2007–08 Arsenal F.C. season

{{see also|2006–07 Arsenal F.C. season}}

The previous season was a transitional period for Arsenal. The club transferred a number of first-team players such as defenders Sol Campbell and Lauren to Portsmouth and winger Robert Pires to Spanish club Villarreal.{{cite news |title=Premiership club-by-club guide |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/5237764.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=14 August 2006 |access-date=10 February 2013}} After lengthy negotiations, Ashley Cole moved to Chelsea on the final day of the summer transfer window, in exchange for £5 million and defender William Gallas.{{cite news |title=Chelsea and Arsenal go to the wire before sealing Cole deal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/sep/01/newsstory.sport8 |first=Jon |last=Brodkin |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=1 September 2006 |access-date=10 February 2013}} Arsenal played their home games at the newly constructed Emirates Stadium and drew their first game against Aston Villa.{{cite news |title=Arsenal 1–1 Aston Villa |first=Simon |last=Austin |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4786655.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=19 August 2006 |access-date=28 August 2012}} After a defeat by Bolton Wanderers, manager Arsène Wenger admitted that his team were unlikely to make a serious challenge for the Premier League.{{cite news |title=Arsenal lack maturity to be champions, says Wenger |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/nov/27/match.sport9 |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Stuart |last=James |date=27 November 2006 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Despite being a young and inexperienced team, however, Arsenal reached the final of the League Cup, where they were beaten 2–1 by Chelsea.{{cite news |title=Chelsea snatch the cup that boils over |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/feb/26/match.arsenal |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |date=26 February 2007 |access-date=20 April 2012 }} Elimination in the UEFA Champions League in the knockout stage (two-legged matches played home and away) and FA Cup in the space of four days followed – the club lost three games in succession for the first time since October 2002.{{cite news |title=McCarthy's late strike breaks Arsenal's hearts |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/mar/01/match.newsstory |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Daniel |last=Taylor |date=1 March 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Arsenal eventually finished fourth in the league, level on points with third-placed Liverpool but lost out on goal difference +30 to +28.{{cite news |title=Portsmouth 0–0 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6627833.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |first=Ian |last=Hughes |date=13 May 2007 |access-date=4 January 2011 }}

At the end of the 2006–07 season, Arsenal transferred Fabrice Muamba to Birmingham City and released Mart Poom, who subsequently joined Watford on a free transfer.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6229296.stm |title=Lawro's Premier League guide |first=Mark |last=Lawrenson |date=25 June 2007 |access-date=3 December 2011 |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation)}} Jérémie Aliadière moved to Middlesbrough in a £2 million deal while club captain and record goalscorer Thierry Henry left to join Barcelona for a reported fee of £16 million.{{cite news |title=Uncertain Arsenal may collapse says Henry |url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/football/Premiership/article66972.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812204612/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/football/Premiership/article66972.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 August 2014 |work=The Sunday Times |location=London |first=Ian |last=Hawkey |date=24 June 2007 |access-date=4 March 2013}} {{subscription required}} Henry commented that his decision to leave Arsenal was because of the departure of chairman David Dein and the uncertainty over Wenger's future. Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg and striker José Antonio Reyes departed the club in July 2007, moving to West Ham United and Atlético Madrid respectively. Other players, Arturo Lupoli, Ryan Garry and Joe O'Cearuill, left on free transfers. Defender Matthew Connolly, who joined Colchester United on loan for a six-month period, later signed for Queens Park Rangers.{{cite news |title=QPR raiding young talent |newspaper=Daily Express |location=London |page=74 |date=3 January 2008}}

Legia Warsaw goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański was the first player Arsenal recruited of the new season.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/6695079.stm |title=Fabianski completes Arsenal move |date=26 May 2007 |access-date=3 December 2011 |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation)}} Next to arrive was striker Eduardo, who signed from Dinamo Zagreb, shortly followed by French defender Bacary Sagna. Lassana Diarra was purchased on transfer deadline day from Chelsea, but later transferred to Portsmouth in January after he was frustrated at limited playing time; he said, "I read that the club [Arsenal] wanted to keep me. But when you want to keep someone, you do it by playing them. This hasn't been the case."{{cite news |title=Diarra checks in at Portsmouth but waits for a 'really big club' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/7193782.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=17 January 2008 |access-date=3 September 2013}}

In

File:Bacary Sagna 2007.jpg joined Arsenal in the transfer window]]

File:Thierry Henry FC Barcelona cropped.jpg moved to Barcelona in June 2007]]

Out

Loans out

File:Arsene-Wenger.jpg's 12th seasons with Arsenal.]]

{{Fb cs header}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Manager |s={{flagicon|France}} Arsène Wenger}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg=y |p=Assistant manager |s={{flagicon|Northern Ireland}} Pat Rice}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=First team coach |s={{flagicon|Bosnia}} Boro Primorac}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg=y |p=Goalkeeping coach |s={{flagicon|Republic of Ireland}} Gerry Peyton}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Physiotherapist |s={{flagicon|England}} Gary Lewin}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg=y |p=Fitness coach |s={{flagicon|England}} Tony Colbert}}

{{Fb cs staff |bg= |p=Chief scout |s={{flagicon|England}} Steve Rowley}}

{{Fb cs footer |u=2 August 2006 |s=[http://www.arsenal.com/squad.asp?thisNav=First+Team Arsenal FC]|date=December 2010}}

Supplier: Nike / Sponsor: Fly Emirates

Nike released new kit for Arsenal this season.

• Home: The home kit from last season was unchanged.
• Away: The away kit with a design that celebrates the pioneering spirit of club legendary Herbert Chapman, and sees a return to the white away shirts worn throughout the club's history. The shirt incorporates a tonal print in a horizontal stripe, detailing many of Chapman's groundbreaking innovations which among others include the introduction of the white ball, rubber studs and numbered shirts. The Gunners legend also campaigned for Gillespie Road tube station to be changed to Arsenal tube station - the setting for the print adverts - to further promote the club's name, and was successful with its renaming in 1932. The kit with a redcurrant v-neck collar and a red currant trim to the sleeves - the hooped design another of the ideas that Chapman introduced to the club along with his inspiration for Arsenal's famous red and white shirt.
• Third: The third kit featured with hooped dark-redcurrant shirts with gold trim in side collar, dark shorts and hooped redcurrant in dark socks with gold stripes, same as the away kit to commemorate the influence and achievements of under club legend Herbert Chapman.
• Keeper: The goalkeeper kit are yellow. grey and navy blue.

File:Emirates Stadium - East side - Composite.jpg.]]

{{fb oi header}}

{{Fb oi information |bg= |id=Chairman |i={{flagicon|ENG}} Peter Hill-Wood}}

{{fb oi information |bg=y |id={{Fb oi ground}} |i={{Fb oi ground|g=Emirates Stadium|c=60,355|d=114x71 yards}} }}

{{fb oi footer |u=2 August 2007 |s=Arsenal and Emirates Stadium|date=December 2010}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 14 July 2007

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Barnet

|score = 0–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0708pre-season-barnet-0-2-arsenal-match-report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Adebayor {{goal|18}}
Barazite {{goal|66}}

|location = Barnet

|stadium = Underhill Stadium

|attendance = 5,091

|referee = Michael Russell

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Austria Tour

|date = 19 July 2007

|time = 19:00 BST

|team1 = Gençlerbirliği {{flagicon|TUR}}

|score = 0–3

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20140502083649/http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/1000004523/first-team/-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Van Persie {{goal|45||65}}
Walcott {{goal|51}}

|location = Bad Waltersdorf

|stadium = Bad Waltersdorf Stadion

|attendance =

|referee =

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Austria Tour

|date = 25 July 2007

|time = 19:00 BST

|team1 = Red Bull Salzburg {{flagicon|AUT}}

|score = 1–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/1000004524/first-team/salzburg-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Janočko {{goal|75}}

|goals2 =

|location = Salzburg

|stadium = EM Stadion

|attendance = 31,000

|referee =

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Emirates Cup

|date = 28 July 2007

|time = 16:15 BST

|team1 = Arsenal {{flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 2–1

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20121009055423/http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/1000004525/first-team/arsenal-v-psg?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|FRA}} Paris Saint-Germain

|goals1 = Flamini {{goal|45}}
Bendtner {{goal|70}}

|goals2 = Luyindula {{goal|80}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 55,106

