Arsène Wenger Part 4: Arsenal's 1998 Double, French Football’s Rise, and Changing English Football

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper conclude their series on Arsène Wenger’s arrival in English football by focusing on his first full season at Arsenal (1997-98), when early doubts, draws, and a UEFA Cup exit gave way to a transformative run to the league and FA Cup double. They discuss how Wenger blended George Graham’s defensive core with signings like Petit and Overmars, and how his pioneering approach to nutrition, recovery, psychology, and scouting created a decisive late-season fitness edge—highlighted by the 1-0 win at Old Trafford that ignited a near-flawless finish. The episode relives the title-clinching 4-0 over Everton capped by Tony Adams’ iconic goal, reflects on Gary Neville’s view of the ’98 side as Arsenal’s toughest, and argues Wenger’s broader legacy in accelerating sports science, data, recruitment, and acceptance of foreign managers in the Premier League. 00:00 Wenger’s Defining Year 00:25 Setting the 97-98 Focus 02:14 New Signings Take Shape 03:28 Sizing Up the Rivals 05:48 Pints and Culture Clash 07:04 Sports Science Revolution 08:34 Psychology and Red to Blue 12:17 Scouting and Club Foundations 15:55 France Ascendant and Clairefontaine 19:28 Family Life and Early Stumbles 24:42 Neville on the 98 Arsenal 26:48 Bergkamp Magic and the Unbeaten Run 28:11 Relentless Run In 30:08 Old Trafford Turning Point 34:36 Title Clincher Everton 35:29 Adams and Bould Magic 38:40 Wenger Emotion Legacy 40:55 Cup Final Newcastle 45:05 World Cup Echoes 46:12 Changing English Football 51:27 Foreign Manager Boom 55:08 Wrap Up and Thanks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.