, Netherlands
20:45 CET Rosenberg 71' Report Ljungberg 2'
Pires 69' (pen.)		 Stadium: Amsterdam Arena
Attendance: 47,820
Referee: Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain)
18 October 2005 3 Sparta Prague 0–2 Arsenal Prague, Czech Republic
20:45 CET Report Henry 21', 74' Stadium: Generali Arena
Attendance: 12,528
Referee: Wolfgang Stark (Germany)
2 November 2005 4 Arsenal 3–0 Sparta Prague London, England
19:45 GMT Henry 23'
van Persie 81', 86'		 Report Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 35,155
Referee: Alain Sars (France)
22 November 2005 5 Thun 0–1 Arsenal Bern, Switzerland
20:45 CET Deumi Red card 35' Report Pires 88' (pen.) Stadium: Stade de Suisse
Attendance: 31,330
Referee: Lucílio Batista (Portugal)
7 December 2005 6 Arsenal 0–0 Ajax London, England
19:45 GMT Report Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 35,376
Referee: Eduardo Iturralde González (Spain)

Knockout phase

Main article: 2005–06 UEFA Champions League knockout stage

First knockout round

The club faced Real Madrid in the last 16 – the first encounter between both clubs in the competition.[95] A solo goal by Henry at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in the first leg, inflicted the home team's first defeat in 18 Champions League matches.[96] A disciplined display at home a fortnight after helped Arsenal to reach the quarter-finals and become the sole English representative left in the competition.[97]

21 February 2006 First leg Real Madrid 0–1 Arsenal Madrid, Spain
20:45 CET Report Henry 47' Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Attendance: 80,000
Referee: Stefano Farina (Italy)
8 March 2006 Second leg Arsenal 0–0
(1–0 agg.)		 Real Madrid London, England
19:45 GMT Report Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 35,487
Referee: Ľuboš Micheľ (Slovakia)

Quarter-finals

At home to Juventus, Arsenal won 2–0 with goals from Fàbregas and Henry; the match was overshadowed by the return of former captain Vieira.[98] A goalless draw at the Stadio delle Alpi meant the club progressed into the semi-finals against Villarreal.[99]

28 March 2006 First leg Arsenal 2–0 Juventus London, England
19:45 GMT Fàbregas 40'
Henry 69'		 Report Camoranesi Red card 87'
Zebina Red card 89'		 Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 35,472
Referee: Peter Fröjdfeldt (Sweden)
5 April 2006 Second leg Juventus 0–0
(0–2 agg.)		 Arsenal Turin, Italy
20:45 CEST Report Stadium: Stadio delle Alpi
Attendance: 50,000
Referee: Herbert Fandel (Germany)

Semi-finals

In the club's final European match at Highbury, Touré scored a first-half goal to give Arsenal a 1–0 win.[100] A late penalty save by goalkeeper Lehmann in the second leg helped Arsenal become the first London club to reach a Champions League final.[101] The result, another goalless draw was Arsenal's tenth clean sheet in a row – a new competition record.[102] Campbell, returning from injury praised the team performance in his post-match interview: "It's brilliant for us. It's also great for the manager Arsène Wenger to get to the final in France – I'm sure he will get a great reception."[103]

19 April 2006 First leg Arsenal 1–0 Villarreal London, England
19:45 BST Touré 41' Report Stadium: Highbury
Attendance: 35,438
Referee: Konrad Plautz (Austria)
25 April 2006 Second leg Villareal 0–0
(0–1 agg.)		 Arsenal Villarreal, Spain
20:45 CEST Report Stadium: Estadio El Madrigal
Attendance: 22,000
Referee: Ivan Ivanov (Russia)

Final

Main article: 2006 UEFA Champions League Final
A coloured action photograph of a football match in progress. There are a group of men, four of which wearing yellow shirts and black shorts. Five are wearing red and blue striped shirts.
Play during the first half

In the final against Barcelona at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris, Arsenal fielded a 4–5–1 formation, with Eboué replacing the injured Lauren, and Cole making a return at left-back for Flamini.[104]

Lehmann was sent off in 18th minute for a professional foul on striker Samuel Eto'o.[104] Wenger reacted by substituting Pires for goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, altering the formation.[104] In spite of the disadvantage, Arsenal took the lead in the 37th minute, after Henry's free kick was headed in by Campbell.[104] Henry missed a chance in the second half to give Arsenal a two-nil lead before Eto'o equalised with 14 minutes left.[104] Substitute Henrik Larsson set up Juliano Belletti to score the winner for Barcelona.[104] Wenger used his post-match press conference to criticise referee Terje Hauge for sending off Lehmann, a view later shared by club captain Henry and FIFA president Sepp Blatter.[105]

17 May 2006 Final Barcelona 2–1 Arsenal Paris, France
20:45 CEST Oleguer Yellow card 69'
Eto'o 76'
Belletti 80'		 Report Lehmann Red card 18'
Eboué Yellow card 22'
Campbell 37'
Henry Yellow card 51'		 Stadium: Stade de France
Attendance: 79,610
Referee: Terje Hauge (Norway)

Squad statistics

Arsenal used a total of 34 players during the 2005–06 season and there were 16 different goalscorers. There were also six squad members who did not make a first-team appearance in the campaign. The team played in a 4–4–2 formation for much of the season, though Wenger deployed a 4–5–1 formation in Europe – a five-man midfield with Ljungberg playing behind the main striker Henry.[106][107] Fàbregas featured in 50 matches – the most of any Arsenal player in the campaign; Lehmann started in all 38 league matches.