|referee = Peter Walton

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Emirates Cup

|date = 29 July 2007

|time = 16:15 BST

|team1 = Arsenal {{flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 2–1

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20121009060043/http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/1000004526/first-team/arsenal-v-inter-milan?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ITA}} Internazionale

|goals1 = Hleb {{goal|67}}
Van Persie {{goal|85}}

|goals2 = Suazo {{goal|62}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 59,821

|referee = Mark Halsey

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Amsterdam Tournament

|date = 2 August 2007

|time = 18:30 CET

|team1 = Lazio {{flagicon|ITA}}

|score = 1–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/1000004527/first-team/lazio-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Pandev {{goal|40}}

|goals2 = Bendtner {{goal|19}}
Eduardo {{goal|55}}

|location = Amsterdam

|stadium = Amsterdam Arena

|attendance = 20,000

|referee = Bas Nijhuis

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Amsterdam Tournament

|date = 4 August 2007

|time = 21:15 CET

|team1 = Ajax {{flagicon|NED}}

|score = 0–1

|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20160308001341/http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/1000004528/first-team/ajax-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Van Persie {{goal|87}}

|location = Amsterdam

|stadium = Amsterdam Arena

|attendance = 30,000

|referee = Eric Blom

|result = W

}}

{{see also|2007–08 Premier League}}

Twenty teams competed in the Premier League in the 2007–08 season. Each team played 38 matches, two against every other team and one match at each club's stadium. Three points were awarded for each win, one point per draw, and none for defeats. At the end of the season, the top two teams qualified for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League; teams in third and fourth needed to play a qualifier.{{cite news|url=http://www.premierleague.com/staticFiles/2e/6d/0,,12306~93486,00.pdf |title=Premier League Handbook – Season 2007/08 |publisher=Premier League |access-date=30 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513053601/http://www.premierleague.com/staticFiles/2e/6d/0%2C%2C12306~93486%2C00.pdf |archive-date=13 May 2008 |url-status=dead }}

The provisional fixture list was released on 14 June 2007, but was subject to change in the event of clashes with other competitions, inclement weather, or matches being selected for television coverage.{{cite news |title=Barclays Premier League fixtures 2007–08 |url=http://espnfc.com/news/story?id=438257&cc=5739 |work=ESPNFC.com |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=14 June 2007 |access-date=30 August 2013}}

File:Alexander Hleb vs Fulham 2007.jpg in action against Fulham]]

Arsenal started their league campaign at home to Fulham on 12 August 2007. A mistake by goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, "screw[ing] an attempted return pass against his own knee", allowed striker David Healy to score, just under 52 seconds. However, a late penalty scored by Robin van Persie and a goal from Alexander Hleb resulted in the team winning the match.{{cite news |title=Arsenal rally to a great escape against Fulham |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2318833/Arsenal-rally-to-a-great-escape-against-Fulham.html |first=Clive |last=Tyldesley |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=13 August 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} In their next match, away to Blackburn Rovers, another error by Lehmann – this time letting David Dunn's shot slip through his fingers and into the goalnet, meant the team drew 1–1.{{cite news |title=Blackburn 1–1 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6941871.stm |first=Richard |last=Hookham |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=19 August 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Cesc Fàbregas scored the winning goal against Manchester City, ten minutes before the end of the match.{{cite news |title=Cesc Fabregas finds key to unlock City |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2319771/Cesc-Fabregas-finds-key-to-unlock-City.html |work=The Sunday Telegraph |location=London |first=Patrick |last=Barclay |date=26 August 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} The result was followed with what The Guardian described as a "fluent attacking display" at home to Portsmouth, on the first day of September.{{cite news |title=Ten-man Arsenal sink Pompey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/sep/02/newsstory.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Les |last=Roopanarine |date=2 September 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Arsenal faced local rivals Tottenham Hotspur after a week-long international break and went a goal behind when Gareth Bale's free-kick beat goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, past the net.{{cite news |title=It's weird and often wonderful, but Wenger's men are back at the summit |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/sep/17/match.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |date=17 September 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Emmanuel Adebayor scored the equaliser in the second half, before Fàbregas "piloted a 30-yarder beyond Paul Robinson in the 80th minute." In stoppage time, Adebayor flicked the ball up and volleyed it into the top corner of Tottenham's goal; the result meant Arsenal went top of the league table, for the first time in the season. A week after, Adebayor scored a hat-trick (three goals) in a 5–0 win against Derby County.{{cite news |title=New Platini Fábregas hard on himself and harder on poor Derby |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/sep/24/match.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=David |last=Lacey |date=2 September 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Van Persie scored the only goal against West Ham United on 29 September 2007 to maintain the lead at the top.{{cite news |title=West Ham 0–1 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7008202.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |first=Ian |last=Hughes |date=29 September 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}}

Two goals from Van Persie helped Arsenal beat Sunderland 3–2 at home, on the first weekend of October.{{cite news |title=Leaders Arsenal pushed to the limit |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2322875/Leaders-Arsenal-pushed-to-the-limit.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=Clive |last=Tyldesley |date=8 October 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Second half goals from defender Kolo Touré and midfielder Tomáš Rosický against Bolton Wanderers, gave the team a seventh straight victory in the league.{{cite news |title=Arsenal refuse be bullied by Bolton |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2323812/Arsenal-refuse-be-bullied-by-Bolton.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=John |last=Ley |date=22 October 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Arsenal played Liverpool on 28 October 2007, a match billed as the "first great test" of their title credentials.{{cite news |title=Arsenal show appetite for fight as Torres and Alonso limp away |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/oct/29/match.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |date=31 December 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Steven Gerrard gave Liverpool an early lead, from a free-kick, but as the match went on, Arsenal began to dominate possession, eventually rewarded when Fábregas equalised in the 80th minute, from a Hleb through ball.

November began with a home match against Manchester United. Going into the match, both clubs were level on points and goal difference, at the top of the league.{{cite news |title=Wenger's young guns destined to take title to wire |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/nov/05/match.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |date=5 November 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} In the 45th minute, Gallas inadvertently scored an own goal to give United the lead, before Fábregas equalised early in the second half. Cristiano Ronaldo scored what was thought to be the winning goal, eight minutes from the end, but Arsenal equalised for the second time in the match via Gallas. The draw pleased Wenger, who after the game noted his team were "...still charge of the title race because we are top with a game in hand".{{cite news |title=Ferguson criticises referee Webb |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7073616.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=3 November 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} A win against Reading at the Madejski Stadium on 12 November 2007 brought about Arsenal's 1,000th Premier League goal, scored by Adebayor.{{cite news |title=Arsenal return to the summit with another show of style |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/arsenal-return-to-the-summit-with-another-show-of-style-5k7hf3gchvj |work=The Times |location=London |first=Martin |last=Samuel |date=13 November 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} {{subscription required}} Reading striker Dave Kitson afterwards praised Arsenal's performance and asserted they were "the best team on the planet": "The thing that amazes you most is they are not just passing to each other – they are passing so that person can run on to the ball and then his mind is already made up what he is going to do next. It is just magic, it is unbelievable."

{{quote box|width=23em|"Arsenal are my favourite team right now and I think they are the best performing team in the Premier League."|—Pelé, November 2007{{cite news |title=Arsenal amaze Dave Kitson |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2325705/Arsenal-amaze-Dave-Kitson.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=John |last=Ley |date=14 November 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}}}}

