1997–98 Arsenal F.C. season

{{see also|1996–97 Arsenal F.C. season}}

In the 1996–97 season, Arsenal contested in the Premier League. The club, having dismissed manager Bruce Rioch before the beginning of the league season, appointed French manager Arsène Wenger, in a contract worth £2 million.{{cite news |title=Arsenal get Wenger on £2m deal |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |page=24 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=17 September 1996}} Arsenal led the league table for much of November, but defeat to Nottingham Forest on 21 December 1996 concurred with no wins in December. Two draws and defeats in February moved Arsenal into fourth position; a previous defeat to Liverpool at home a month earlier left Wenger ruling the club out of the title race.{{cite news |title=Arsène Wenger's post match comments to Sky Sports |work=Arsenal vs. Liverpool – Ford Monday Night Football (24 March 1997) |author=Sky Sports, BSkyB and Premier League |date=24 March 1997 }} On the final day of the season, Arsenal beat Derby County 3–1 at the Baseball Ground, finishing third on goal difference. The team, thus, qualified for the UEFA Cup, missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification to second place Newcastle United.{{cite news |title=Adams off but Baseball party goes on |first=Ed |last=Jones |page=22 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=12 May 1997 }}

The major departure of the 1997–98 season for Arsenal was midfielder Paul Merson, who joined Middlesbrough in a £4.5 million deal, replacing Juninho.{{cite news |title=Merson seals his £4.5m move north |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |page=26 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=8 July 1997 }} Wenger said of the move, "You are never happy to lose a player of his calibre but it is a good deal for him and for the club." Middlesbrough intended to sign David Platt, but a move never came to fruition, as talks broke down between both parties.{{cite news |title=Platt stands by for Arsenal |page=23 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=11 August 1997 }} Defender Matthew Rose and goalkeeper Lee Harper joined Queens Park Rangers for a combined fee of £750,000.

Arriving first during the summer was English defender Matthew Upson from Luton Town.{{cite news |title=Wenger buys Luton teenager |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |page=39 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=10 May 1997 }} French midfielders Emmanuel Petit and Gilles Grimandi joined from Monaco, where they were protégées to Wenger.{{cite news |title=Wenger buys two more Frenchmen |first=Stephen |last=Bradfield |page=26 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=5 June 1997 }} Marc Overmars, a midfielder from Ajax, was recruited in a £7 million deal and spoke of his delight at joining Arsenal in his press conference: "I like English football because there is more space. With my speed and quality I think it will be good for me here."{{cite news |title=Overmars joins the Arsenal Eurocrats |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |page=26 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=18 June 1997 }} Deals for midfielders Luís Boa Morte and Alberto Méndez, striker Christopher Wreh and goalkeeper Alex Manninger were also finalised before August.

;Key

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• Green colour = Win

{{col-2}}

• Red colour = Loss

{{col-end}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1997|7|8|df=y}}

|time = 19:30 BST

|round = Friendly

|team1 = St Albans City

|score = 1–4

|report = [http://arseweb.com/97-98/reports/080797.html Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Martin {{goal|73}}

|goals2 = Grimandi {{goal|5}}
Rankin {{goal|?}}
Shaw {{goal|?||?}}

|stadium =

|location = St Albans

|attendance =

|referee =

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1997|7|12|df=y}}

|time = 15:00 BST

|round = Friendly

|team1 = Leyton Orient

|score = 0–1

|report = [http://arseweb.com/97-98/reports/120797.html Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals2 = Shaw {{goal|4}}

|stadium = Brisbane Road

|location = London

|attendance =

|referee =

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1997|7|20|df=y}}

|time =

|round = Friendly

|team1 = Stade Nyonnais {{flagicon|SUI}}

|score = 0–4

|report = [http://arseweb.com/97-98/reports/200797.html Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals2 = Boa Morte {{goal|3}}
Méndez {{goal|?}}
Overmars {{goal|?}}
Bergkamp {{goal|?}}

|stadium =

|location = Nyon

|attendance = 1,400{{cite web |url=http://www.stadenyonnais.ch/histoire/matchs_internationaux.asp |title=Matchs internationaux |work=Stade Nyonnais official website |access-date=5 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030937/http://www.stadenyonnais.ch/histoire/matchs_internationaux.asp |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}

|referee =

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1997|7|25|df=y}}

|time = 20:00 CEST

|round = Friendly

|team1 = Strasbourg {{flagicon|FRA|1974}}

|score = 1–2

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770660/strasbourg-1-arsenal-2 Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Zitelli {{goal|38}}

|goals2 = Garde {{goal|45}}
Wright {{goal|54}}

|stadium = Stade de la Meinau

|location = Strasbourg

|attendance = 12,000

|referee = M. Léon

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1997|7|30|df=y}}

|time = 19:30 CEST

|round = Nike Challenge Cup

|team1 = PSV {{flagicon|NED}}

|score = 1–0

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/19980513071611/http://www.arsenal.co.uk/psv.htm Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Iwan {{goal|66}}

|stadium = Philips Stadion

|location = Eindhoven

|attendance = 15,000

|referee =

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1997|8|2|df=y}}

|time =

|round = Friendly

|team1 = Sittingbourne

|score = 2–5

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/19980513071605/http://www.arsenal.co.uk/sit.htm Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Planck {{goal|51}}
Miller {{goal|74}}

|goals2 = Anelka {{goal|10||43}}
Boa Morte {{goal|26}}
Kiwomya {{goal|45}}
Hughes {{goal|47}}

|stadium = Central Park

|location = Sittingbourne

|attendance = 3,349

|referee =

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1997|8|4|df=y}}

|time = 19:45 BST

|round = Friendly

|team1 = Norwich City

|score = 2–6

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/19980513071558/http://www.arsenal.co.uk/nor.htm Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Eadie {{goal|64}}
Adams {{goal|89}}

|goals2 = Wright {{goal|6||28||58}}
Grimandi {{goal|15||46}}
Bergkamp {{goal|17}}

|stadium = Carrow Road

|location = Norwich

|attendance = 10,950

|referee =

|result = W

}}

{{main|1997–98 FA Premier League}}

Arsenal's league campaign started on 9 August 1997 with an away fixture at Leeds United. The match ended in a 1–1 draw; Ian Wright scored his first goal of the season, before a mix up in defence meant Leeds striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink equalised for the home team.{{cite news |title=Jimmy puts spring into Leeds' step |first=Paul |last=Wilson |page=43 |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=10 August 1997 }} Two days later, Wright scored both goals in Arsenal's 2–0 win at home to Coventry City, leaving him one goal away from equalling Cliff Bastin's club goalscoring record.{{cite news |title=Wright stakes England claim |first=David |last=Lacey |page=22 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=12 August 1997 }} The following week, two goals from Dennis Bergkamp and a debut goal from Marc Overmars helped Arsenal to win at Southampton.{{cite news |title=Football: Double Dutch of class|first=Norman |last=Fox |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-double-dutch-of-class-1246978.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-double-dutch-of-class-1246978.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |newspaper=The Independent|location=London |date=24 August 1997 |access-date=28 May 2012}}{{cbignore}} In spite of Bergkamp scoring a hat-trick against Leicester City, Arsenal drew the match 3–3, having conceded a third in the sixth minute of stoppage time.{{cite news |title=Wright in trouble after Bergkamp treble is nullified |first=David |last=Lacey |page=23 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=28 August 1997 }} A further draw, at home to rivals Tottenham Hotpsur, for whom defender Sol Campbell particularly impressed, meant Arsenal ended August in fifth position.{{cite news |title=Campbell silences Arsenal's firebrands |first=Amy |last=Lawrence |page=41 |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=31 August 1997 }}

