The Invincibles: An Unstoppable Force in English Football
1888-89: Preston North End's Undefeated Legacy
In the annals of English football, the nickname "The Invincibles" holds a special place of honor, first bestowed upon Preston North End during the 1888-89 season. Managed by William Sudell, the team embarked on an extraordinary journey, remaining unbeaten throughout the entire campaign.
2003-04: Arsenal's Unprecedented Triumph
Over a century later, the mantle of The Invincibles passed to Arsenal in the 2003-04 season. Under the guidance of Arsène Wenger, the Gunners achieved an unprecedented feat, going an entire Premier League campaign without a single defeat. Their remarkable run of 26 wins and 12 draws earned them a place in history as the only team to achieve such a record in over 115 years.
An Unbeaten Legacy: 49 Games and Beyond
The Invincibles' unbeaten streak extended beyond the 2003-04 season, reaching a total of 49 games. The team's unwavering resolve and remarkable consistency earned them the following impressive statistics:
- Played: 49
- Won: 36
- Drawn: 13
- Lost: None
The Arsenal squad that set this unbeaten league record between May 2003 and October 2004 employed a 4-4-2 formation throughout the season, with two wide midfielders providing support to the attack. Kolo Touré featured in the most matches for Arsenal during the campaign, appearing in 55 games, while Jens Lehmann started every game in goal.
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