Late goals scored by Gallas and Rosický at home to Wigan Athletic kept Arsenal three points clear of Manchester United in the league table, at the end of November.{{cite news |title=Arsenal 2 Wigan Athletic 0: Young Gunners take lead from captain Gallas |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-2-wigan-athletic-0-young-gunners-take-lead-from-captain-gallas-760540.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-2-wigan-athletic-0-young-gunners-take-lead-from-captain-gallas-760540.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |work=The Independent |location=London |first=Jason |last=Burt |date=26 November 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}}{{cbignore}} The win at Villa Park against Aston Villa in December, moved Arsenal five points clear at the top of the league table, and provoked speculation as to whether the club could go another league season unbeaten; Wenger responded, "People will talk ... just let us play."{{cite news |title=Arsenal pass skill and spirit test in the face of Villa's best and worst |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/dec/03/match.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Simon |last=Burton |date=3 December 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} The team played out a 1–1 draw at Newcastle United four days after{{cite news |title=Newcastle United 1 Arsenal 1: Taylor's strike a tonic for Allardyce |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/newcastle-united-1-arsenal-1-taylors-strike-a-tonic-for-allardyce-763305.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/newcastle-united-1-arsenal-1-taylors-strike-a-tonic-for-allardyce-763305.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |work=The Independent |location=London |first=Simon |last=Turnbull |date=6 December 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}}{{cbignore}} and lost against Middlesbrough, ending a record of 22 league matches unbeaten.{{cite news |title=Bullish Boro end Arsenal's unbeaten run |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/dec/09/newsstory.arsenal |work=guardian.co.uk |first=Richard |last=Aikman |date=9 December 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Arsenal beat Chelsea 1–0 on 16 December 2007{{cite news |title=Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7134171.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |date=16 December 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} and needed a late goal, scored by substitute Nicklas Bendtner to win against Tottenham Hotspur.{{cite news |title=Bendtner's soaring moment sums up young Arsenal's taste for the long climb |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/dec/24/match.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |date=24 December 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} In spite of a draw at Portsmouth on Boxing Day, which moved Arsenal down to second place,{{cite news |title=Arsenal's lack of firepower ensures David James has quiet day at the office |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/arsenals-lack-of-firepower-ensures-david-james-has-quiet-day-at-the-office-0hwwtzjlrpj |work=The Times |location=London |first=Matt |last=Hughes |date=27 December 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} {{subscription required}} a win against Everton helped the club move past Manchester United to the first-place spot.{{cite news |title=Wenger reaping the benefits of a side who win every way |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/dec/31/match.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Andy |last=Hunter |date=31 December 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}}

On 1 January 2008, Eduardo and Adebayor each scored to earn Arsenal a win against West Ham United.{{cite news |title=Arsenal 2–0 West Ham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7163888.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |first=Chris |last=Bevan |date=1 January 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} The team dropped two points against Birmingham City,{{cite news |title=Wenger left fuming as wasteful Arsenal pay the price |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jan/13/match.arsenal1 |work=The Observer |location=London |first=Jamie |last=Jackson |date=13 January 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} but a 3–0 victory at Fulham meant that Arsenal retained their first-place status.{{cite news |title=Ball on a string that gave Adebayor the highest jump in football |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jan/21/match.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Dominic |last=Fifield |date=21 January 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Goals scored by Mathieu Flamini, Adebayor and Fábregas helped Arsenal beat Newcastle United in the final week of January.{{cite news |title=Adebayor puts the skids under Newcastle |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jan/30/match.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |date=30 January 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} The team became the first to reach 60 points in February, after winning 3–1 against Manchester City; Wenger described the feat as "phenomenal".{{cite news |title=Adebayor capitalises on freedom of expression |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/feb/04/match.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |last=Taylor |first=Daniel |date=4 February 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Manchester City's defeat of Manchester United the following week meant a 2–0 win at home to Blackburn Rovers put Arsenal five points clear in first spot, with 12 matches to play.{{cite news |title=Arsenal 2 Blackburn Rovers 0: Senderos and Adebayor strike to leave Arsenal in the driving seat |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-2-blackburn-rovers-0-senderos-and-adebayor-strike-to-leave-arsenal-in-the-driving-seat-781105.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-2-blackburn-rovers-0-senderos-and-adebayor-strike-to-leave-arsenal-in-the-driving-seat-781105.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |work=The Independent |location=London |first=Sam |last=Wallace |date=12 February 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}}{{cbignore}}

The team then faced Birmingham City at St Andrew's. Shortly after kick-off, defender Martin Taylor was sent off and took no further part in the game, after his tackle on Eduardo. The player's challenge left the Arsenal striker with a broken leg; he was ruled out from action for the rest of the season.{{cite news |title=Wenger faces test to get Arsenal focused again |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/feb/25/newsstory.match |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=David |last=Lacey |date=25 February 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} James McFadden scored through a free-kick in the 28th minute, before two Theo Walcott goals in the second half put Arsenal in the lead. In stoppage time, Gaël Clichy was penalised for a foul on Stuart Parnaby in the penalty area; McFadden scored Birmingham's awarded penalty to draw the match 2–2. It prompted Gallas to throw a tantrum: he attacked an advertising board situated on the side of the pitch and rested alone on the pitch, while his players headed for the dressing room.{{cite news |title=Gallas petulance adds to Arsenal's misery |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2292559/Gallas-petulance-adds-to-Arsenals-misery.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=Roy |last=Collins |date=25 February 2008 |access-date=3 September 2013}} Wenger after the match called for a permanent football ban on tackler Taylor; he later retracted the comment.{{cite news |title=Wenger fury after Eduardo injury |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7260564.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=23 February 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012 }}

A late equaliser at home to Aston Villa preserved Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League to only a point.{{cite news |title=Stuttering Gunners must find their voice in Milan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/mar/03/match.astonvilla |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |date=3 March 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} A goalless draw at Wigan Athletic, was followed by a fourth consecutive draw in the league, at home to Middlesbrough.{{cite news |title=Gareth Southgate exposes frail Arsenal |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2294657/Gareth-Southgate-exposes-frail-Arsenal.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=David |last=Miller |date=17 March 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} On the same day, Manchester United moved above Arsenal, who recorded a 1–0 win against Derby County.{{cite news |title=Manchester Utd kept on target by Ben Foster |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2294662/Manchester-Utd-kept-on-target-by-Ben-Foster.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=Oliver |last=Brown |date=17 March 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} After Gallas missed a chance to score in the first half, Sagna put Arsenal in front, heading the ball into the goal net, from a corner in the 59th minute.{{cite news |title=Grant's switches prove there is no substitute for decisive intervention |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/mar/24/sport.sport6 |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |date=24 March 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Didier Drogba equalised for Chelsea in the 73rd minute and nine minutes later scored the winner, from a Nicolas Anelka flick-on. The result pushed Chelsea up into second place and moved Arsenal down one; both clubs were five and six points behind Manchester United respectively at the top. At the Reebok Stadium on 29 March 2008, Arsenal played Bolton Wanderers. The team went two goals down in the first half, both scored by Matthew Taylor and lost Abou Diaby, who was sent off for a foul on Grétar Steinsson.{{cite news |title=Deflected glory for depleted Arsenal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/mar/30/sport.sport3 |work=The Observer |location=London |first=Jamie |last=Jackson |date=30 March 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} The team's "dramatic" comeback however, in the form of a winning goal in stoppage time, secured their first league win at Bolton Wanderers' ground in six years.

A 1–1 draw against Liverpool in early April, sandwiched in between Champions League legs between both teams "disappointed" Wenger, who refused to concede winning the title.{{cite news |title=Wenger refuses to concede title |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7332562.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=5 April 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on 13 April 2008, however ended any realistic chance of overtaking the leaders, as United, the champions, needed two more wins to retain the title.{{cite news |title=Hargreaves caps fightback to put gritty United two wins from title |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/apr/14/sport.manchesterunited |work=The Observer |location=London |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |date=14 April 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Arsenal beat relegation-threatened Reading 2–0 the week after.{{cite news |title=Arsenal 2 Reading 0: Grandmaster Wenger lacks a piece |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-2-reading-0-grandmaster-wenger-lacks-a-piece-812703.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-2-reading-0-grandmaster-wenger-lacks-a-piece-812703.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Independent |location=London |first=Mike |last=Rowbottom |date=21 April 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}}{{cbignore}} Adebayor scored a hat-trick against Derby County on 28 April 2008, which made him the first player to score three goals, home and away against the same side in the same season.{{cite news |title=Emmanuel Adebayor Factfile |url=http://beta.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item295422/Emmanuel-Adebayor-Factfile/ |work=espnstar.com |access-date=19 October 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The win secured third place, pleasing Wenger who felt the team had a "great future – I believe we were really unlucky not to win something this year."{{cite news |title=Derby 2–6 Arsenal |first=Jonathan |last=Stevenson |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7356031.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=28 April 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Arsenal won their remaining two fixtures against Everton{{cite news |title=Arsenal 1 Everton 0: Lehmann bows out as Flamini joins Milan |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-1-everton-0-lehmann-bows-out-as-flamini-joins-milan-821183.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-1-everton-0-lehmann-bows-out-as-flamini-joins-milan-821183.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Independent |location=London |first=Conrad |last=Leach |date=5 May 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}}{{cbignore}} and Sunderland by a single goal, ending the campaign four points behind champions Manchester United.{{cite news |title=Sunderland 0–1 Arsenal |first=Mark |last=Orlovac |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7381801.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=11 May 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 1

