RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesHistory: The last time Arsenal met Coventry City in the Premier League
Arsenal’s Premier League title defence will begin against newly promoted Coventry City next month, marking the first top-flight meeting between the two clubs in more than 26 years.
Ahead of the reunion, Liam Harding looks back at the last league encounter between the Gunners and the Sky Blues.
In just under a month’s time, Arsenal will commence their Premier League campaign as the reigning champions with a home fixture against newly promoted Coventry City.
The last time the Gunners came up against the Sky Blues in the league was towards the end of the 2000/01 season at Highfield Road, a match many of the younger generation of Arsenal supporters were not even alive to witness.
On that memorable afternoon, Arsene Wenger’s side, who would go on to finish second before securing the Premier League and FA Cup Double the following season, narrowly edged past Gordon Strachan’s Coventry City on Saturday, 3 February 2001.
Bergkamp proves the difference
Despite Coventry having lost their previous three league matches before Arsenal’s visit, they held Wenger’s talented side at bay for much of the contest.
The Gunners, featuring the likes of David Seaman, Tony Adams, Lee Dixon and Robert Pires, found it difficult to break down the determined hosts.
Then, with just 12 minutes remaining, Dennis Bergkamp once again demonstrated why he remains one of Arsenal’s greatest-ever players.
The Dutchman headed home the only goal of the game, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory for the North Londoners after an afternoon that required patience as much as quality.
It was another crucial result as Arsenal continued their pursuit of success under Wenger during one of the club’s most memorable eras.
Dennis Bergkamp (Getty Images)
Wenger praised Arsenal’s professionalism
Following the final whistle, Wenger was quick to praise his players for maintaining their focus in what proved to be a difficult away fixture.
Speaking to BBC Sport , the Arsenal manager said:
“The most important thing was to concentrate on this game and it’s my credit to my staff that we did.”
Within months, Coventry’s 34-year stay in the top flight came to an end after they finished 19th in the Premier League and suffered relegation alongside Manchester City and Bradford City.
Arsenal had already defeated the Sky Blues 2-1 at Highbury earlier that season, meaning Wenger’s men completed a league double over Coventry.
Now, more than 26 years later, Frank Lampard has guided Coventry back to the Premier League, setting up another meeting between the two clubs after a long absence from England’s top flight.
Hopefully, history repeats itself and Arsenal can begin another Premier League campaign with three points against the Sky Blues.
Liam Harding
Do you remember Arsenal’s last Premier League meeting with Coventry City, Gooners? Or will this be your first experience of seeing the two clubs face each other in the top flight? Let us know your memories and predictions in the comments below.
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