Wright scored his 179th goal for Arsenal against Bolton Wanderers and broke the club goal-scoring record with his first of three goals in a 4–1 win at Highbury. Manager Arsène Wenger praised the striker's achievement, adding "He is fantastic for the timing of his movement. It is so intelligent when he has not got the ball."{{cite news |title=Wright's 180 and counting |first=Russell |last=Thomas |page=23 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=15 September 1997 }} Arsenal faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 21 September 1997; at 2–2, a late goal by left-back Nigel Winterburn from 25 yards ended the home team's resistance, who went down to ten men after Frank Leboeuf was sent off.{{cite news |title=Winterburn blast shatters Chelsea |first=David |last=Lacey |page=21 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=22 September 1997 }} September ended with a third consecutive win, against West Ham United. Goals from Bergkamp, Wright and Overmars helped Arsenal move to the top of the league table, one point above champions Manchester United.{{cite news |title=Football: Brilliant Bergkamp humbles Hammers |first=Mike |last=Rowbottom |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-brilliant-bergkamp-humbles-hammers-1241133.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-brilliant-bergkamp-humbles-hammers-1241133.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |newspaper=The Independent|location=London |date=25 September 1997 |access-date=28 May 2012}}{{cbignore}} The month ended with a 2–2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park; Wright and Overmars scored Arsenal's goals.{{Cite web|last=Walker|first=Paul|date=2012-05-12|title=Everton 2 Arsenal 2 {{!}} Arsenal Football Club Match Reports {{!}} Sporting Life|url=https://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770648/everton-2-arsenal-2|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306145119/https://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770648/everton-2-arsenal-2|archive-date=2016-03-06|access-date=|website=sportinglife.com}} October began with a 5–0 win at home to promoted Barnsley, but two goalless draws – first at Crystal Palace and then to Aston Villa - meant Manchester United moved a point ahead of Arsenal.{{cite news |title=Arsenal big guns suddenly fall silent |first=David |last=Lacey |page=33 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=23 October 1997 }}

Arsenal's first fixture of November was against Derby County at the newly built Pride Park Stadium. Arsenal were awarded a penalty kick in the first half after Patrick Vieira was fouled by Lee Carsley; Wright hit the penalty, which ricocheted off the crossbar. Two goals by Paulo Wanchope and a late strike by Dean Sturridge condemned Arsenal to their first defeat of the league season.{{cite news |title=Wanchope gives Gunners back pain |first=David |last=Lacey |page=23 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=3 November 1997 }} When Arsenal played Manchester United on 9 November, they needed a win to stay one point behind the league leaders. Wenger admitted in his pre-match comments that a second successive defeat would make it "difficult" for them to catch Manchester United, but not "impossible".{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-all-red-and-all-conquering-1293041.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-all-red-and-all-conquering-1293041.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |title=All red and all conquering |newspaper=The Independent on Sunday |location=London |last=Ridley |first=Ian |date=9 November 1997 |access-date=28 May 2012 }}{{cbignore}} Striker Nicolas Anelka, standing in for Bergkamp, scored his first goal for Arsenal and Vieira added a second, leaving goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel rattled. Although Teddy Sheringham scored twice for Manchester United to level the score, midfielder David Platt headed into the far corner with seven minutes left of the match to score the winner for Arsenal.{{cite news |title=Platt stalls United's march |first=David |last=Lacey |page=19 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=10 November 1997 }} Wenger said of the win: "This result is good for the English game because it will stimulate interest in the Premier League" and opposing manager Alex Ferguson half agreed: "A one-horse race is not good for the game." Arsenal failed to capitalise on the result, losing to Sheffield Wednesday and Liverpool in a period where the team were depleted due to injuries.{{cite news |title=Arsenal not fit to play for a prince |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |page=23 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=1 December 1997 }}

A goal from Wright against Newcastle United, his first in seven matches, was enough to earn victory away at St James' Park.{{cite news |title=Wright reaps collective benefit |first=David |last=Hopps |page=20 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=8 December 1997 }} Arsenal lost 1–3 to Blackburn Rovers the following week, denting their chances of closing the gap on leaders Manchester United.{{cite news |title=Football: Blackburn hand Arsenal a lesson in commitment and care |first=Ken |last=Jones |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-blackburn-hand-arsenal-a-lesson-in-commitment-and-care-1288879.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-blackburn-hand-arsenal-a-lesson-in-commitment-and-care-1288879.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |newspaper=The Independent|location=London |date=15 December 1997 |access-date=18 October 2011 }}{{cbignore}} The match was overshadowed by Wright being booed off by supporters because of his performance, who responded by appearing "at the window of the east stand clad in vest and underpants haranguing the crowd."{{cite news |title=Arsenal fade into a Wright red mist |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |page=23 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=15 December 1997 }} Arsenal began the Christmas period with a fixture against Wimbledon; the game was abandoned by referee Dermot Gallagher due to floodlight failure and rescheduled for a later date.{{cite news |title=Bad play stops light amid Arsenal gloom |first=David |last=Lacey |page=20 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=23 December 1997 }} On Boxing Day, an own goal by Steve Walsh helped Arsenal beat Leicester City 2–1 at Highbury.{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/football-lacklustre-arsenal-helped-by-wayward-walsh-1290717.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/football-lacklustre-arsenal-helped-by-wayward-walsh-1290717.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |title=Football: Lacklustre Arsenal helped by wayward Walsh |newspaper=The Independent|location=London |last=Rowbottom |first=Mike |date=27 December 1997 |access-date=29 May 2012 }}{{cbignore}} A draw at Tottenham Hotspur, who were welcoming the return of Jürgen Klinsmann, left Arsenal in sixth at the end of the calendar year, 12 points behind Manchester United.{{cite news |title=Klinsmann supplies spirit if not fizz |first=David |last=Lacey |page=21 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=29 December 1997 }}