|date = 12 August 2007

|time = 12:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2861067/first-team/arsenal-v-fulham?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Fulham

|goals1 = Van Persie {{goal|84|pen.}}
Flamini {{yel|85}}
Hleb {{goal|90}}

|goals2 = Healy {{goal|1}}
Bocanegra {{yel|59}}
Smertin {{yel|66}}
Kamara {{yel|73}}
Warner {{yel|85}}
Diop {{yel|85}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,093

|referee = Phil Dowd

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 2

|date = 19 August 2007

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Blackburn Rovers

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2873831/first-team/blackburn-rovers-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Bentley {{yel|24}}
Samba {{yel|29}}
Savage {{yel|45+2}}
Nelsen {{sent off|2|60|84}}
Dunn {{goal|72}}

|goals2 = Van Persie {{goal|18}}, {{yel|74}}
Flamini {{yel|29}}
Eduardo {{yel|65}}
Clichy {{yel|66}}

|location = Blackburn

|stadium = Ewood Park

|attendance = 24,917

|referee = Alan Wiley

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 3

|date = 25 August 2007

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2846877/first-team/arsenal-v-manchester-city?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Manchester City

|goals1 = Fàbregas {{goal|80}}

|goals2 = Hamann {{yel|17}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,114

|referee = Chris Foy

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 4

|date = 2 September 2007

|time = 13:30 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 3–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2861153/first-team/arsenal-v-portsmouth Report]

|team2 = Portsmouth

|goals1 = Adebayor {{goal|8|pen.}}
Fàbregas {{goal|35}}, {{yel|67}}
Senderos {{sentoff|0|49}}
Rosický {{goal|59}}

|goals2 = Hreiðarsson {{yel|44}}
Kanu {{yel|54}}, {{goal|60}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,114

|referee = Mark Halsey

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 5

|date = 15 September 2007

|time = 13:30 BST

|team1 = Tottenham Hotspur

|score = 1–3

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2847042/first-team/tottenham-hotspur-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Bale {{goal|15}}
Jenas {{yel|35}}
Chimbonda {{yel|45}}

|goals2 = Sagna {{yel|63}}
Adebayor {{goal|65||90+4}}
Hleb {{yel|67}}
Fàbregas {{goal|80}}

|location = London

|stadium = White Hart Lane

|attendance = 36,053

|referee = Mark Clattenburg

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 6

|date = 22 September 2007

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 5–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2847114/first-team/arsenal-v-derby?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Derby County

|goals1 = Diaby {{goal|10}}
Adebayor {{goal|25||50|pen.|79}}
Eduardo {{yel|28}}
Fàbregas {{goal|70}}

|goals2 = Lewis {{yel|39}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,122

|referee = Martin Atkinson

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 7

|date = 29 September 2007

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = West Ham United

|score = 0–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2847189/first-team/west-ham-united-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Bowyer {{yel|16}}
Noble {{yel|29}}

|goals2 = Van Persie {{goal|13}}
Flamini {{yel|58}}
Eboué {{yel|90+4}}

|location = London

|stadium = Boleyn Ground

|attendance = 34,966

|referee = Alan Wiley

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 8

|date = 7 October 2007

|time = 12:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 3–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2861223/first-team/arsenal-v-sunderland?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Sunderland

|goals1 = Van Persie {{goal|7||80}}
Senderos {{goal|14}}

|goals2 = Jones {{yel|4}}, {{goal|48}}
Wallace {{goal|25}}
Chopra {{yel|27}}
McShane {{sentoff|0|90}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,098

|referee = Rob Styles

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 9

|date = 20 October 2007

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2847375/first-team/arsenal-v-bolton-wanderers?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Bolton Wanderers

|goals1 = Fàbregas {{yel|20}}
Touré {{goal|68}}
Rosický {{goal|80}}

|goals2 = Diouf {{yel|20}}
McCann {{yel|21}}
Nolan {{yel|71}}
Davies {{yel|87}}
Campo {{yel|90+1}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 59,442

|referee = Mike Riley

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 10

|date = 28 October 2007

|time = 16:00 BST

|team1 = Liverpool

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2861251/first-team/liverpool-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Voronin {{yel|5}}
Gerrard {{goal|7}}
Mascherano {{yel|55}}
Carragher {{yel|90}}

|goals2 = Rosický {{yel|51}}
Touré {{yel|64}}
Fàbregas {{goal|80}}, {{yel|80}}

|location = Liverpool

|stadium = Anfield

|attendance = 44,122

|referee = Howard Webb

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 11

|date = 3 November 2007

|time = 12:45 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2847516/first-team/arsenal-v-manchester-united?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Manchester United

|goals1 = Fàbregas {{yel|40}}, {{goal|49}}
Gallas {{goal|90+1}}

|goals2 = Evra {{yel|16}}
Hargreaves {{yel|26}}
Gallas {{goal|45+1|o.g.}}
Ronaldo {{goal|82}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,161

|referee = Howard Webb

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 12

|date = 12 November 2007

|time = 20:00 GMT

|team1 = Reading

|score = 1–3

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2861256/first-team/reading-v-arsenal Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Gunnarsson {{yel|85}}
Shorey {{goal|87}}

|goals2 = Flamini {{goal|44}}
Adebayor {{goal|52}}
Hleb {{goal|78}}
Fàbregas {{yel|80}}

|location = Reading

|stadium = Madejski Stadium

|attendance = 24,024

|referee = Rob Styles

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 13

|date = 24 November 2007

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2847686/first-team/arsenal-v-wigan-athletic?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Wigan Athletic

|goals1 = Gallas {{yel|72}}, {{goal|83}}
Rosický {{goal|85}}

|goals2 = Brown {{yel|15}}
Granqvist {{yel|53}}
Bent {{yel|72}}
Heskey {{yel|73}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,126

|referee = Peter Walton

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 14

|date = 1 December 2007

|time = 17:15 GMT

|team1 = Aston Villa

|score = 1–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2847750/first-team/aston-villa-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Gardner {{goal|14}}
Bouma {{yel|37}}
Carew {{yel|56}}
Young {{yel|87}}

|goals2 = Flamini {{goal|23}}
Adebayor {{yel|32}}, {{goal|36}}
Gallas {{yel|55}}

|location = Birmingham

|stadium = Villa Park

|attendance = 42,018

|referee = Chris Foy

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 15

|date = 5 December 2007

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Newcastle United

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2909107/first-team/newcastle-united-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Barton {{yel|41}}
Given {{yel|59}}
S. Taylor {{goal|60}}
Beye {{yel|72}}

|goals2 = Adebayor {{goal|4}}
Diarra {{yel|45}}
Sagna {{yel|63}}

|location = Newcastle upon Tyne

|stadium = St. James' Park

|attendance = 50,305

|referee = Mike Dean

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 16

|date = 9 December 2007

|time = 13:45 GMT

|team1 = Middlesbrough

|score = 2–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2909110/first-team/middlesbrough-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Downing {{goal|4|pen.}}
O'Neil {{yel|26}}
Rochemback {{yel|57}}
Tuncay {{goal|73}}

|goals2 = Touré {{yel|50}}
Clichy {{yel|52}}
Rosický {{goal|90+5}}

|location = Middlesbrough

|stadium = Riverside Stadium

|attendance = 26,428

|referee = Howard Webb

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 17

|date = 16 December 2007

|time = 16:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2909109/first-team/arsenal-v-chelsea?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Chelsea

|goals1 =Adebayor {{yel|22}}
Eboué {{yel|35}}
Gallas {{goal|45+2}}
Flamini {{yel|63}}
Fàbregas {{yel|90+6}}

|goals2 =Terry {{yel|30}}
Lampard {{yel|30}}
J. Cole {{yel|67}}
Ben Haim {{yel|74}}
Mikel {{yel|84}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,139

|referee = Alan Wiley

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 18

|date = 22 December 2007

|time = 12:45 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2847963/first-team/arsenal-v-tottenham-hotspur?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Tottenham Hotspur

|goals1 = Gallas {{yel|38}}
Adebayor {{goal|48}}
Bendtner {{goal|76}}

|goals2 = Boateng {{yel|60}}
Berbatov {{goal|66}}, {{yel|67}}
Tainio {{yel|70}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,087

|referee = Rob Styles

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 19

|date = 26 December 2007

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Portsmouth

|score = 0–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2848035/first-team/portsmouth-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Lauren {{yel|56}}
Diop {{yel|81}}

