Paul Scholes: Arsenal need leaders to become contenders again

Back in 2004, Arsenal wouldn’t be bullied

Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring Manchester United's second goal with Alan Smith (right) in their 2-0 win over Arsenal on this day in 2004 (GETTY IMAGES)

In his latest column for The Independent, Paul Scholes writes about Arsenal on the 10th anniversary of the end of their 49-match unbeaten run at Old Trafford...

It was only when the mêlée in the Old Trafford tunnel had cleared 10 years ago today, and the Arsenal players had gone back to their dressing room, that I noticed Sir Alex Ferguson’s shirt and suit was covered in part of the post-match food. As to who did it, I am afraid I would have to say that I never saw the culprit.

That was the night we ended Arsenal’s 49-game unbeaten run and the “Invincibles” were invincible no more. They couldn’t handle losing and that was why it blew up in the tunnel. I say that they could not handle it partly as a compliment, because they were such a competitive team. They had pace, style, quality, strength – everything you need to be a title-winning side.

When I look at the team that played on that day, there were plenty of leaders, especially Patrick Vieira. In those days, Arsenal wouldn’t be bullied. The absence of those kind of players is one of the reasons they don’t win league titles any more and won’t win it this season.

To read Scholes' full exclusive column CLICK HERE