In the first league match of 1998, Overmars scored twice to earn Arsenal a win against Leeds United.{{cite news |title=Overmars takes battle honours |first=Rob |last=Hughes |page=21 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=12 January 1998 }} The team drew 2–2 at Coventry City a week later, losing more ground at the top of the table.{{cite news |title=Strachan risking credibility and FA wrath by lodging hasty complaint |first=Russell |last=Kempson |page=22 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=19 January 1998 }} January came to a conclusion with a 3–0 victory over Southampton, with all three goals scored in the space of seven minutes.{{cite news |title=Southampton blitzed by Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/52253.stm |newspaper=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=31 January 1998 |access-date=29 May 2012 }} A further two wins in February, at home to Chelsea and Crystal Palace, moved Arsenal into second place, nine points behind Manchester United, albeit having played two games less.{{cite news |title=No second best for Old Trafford men |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/58891.stm |newspaper=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=21 February 1998 |access-date=29 May 2012 }}

Arsenal dropped two points against West Ham United on 2 March with a goalless draw at Upton Park.{{cite news |title=Arsenal drop points in championship chase |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/61447.stm |newspaper=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=2 March 1998 |access-date=29 May 2012 }} The following match, they closed the gap to six points after Manchester United could also only manage to draw against West Ham, but dropped to third position. A goal from Christopher Wreh in the rescheduled match at Wimbledon was enough to move Arsenal into second and set up a title clash between themselves and Manchester United on 14 March 1998.{{cite news |title=Wreh of hope for Gunners as gap closes |first=Ian |last=Malin |page=30 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=12 March 1998 }} The result, moreover, reopened betting after Manchester bookmaker Fred Done decided to pay out on punters who backed Manchester United.{{cite news |title=Wenger and the last roll of the dice |first=Paul |last=Hayward |page=40 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=14 March 1998 }} After numerous attempts to break the deadlock in the match, Arsenal scored with 15 minutes left of the match; Overmars latched onto a header by Anelka and managed to flick the ball beyond the goalkeeper.{{cite news |title=Overmars, overjoyed and not over yet |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/feb/16/newsstory.sport |first=Paul |last=Wilson |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=15 March 1998 |access-date=30 May 2012 }} Note: The following article was republished on The Guardian website on 16 February 1999 When asked which team was in the best position going into the final games of the season, Wenger told Sky Sports that United had a "small advantage" over the rest; Ferguson, however, warned that it would be "inevitable" for Arsenal to drop points.{{cite news |title=Arsène Wenger's post match comments to Sky Sports |work=Manchester United vs. Arsenal – Ford Football Special (14 March 1998) |author=Sky Sports, BSkyB and Premier League |date=14 March 1998 |quote=I don't know. I think they (Manchester United) still have a small advantage because we have to take the points with the games we have in hand and that's not easy. }}{{cite news |title=Alex Ferguson's post match comments to Sky Sports |work=Manchester United vs. Arsenal – Ford Football Special (14 March 1998) |author=Sky Sports, BSkyB and Premier League |date=14 March 1998 |quote=I don't think they're any good of a footballing team as us; they (Arsenal) will find out points will be dropped at the end of the season – no question about that. }} Two 1–0 wins, first at home to Sheffield Wednesday and then Bolton Wanderers, meant Arsenal kept an eighth successive clean sheet, a new league record.{{cite news |title=Football: Arsenal close the gap on United |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-arsenal-close-the-gap-on-united-1153815.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-arsenal-close-the-gap-on-united-1153815.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |first=Phil |last=Shaw |newspaper=The Independent|location=London |date=1 April 1998 |access-date=29 May 2012 }}{{cbignore}}

Arsenal beat Newcastle United 3–1 to move within four points of Manchester United in early April. The return of Bergkamp from a three-match suspension helped Arsenal to trounce Blackburn Rovers; the team scored three goals in the space of the opening 14 minutes.{{cite news |title=Four-goal Gunners close on Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/78041.stm |newspaper=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=14 April 1998 |access-date=30 May 2012 }} Manchester United's failure to beat Newcastle United meant Arsenal went top of the league table after beating Wimbledon 5–0. Victory against Barnsley and then at home against Derby County four days later meant Arsenal needed one more win in their last home game to become league champions, regardless of Manchester United's results.{{cite news |title=Petit puts Gunners within range of Double |first=David |last=Lacey |page=30 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=30 April 1998 }} Although Bergkamp was ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining an injury against Derby, Arsenal eased to a 4–0 win against Everton to become the first club other than Manchester United or Blackburn Rovers to win the Premier League.{{cite news |title=Arsenal crowned Premiership champions |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/87346.stm |newspaper=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=3 May 1998 |access-date=1 June 2012 }} With a run of ten straight victories, a new record was set, and Wenger became the first non-British manager to lead a team to win the league championship. Arsenal lost their final two matches of the league season, both of which are played away from home, choosing to rest players for the upcoming FA Cup Final.{{cite news |title=Villa's fate rests with Chelsea |first=Jeremy |last=Alexander |page=20 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=11 May 1998 }}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1997|8|9|df=y}}

|time = 15:00 BST

|round = 1

|team1 = Leeds United

|score = 1–1

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20160307020429/http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770658/leeds-1-arsenal-1 Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Hasselbaink {{goal|42}}
Bowyer {{yel}}

|goals2 = Wright {{goal|35}}
Garde {{yel}}
Grimandi {{yel}}
Vieira {{yel}}
Petit {{yel|71}}

|stadium = Elland Road

|location = Leeds

|attendance = 37,993

|referee = Dermot Gallagher (Oxfordshire)

|result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1997|8|11|df=y}}

|time = 20:00 BST

|round = 2

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–0

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20160306220849/http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770657/arsenal-2-coventry-0 Report]

|team2 = Coventry City

|goals1 = Wright {{goal|29||47}}
Garde {{yel}}

|goals2 = Shaw {{yel}}
Williams {{yel}}
Telfer {{yel}}

|stadium = Highbury

|location = London

|attendance = 37,324

|referee = Keith Burge (Rhondda)

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1997|8|23|df=y}}

|time = 15:00 BST

|round = 3

|team1 = Southampton

|score = 1–3

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20160306220922/http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770656/southampton-1-arsenal-3 Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Maddison {{goal|25}}
Monkou {{yel}}

|goals2 = Overmars {{goal|20}}
Bould {{yel}}
Bergkamp {{goal|57||79}} {{yel}}
Wright {{yel}}

|stadium = The Dell

|location = Southampton

|attendance = 15,246

|referee = David Elleray (London)