|goals2 = Eboué {{yel|60}}

|location = Portsmouth

|stadium = Fratton Park

|attendance = 20,556

|referee = Steve Bennett

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 20

|date = 29 December 2007

|time = 17:15 GMT

|team1 = Everton

|score = 1–4

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2848100/first-team/everton-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Cahill {{goal|19}}
Arteta {{sentoff|0|84}}

|goals2 = Bendtner {{sentoff|2|24|74}}
Eduardo {{goal|47||58}}, {{yel|66}}
Clichy {{yel|68}}
Adebayor {{goal|78}}
Fàbregas {{yel|86}}
Flamini {{yel|87}}
Rosický {{goal|90+3}}

|location = Liverpool

|stadium = Goodison Park

|attendance = 39,443

|referee = Martin Atkinson

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 21

|date = 1 January 2008

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2848164/first-team/arsenal-v-west-ham-united?tab=report Report]

|team2 = West Ham United

|goals1 = Eduardo {{goal|2}}
Adebayor {{goal|18}}

|goals2 = Cole {{yel|23}}
McCartney {{yel|64}}
Noble {{yel|90+2}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = Chris Foy

|referee = 60,102

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 22

|date = 12 January 2008

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2848276/first-team/arsenal-v-birmingham-city?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Birmingham City

|goals1 = Adebayor {{goal|21|pen.}}
Hleb {{yel|55}}

|goals2 = Kapo {{yel|39}}
O'Connor {{goal|48}}
Ridgewell {{yel|55}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,037

|referee = Phil Dowd

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 23

|date = 19 January 2008

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Fulham

|score = 0–3

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2848329/first-team/fulham-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Adebayor {{goal|19||38}}
Clichy {{yel|66}}
Rosický {{goal|81}}

|location = London

|stadium = Craven Cottage

|attendance = 25,297

|referee = Peter Walton

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 24

|date = 29 January 2008

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 3–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2848439/first-team/arsenal-v-newcastle-united?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Newcastle United

|goals1 = Hleb {{yel|20}}
Adebayor {{goal|40}}
Flamini {{goal|72}}
Fàbregas {{goal|80}}

|goals2 = N'Zogbia {{yel|35}}
Owen {{yel|73}}
Caçapa {{yel|80}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,127

|referee = Mike Riley

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 25

|date = 2 February 2008

|time = 12:45 GMT

|team1 = Manchester City

|score = 1–3

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2848489/first-team/manchester-city-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Fernandes {{goal|28}}
Petrov {{yel|62}}
Elano {{yel|89}}

|goals2 = Adebayor {{goal|9||88}}
Eduardo {{goal|26}}

|location = Manchester

|stadium = City of Manchester Stadium

|attendance = 46,426

|referee = Andre Marriner

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 26

|date = 11 February 2008

|time = 20:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2928455/first-team/arsenal-v-blackburn-rovers?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Blackburn Rovers

|goals1 = Senderos {{goal|4}}
Adebayor {{goal|90+1}}
Fàbregas {{yel|90+1}}

|goals2 =

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,049

|referee = Steve Bennett

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 27

|date = 23 February 2008

|time = 12:45 GMT

|team1 = Birmingham City

|score = 2–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2848701/first-team/birmingham-city-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Taylor {{sentoff|0|3}}
McFadden {{goal|28||90+5|pen.}}

|goals2 = Walcott {{goal|50||55}}
Gallas {{yel|90+5}}
Sagna {{yel|90+5}}

|location = Birmingham

|stadium = St Andrew's

|attendance = 27,195

|referee = Mike Dean

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 28

|date = 1 March 2008

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2848774/first-team/arsenal-v-aston-villa?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Aston Villa

|goals1 = Gallas {{yel|30}}
Bendtner {{goal|90+3}}

|goals2 = Senderos {{goal|27|o.g.}}
Barry {{yel|80}}
Osbourne {{yel|90+2}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,097

|referee = Mark Clattenburg

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 29

|date = 9 March 2008

|time = 16:00 GMT

|team1 = Wigan Athletic

|score = 0–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2945362/first-team/wigan-athletic-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = King {{yel|71}}
Sibierski {{yel|76}}

|goals2 = Bendtner {{yel|25}}
Gilberto {{yel|61}}

|location = Wigan

|stadium = JJB Stadium

|attendance = 19,676

|referee = Rob Styles

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 30

|date = 15 March 2008

|time = 17:15 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2848955/first-team/arsenal-v-middlesbrough?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Middlesbrough

|goals1 = Touré {{goal|86}}
Eboué {{yel|90+5}}

|goals2 = Aliadière {{goal|25}}
Wheater {{yel|27}}
O'Neil {{yel|80}}
Mido {{sentoff|0|88}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = Mark Halsey

|referee = 60,084

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 31

|date = 23 March 2008

|time = 16:00 GMT

|team1 = Chelsea

|score = 2–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2945367/first-team/chelsea-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = J. Cole {{yel|32}}
Ballack {{yel|34}}
Drogba {{goal|72||81}} {{yel|73}}

|goals2 = Eboué {{yel|5}}
Sagna {{goal|59}}

|location = London

|stadium = Stamford Bridge

|attendance = 41,824

|referee = Mark Clattenburg

|result = l

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 32

|date = 29 March 2008

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Bolton Wanderers

|score = 2–3

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2849114/first-team/bolton-wanderers-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = M. Taylor {{goal|14||43}}
Davies {{yel|45+1}}
Diouf {{yel|54}}

|goals2 = Diaby {{sentoff|0|31}}
Fàbregas {{yel|44}}
Touré {{yel|45+1}}
Gallas {{goal|62}}
Van Persie {{goal|68|pen.}}
Samuel {{goal|90+1|o.g.}}

|location = Bolton

|stadium = Reebok Stadium

|attendance = 22,431

|referee = Chris Foy

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 33

|date = 5 April 2008

|time = 12:45 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2849180/first-team/arsenal-v-liverpool?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Liverpool

|goals1 = Bendtner {{goal|54}}
Eboué {{yel|67}}

|goals2 = Riise {{yel|30}}
Crouch {{goal|42}}
Pennant {{yel|54}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,111

|referee = Phil Dowd

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 34

|date = 13 April 2008

|time = 16:00 BST

|team1 = Manchester United

|score = 2–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2959721/first-team/manchester-united-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Brown {{yel|15}}
Ronaldo {{goal|54|pen.}}
Carrick {{yel|59}}
Hargreaves {{goal|72}}

|goals2 = van Persie {{yel|38}}
Adebayor {{goal|48}}, {{yel|63}}
Lehmann {{yel|53}}
Hleb {{yel|56}}
Gallas {{yel|59}}
Hoyte {{yel|90+5}}

|location = Manchester

|stadium = Old Trafford

|attendance = 75,985

|referee = Howard Webb

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 35

|date = 19 April 2008

|time = 12:45 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2849308/first-team/arsenal-v-reading?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Reading

|goals1 = Adebayor {{goal|30}}
Gilberto {{goal|38}}

|goals2 = Kitson {{yel|28}}
Bikey {{yel|58}}
Sonko {{yel|70}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,109

|referee = Peter Walton

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 36

|date = 28 April 2008

|time = 20:00 BST

|team1 = Derby County

|score = 2–6

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2959726/first-team/derby-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = McEveley {{goal|31}}
Earnshaw {{goal|77}}

|goals2 = Bendtner {{goal|25}}
Van Persie {{goal|39}}
Adebayor {{goal|59||81||90+1}}
Walcott {{goal|78}}

|location = Derby

|stadium = Pride Park Stadium

|attendance = 33,003

|referee = Andre Marriner

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 37

|date = 4 May 2008

|time = 13:30 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2981189/first-team/arsenal-v-everton?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Everton

|goals1 = Bendtner {{goal|77}}

|goals2 = Lescott {{yel|28}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,123

|referee = Alan Wiley

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 38

|date = 11 May 2008

|time = 15:00 BST

|team1 = Sunderland

|score = 0–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2849482/first-team/sunderland-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Collins {{yel|54}}

|goals2 = Walcott {{goal|24}}
Clichy {{yel|82}}

|location = Sunderland

|stadium = Stadium of Light

|attendance = 47,802

|referee = Keith Stroud

|result = W

}}

{{:2007–08 Premier League|showteam=ARS}}

{{Fb_rs |hw=14 |hd=5 |hl=0 |hgf=37 |hga=11 |aw=10 |ad=6 |al=3 |agf=37 |aga=20 }}

{{Fb rs footer|u=|s={{cite web |url=http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2007-2008 |title=Premier League – 2007–08 |publisher=Statto Organisation |access-date=27 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227190124/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2007-2008 |archive-date=27 December 2012 |url-status=dead}} |date=April 2013}}