The team scored a total of 96 goals in all competitions. The highest scorer was Henry, with 33 goals, followed by Van Persie and Pires who both scored 11 goals. Four Arsenal players were sent off during the season: Lehmann, Fàbregas, Van Persie and Gilberto.

Key

Numbers in parentheses denote appearances as substitute. Players with number struck through and marked † left the club during the playing season. Players with names in italics and marked * were on loan from another club for the whole of their season with Arsenal.

No. Pos. Nat. Name Premier League FA Cup League Cup Community Shield Champions League Total Discipline
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals A yellow rectangular card A red rectangular card
1 GK  GER Jens Lehmann 38 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 8 0 47 0 1 1
2 MF  FRA Abou Diaby 9 (3) 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 (2) 0 11 (5) 1 3 0
3 DF  ENG Ashley Cole 9 (2) 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 13 (2) 0 3 0
7 MF  FRA Robert Pires 23 (10) 7 1 2 (1) 0 1 0 7 (5) 2 32 (16) 11 1 0
8 MF  SWE Freddie Ljungberg 21 (4) 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 9 1 32 (4) 2 2 0
9 FW  ESP José Antonio Reyes 22 (4) 5 2 0 3 1 (1) 0 11 (1) 0 38 (6) 6 9 0
10 FW  NED Dennis Bergkamp 8 (16) 2 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 (3) 1 12 (19) 3 1 0
11 FW  NED Robin van Persie 13 (11) 5 2 0 3 (1) 4 (1) 0 3 (4) 2 21 (17) 11 4 1
12 DF  CMR Lauren 22 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 5 (1) 0 30 (1) 0 7 0
13 MF  BLR Alexander Hleb 17 (8) 3 1 0 3 0 (1) 0 9 (1) 0 30 (10) 3 1 0
14 FW  FRA Thierry Henry 30 (2) 27 0 0 1 1 1 0 10 (1) 5 42 (3) 33 5 0
15 MF  ESP Cesc Fàbregas 30 (5) 3 0 0 (1) 0 1 1 10 (3) 1 41 (9) 5 7 1
16 MF  FRA Mathieu Flamini 19 (12) 0 2 0 2 (1) 0 1 0 11 (1) 0 35 (14) 0 6 0
17 MF  CMR Alex Song* 3 (2) 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 (1) 0 6 (3) 0 0 0
18 DF  FRA Pascal Cygan 11 (1) 2 0 0 3 (1) 0 (1) 0 2 (1) 0 16 (4) 2 7 0
19 MF  BRA Gilberto Silva 33 2 1 0 3 1 (1) 0 10 1 47 (1) 4 4 1
20 DF   SUI Philippe Senderos 19 (1) 2 2 0 5 0 1 0 7 0 34 (1) 2 4 0
22 DF  FRA Gaël Clichy 5 (2) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 (2) 0 7 (4) 0 1 0
23 DF  ENG Sol Campbell 20 2 1 0 2 0 1 0 6 1 29 3 1 0
24 GK  ESP Manuel Almunia 0 0 2 0 5 0 0 0 5 (1) 0 12 (1) 0 1 0
25 FW  ENG David Bentley † (1) 0 0 0 (1) 0 0 0 0 0 (2) 0 0 0
25 FW  TOG Emmanuel Adebayor 12 (1) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 (1) 4 0 0
26 FW  NED Quincy Owusu-Abeyie † (4) 0 (1) 0 4 1 0 0 1 (2) 0 5 (7) 1 0 0
27 DF  CIV Emmanuel Eboué 11 (7) 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 9 (2) 0 24 (9) 1 1 0
28 DF  CIV Kolo Touré 33 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 12 1 46 1 4 0
29 MF  SWE Sebastian Larsson 2 (1) 0 (1) 0 2 (2) 0 0 0 1 0 5 (4) 0 0 0
31 DF  ENG Justin Hoyte 0 0 0 0 0 0 (1) 0 0 0 (1) 0 0 0
33 FW  DEN Nicklas Bendtner 0 0 0 0 (3) 0 0 0 0 0 (3) 0 0 0
35 MF  IRL Patrick Cregg † 0 0 0 0 (1) 0 0 0 0 0 (1) 0 0 0
36 DF   SUI Johan Djourou 6 (1) 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 11 (1) 0 1 0
38 DF  ENG Kerrea Gilbert 2 0 2 0 3 (1) 0 0 0 (1) 0 7 (2) 0 2 0
41 FW  ITA Arturo Lupoli (1) 0 0 0 2 (2) 1 0 0 0 0 2 (3) 1 0 0
44 MF  ENG Fabrice Muamba 0 0 0 0 (2) 0 0 0 0 0 (2) 0 0 0
45 FW  IRL Anthony Stokes 0 0 0 0 (1) 0 0 0 0 0 (1) 0 0 0
Own Goals 2

Source:[108]

See also

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