When Arsenal hit rock bottom - The four worst memories of a Gooner

3.) One short of Fifty

Ruud van Nistelrooy scored a penatly

Arsenal were on course to achieve the unimaginable; 50 games unbeaten in the league, having gone an entire season without losing a single match. From May 2003 to October 2004, Arsenal were a force, and were dubbed the Invincibles. They broke the previous record of 42 games unbeaten, held by Nottingham Forrest, set in 1978.

Arsenal won a total of 36 games and drew 13 on their way, scoring a total of 112 goals, averaging 2.2 goals a game.

Along came Manchester United, trailing 11 points behind the league leaders, hoping to rejuvenate their campaign with a much needed 3 points. In a match shrouded in controversy, a penalty converted by the then United marksman Ruud van Nistelrooy and a late Wayne Rooney goal secured a victory for the Red Devils.

What followed has since been euphemized as the ‘battle of the buffet’. A slice of pizza hit Sir Alex Ferguson square in the face and took whatever was left of Arsenal’s self-respect.