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

|header=Round

|label1= Ground

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

|label2= Result

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

|label3= Position

| res3=4/7/6/2/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/2/1/1/2/2/1/1/1/1/1/1/2/3/2/3/3/3/3/3/3

|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/2007-2008 |title=Arsenal – 2007–08 |publisher=Statto Organisation |access-date=27 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324032031/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/2007-2008 |archive-date=24 March 2013 |url-status=dead}}

|date=April 2013

}}

{{main|2007–08 UEFA Champions League}}

{{main|2007–08 UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds#Third qualifying round}}

As Arsenal finished fourth in the league the previous season, the club played a qualifying round against Sparta Prague to ensure progression into the group stages. Goals from Fàbregas and Hleb in the away leg earned a 2–0 win and a 3–0 victory at home meant Arsenal qualified for a 10th successive season in the competition.{{cite news |title=Arsenal 3–0 Sparta Prague |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6964144.stm |first=Phil |last=Harlow |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=29 August 2007 |access-date=26 October 2012 }}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = First leg

|date = 15 August 2007

|time = 19:45 BST

|team1 = Sparta Prague {{flagicon|CZE}}

|score = 0–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2878261/first-team/sparta-prague-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Hušek {{yel|9}}
Kulič {{yel|17}}

|goals2 = Fàbregas {{yel|25}}, {{goal|72}}
Flamini {{yel|38}}
van Persie {{yel|45+2}}
Hleb {{goal|90+2}}

|location = Prague

|stadium = Generali Arena

|attendance = 19,586

|referee = Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain)

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Second leg

|date = 29 August 2007

|time = 19:45 BST

|team1 = Arsenal {{flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 3–0

|aggregatescore = 5–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2878277/first-team/arsenal-v-sparta-prague?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|CZE}} Sparta Prague

|goals1 = Rosický {{goal|8}}
Fàbregas {{goal|82}}
Walcott {{yel|84}}
Eduardo {{goal|89}}

|goals2 = Kulič {{yel|29}}
Řepka {{yel|51}}
Hušek {{yel|87}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 58,462

|referee = Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)

|result = W

}}

{{main|2007–08 UEFA Champions League group stage#Group H}}

File:Victory Arsenal Sevilla.jpg

The club were drawn in Group H, along with UEFA Cup holders Sevilla, Slavia Prague of the Czech Republic and Romania's Steaua București.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6968546.stm |title=Clubs learn Champions League fate |date=3 September 2007 |access-date=9 September 2012 |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation)}} Arsenal started their campaign in good stead, beating Sevilla 3–0 and followed the result with a 1–0 victory against Steaua București.{{cite news |title=Arsenal's young guns spurred on by force of Fábregas |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/sep/20/match.arsenal|work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |date=20 September 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}}{{cite news |title=Van Persie hits top gear as Gunners juggernaut rolls through Bucharest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/oct/03/match.championsleague1 |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=David |last=Hytner |date=3 October 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Against Slavia Prague at the Emirates, Arsenal equalled their best ever victory in a European competition, scoring seven goals.{{cite news |title=Electric Walcott puts Arsenal in seventh heaven |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/oct/24/match.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=David |last=Hytner |date=24 October 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Walcott, who scored his first two goals of the season in the match, earned the praise of manager Wenger: "Once Theo scored his first, you saw him much more. When they opened up the space, you could see his runs and pace, and the fact he is clinical in front of goal." Qualification into the knockout stages was ensured with a draw away to Slavia Prague on 7 November 2007.{{cite news |title=Arsenal ride their luck but make their point in a qualified success |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/nov/08/match.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Matt |last=Scott |date=8 November 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Defeat against Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium was Arsenal's first loss since April 2007, ending a run of 28 matches undefeated in all competitions.{{cite news |title=Wenger sent to the stands as Kanoute ensures Arsenal feel pain in Spain |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/nov/28/match.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=David |last=Hytner |date=28 November 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}} The result moved them down into second place, and in spite of winning their final group match against Steaua at home, Arsenal ended two points behind group winners Sevilla.{{cite news |title=Arsenal beat Steaua Bucharest but lose out |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2328353/Arsenal-beat-Steaua-Bucharest-but-lose-out.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=Martin |last=Smith |date=13 December 2007 |access-date=28 August 2012}}

{{:2007–08 UEFA Champions League group stage|transcludesection=Group H|show_matches=n|showteam=ARS}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 1

|date = 19 September 2007

|time = 19:45 BST

|team1 = Arsenal {{flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 3–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2890738/first-team/arsenal-v-sevilla?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ESP}} Sevilla

|goals1 = Fàbregas {{goal|28}}
Adebayor {{yel|49}}
Van Persie {{goal|59}}
Eduardo {{goal|90+2}}

|goals2 = Dani Alves {{yel|74}}
Keita {{yel|85}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 59,992

|referee = Peter Frojdfeldt (Sweden)

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 2

|date = 2 October 2007

|time = 20:45 CET

|team1 = Steaua București {{flagicon|ROU}}

|score = 0–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2888743/first-team/steaua-bucuresti-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Marin {{yel|18}}
Rada {{yel|32}}

|goals2 = Adebayor {{yel|15}}
Van Persie {{goal|76}}

|location = Bucharest

|stadium = Stadionul Steaua

|attendance = 12,807

|referee = Terje Hauge (Norway)

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 3

|date = 23 October 2007

|time = 19:45 BST

|team1 = Arsenal {{flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 7–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2888766/first-team/arsenal-v-slavia-prague?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|CZE}} Slavia Prague

|goals1 = Fàbregas {{goal|5||58}}
Flamini {{yel|11}}
Hubáček {{goal|24|o.g.}}
Walcott {{goal|41||55}}
Hleb {{goal|51}}, {{yel|59}}
Clichy {{yel|52}}
Bendtner {{goal|89}}

|goals2 = Volešák {{yel|71}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 59,621

|referee = Stefano Farina (Italy)

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 4

|date = 7 November 2007

|time = 20:45 CET

|team1 = Slavia Prague {{flagicon|CZE}}

|score = 0–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2888807/first-team/slavia-prague-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Tavares {{yel|41}}
Švec {{yel|47}}
Krajčík {{yel|72}}
Pudil {{yel|84}}

|goals2 = Diarra {{yel|52}}
Denílson {{yel|82}}

|location = Prague

|stadium = Stadion Evžena Rošického

|attendance = 18,000

|referee = Bertrand Layec (France)

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 5

|date = 27 November 2007

|time = 20:45 CET

|team1 = Sevilla {{flagicon|ESP}}

|score = 3–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2890752/first-team/sevilla-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Crespo {{yel|21}}
Keita {{goal|24}}, {{yel|90+1}}
Luís Fabiano {{goal|34}}
Adriano {{yel|44}}
Palop {{yel|50}}
Kanouté {{goal|89|pen.}}

|goals2 = Eduardo {{goal|11}}
Hoyte {{yel|44}}
Denílson {{yel|50}}

|location = Seville

|stadium = Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium

|attendance = 35,529

|referee = Eric Braamhaar (Netherlands)

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 6

|date = 12 December 2007

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal {{flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 2–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2888783/first-team/arsenal-v-steaua-bucuresti?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ROU}} Steaua București

|goals1 = Diaby {{goal|8}}
Bendtner {{yel|39}}, {{goal|42}}

|goals2 = Neaga {{yel|38}}
Zaharia {{goal|68}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 59,786

|referee = Yuri Baskakov (Russia)

|result = W

}}

{{main|2007–08 UEFA Champions League knockout stage}}

Arsenal was drawn against Champions League holders Milan in the knockout stages. In the first leg, Arsenal was held to a draw at home, with their best chance of winning the match coming in stoppage time; Adebayor headed the ball against the crossbar.{{cite news |title=Arsenal 0–0 AC Milan |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7250337.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=20 February 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} A week later at the San Siro, the team produced a performance "with style, intelligence and discipline", to win the match by two goals to nil.{{cite news |title=Cesc Fabregas puts Arsenal into quarter-finals |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/henrywinter/2293530/Cesc-Fabregas-puts-Arsenal-into-quarter-finals.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first=Henry |last=Winter |date=5 March 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} In doing so, they progressed into the last eight and became the first English team to beat Milan, away from home.

