The 2002-03 English Premier League title was gained by Manchester United who, after surrendering their crown to Arsenal the earlier season, relied on the brilliance of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Paul Scholes as an attacking tandem to place the Gunners again of their place.
Arsenal have been robust sufficient to push United into the closing weeks of the season, however Sir Alex Ferguson’s aspect held on to complete on 83 factors.
CHANGES
There was one switch that dwarfed all others within the 2002 switch window – Manchester United’s seize of Rio Ferdinand from Leeds for a price of £30m, the document, on the time, for a defender.
It was United’s solely piece of significant enterprise nevertheless it was an announcement of intent from Sir Alex Ferguson to kind out the defence that had confirmed so porous the season prior.
Ferdinand’s departure from Leeds was certainly one of many in what proved to be a mass exodus on monetary grounds at Elland Street. The membership had spent past their means for too lengthy, and prize belongings have been stripped and offered so as to be sure that the membership may proceed. Becoming a member of Ferdinand on the exit door was Jonathan Woodgate, who moved to Newcastle, whereas document signing Robbie Fowler went to Manchester Metropolis.
Different stalwarts of the aspect that had been so thrilling to look at over the previous few seasons exited, too; Lee Bowyer was offloaded to West Ham, Olivier Dacourt to Roma and Robbie Keane despatched to Tottenham. It might show to be the start of the tip for Leeds as a top-flight drive.
Elsewhere Liverpool gambled on World Cup performances translating to the Premier League, snapping up Senegalese duo El Hadji Diouf and Salif Diao for a mixed £14m, whereas newly-promoted Manchester Metropolis, not content material with simply Fowler, spent an enormous £13m on Nicolas Anelka from Paris Saint-Germain as they sought to realize a foothold within the prime division. Newcastle additionally made a big buy, spending £11m on the highly-regarded Portuguese winger Hugo Viana.
Becoming a member of Metropolis from the division under have been West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham Metropolis, who turned heads mid-season by bringing in World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry.
SEASON SUMMARY
Whereas Arsenal began the 2002-03 season with consistency, extending their good kind from the earlier 12 months into the brand new marketing campaign, United’s performances have been patchy at finest. An entertaining 2-2 draw away at Chelsea was adopted by underachievement in losses to Bolton at dwelling after which away to Leeds, each through a 1-0 scoreline. After the primary three months of the marketing campaign it was the shocking Liverpool that have been out in entrance, unbeaten and a full eight factors away from United even at that early stage.
However Ferguson’s determination to push Paul Scholes additional ahead to, in impact, associate Ruud van Nistelrooy in assault started to bear fruit and the victories adopted. Sensible wins over Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal put United again on monitor and, although they have been disappointing in losses to Blackburn and Middlesbrough, the items have been starting to fall into place. After the Boro sport United didn’t lose once more in all the season.
Liverpool, in the meantime, collapsed disastrously after promising a lot. They did not win a match in 11 makes an attempt spanning November by means of to January, baffling coach Gerard Houllier, who tried varied line-up modifications to little impact.
Arsenal’s bid to seek out Manchester United was not hindered by an absence of objectives; their 85 in 38 video games was the perfect within the league and Thierry Henry was in imperious kind. Their downside was with the ability to keep away from the dreaded attracts. Three within the area of 4 matches in April, together with in a incredible 2-2 with United at Highbury, left them three factors behind United with a sport in hand because the season reached its climax.
I used to be stunned individuals had their doubts – I knew we’d have our essential gamers again for the principle a part of the season. I by no means doubt United. I do know (the gamers’) capabilities. If you find yourself with a bunch for a very long time you realize them.Sir Alex Ferguson
Arsenal then surrendered a two-goal lead away at Bolton, handing United the initiative after they have been capable of defeat Blackburn and Tottenham. Then relegation-threatened Leeds arrived at Highbury and Arsenal needed to win or else United can be topped champions. Leeds, everlasting native rivals of United, recorded a surprising 3-2 victory, with Mark Viduka’s 88th-minute winner sparking scenes of jubilation in pubs and houses throughout Manchester.
The highest 4 was solidified at Stamford Bridge on the ultimate day of the marketing campaign in a take-all match between Chelsea and Liverpool, the victor clinching the fourth and remaining Champions League spot. Liverpool solely required a draw however the Blues got here from behind to win 2-1 and, legend has it, catch the attention of potential proprietor Roman Abramovich. Comfy in third place have been Newcastle, who have been troublesome to beat and good to look at underneath the previous grasp, Sir Bobby Robson.
On the backside, Sunderland gained simply 4 occasions in one more season to neglect, and so they have been relegated alongside West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United, who went down regardless of amassing 42 factors.
AWARDS
PLAYER OF THE SEASON
RUUD VAN NISTELROOY
The Dutchman’s penalty field predatory instincts proved to be the difference-maker in so many shut encounters.
MANAGER OF THE SEASON
SIR ALEX FERGUSON
An eighth title for the Scot, who masterminded an excellent second half of the marketing campaign so as to hold Arsenal at bay.
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON
JERMAINE JENAS
The box-to-box midfielder was a key part of Newcastle’s wonderful third-placed end within the desk.
TOP GOALSCORER
RUUD VAN NISTELROOY – 25 GOALS
Van Nistelrooy struck 25 occasions, yet another than Thierry Henry, to safe the Premier League title for his crew.
TEAM OF THE SEASON
GOAL OF THE SEASON
THIERRY HENRY ran virtually all the size of the pitch to attain one of many nice particular person objectives in opposition to Tottenham at Highbury.
MOST EXPENSIVE TRANSFER
Rio Ferdinand
Leeds to MANCHESTER UNITED
£30m
KEY MOMENT OF THE SEASON
Arsenal have been nonetheless critically within the hunt once they went to Bolton and, with a 2-0 lead on the board and the factors nearly sealed, they capitulated to attract 2-2 and hand United the impetus, from which they took full benefit.
