Premier League and FA Cup 1997/98 · verified
1997/98: Wenger's First Double
Arsène Wenger's first full season produced a League and FA Cup Double, the team surging past Manchester United to win the title before beating Newcastle United 2-0 at Wembley.
| Manager | Arsène Wenger |
|---|---|
| Captain | Tony Adams |
| FA Cup final | 2-0 v Newcastle United |
The surge
Manchester United had built a commanding lead by the turn of the year, but Arsène Wenger's Arsenal produced a remarkable run of form to overhaul them. The Frenchman blended the seasoned defence of the George Graham era, with Tony Adams as captain, and the imagination of Dennis Bergkamp and the youthful power of Patrick Vieira. Wenger's methods around fitness and diet were beginning to transform English football, and the results spoke for themselves as Arsenal won the Premier League in his first full season in charge.
The Double sealed
With the league won, Arsenal turned to the FA Cup final against Newcastle United at Wembley. Marc Overmars and Nicolas Anelka scored in a 2-0 victory to complete the Double, only the second in the club's history. Dennis Bergkamp's brilliance had lit up the season, while Patrick Vieira gave the midfield its drive and Tony Adams its leadership. It was the foundation of a golden period under Wenger, and proof that his continental approach, married to Arsenal's defensive tradition, could conquer English football.
Timeline
- 1996Arsène Wenger arrives as manager
- 1998Arsenal overhaul Manchester United to win the league
- 1998Arsenal beat Newcastle United 2-0 in the FA Cup final
- 1998Only the second Double in the club's history
Connected pages
Verification
Published as verified · checked 25 Jun 2026 · 2 retained source references.
Sources and evidence
- the historical record (reference recorded; direct URL not retained)
- Arsenal.com history (reference recorded; direct URL not retained)
Links and source labels are shown exactly as retained in the published record.