12/21/24
August 26, 2004
Clough salutes Arsenal's achievement: Between 1977 and 1979, Nottingham Forest went a record 42 games unbeaten in the English league. On Wednesday, Arsenal surpassed that record, when they beat Middlesbrough 3-0. Over the last 43 games, Arsenal, traditionally known for dour 1-0 games, have shown an attacking excellence that I've never seen before in the English game. Are they the best ever (in England) or do they need to lift the Champions League first before we can crown them?
The best three attacking sides I've seen are the current Arsenal side, Man United in 94, and Liverpool in 88.
posted by dng at 06:05 PM on August 26, 2004
I've been watching English league football for the last three decades, and this Arsenal side is the best team I have ever seen. I pity the fool who comes up against them.
posted by squealy at 06:31 PM on August 26, 2004
It would have been quite the coincidence if the Arse had beaten Cloughie's record last Sunday. But no. (We were 3-1 up, as well. Gah.) We lost 4-0 to Arsenal at home on the first day of the season last year, and we were actually chatting and laughing with the away fans on the way out, because it wasn't so bad, really: 'You're going to win the title, obviously.' It was like taking your medicine before everyone else. We were so completely outplayed, in a way that was exhilarating to watch. The speed, and the ability to run off the ball, is unmatched.
posted by etagloh at 09:11 PM on August 26, 2004
Wouldn't they need to win a little more silverware to claim the best ever title? Like ManU in '99, for instance.
posted by billsaysthis at 10:05 PM on August 26, 2004
Actually, Nottingham Forest didn't win all that much silverware either - one league championship and two European Cups. In terms of actual trophies won, the current Arsenal are way ahead. It's just that the European Cup/Champions League is the biggie and Arsenal always seem to fall a bit short. From what I've seen this year, Arsenal are a better attacking side than ever.
posted by salmacis at 03:25 AM on August 27, 2004
D'oh! Blackburn, not Boro! They equalled the record with a 5-3 win against Boro that showed the Gunners' attacking potential at it's best.