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=4

|date = 27 August 1997

|time = 20:00 BST

|team1 = Leicester City

|score = 3–3

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20160306031701/http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770655/leicester-3-arsenal-3 Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Heskey {{goal|84}}
Elliott {{yel}}{{goal|90}}
Walsh {{goal|90}}
Kaamark {{yel}}
Lennon {{yel}}
Prior {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{goal|9||61||90}} {{yel}} Bergkamp
{{yel}} Bould
{{yel}} Parlour

|location= Leicester

|stadium = Filbert Street

|result = D

|attendance = 21,089

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=5

|date = 30 August 1997

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 0–0

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20160306155123/http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770653/arsenal-0-tottenham-0 Report]

|team2 = Tottenham Hotspur

|goals1 = Bergkamp {{yel}}
Bould {{yel}}
Wright {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Campbell
{{yel}} Carr
{{yel}} Dominguez
{{sent off|0|44}} Edinburgh

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = D

|attendance = 38,102

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=6

|date = 13 September 1997

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 4–1

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770652/arsenal-4-bolton-1 Report]

|team2 = Bolton Wanderers

|goals1 = Wright {{goal|20||25||81}}
Parlour {{goal|44}}
Vieira {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{goal|13}} Thompson
{{yel}} Taggart

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = W

|attendance = 38,138

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=7

|date = 21 September 1997

|time = 16:00 BST

|team1 = Chelsea

|score = 2–3

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770650/chelsea-2-arsenal-3 Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Poyet {{goal|40}}
Zola {{goal|60}}
Wise {{yel}}
Leboeuf {{sent off|0|67}}

|goals2 = {{goal|45||59}} {{yel}} Bergkamp
{{goal|89}} Winterburn
{{yel}} Bould
{{yel}} Grimandi

|location= London

|stadium = Stamford Bridge

|result = w

|attendance = 33,102

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=8

|date = 24 September 1997

|time = 20:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 4–0

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770649/arsenal-4-west-ham-0 Report]

|team2 = West Ham United

|goals1 = Bergkamp {{goal|12}}
Overmars {{goal|39||45}}
Wright {{goal|42|pen.}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Dowie
{{yel}} Lampard
{{yel}} Lomas
{{yel}} Unsworth

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = W

|attendance = 38,102

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=9

|date = 27 September 1997

|time = 19:45

|team1 = Everton

|score = 2–2

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770648/everton-2-arsenal-2 Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Ball {{goal|49}}
Cadamarteri {{goal|56}}

|goals2 = {{goal|32}} Wright
{{goal|41}} Overmars

|location= Liverpool

|stadium = Goodison Park

|result = D

|attendance = 35,457

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=10

|date = 4 October 1997

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 5–0

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770646/arsenal-5-barnsley-0 Report]

|team2 = Barnsley

|goals1 = Bergkamp {{goal|25||32}}
Parlour {{goal|45}}
Platt {{goal|63}}
Wright {{goal|76}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Arjan de Zeeuw
{{yel}} Thompson

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = W

|attendance = 38,049

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=11

|date = 18 October 1997

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Crystal Palace

|score = 0–0

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/arsenal/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/97/10/18/SOCCER_Palace_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=arsenal&DIV=prem&TEAM=ARSENAL&RH=Arsenal&PREV_SEASON=1996&BID= Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Linighan {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Bergkamp
{{yel}} Boa Morte
{{yel}} Grimandi
{{yel}} Vieira
{{yel}} Wright

|location= London

|stadium = Selhurst Park

|result = D

|attendance = 26,180

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=12

|date = 26 October 1997

|time = 16:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 0–0

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770644/crystal-palace-0-arsenal-0 Report]

|team2 = Aston Villa

|goals1 = Bould {{yel}}
Seaman {{yel}}
Vieira {{yel}}
Petit {{sent off|0|83}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Southgate

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = D

|attendance = 38,061

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=13

|date = 1 November 1997

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Derby County

|score = 3–0

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770641/derby-3-arsenal-0 Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Wanchope {{yel}} {{goal|46||65}}
Sturridge {{goal|82}}
Rowett {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Boa Morte
{{yel}} Bould
{{yel}} Winterburn

|location= Derby

|stadium = Pride Park Stadium

|result = L

|attendance = 30,004

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=14

|date = 9 November 1997

|time = 16:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 3–2

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770640/arsenal-3-man-utd-2 Report]

|team2 = Manchester United

|goals1 = Anelka {{goal|7}}
Vieira {{goal|27}}
Platt {{yel}} {{goal|83}}
Wright {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{goal|33||41}} Sheringham
{{yel}} P. Neville
{{yel}} Scholes

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = W

|attendance = 38,205

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=15

|date = 22 November 1997

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Sheffield Wednesday

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770638/sheffield-wednesday-2-arsenal-0 Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Booth {{goal|42}}
Whittingham {{goal|86}}
Atherton {{yel}}
Nolan {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Adams
{{yel}} Grimandi
{{yel}} Platt

|location= Sheffield

|stadium = Hillborough

|result = L

|attendance = 34,373

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=16

|date = 30 November 1997

|time = 16:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 0–1

|team2 = Liverpool

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770637/arsenal-0-liverpool-1 Report]

|goals1 = Adams {{yel}}
Dixon {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{goal|55}} McManaman
{{yel}} Bjørnebye
{{yel}} Matteo

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = L

|attendance = 38,094

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=17

|date = 6 December 1997

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Newcastle United

|score = 0–1

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770636/newcastle-0-arsenal-1 Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 =

|goals2 = {{goal|36}} Wright
{{yel}} Adams
{{yel}} Petit

|location= Newcastle

|stadium = St. James' Park

|result = W

|attendance = 36,751

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=18

|date = 13 December 1997

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–3

|team2 = Blackburn Rovers

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770635/arsenal-1-blackburn-3 Report]

|goals1 = Overmars {{goal|18}}
Adams {{yel}}
Bergkamp {{yel}}
Parlour {{yel}}
Wright {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{goal|57}} Wilcox
{{goal|65}} Gallacher
{{goal|89}} Sherwood

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = L

|attendance = 38,147

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=19

|date = 22 December 1997

|time = --:--

|team1 = Wimbledon

|score =

|report =

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Selhurst Park

|location = London

|attendance =

|referee =

|result = P

|note=Abandoned due to floodlight problems.

