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Publish Date: Sunday May 10, 2020 9:53 AM
Another blast from the past, here are the headliners of the 2002/03 Premier League season …
Goalkeeper: Peter Schmeichel
Legendary former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel joined Manchester City’s rivals in the 2002/03 Premier League campaign, both in its final season and on Maine Road in professional football. Schmeichel’s record in the Manchester derby was exemplary, as he never lost a game against City while playing for United. The Danish hero continued the tradition in the colors of the city, beating United 3-1 in the final derby in what had been his home for 80 years. Tragically, Marc Vivien Foe, one of the City players in that match, died in the summer of 2003 while playing for Cameroon.
Right-Back: Jason McAteer
After narrowly escaping relegation in the 2001/02 season, Sunderland fans expected the 2002/03 season to be much less stressful. It was, but for all the wrong reasons. Jason McAteer scored a winning goal for Sunderland’s game against Leeds United on Elland Road earlier in the season, with the victory giving fans false hope. That result turned out to be the first of just four wins in a disastrous campaign, as they lost all games from mid-January to the end of the season. There was to be no late drama as it became apparent that Sunderland was dead and buried long before his fate was confirmed in mid-April.
Central Back: Sami Hyypia
One of Sunderland’s four wins was a surprising victory in December over a Liverpool team that had led the table the previous month. A sad Christmas period saw Gerard Houllier’s team lag behind in the title race, although they managed to lift the League Cup in the new year as Sami Hyypia claimed victory over Manchester United’s fierce rival in the final. However, the Red Devils took revenge with a 4-0 win in April, with Hyypia sent off in the early stages. The result damaged the Merseyside club’s top four prospects and left them needing a positive result against Chelsea on the final day of the season to secure the Champions League qualification. Hyypia put Liverpool ahead in the game, but Chelsea changed the game to leave the Reds in a disappointing fifth place.
Center-back: Rio Ferdinand
After joining Leeds United for a record fee in the 2001/02 season, Rio Ferdinand made another great transfer before the 2002/03 season. Manchester United spent a lot on the London-born defender, as Leeds desperately needed the money after going into debt. The lack of Champions League football on Elland Road made player sales essential to keep the club afloat as it Irish legend Robbie Keane, Lee Bowyer, Jonathan Woodgate and Merseyside hero Robbie Fowler were sold alongside Ferdinand. The Red Devils’ new central star helped his team to the league’s best defensive record on the way to another title.
Left back: Ian Harte
Left back Ian Harte was one of the Leeds players who stayed on Elland Road, and the Irishman played a major role in keeping his side in the division. Leeds battled relegation throughout the season and with two games to go, it seemed like a team that hadn’t arrived for long a semifinal of the Champions League could well face the fall. Harte scored in a surprise victory over Arsenal in the penultimate game of the season, bringing safety closer to his side while ending the Gunners’ dreams. He was on the scoreboard again on the last day of the season, scoring the opening goal against Aston Villa when Leeds found a way just in time to secure his Premier League status for another year.
Right: David Beckham
in 2002 the iconic David Beckham had become one of the few footballers who transcend sport, his familiar name in all corners of the world. His celebrity status was not to the liking of Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, with the legendary manager kicking a boot into Beckham’s face during a row. The two continued to work together until the end of the season, with their efforts guiding United to a Premier League title. However, the Scottish coach felt that Brand Beckham was overshadowing affairs on the field at Old Trafford and that the England captain left for Real Madrid in the summer of 2003.
Central midfield: Jermaine Jenas
The 2002/03 season was the last season in which Newcastle United finished in the top three to date, although that could change in the future if the new owners spend a lot. Bobby Robson had stabilized the club and with Geordie Alan Shearer legend finding the net regularly, the Magpies mounted a title challenge. J-Team Midfielder Jermaine Jenas also had a good season, as the teenager performed safely and scored vital goals, including a winner against future club Tottenham. Jenas was named PFA Young Player of the Year at the end of the season, but Manchester United emphatically beat his team’s title bid in mid-April. Jenas scored the first goal in a 6-2 loss.
Central midfield: Jay-Jay Okocha
Skillful midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha was one of the most famous names in world football in the late 90s and early 200s, spending most of his time linked to a host of front-line teams. Surprisingly, he signed for Premier League fighters Bolton Wanderers in 2002 and he became a cult hero. His crucial winning goal against Middlesbrough on the last day of the season ensured that the Trotters finished 17th and stayed awake. Bolton’s victory also resulted in a shocking relegation for a talented West Ham team that included Paolo Di Canio, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, David James, Glen Johnson and golden oldie Nigel Winterburn.
Left: Jesper Gronkjaer
Jesper Gronkjaer may not have been the most famous name on Chelsea’s cosmopolitan team at the time, but he scored one of the most vital goals in his history at the end of the 2002/03 season. The Blues played Liverpool in May in a direct shootout between the two sides for fourth place. Gronkjaer scored the winning goal to secure Chelsea’s Champions League qualification, prompting Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich to buy the club six weeks later. Great things were brewing at Stamford Bridge.
Forward: Wayne Rooney
After years of turmoil in the Premier League, Everton finally had a season to rejoice in in the 2002/03 season, especially after the debut of teen sensation Wayne Rooney. The local boy scored a famous goal against reigning champion Arsenal, becoming the youngest scorer in the Premier League at the time. He continued to impress the Toffees throughout the season as he helped the team reach seventh place. Its shape led to a call to England and it became the youngest player in the country in February 2003.
Forward: Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry continued to produce the products for Arsenal in the 2002/03 season, and the influential striker was named PFA Player of the Year. The Frenchman scored a wonderful goal against the Spurs and scored twice against Manchester United in the biggest game of the season in mid-April. The 2-2 draw gave Arsenal the lead in the title race, with the Gunners three points behind United, but with a game in hand and a superior goal difference. Henry scored in the following game against Middlesbrough in a 2-0 victory that made the Arsenal favorites. However, despite Henry drawing a draw against Leeds United in early May, Arsenal lost the game and their title to him. A FA Cup victory later that month gave Henry and his teammates something to smile about at the close of the season.
James Wiles, whose Instagram has a full load plus XI
We weren’t able to stay away from the camera for long, so we did a Football365 isolation show. Watch it, subscribe and share until we go back to the studio / pub and produce something a little more stylish …
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