Back in October 2004, Arsenal went into their Premier League game against Manchester United at Old Trafford on an unbeaten run of 49 games. The previous season, Arsene Wenger's so-called 'invincibles' had won the English title after going undefeated for the entire league campaign, and went into their clash with the Red Devils in buoyant mood. That all soon changed however as a Wayne Rooney-inspired United ended Arsenal's record by netting both goals in a 2-0 win for Sir Alex Ferguson's men. This game will best be remembered for the furious bust-ups that followed with Ruud van Nistelrooy being assaulted by a group of Gunners and an unknown assailant throwing a slice of pizza at Ferguson. Arsenal had good reason to feel aggrieved, as Rooney's first goal was the result of a penalty that shouldn't have been given as the England star dived under a challenge from Sol Campbell. It was a weak penalty yet Nistelrooy converted and the rest is history. One incorrect refereeing decision resulted in one of the single-most acrimonious matches in the Premier League era.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
