Arsenal 2004-2005 Season

Wenger guided Arsenal through another strong campaign, finishing 2nd in the Premier League and lifting the FA Cup. His faith in youth was evident in the emergence of players like Fàbregas and Van Persie, while maintaining the attacking style that defined his era.

Lehmann featured in 41 matches across all competitions, keeping consistency in goal through the Premier League and FA Cup campaigns. He played every minute of Arsenal’s FA Cup run, culminating in a shootout victory in the final against Manchester United. Though he faced rotation later on, his reliability was key to maintaining defensive stability.

Almunia appeared 16 times, mostly in domestic cups and the Champions League. He shared goalkeeping duties with Lehmann and featured prominently in the FA Cup journey.

Campbell battled injuries but still contributed 21 appearances and 1 goal, maintaining authority at the back. His leadership in big matches, particularly in the Champions League, was essential to Arsenal’s defensive resilience.

Clichy played 24 matches across competitions, offering energy and depth when rotating with Ashley Cole. His solid displays at left-back showed his growing potential under Wenger.

Cole had a superb season, making 46 appearances and scoring 2 goals, including crucial league strikes. His overlapping runs and defensive commitment made him one of the best left-backs in Europe. He also contributed heavily in the Champions League, starting in all major ties.

Lauren was consistent at right-back, featuring in 45 matches and scoring once. His blend of aggression and discipline was crucial in Arsenal’s defensive setup, particularly in the club’s FA Cup success.

Touré was Arsenal’s most-used player with 50 appearances, scoring once. His pace, commitment, and reliability made him indispensable in both Premier League and Champions League campaigns.

Edu featured 18 times, scoring 2 goals before leaving at the end of the season. His calm passing and midfield balance were important in rotation, especially in the FA Cup and Champions League.

At just 17, Fabregas broke through with 46 appearances and 3 goals across competitions. His maturity, technical skill, and composure made him a regular in both domestic and European fixtures, marking the start of his brilliant Arsenal career.

Returning from injury, Gilberto made 17 appearances, scoring once. His presence provided defensive security and allowed creative players to flourish. He was a quiet but vital influence in Arsenal’s midfield.

Ljungberg hit form again, scoring 14 goals in 38 total appearances. His clever movement and timing of runs added a sharp edge to Arsenal’s attack, and he was instrumental in the FA Cup and Champions League campaigns.

Pirès contributed 17 goals in 37 starts and 10 substitute appearances, showing his trademark composure and finishing. He was pivotal in the Premier League and added important strikes in Europe, blending flair with end product during one of his most productive seasons.

Arsenal’s captain played 44 matches, scoring 7 goals in all competitions. His leadership defined the team, and he famously scored the winning penalty in the FA Cup Final his last kick as an Arsenal player before joining Juventus. Vieira’s dominance in midfield was unmatched throughout the season.

Limited by injuries, Aliadière had minimal first-team action. He made a handful of appearances in cup competitions before later going out on loan.

In 38 appearances, Bergkamp scored 8 goals and provided his trademark creativity. His vision and link-up play with Henry remained vital, even as he entered the twilight of his career. He played an influential role in both league and FA Cup competitions.

Henry was again Arsenal’s talisman, netting 30 goals in 42 appearances. He finished as the Premier League’s top scorer, delivering numerous match-winning performances. Though injury kept him out of the FA Cup Final, he remained the heartbeat of Wenger’s side.

Reyes made 39 appearances, scoring 12 goals, including decisive moments in domestic and European matches. His pace and flair brought unpredictability to the front line, and he adapted impressively to English football in his first full season.

Van Persie enjoyed a strong debut campaign, scoring 10 goals in 41 total appearances across all competitions. His performances in the FA Cup, including key goals, hinted at the future star he would become.