How a single manager changed the course of English football history
In short: In 1997, a new era arrived in the Premier League. As Arsène Wenger took charge of Arsenal, he didn't just win a title; he broke a long-standing tradition of British dominance and set the stage for a historic season of unprecedented European qualification.
The 1997–98 FA Premier League season, known for sponsorship reasons as the FA Carling Premiership, marked a significant shift in the league's managerial landscape. Although Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish had already achieved league victories, Arsène Wenger made history as the inaugural non-British Isles coach to clinch the English championship. His arrival at Arsenal coincided with the club's first full season under his leadership, a campaign that saw them secure their first league championship since 1991.
The battle for the title was a dramatic affair. Manchester United held the lead for much of the season, but a decline in their form during the final two months allowed Arsenal to overtake them in April. Arsenal utilized games in hand to pull ahead, eventually clinching the title with two away matches still left to play. Despite losing their final two away fixtures, Arsenal finished just one point ahead of Manchester United in the final standings. They completed a historic 'Double' by also winning the FA Cup, becoming only the second team to achieve this feat twice.
The season was also defined by a stark divide between the Premier League and the First Division. The three newly promoted clubs—Bolton Wanderers, Barnost, and Crystal Palace—all faced relegation. This disparity was evident in the performance of Crystal Palace, who finished at the bottom of the table after winning only two home matches all season. Meanwhile, the league's depth was showcased by a record nine English teams qualifying for European competition, including clubs like Liverpool, Leeds United, and Aston Villa.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 1997–98 FA Premier League
- Also: Wikidata — 1997–98 FA Premier League · CC0
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