{{Football box collapsible

|round = First leg

|date = 20 February 2008

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal {{flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 0–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2933249/first-team/arsenal-v-ac-milan?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ITA}} Milan

|goals1 = Senderos {{yel|70}}
Eboué {{yel|81}}

|goals2 = Pato {{yel|33}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,082

|referee = Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark)

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Second leg

|date = 4 March 2008

|time = 20:45 CET

|team1 = Milan {{flagicon|ITA}}

|score = 0–2

|aggregatescore = 0–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2933253/first-team/ac-milan-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Inzaghi {{yel|55}}
Kaká {{yel|80}}
Pirlo {{yel|85}}

|goals2 = Hleb {{yel|33}}
Eboué {{yel|56}}
Clichy {{yel|72}}
Fàbregas {{goal|84}}
Adebayor {{goal|90+2}}

|location = Milan

|stadium = San Siro

|attendance = 81,879

|referee = Konrad Plautz (Austria)

|result = W

}}

In the quarter-finals, Arsenal played against fellow English club Liverpool, with the first leg at home. The two matches were played either side of a Premier League match between the two sides. Adebayor scored the first goal – he headed the ball from a corner, before Dirk Kuyt equalised three minutes later. Arsenal had a strong penalty appeal harshly turned down after Kuyt seemingly pulled Alexander Hleb in the penalty box and missed a chance to score a second goal, had Bendtner not managed to inadvertently clear Fàbregas' strike.{{cite news |title=Touch of Kuyt keeps tie in the balance but Arsenal mourn Bendtner's bungle |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/apr/03/sport.arsenal |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |date=3 April 2008 |access-date=10 January 2013 }} In the return leg at Anfield, Arsenal made the better start of the two teams and took the lead when Diaby scored from a tight angle in the 13th minute.{{cite news |title=Cool Gerrard breaks Arsenal hearts |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/apr/09/sport.arsenal |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |date=9 April 2008 |access-date=18 February 2013}} Sami Hyypiä equalised from a header before Fernando Torres received a long pass and swivelled to shoot the ball with his right foot, sending it into the top-left hand corner of Arsenal's goal. With five minutes remaining of the second half, substitute Walcott "covered some 80 yards at pace" to get past the Liverpool defenders and passed the ball for Adebayor, in the middle of the pitch to score. Touré moments after was adjudged to have fouled Ryan Babel and conceded a penalty kick; Gerrard converted the ball into the net to make the scoreline 4–3 on aggregate. In stoppage time Babel scored Liverpool's fourth, meaning they faced Chelsea in the semi-finals. Wenger in his post-match news conference questioned the "dodgy decision" to give Liverpool a penalty and commented the defeat was "not down to mental strength ... It was down to a lack of experience defensively."{{cite news |title=Angry Wenger says 'dodgy' penalty handed victory to Liverpool |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/apr/09/newsstory.sport7 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |first=Dominic |last=Fifield |date=9 April 2008 |access-date=18 February 2013}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = First leg

|date = 2 April 2008

|time = 19:45 BST

|team1 = Arsenal {{flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2969267/first-team/arsenal-v-liverpool?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Liverpool

|goals1 = Adebayor {{goal|23}}

|goals2 = Kuyt {{goal|26}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,041

|referee = Pieter Vink (Netherlands)

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Second leg

|date = 8 April 2008

|time = 19:45 BST

|team1 = Liverpool {{flagicon|ENG}}

|score = 4–2

|aggregatescore = 5–3

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2969486/first-team/liverpool-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = {{flagicon|ENG}} Arsenal

|goals1 = Hyypiä {{goal|30}}
Torres {{goal|69}}
Gerrard {{goal|85|pen.}}
Babel {{goal|90+2}}

|goals2 = Diaby {{goal|13}}
Senderos {{yel|17}}
Adebayor {{goal|84}}
Touré {{yel|85}}

|location = Liverpool

|stadium = Anfield

|attendance = 41,985

|referee = Peter Frojdfeldt (Sweden)

|result = L

}}

{{main|2007–08 FA Cup}}

Arsenal entered the FA Cup in the third round, where they were drawn to play Championship opposition Burnley. Goals from Eduardo and Bendtner, in either half of the match ensured victory for a "second-string" team.{{cite news |title=Eduardo's hot streak helps Arsenal see off brave Burnley |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jan/07/match.arsenal |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Daniel |last=Taylor|date=7 January 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} Against Newcastle United a fortnight later, a 3–0 victory meant Arsenal progressed into the fifth round, where they faced Manchester United away.{{cite news |title=United to renew Arsenal rivalry in fifth-round face-off |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jan/28/newsstory |work=guardian.co.uk |first=Richard |last=Aikman |date=28 January 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}} The match played on 16 February 2008, ended in a "embarrassingly one-sided victory" for the home team; defender Emmanuel Eboué was notably dismissed for a high challenge on Patrice Evra.{{cite news |title=Rooney goes on the rampage to frighten the life out of Arsenal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/feb/17/match.arsenal |work=The Observer |location=London |first=Kevin |last=Mitchell |date=17 February 2008 |access-date=28 August 2012}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Third round

|date = 6 January 2008

|time = 14:00 GMT

|team1 = Burnley

|score = 0–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2926940/first-team/burnley-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Lafferty {{sentoff|0|60}}
Caldwell {{yel|86}}

|goals2 = Eduardo {{goal|7}}
Bendtner {{goal|75}}

|location = Burnley

|stadium = Turf Moor

|attendance = 16,709

|referee = Alan Wiley

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Fourth round

|date = 26 January 2008

|time = 15:00 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 3–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2940775/first-team/arsenal-v-newcastle-united?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Newcastle United

|goals1 = Adebayor {{goal|51||83}}
Butt {{goal|89|o.g.}}

|goals2 = Caçapa {{yel|75}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,046

|referee = Martin Atkinson

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Fifth round

|date = 16 February 2008

|time = 17:15 GMT

|team1 = Manchester United

|score = 4–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2946264/first-team/manchester-united-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Rooney {{goal|16}}
Fletcher {{goal|20||74}}
Nani {{goal|38}}

|goals2 =

|location = Manchester

|stadium = Old Trafford

|attendance = 75,550

|referee = Alan Wiley

|result = L

}}

{{main|2007–08 Football League Cup}}

Arsenal began their League Cup campaign in the third round, drawn at home to Newcastle United.{{cite news |title=Arsenal to host Newcastle in cup |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/6973938.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=18 September 2007 |access-date=11 February 2013}} They made nine changes from the previous starting XI – Eduardo paired up with Bendtner in the front two.{{cite news |title=Arsenal 2–0 Newcastle |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/7008002.stm |first=Saj |last=Chowdhury |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=25 September 2007 |access-date=11 February 2013}} Bendtner scored the opening goal seven minutes from the end of normal time; Denílson added a second goal to ensure Arsenal's progression. Fourth-round opponents Sheffield United were easier to defeat, with Eduardo scoring a brace (two goals).{{cite news |title=Eduardo's quality cuts through Blades as fans turn on Robson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/nov/01/match.arsenal |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |first=Louise |last=Taylor |date=1 November 2007 |access-date=17 February 2013}} The quarter-final pitted Arsenal away to Blackburn Rovers, in a match played on 18 December 2007. Diaby gave Arsenal the lead with a volley after six minutes and Eduardo extended the lead, before Roque Santa Cruz pulled a goal back for Blackburn, three minutes from the end of the first half.{{cite news |title=Eduardo strikes to send 10-man Arsenal through |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/dec/19/match.arsenal |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |first=Andy |last=Hunter |date=19 December 2007 |access-date=17 February 2013}} Santa Cruz scored the equaliser and his second of the match, heading in a cross by David Bentley. In stoppage time, Denílson was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Dunn. In spite of playing with one less player, Arsenal regained the lead. Alex Song passed the ball to Eduardo, who held off his opponent Ryan Nelsen and with minimal effort placed it past Brad Friedel. The performance prompted Wenger to assert that his team could win the cup,{{cite news |title=Youngsters can win cup – Wenger |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/7151131.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=18 December 2007 |access-date=11 February 2013}} while opposing manager Mark Hughes commented that Arsenal's blend of young players were capable of following in the footsteps of Manchester United's fledglings, managed by Alex Ferguson.{{cite news |title=Arsenal kids have mindset of Manchester United's class of '92, says Mark Hughes |url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/article2273173.ece |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200226121302/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/article2273173.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 February 2020 |work=The Times |location=London |first=James |last=Ducker |date=20 December 2007 |access-date=17 February 2013}} {{subscription required}}