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=20

|date = 26 December 1997

|time = 12:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–1

|team2 = Leicester City

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770634/arsenal-2-leicester-1 Report]

|goals1 = Platt {{goal|36}}
Walsh {{goal|56|o.g.}}
Winterburn {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{goal|77}} Lennon
{{yel}} Campbell
{{yel}} Elliott

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = W

|attendance = 38,023

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=21

|date = 28 December 1997

|time = 19:45

|team1 = Tottenham Hotspur

|score = 1–1

|team2 = Arsenal

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770633/tottenham-1-arsenal-1 Report]

|goals1 = Nielson {{goal|28}}
Campbell {{yel}}
Wilson {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{goal|62}} Parlour
{{yel}} Bould
{{yel}} Keown

|location= London

|stadium = White Hart Lane

|result = D

|attendance = 29,610

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=22

|date = 10 January 1998

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–1

|team2 = Leeds United

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770629/arsenal-2-leeds-united-1 Report]

|goals1 = Overmars {{goal|60}} {{goal|72}}

|goals2 = {{goal|69}} Hasselbaink
{{yel}} Halle
{{yel}} Maybury

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = W

|attendance = 38,018

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=23

|date = 17 January 1998

|time = 19:45

|team1 = Coventry City

|score = 2–2

|team2 = Arsenal

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770627/coventry-2-arsenal-2 Report]

|goals1 = Whelan {{yel}} {{goal|21}}
Dublin {{goal|66|pen.}}
Telfer {{yel}}
Williams {{sent off|0|79}}

|goals2 = {{goal|50}} Bergkamp
{{goal|57}} Anelka
{{yel}} Grimandi
{{yel}} Parlour
{{yel}}{{sent off|0|65}} Vieira

|location= Coventry

|stadium = Highfield Road

|result = D

|attendance = 22,864

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=24

|date = 31 January 1998

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 3–0

|team2 = Southampton

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770624/arsenal-3-southampton-0 Report]

|goals1 = Bergkamp {{goal|62}}
adams {{yel}} {{goal|67}}
Anelka {{goal|67}}
Platt {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Dodd
{{yel}} Hirst
{{yel}} Monkou
{{yel}} Richardson

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = W

|attendance = 38,056

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=25

|date = 8 February 1998

|time = 16:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–0

|team2 = Chelsea

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770623/arsenal-2-chelsea-0 Report]

|goals1 = S. Hughes {{goal|4||42}}
Bergkamp {{yel}}
Bould {{yel}}
Parlour {{yel}}

|goals2 = Di Matteo {{yel}}
Leboeuf {{yel}}
Vialli {{yel}}
Wise {{yel}}

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = W

|attendance = 38,083

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=26

|date = 21 February 1998

|time = 19:45

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–0

|team2 = Crystal Palace

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770619/arsenal-1-crystal-palace-0 Report]

|goals1 = Grimandi {{goal|49}}
Anelka {{yel}}
Dixon {{yel}}
Platt {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Dyer
{{yel}} Fullarton {{yel}}
Hreiðarsson
{{yel}} Roberts

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = W

|attendance = 38,094

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=27

|date = 2 March 1998

|time = 19:45

|team1 = West Ham United

|score = 0–0

|team2 = Arsenal

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770617/west-ham-0-arsenal-0 Report]

|goals1 =

|goals2 = {{yel}} Vieira

|location= London

|stadium = Boleyn Ground

|result = D

|attendance = 25,717

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=19

|date = 11 March 1998

|time = 19:45

|team1 = Wimbledon

|score = 0–1

|team2 = Arsenal

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770615/wimbledon-0-arsenal-1 Report]

|goals1 = Perry {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{goal|21}} Wreh

|location= London

|stadium = Selhurst Park

|result = W

|attendance = 22,291

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=28

|date = 14 March 1998

|time = 11:15 GMT

|team1 = Manchester United

|score = 0–1

|team2 = Arsenal

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770614/man-utd-0-arsenal-1 Report]

|goals1 = {{yel}} G. Neville
{{yel}} Sheringham

|goals2 = {{goal|79}} Overmars
{{yel}} Adams
{{yel}} Anelka
{{yel}} Dixon

|location= Manchester

|stadium = Old Trafford

|result = W

|attendance = 55,174

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=29

|date = 28 March 1998

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–0

|team2 = Sheffield Wednesday

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770612/arsenal-1-sheffield-wednesday-0 Report]

|goals1 = Bergkamp {{goal|35}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Atherton
{{yel}} Barrett

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = W

|attendance = 38,087

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=30

|date = 31 March 1998

|time = 20:00

|team1 = Bolton Wanderers

|score = 0–1

|team2 = Arsenal

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770611/bolton-0-arsenal-1 Report]

|goals1 = Cox {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{goal|47}} Wreh
{{yel}} Bould
{{yel}}{{sent off|0|65}} Keown

|location= Bolton

|stadium = Reebok Stadium

|result = W

|attendance = 25,000

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=31

|date = 11 April 1998

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 3–1

|team2 = Newcastle United

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770663/arsenal-3-newcastle-1 Report]

|goals1 = Anelka {{goal|41||64}}
Vieira {{goal|72}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Albert
{{yel}} Barton {{goal|79}}

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = W

|attendance = 38,102

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=32

|date = 13 April 1998

|time = 20:00 BST

|team1 = Blackburn Rovers

|score = 1–4

|team2 = Arsenal

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770662/blackburn-1-arsenal-4 Report]

|goals1 = Gallacher {{goal|51}}

|goals2 = {{goal|2}} Bergkamp
{{goal|7||14}} Parlour
{{goal|42}} Anelka
{{yel}} Garde
{{yel}} Petit
{{yel}} Vieira

|location= Blackburn

|stadium = Ewood Park

|result = W

|attendance = 28,212

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=33

|date = 18 April 1998

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 5–0

|team2 = Wimbledon

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770661/arsenal-5-wimbledon-0 Report]

|goals1 = Adams {{goal|12}}
Overmars {{goal|17}}
Bergkamp {{goal|19}}
Petit {{goal|54}}
Wreh {{goal|88}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Hughes

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = W

|attendance = 38,024

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=34

|date = 25 April 1998

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Barnsley

|score = 0–2

|team2 = Arsenal

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770654/barnsley-0-arsenal-2 Report]

|goals1 = Ward {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{goal|23}} Bergkamp
{{goal|76}} Overmars
{{yel}} Petit
{{yel}} Winterburn

|location = Barnsley

|stadium = Oakwell

|result = W

|attendance = 18,691

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=35

|date = 29 April 1998

|time = 20:00

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–0

|team2 = Derby County

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770643/arsenal-1-derby-county-0 Report]

|goals1 = Petit {{goal|34}}
Parlour {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Carsley
Dailly
{{yel}} Delap
{{yel}} Sturridge
{{yel}} Wanchope