Arsenal was drawn against Tottenham Hotspur in the two-legged semifinal. In the first leg, at the Emirates, Arsenal scored a late equaliser to even the tie at 1–1.{{cite news |title=Arsenal 1–1 Tottenham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/7172903.stm |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=9 January 2008 |access-date=18 February 2013}} However, a 5–1 victory for Tottenham in the return leg meant it was their first victory over their north London rivals in nine years.{{cite news |title=Tottenham 5–1 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/7197913.stm |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=22 January 2008 |access-date=18 February 2013}} Wenger after the game defended his policy to play a young side, adding: "The only regret I have is to have played the players who should not have played."{{cite news |title=Ramos praise for 'perfect' Spurs |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/7201183.stm |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation) |date=22 January 2008 |access-date=18 February 2013}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Third round

|date = 25 September 2007

|time = 19:45 BST

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 2–0

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2889420/first-team/arsenal-v-newcastle-united?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Newcastle United

|goals1 = Bendtner {{goal|83}}
Denílson {{goal|89}}

|goals2 =

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 60,004

|referee = Howard Webb

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Fourth round

|date = 31 October 2007

|time = 19:45 BST

|team1 = Sheffield United

|score = 0–3

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2906259/first-team/sheff-utd-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Eduardo {{goal|8||50}}
Denílson {{goal|69}}

|location = Sheffield

|stadium = Bramall Lane

|attendance = Mike Dean

|referee = 16,971

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Fifth round

|date = 18 December 2007

|time = 20:00 GMT

|team1 = Blackburn Rovers

|score = 2–3

|aet = yes

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2916926/first-team/blackburn-rovers-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Santa Cruz {{goal|42||60}}

|goals2 = Diaby {{goal|6}}
Eduardo {{goal|29||104}}

|location = Blackburn

|stadium = Ewood Park

|attendance = 16,207

|referee = Mike Riley

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Semi-final, first leg

|date = 9 January 2008

|time = 19:45 GMT

|team1 = Arsenal

|score = 1–1

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2933243/first-team/arsenal-v-tottenham-hotspur?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Tottenham Hotspur

|goals1 = Walcott {{goal|79}}

|goals2 = Jenas {{goal|37}}

|location = London

|stadium = Emirates Stadium

|attendance = 53,136

|referee = Mike Dean

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = Semi-final, second leg

|date = 22 January 2008

|time = 20:00 GMT

|team1 = Tottenham Hotspur

|score = 5–1

|aggregatescore = 6–2

|report = [http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/2933050/first-team/tottenham-hotspur-v-arsenal?tab=report Report]

|team2 = Arsenal

|goals1 = Jenas {{goal|3}}, {{yel|72}}
Malbranque {{yel|20}}, {{goal|90+4}}
Bendtner {{goal|27|o.g.}}
Keane {{goal|48}}
Lennon {{goal|60}}

|goals2 = Hoyte {{yel|62}}
Adebayor {{goal|70}}, {{yel|74}}

|location = London

|stadium = White Hart Lane

|attendance = 35,979

|referee = Howard Webb

|result = L

}}

{{Efs start|Premier League|FA Cup|League Cup|Champions League}}

{{Efs player|no=1|name=Jens Lehmann|pos=GK|nat=GER |6+1|0|3|0|0|0|3|0}}

{{Efs player|no=2|name=Abou Diaby|pos=MF|nat=FRA |9+6|1|2|0|4+1|1|5+1|2}}

{{Efs player|no=3|name=Bacary Sagna|pos=DF|nat=FRA |29|1|1|0|1+1|0|7+1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=4|name=Cesc Fàbregas|pos=MF|nat=ESP |32|7|2|0|0+1|0|9+1|6}}

{{Efs player|no=5|name=Kolo Touré|pos=DF|nat=CIV |29+1|2|2|0|0|0|9|0}}

{{Efs player|no=6|name=Philippe Senderos|pos=DF|nat=SUI |14+3|2|2+1|0|3|0|8+1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=7|name=Tomáš Rosický|pos=MF|nat=CZE |15+3|6|1|0|0|0|3+2|1}}

{{Efs player|no=8|name=Lassana Diarra|pos=MF|nat=FRA |4+3|0|0|0|3|0|1+2|0}}

{{Efs player|no=9|name=Eduardo|pos=FW|nat=CRO |13+4|4|2+1|1|3+2|4|4+2|3}}

{{Efs player|no=10|name=William Gallas|pos=DF|nat=FRA |31|4|2|0|1|0|8|0}}

{{Efs player|no=11|name=Robin van Persie|pos=FW|nat=NED |13+2|7|0|0|1|0|6+1|2}}

{{Efs player|no=13|name=Alexander Hleb|pos=MF|nat=BLR |29+2|2|1+1|0|1|0|8|2}}

{{Efs player|no=15|name=Denílson|pos=MF|nat=BRA |4+9|0|1|0|5|2|3+1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=16|name=Mathieu Flamini|pos=MF|nat=FRA |30|3|1+1|0|0|0|8|0}}

{{Efs player|no=17|name=Alex Song|pos=DM|nat=CMR |5+4|0|0|0|3|0|2+1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=19|name=Gilberto Silva|pos=MF|nat=BRA |12+11|1|2+1|0|3|0|3+4|0}}

{{Efs player|no=20|name=Johan Djourou|pos=DF|nat=SUI |1+1|0|0|0|1|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=21|name=Łukasz Fabiański|pos=GK|nat=POL |3|0|0|0|5|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=22|name=Gaël Clichy|pos=DF|nat=FRA |37+1|0|1|0|0|0|10|0}}

{{Efs player|no=24|name=Manuel Almunia|pos=GK|nat=ESP |29|0|0|0|0|0|9|0}}

{{Efs player|no=25|name=Emmanuel Adebayor|pos=FW|nat=TOG |32+4|24|1+1|2|0+1|1|7+2|3}}

{{Efs player|no=26|name=Nicklas Bendtner|pos=FW|nat=DEN |7+20|5|2|1|5|1|3+3|2}}

{{Efs player|no=27|name=Emmanuel Eboué|pos=DF|nat=CIV |20+3|0|2|0|1|0|8+2|0}}

{{Efs player|no=30|name=Armand Traoré|pos=DF|nat=FRA |1+2|0|2|0|4|0|2|0}}

{{Efs player|no=31|name=Justin Hoyte|pos=DF|nat=ENG |2+3|0|2+1|0|5|0|2|0}}

{{Efs player|no=32|name=Theo Walcott|pos=FW|nat=ENG |11+14|4|1|0|4|1|4+5|2}}

{{Efs player|no=33|name=Matthew Connolly|pos=DF|nat=ENG |0|0|0|0|1+1|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=34|name=Kieran Gibbs|pos=DF|nat=ENG |0|0|0|0|1+1|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=36|name=Mark Randall|pos=MF|nat=ENG |0+1|0|0|0|1+1|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=39|name=Henri Lansbury|pos=MF|nat=ENG |0|0|0|0|0+1|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=40|name=Vito Mannone|pos=GK|nat=ITA |0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=42|name=Fran Mérida|pos=MF|nat=ESP |0|0|0|0|0+3|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=43|name=Nacer Barazite|pos=MF|nat=NED |0|0|0|0|0+2|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=46|name=Kerrea Gilbert|pos=DF|nat=ENG |0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0}}

|}

[L] – Out on loan, [S] – Sold

Source:{{cite web |title=First Team Stats |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/first-team-stats?season=2007-2008 |work=Arsenal.com |publisher=Arsenal Football Club |access-date=26 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904192048/http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/first-team-stats?season=2007-2008 |archive-date=4 September 2009 |url-status=dead}}

{{Portal|English football}}

• 2007–08 in English football
• List of Arsenal F.C. seasons

{{reflist}}

{{Arsenal F.C. seasons}}

{{2007–08 in English football}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2007-08 Arsenal F.C. season}}

2007-08

ars