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = W

|attendance = 38,121

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=36

|date = 3 May 1998

|time = 16:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 4–0

|team2 = Everton

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770632/arsenal-4-everton-0 Report]

|goals1 = Bilić {{goal|6|o.g.}}
Overmars {{goal|28||57}}
Adams {{goal|89}}
Dixon {{yel}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Barmby
{{yel}} Ferguson
{{yel}} Hutchison
{{yel}} O'Kane
{{yel}} Oster

|location= London

|stadium = Highbury

|result = W

|attendance = 38,269

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=37

|date = 6 May 1998

|time = 19:45

|team1 = Liverpool

|score = 4–0

|team2 = Arsenal

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770621/liverpool-4-arsenal-0 Report]

|goals1 = Ince {{goal|28||30}}
Owen {{goal|40}}
Leonhardsen {{goal|87}}

|goals2 =

|location= Liverpool

|stadium = Anfield

|result = L

|attendance = 44,417

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round=38

|date = 10 May 1998

|time = 16:00 GMT

|team1 = Aston Villa

|score = 1–0

|team2 = Arsenal

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770610/aston-villa-1-arsenal-0 Report]

|goals1 = Yorke {{goal|37|pen.}}
Draper {{yel}}
Ehiogu {{yel}}
Ehiogu {{sent off|0|24}}

|goals2 = {{yel}} Grimandi
{{yel}} Vieira
{{yel}} Wright

|location= Birmingham

|stadium = Villa Park

|result = L

|attendance = 39,372

}}

{{:1997–98 FA Premier League|showteam=ARS}}

{{Fb_rs |hw=15 |hd=2 |hl=2 |hgf=43 |hga=10 |aw=8 |ad=7 |al=4 |agf=25 |aga=23 }}

{{Fb rs footer|u=|s={{cite web |url=http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/1997-1998 |title=Premier League – 1997–98 |publisher=Statto Organisation |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019043100/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/1997-1998 |archive-date=19 October 2013 |url-status=dead}} |date=July 2013}}

{{#invoke:sports rbr table|table|legendpos=b

|header=Round

|label1= Ground

| res1=A/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/A

|label2= Result

| res2=D/W/W/D/D/W/W/W/D/W/D/D/L/W/L/L/W/L/W/W/D/W/D/W/W/D/W/W/W/W/W/W/W/W/W/W/L/L

|label3= Position

| res3=8/1/2/3/5/4/2/1/1/1/1/2/2/2/3/5/4/5/6/6/5/5/5/5/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/1/1/1/1/1/1

|text_H=Home|text_A=Away

|color_W=green2|text_W=Win

|color_D=yellow2|text_D=Draw

|color_L=red2|text_L=Loss

|color_1=1st|color_2=2nd|color_3=3rd|color_18-=red1

|updated=

|source={{cite web |url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/1997-1998 |title=Arsenal – 1997–98 |publisher=Statto Organisation |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017034330/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/1997-1998 |archive-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}

|date=July 2013

}}

{{main|1997–98 FA Cup}}

Arsenal entered the competition in the third round, receiving a bye as a Premier League club. Their opening match was a goalless draw against First Division club Port Vale at home, meaning the game was replayed at Vale Park eleven days later. Arsenal won the replay 4–3 in a penalty shoot-out, having drawn 1–1 in extra time.{{cite news |title=Football: Arsenal let off the hook by Tankard |first=Phil |last=Shaw |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-arsenal-let-off-the-hook-by-tankard-1138829.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-arsenal-let-off-the-hook-by-tankard-1138829.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |newspaper=The Independent|location=London |date=15 January 1998 |access-date=3 June 2012}}{{cbignore}} In the fourth round, Arsenal played Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. Overmars scored the opening goal inside 68 seconds for the visitors and Parlour added a second to give Arsenal a commanding lead going into the interval. Although Paul Merson scored in the second half for Middlesbrough, Arsenal did enough to progress into the fifth round.{{cite news |title=Football: Arsenal spoil their old boy's reunion |first=Scott |last=Barnes |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-arsenal-spoil-their-old-boys-reunion-1140939.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-arsenal-spoil-their-old-boys-reunion-1140939.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Independent|location=London |date=26 January 1998 |access-date=6 June 2012}}{{cbignore}} A 0–0 draw at home against Crystal Palace meant Arsenal needed to play a fifth round replay at Selhurst Park on 25 February. Goals from Anelka and Bergkamp ensured victory for an under-strength Arsenal team.{{cite news |title=Football: Bergkamp makes decisive impact for Arsenal |first=Adam |last=Szreter |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-bergkamp-makes-decisive-impact-for-arsenal-1147075.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-bergkamp-makes-decisive-impact-for-arsenal-1147075.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |newspaper=The Independent|location=London |date=26 February 1998 |access-date=6 June 2012}}{{cbignore}} Against West Ham United in the quarter-finals, Arsenal conceded the first goal when Frank Lampard's corner kick was converted into the goal net by Ian Pearce through a first-time shot. Although Bergkamp scored a penalty to equalise, Arsenal had to settle for a replay at Upton Park, which ended 4–3 on penalties after another draw.{{cite news |title=Pearce's double act has drawing power |first=David |last=Lacey |page=22 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=9 March 1998 }} A goal from Wreh against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the semi-finals meant Arsenal reached their 13th FA Cup final.{{cite news |title=Wreh lights the way to Wembley |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |page=21 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=6 April 1998 }}

On 16 May 1998, Arsenal contested the 1998 FA Cup Final against Newcastle United. Without first-choice striker Bergkamp, Wenger partnered Anelka with Wreh, leaving Wright on the substitutes bench.{{cite news |title=Too hot for the Toon |first=Paul |last=Wilson |page=59 |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=17 May 1998 }} Arsenal scored in the 23rd minute; Overmars sprinted onto a pass from Petit, and used his pace to get past Alessandro Pistone and toe-poke the ball between goalkeeper Shay Given's legs.{{cite news |title=Arsenal at the double|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/94885.stm |publisher=BBC News |date=16 May 1998 |access-date=10 June 2012}} Anelka scored in the second half, from a pass by Parlour to settle the match. In his post-match interview, Wenger praised the "remarkable" Overmars: "[It is] even more so when you realise that he has scored so many goals in important games that we needed to win."{{cite news |title=Wenger's own double vision |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |page=21 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=18 May 1998 }}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1998|1|3|df=y}}

|time = 15:00

|round = Third round

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 0–0

|team2 = Port Vale

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770631/arsenal-0-port-vale-0 Report]

|goals2 = Corden {{yel}}
Porter {{yel}}
Snijders {{yel}}
Talbot {{yel}}

|stadium = Highbury

|location =

|attendance = 37,471

|referee = Paul Alcock (Kent)

|result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1998|1|14|df=y}}

|time = 19:45

|round = Third round replay

|team1 = Port Vale

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770628/port-vale-0-arsenal-0-aet-3-4-on-pens Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Corden {{goal|112}}
Tankard {{yel}}

|goals2 = Bergkamp {{goal|100}}

|stadium = Vale Park

|location =

|attendance = 14,964

|referee = Neale Barry (North Lincolnshire)

|result = W

|penalties1 = Porter {{pengoal}}
Ainsworth {{pengoal}}
Bogie {{penmiss}}
Snijders {{pengoal}}
Tankard {{penmiss}}

|penaltyscore = 3–4

|penalties2 = Dixon {{penmiss}}
Parlour {{pengoal}}
Bergkamp {{pengoal}}
Boa Morte {{pengoal}}
S. Hughes {{pengoal}}

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1998|1|24|df=y}}

|time = 19:45

|round = Fourth round

|team1 = Middlesbrough

|score = 1–2

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770626/middlesbrough-1-arsenal-2 Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Baker {{yel|37}}
Festa {{yel|38}}
Merson {{goal|62}}

|goals2 = Overmars {{goal|2}}
Parlour {{goal|19}}

|stadium = Riverside Stadium

|location = Middlesbrough

|attendance = 28,264

|referee = Mike Riley (West Yorkshire)

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1998|2|15|df=y}}

|time = 14:00

|round = Fifth round

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 0–0

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770622/arsenal-0-crystal-palace-0 Report]

|team2 = Crystal Palace

|goals1 = Manninger {{yel}}

|goals2 = Dyer {{yel}}

|stadium = Highbury

|location = London

|attendance = 37,164

|referee = Martin Bodenham (Cornwall)

|result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1998|2|25|df=y}}

|time = 19:45

|round = Fifth round replay

|team1 = Crystal Palace

|score = 1–2

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770618/crystal-palace-1-arsenal-2 Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Gordon {{sent off|0|26}}
Dyer {{goal|35}}, {{yel|38}}
Ismaël {{yel|64}}

|goals2 = Anelka {{goal|2}}
Bergkamp {{goal|28}}, {{yel|39}}
Platt {{yel|37}}
Keown {{yel|38}}
Upson {{yel|66}}

|stadium = Selhurst Park

|location = London

|attendance = 15,674

|referee = Martin Bodenham (Cornwall)

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1998|3|8|df=y}}

|time = 14:00

|round = Sixth round

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/arsenal/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/98/03/08/SOCCER_Arsenal_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=arsenal&DIV=prem&TEAM=ARSENAL&RH=Arsenal&PREV_SEASON=1996&BID= Report]

|team2 = West Ham United

|goals1 = Bergkamp {{goal|26|pen.}}

|goals2 = Pearce {{goal|12}}
Potts {{yel|21}}
Lomas {{yel|23}}
Lampard {{yel|82}}

|stadium = Highbury

|location = London

|attendance = 38,077

|referee = Mike Reed (Birmingham)

|result = D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1998|3|17|df=y}}

|time = 19:45

|round = Sixth round replay

|team1 = West Ham United

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770613/west-ham-1-arsenal-1-aet-3-4-on-penalties Report]

|aet = yes

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Abou {{yel|40}}
Hartson {{goal|84}}
Lomas {{yel|119}}

|goals2 = Bergkamp {{sent off|0|32}}
Anelka {{goal|45}}
Garde {{yel|51}}
Boa Morte {{yel|100}}
S. Hughes {{yel|102}}
Winterburn {{yel|111}}

|stadium = Upton Park

|location = London

|attendance = 25,859

|referee = Mike Reed (Birmingham)

|result = W

|penalties1 = Unsworth {{pengoal}}
Hartson {{penmiss}}
Lampard {{pengoal}}
Berkovic {{penmiss}}
Lomas {{pengoal}}
Abou {{penmiss}}

|penaltyscore = 3–4

|penalties2 = Hughes {{pengoal}}
Wreh {{penmiss}}
Boa Morte {{pengoal}}
Garde {{penmiss}}
Vieira {{pengoal}}
Adams {{pengoal}}

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1998|4|5|df=y}}

|time = 12:00

|round = Semi-final

|team1 = Wolverhampton Wanderers

|score = 0–1

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770664/arsenal-1-wolves-0 Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Williams {{yel|88}}

|goals2 = Wreh {{goal|12}}
Grimandi {{yel|37}}
Parlour {{yel|54}}

|stadium = Villa Park

|location = Birmingham

|attendance = 39.372

|referee = Stephen Lodge (South Yorkshire)

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1998|5|16|df=y}}

|time = 15:00

|round = Final

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770609/arsenal-2-newcastle-0 Report]

|team2 = Newcastle United

|goals1 = Overmars {{goal|23}}
Winterburn {{yel|51}}
Anelka {{goal|69}}

|goals2 = Shearer {{yel|45}}
Barton {{yel|48}}
Howey {{yel|53}}
Dabizas {{yel|70}}

|stadium = Wembley Stadium

|location = London

|attendance = 79,813

|referee = Paul Durkin (Dorset)

|result = W

}}

{{main|1997–98 Football League Cup}}

Arsenal entered the Football League Cup in the third round along with the other clubs playing in European football, and were drawn at home to First Division club Birmingham City. The tie ended 1–1 after normal time; goals from Luís Boa Morte, Platt and Alberto Méndez helped Arsenal win 4–1 in extra time.{{cite news |title=Arsenal discover extra reserves |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |page=24 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=15 October 1997 }} They needed extra time the following round to beat Coventry City,{{cite news |title=Bergkamp finds target at last |first=David |last=Lacey |page=30 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=19 November 1997 }} and in the fifth round, beat West Ham United 2–1 at Upton Park.{{cite news |title=Wright fires the Gunners |first=David |last=Lacey |page=22 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=7 January 1998 }} Arsenal exited the competition in the semi-finals, losing 4–3 on aggregate to Chelsea.{{cite news |title=Vialli on high in rebirth of Blues |first=David |last=Lacey |page=26 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=19 February 1998 }}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1997|10|14|df=y}}

|time = 19:45

|round = Third round

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 4–1

|aet = yes

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770645/arsenal-4-birmingham-city-1-aet Report]

|team2 = Birmingham City

|goals1 = Boa Morte {{goal|62||108}}
Platt {{goal|99|pen.}}
Méndez {{goal|113}}
Dixon {{yel}}
Marshall {{yel}}
Upson {{yel}}
Crowe {{sent off|0|91}}

|goals2 = Hey {{goal|20}}
Grainger {{yel}}
Ndlovu {{yel}}
Wassall {{sent off|0|83}}

|stadium = Highbury

|location = London

|attendance = 27,097

|referee = Uriah Rennie (South Yorkshire)

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1997|11|18|df=y}}

|time = 19:45

|round = Fourth round

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–0

|aet = yes

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770639/arsenal-1-coventry-0-aet Report]

|team2 = Coventry City

|goals1 = Bergkamp {{goal|99}}

|goals2 = Burrows {{yel|}}
Haworth {{yel|}}
Shaw {{yel|}}
Williams {{yel|}}

|stadium = Highbury

|location = London

|attendance = 30,199

|referee = Gerald Ashby (Worcestershire)

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1998|1|6|df=y}}

|time = 19:45

|round = Quarter-final

|team1 = West Ham United

|score = 1–2

|team2 = Arsenal

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770630/west-ham-1-arsenal-2 Report]

|goals1 = Abou {{goal|75}}
Ferdinand {{yel}}
Unsworth {{yel}}

|goals2 = Wright {{goal|25}}
Overmars {{goal|52}}
Grimandi {{yel}}
Petit {{yel}}
Vieira {{yel}}
Winterburn {{yel}}

|stadium = Upton Park

|location = London

|attendance = 24,770

|referee = Graham Barber (Hertfordshire)

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1998|1|28|df=y}}

|time = 19:45

|round = Semi-final, first leg

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–1

|team2 = Chelsea

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770625/arsenal-2-chelsea-1 Report]

|goals1 = Overmars {{goal|23}}
S. Hughes {{goal|47}}
Bergkamp {{yel}}
Grimandi {{yel}}

|goals2 = M. Hughes {{goal|68}}
Duberry {{yel}}
Le Saux {{yel}}
Newton {{yel}}

|stadium = Highbury

|location = London

|attendance = 38,114

|referee = Martin Bodenham (Cornwall)

|result = W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1998|2|18|df=y}}

|time = 19:45

|round = Semi-final, second leg

|team1 = Chelsea

|score = 3–1

|team2 = Arsenal

|report = [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/25505/7770620/chelsea-3-arsenal-1-agg-4-3 Report]

|goals1 = M. Hughes {{goal|10}}
Di Matteo {{goal|51}}
Petrescu {{goal|53}}
Clarke {{yel}}
Duberry {{yel}}
M. Hughes {{yel}}
Wise {{yel}}

|goals2 = Adams {{yel}}
Dixon {{yel}}
Parlour {{yel}}
Vieira {{sent off|1|48}}
Petit {{yel|75}}
Bergkamp {{goal|82|pen.}}

|stadium = Stamford Bridge

|location = London

|attendance = 34,330

|referee = Graham Poll (Hertfordshire)

|result = L

|aggregatescore = 4–3

}}

{{main|1997–98 UEFA Cup}}

Arsenal entered the UEFA Cup first round, having finished third in the league the previous season. They were drawn to play PAOK, a Greek club noted for hooligan problems.{{cite news |title=Culture shock and a tall order for Arsenal |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |page=22 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=16 September 1997 }} Arsenal lost the first leg 1–0 at the Toumba Stadium, with midfielder Kostas Frantzeskos scoring the winner.{{cite news |title=Cacophonous Greeks silence the Gunners |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |page=25 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=17 September 1997 }} Although Bergkamp levelled the game on aggregate score 22 minutes into the second leg, a late goal scored by Zisis Vryzas meant Arsenal did not progress past the first round for the second successive season.{{cite news |title=Bergkamp brilliance not enough |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |page=25 |newspaper=The Guardian|location=London |date=1 October 1997 }} Wenger later commented that he was not too unhappy about the team's exit, by saying "To be honest, the only European competition that really interests me is the Champions League".{{cite news |title=Soccer – Wenger predicts even bigger Champions' League |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/default.aspx?pageid=438&n=soccer----wenger-predicts-even-bigger-champions-league-1997-10-22 |work=Hürriyet Daily News |date=22 October 1997 |access-date=29 May 2012 }}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1997|9|16|df=y}}

|time = 20:45 EEST

|round = First leg

|team1 = PAOK {{flagicon|GRE}}

|score = 1–0

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20040504024541/http://www.uefa.com/Competitions/UEFACup/AllTimeStatistics/season%3D1997/Round%3D741/match%3D54296/index.html Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Tasiopoulos {{yel|19}}
Frantzeskos {{goal|61}}
Zoumpoulis {{yel|71}}
Zafeiriou {{yel|78}}
Zagorakis {{yel|87}}

|goals2 = Wright {{yel|30}}
Adams {{yel|69}}
Vieira {{yel|89}}

|stadium = Toumba Stadium

|location = Thessaloniki

|attendance = 42,000

|referee = Manuel Díaz Vega (Spain)

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = {{Start date|1997|9|30|df=y}}

|time = 20:00 BST

|round = Second leg

|team1 = Arsenal {{flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 1–1

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20040504024546/http://www.uefa.com/Competitions/UEFACup/AllTimeStatistics/season%3D1997/Round%3D741/match%3D54297/index.html Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|GRE}} PAOK

|goals1 = Bergkamp {{goal|22}}
Dixon {{yel|23}}
Adams {{yel|65}}

|goals2 = Vryzas {{goal|87}}
Tasiopoulos {{yel|37}}
Sidiropoulos {{yel|74}}

|stadium = Highbury

|location = London

|attendance = 37,982

|referee = Michel Piraux (Belgium)

|result = D

|aggregatescore = 1–2

}}

In recognition of the team's achievement, Wenger was awarded the Carling Manager of the Year award,{{Cite web|url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/clubs/managers/profile.overview.html/arsene-wenger |publisher=Premier League |access-date=16 December 2011 |title=Manager profile, Arsene Wenger |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822212433/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/clubs/managers/profile.overview.html/arsene-wenger |archive-date=22 August 2015 }} saying he was "very proud and honoured" after collecting the prize.{{Cite web|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-60677766 |work=The Mirror |date=12 May 1998 |access-date=16 December 2011 |first=Steve |last=Rogers |title=Wenger is simply the best }} {{subscription required}} Bergkamp was given the accolade of PFA Players' Player of the Year by his fellow peers{{cite news |title=Football: Bergkamp aims to finish in England |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-bergkamp-aims-to-finish-in-england-1155048.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-bergkamp-aims-to-finish-in-england-1155048.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=7 April 1998 |access-date=11 June 2012}}{{cbignore}} and FWA Footballer of the Year by football writers.{{cite news |title=Spare a thought for the losers in the wonderland world of awards in which the winners always share the spoils |first=David |last=Lacey |page=31 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=9 May 1998 }}

:Numbers in parentheses denote appearances as substitute.

:Players with name struck through and marked {{dagger|alt=Left club during playing season}} left the club during the playing season.

Source:

{{Portal|English football}}

• 1997–98 in English football
• List of Arsenal F.C. seasons

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.arsenal.com/history/the-wenger-years/wenger-completes-his-first-double Wenger completes his first Double] at Arsenal.com

{{Arsenal F.C. seasons}}

{{1997–98 in English football}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:1997-98 Arsenal F.C. season}}

Category:Arsenal F.C. seasons

Ars

1998